Clifton Charter Bus Packing and Carry-On Guide

When you book a charter bus in Clifton, New Jersey, the last thing you want to worry about is whether your group will have enough room for all their luggage. Maybe you’re traveling with a softball team for a tournament at Main Memorial Park. Perhaps you’re planning a class trip to the Hamilton Park. Or maybe you’re headed to a family reunion at Garret Mountain Reservation. No matter what brings your group together, you’ll need a reliable ride that can stow everyone’s suitcases, duffle bags, coolers, and equipment without breaking a sweat.

That’s where Charter Bus Rental Clifton comes in. With more than 100 vehicles in our fleet, we have options for groups of every size—from 15-passenger minibuses to full-size 56-passenger motorcoaches and everything in between. Our reservation team is available 24/7 to help you find the perfect bus rental for your next adventure. Call us today at 862-429-6150 or request an online quote to get started!

But before you hit the road, it helps to know exactly how much storage space each bus offers. After all, you don’t want to leave anything important behind because there wasn’t enough room on board. In this ultimate packing guide, we’ll break down the luggage capacity for every type of charter bus in our Clifton fleet. We’ll also share tips for maximizing space and keeping your belongings organized during the journey. Let’s dive in!

Storage Space on our Different Bus Models in Clifton

One of the biggest perks of renting a private charter bus is having designated luggage storage for your group’s gear. Unlike carpooling, taking the train, or flying, you won’t have to cram suitcases into small trunks or pay extra baggage fees. Instead, you’ll have access to spacious compartments both above and below the passenger cabin.

Here’s an overview of the three main types of buses in our fleet and the storage options they provide:

Full-size charter buses (47-56 passengers): These are the largest vehicles we offer, and they come equipped with ample undercarriage luggage bays as well as overhead parcel racks inside the cabin. If your group needs to bring a lot of stuff—think sports teams, marching bands, or corporate event shuttles—this is the best choice for maximum storage.

Mid-size minibuses (20-35 passengers): Our mid-size models are ideal for medium-sized groups who still want some dedicated storage space. Most minibuses have either a rear luggage compartment or small underfloor bays, plus overhead shelves for carry-on items. They’re perfect for day trips, airport transfers, or tours where you’ll have a few bags per person.

Sprinter vans and smaller minibuses (10-19 passengers): If you’re keeping things light and simple, our smallest vehicles can accommodate your group and their essentials. These rides have limited storage, usually in the form of rear cargo space or under-seat areas. While they may not fit large suitcases for everyone, they’re great for quick outings around Clifton or shuttle service between venues.

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

Now, let’s get specific about the actual dimensions and capacities of those undercarriage luggage bays. This is where you’ll stash the bulk of your group’s checked bags, equipment cases, instrument boxes, or anything else too big for the passenger cabin.

On a standard 56-passenger charter bus, you can expect to find 3-4 large luggage bays beneath the seating area. Each bay typically measures around 8 feet wide, 3.5 feet tall, and 3-4 feet deep. Added up across all bays, that gives you roughly 500-600 cubic feet of total storage. To put that in perspective, it’s enough room for each passenger to bring one large suitcase (like a checked bag for a flight) plus a smaller carry-on.

Some of the most popular bus models in our fleet include:

MCI J4500: Up to 470 cubic feet of luggage space in pass-through bays

Prevost H3-45: Around 460 cubic feet of storage (without wheelchair lift installed)

Van Hool CX45: Approximately 490 cubic feet of underfloor capacity

These bays are designed to handle heavy loads, but there are still some practical limits. Most operators recommend keeping individual bags under 50 pounds each for easier loading and unloading. Oversized or unusually shaped items (like skis or bikes) may count as two pieces depending on their footprint. And if you’re bringing fragile equipment, be sure to pack it securely to prevent shifting during transit.

One pro tip: the luggage bays usually open on both sides of the bus, but curbside loading is safest when parked on city streets like Main Avenue or Clifton Avenue. Let our staff handle the heavy lifting while you and your group relax on board!

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

In addition to the undercarriage storage, every charter bus and minibus features overhead parcel racks running along both sides of the passenger cabin. These shelves are similar to airplane bins—though often open rather than enclosed—and provide convenient spots for small bags, backpacks, purses, and other personal items you want within reach.

On a full-size coach, the overhead racks typically measure about 10.5 inches high by 17.5 inches deep. That’s plenty of room for a standard carry-on suitcase, laptop bag, or tote per passenger. Some newer bus models even have airline-style bins with doors that latch shut, offering extra security for valuables.

