Yakima Charter Bus Packing and Carry-On Guide

When you book a bus with Charter Bus Rental Yakima, you’re getting one of the easiest group travel solutions in Central Washington. But before your ride pulls up to the curb, there’s one important question every passenger and organizer needs answered: “How much luggage can we bring?” Whether you’re loading sports equipment at Sozo Sports Complex or packing band gear for a show at The Seasons Performance Hall, this guide breaks down everything you need to know about charter bus storage space, bag limits, and smart packing tips for smooth group travel.

Storage Space on our Different Bus Models in Yakima

Charter buses come in several sizes, but most are built with serious baggage in mind. It’s one of the main reasons groups choose them over school buses or sprinter van shuttles. A full-size 56-passenger charter bus has enough undercarriage storage to fit one large suitcase per person, plus overhead racks inside for smaller carry-ons. If you opt for a minibus (18-35 passengers), expect less luggage space—think small overhead bins only, similar to what you’d find on a city bus or commuter rail.

Here’s what’s standard across the fleet:

Full-size charter buses (40-56 passengers): Under-floor luggage bays span the length between the front and rear axles. You’ll see long doors open along the lower sides of the bus. Inside, the compartments often connect all the way through, so bags can be loaded from either side. These bays are designed for big checked-style suitcases, duffel bags, and even hard cases for musical instruments or AV gear.
Above the seats, overhead racks run nearly the full cabin length. These are perfect for backpacks, laptop bags, coats, and small roller bags. On some luxury coaches, the racks have closing doors like airplane bins; on others, they’re open shelves with a lip.
Minibuses (15-35 passengers): Minibuses rarely have undercarriage storage. Some may offer a small rear trunk or modest exterior compartment, but don’t count on it—always check the specs when booking. Interior overhead racks are usually narrower and shallower than those on full-size buses, fitting only soft-sided bags or jackets. Minibuses are best for groups traveling light, such as day trips where each rider brings just a backpack or tote.

On both models, remember that aisles and stairwells must stay clear for safety. No loose bags on the floor or blocking exits!

How Much Space is Available in the Under-floor Bays?

Let’s get specific. A standard 56-passenger motorcoach offers roughly 400-500 cubic feet of under-floor cargo space. That’s equivalent to what you’d find in a moving truck or a couple of minivans. The bays typically measure about 8 feet wide by 3.5 feet high and 3-4 feet deep, giving you plenty of room for bulky items.

Each bay can handle multiple full-size suitcases stacked neatly, plus odd-shaped items like ski bags (placed diagonally), folding tables, or boxed trade show displays. The compartment floors are flat, and the walls are reinforced to protect your gear. Most buses have 3-4 bays per side, and since they usually connect, you can slide long items all the way through.

Access is curbside (for safety during loading/unloading), and the crew will help organize bags for balanced weight distribution. If your group is bringing unusually heavy or fragile cargo, like stage lighting or medical equipment, let us know ahead of time. We can recommend the best loading order and bring extra padding if needed.

How Much Space is Available in the Overhead/Parcel Racks?

Inside your Yakima charter bus, overhead racks run above both rows of seats. On a full-size coach, these racks are about 10 inches high and 17 inches deep—just right for carry-on luggage. Think of them as similar to airplane bins, though without the strict size enforcement.

Each passenger gets space for one personal item: a backpack, messenger bag, purse, or small roller suitcase. The racks are open shelves with a sturdy lip or, in newer models, enclosed bins with drop-down doors. Both styles keep bags secure, even on winding roads up White Pass or during quick stops near downtown Yakima.

If your group includes musicians, photographers, or anyone else with delicate gear, the overhead racks are safe for instrument cases, camera bags, or small toolkits. Just remind everyone to stow valuables where they can see them, and never leave wallets or electronics unattended during rest stops.

So, How Many Bags Can Each Person Bring?

For most trips, the answer is simple: one large suitcase or duffel in the under-floor bay, plus one small carry-on in the overhead rack. This mirrors airline baggage rules and keeps things fair when the bus is full.

If your passenger count is below the bus’s maximum, you might have extra room. For example, a 56-passenger coach with only 40 riders leaves additional space in the bays and racks. In that case, some people could bring an extra bag, or the group could load oversized items like banners, tents, or coolers for a weekend retreat at Suncadia Resort.

However, always confirm your baggage plan with our team when booking. If your itinerary requires hauling more than the standard allocation—perhaps for a sports tournament with team equipment, a touring band with amps and drum kits, or a film crew with lighting rigs—we can arrange for a trailer or recommend upgrading to a larger bus. It’s better to reserve extra capacity than risk leaving luggage behind!

Packing & planning tips for group leaders

Smart packing makes for a smoother trip, especially with a big group. Here are some pro tips from years of Yakima bus rentals:

Label everything. Suitcases and gear should have tags with the owner’s name, your group’s contact info, and destination address if applicable. This speeds up unloading at hotels like the Holiday Inn Yakima or event venues such as the Yakima Convention Center.
Pack soft-sided bags when possible. Duffels and fabric suitcases compress better in the bays, allowing more efficient stacking than hard-shell luggage.
Distribute weight evenly. Heaviest bags go in first and toward the center of the bay, with lighter items on top or at the ends. This helps the bus handle safely, especially on mountain routes.
Keep essentials onboard. Medications, snacks, chargers, and anything needed en route should stay in the overhead rack or under your seat. The under-floor bays aren’t accessible while driving.
Plan for weather. If you’re visiting Yakima in winter, pack boots and coats in easily reachable spots. Summer trips to outdoor festivals or wine tours? Don’t forget hats, sunscreen, and a cooler for drinks.
Communicate limits early. Tell your group the one-large-one-small rule before departure. If someone shows up with three suitcases or oversized props, it’s easier to resolve at home than at the pickup curb.

Hit the Road with Charter Bus Rental Yakima

Ready to pack up and roll out? Charter Bus Rental Yakima has the vehicles, experience, and support to make your next group journey seamless. Our reservation team is available 24/7 to answer any questions about bus features, baggage policies, or special requests. Whether you’re headed to a Mariners game in Seattle, a corporate retreat in Cle Elum, or a multi-day tour of Washington’s wine country, we’ll ensure your luggage rides as comfortably as your passengers. Call 509-509-8830 today for a free quote—and start making travel easy, one bag at a time.