For smaller minibuses and sprinter vans, the overhead storage may be more limited—think narrow shelves just wide enough for a jacket or briefcase. In these cases, encourage your group to keep larger items in the rear cargo area or under their seat to avoid cluttering the aisle.

Remember: anything stored in the overhead racks should be lightweight and easy to lift. Heavy objects could fall out and cause injury if the bus hits a bump or makes a sharp turn. When in doubt, ask our staff to place bulky items in the luggage bays instead.

So, How Many Bags Can Each Person Bring?

This is the million-dollar question for any group leader organizing a charter bus trip. You want everyone to have what they need, but you also don’t want to exceed the bus’s capacity or create chaos during loading and unloading. So what’s the magic number of bags per person?

As a general rule, we recommend following the “one checked, one carry-on” guideline for full-size charter buses. That means each passenger can bring:

1 large suitcase or duffle bag (to be stored in the undercarriage bay)

1 smaller carry-on item (to be kept in the overhead rack or at their seat)

This mirrors the typical baggage allowance for airlines and ensures there’s enough space for everyone’s essentials. Of course, if your group isn’t at full capacity or you’ve reserved multiple buses, you may be able to allow extra bags per person. Just check with our reservations team when booking so we can plan accordingly.

For minibuses and sprinter vans, the allowance may be closer to one medium-sized bag per passenger, especially if the vehicle has limited rear cargo space. In these cases, encourage your group to pack efficiently and only bring what they truly need for the trip.

Special circumstances—like transporting musical instruments, sports gear, or trade show displays—may require additional storage solutions. We’ve helped groups haul everything from drum kits to kayaks to convention booths, so don’t hesitate to ask about custom options like trailer hitches or roof racks. The earlier you let us know about oversized items, the better we can accommodate them!

Packing & Planning Tips for Group Leaders

Now that you know how much luggage your bus can hold, here are some expert tips for making the most of that space and ensuring a smooth departure from Clifton:

Communicate clear guidelines to your group. In your pre-trip emails or itinerary packets, specify the size and number of bags allowed per person. Include measurements (e.g., suitcase must fit within 62 linear inches) and weight limits (e.g., no bag over 50 lbs). This sets expectations early and prevents surprises on travel day.

Encourage soft-sided luggage when possible. Duffel bags, weekender totes, and collapsible suitcases are easier to stack and squeeze into tight spaces than hard-shell rollers. If your group is packing bulky items like sleeping bags or coats, suggest vacuum-seal bags to compress them.

Label everything with names and contact info. Use luggage tags or masking tape to mark each bag with the owner’s name, phone number, and destination address. This helps reunite lost items and speeds up distribution when unloading at hotels or venues.

Load heaviest items first and distribute weight evenly. When filling the undercarriage bays, start with the largest and densest bags closest to the axles. Then layer lighter items on top and toward the outer edges. Keeping the load balanced improves fuel efficiency and ride stability.

Keep essential items in the cabin. Remind passengers to pack medications, snacks, electronics, chargers, and travel documents in their carry-on. Once the bus is moving, the luggage bays won’t be accessible until the next rest stop. Anything they’ll need en route should stay within arm’s reach.

Plan for special needs or fragile items. If someone in your group uses a mobility device, musical instrument, or medical equipment, reserve a seat near the front with extra legroom or secure storage nearby. For breakable items, bring bubble wrap and cushion them in the overhead rack or on an empty seat.

Arrive early for organized loading. On departure day, have your group meet at least 30 minutes before the scheduled pick-up time. Assign a few volunteers to help load luggage while others check off names on the roster. Boarding in waves by row or section prevents bottlenecks and keeps everyone calm.

With these strategies in place, your charter bus trip from Clifton will start off on the right foot—and with every bag accounted for.

Hit the Road with Charter Bus Rental Clifton

No matter where your travels take you, Charter Bus Rental Clifton is committed to providing safe, reliable, and comfortable transportation for groups of all sizes. Our modern fleet of buses and vans offers ample storage for luggage, gear, and equipment, so you can focus on enjoying the ride instead of worrying about baggage limits.

Ready to get started? Call our reservation specialists at 862-429-6150 or fill out our online quote form today. We’ll match you with the perfect vehicle for your group’s size and storage needs, whether you’re heading to a conference in Newark, a game in Paterson, or a field trip to the Meadowlands. With transparent pricing, flexible itineraries, and top-notch customer service, Charter Bus Rental Clifton is your go-to partner for seamless group travel in New Jersey and beyond. Pack your bags and let’s roll!