Do you check in luggage on eurostar

Direct answer: No airline-style bag drop exists for this international train – travellers must carry suitcases and smaller bags onto the train and stow them in onboard racks, overhead shelves or dedicated end-of-coach areas; oversized consignments should be routed via station left-luggage facilities or a courier/door-to-door freight provider.

Practical guidance: plan to bring a maximum of two large cases plus one small item per traveller as a working rule; many operators advise maximum case dimensions around 85 × 55 × 35 cm and individual item weight normally kept under ~32 kg to ease lifting and storage. Label hard-sided cases, use strong fastenings, and place fragile items in cabin-held daybags or under-seat containers.

Timing and formalities: allow 45–90 minutes at the terminal for security screening and passport control when carrying bulky cases; queues vary by time of day and season. Boarding gates may close before departure, so factor extra margin for bag stowage near carriage doors and for short final-board queues.

Options for bulky or heavy freight: reserve a professional courier for door-to-door transfer, use station left-luggage lockers or staffed deposits for short-term storage, or ship items ahead to the destination address. Keep passports, tickets and valuables in a small carry-on worn or kept at seat level rather than packed away.

Bag handling on the international high-speed train

Passengers may bring two main suitcases plus one small personal item; there is no separate bag-drop desk – all items are carried onto the train and stored in overhead racks, dedicated luggage bays at carriage ends, or under seats.

Allowances: two standard pieces + one small item per ticket holder. Recommended maximum dimensions for a standard piece: 85 × 55 × 35 cm. No published weight limit, but each item must be liftable by the passenger without staff assistance.

Procedures at departure halls: all bags pass through security screening and passport control before boarding; arrival at the terminal at least 45–60 minutes earlier is advisable when transporting bulky or fragile items to allow time for screening and special handling requests.

Practical measures: label all items with contact details, photograph valuables and serial numbers, place fragile contents in padded cases, secure loose straps to avoid snagging in aisles, and keep passports and high-value items in the small personal item carried into the carriage. Station staff can assist passengers with reduced mobility when informed in advance.

Is there a hold-style baggage service on the London–Continental high-speed train and how does it work?

No – there is no conventional hold/drop-off service at departure gates: travellers retain possession of their bags and store them inside the train in overhead racks, luggage bays at carriage ends, or under seats.

How storage and station procedures operate

All items pass through station security screening and border control while in the owner’s custody; bags must be carried through scanners and remain accessible for inspection. Onboard storage locations: overhead shelves for small items, dedicated racks or bays for large suitcases, and space between seats for small holdalls. Train staff may request that improperly stowed or obstructive items be re-sited at the carriage end. Lost-and-found and baggage retrieval services are handled at the terminal where the item was left; common practice is to label each piece with a name and contact phone/email.

Options for oversized or excess items and practical tips

Oversized, very heavy or multiple-piece consignments should be arranged with a commercial courier or specialist door-to-door shipping service in advance; lead times commonly start at 24–72 hours and prices depend on dimensions and route. For terminal-based solutions, some stations host third-party excess-baggage desks that offer collection and onward delivery. Practical recommendations: arrive 45–60 minutes before departure with items ready for security, use easily opened locks (staff may need to inspect contents), protect fragile goods in hard cases, attach contact details to each item, and contact the operator or a shipping specialist ahead of travel for any non-standard freight.

Permitted hold-baggage dimensions and weight

Maximum per item: 85 × 55 × 35 cm (external measurements, including wheels and handles). Maximum weight per item: 32 kg. Typical allowance per passenger is up to three hold items, though exact entitlements depend on fare type and route – confirm specifics with the train operator before departure.

Measuring and packing advice

Measure fully packed suitcases or soft cases (handles and wheels included) and use a reliable bag scale for weight. Spread heavy contents across two bags to avoid the 32 kg limit per piece. Place fragile or high-value items in cabin baggage or protective cases; use compression straps and internal padding to stabilise contents.

Oversize, overweight and special items

Items exceeding 85 × 55 × 35 cm or 32 kg are treated as oversized/overweight and may attract additional handling fees, require advance notification, or need to travel as freight. Sports equipment and musical instruments have separate dimension and weight rules and often require prior arrangement with the operator’s special-items service. Mobility aids and medical equipment are usually exempt from standard limits but should be declared in advance through official channels.

Where to deposit and collect stored bags at major stations

No airline-style drop-off desks exist at main high-speed terminals; most items are brought on board and placed in overhead racks, designated luggage bays between carriages or under-seat where space allows. For items that cannot be carried aboard, advance arrangement with the operator or a commercial left-luggage provider is required.

At principal terminals (London St Pancras International, Paris Gare du Nord, Brussels Midi/Zuid) collection normally takes place on the arrivals concourse or immediately off the platform directed by station staff. Dedicated reclaim conveyors are not provided; staff will normally identify or deliver consigned items to the main arrivals area or a staffed help desk.

Left-luggage services operated by third parties are located at or close to major stations but vary by city and hours; consult the station’s official site for exact addresses, opening times and tariffs. For oversized, fragile or valuable consignments arrange courier transfer or a bespoke handling booking with the operator at least 24–48 hours ahead, and carry proof of booking and ID to present at the collection point.

For assisted disembarkation or special handling, contact station assistance points on arrival or the operator’s service desk in advance; expect staff to move items to the arrivals concourse, not to a baggage belt. For quick cover while moving between concourse and platform, compact umbrellas can help – see best most beautiful umbrella commercial.

Pre‑booking and payment requirements for bags and oversized items

Advance reservation is not necessary for standard personal bags carried aboard; no extra charge applies for the operator’s regular free allowance.

When advance reservation is required

• Non-folding bicycles, surfboards, skis, large musical instruments and other bulky sports equipment: space must be reserved in advance and handling fees apply.
• Groups transporting more than the typical per-person allowance or commercial freight: prior arrangement with customer services is mandatory.
• Special assistance items (oversized mobility aids that cannot be stored in passenger areas): booking required so staff can allocate secure storage and assistance.

Practical steps and timing

• Reserve special-item carriage via the operator’s website or call centre as soon as travel dates are fixed; aim for at least 48–72 hours lead time for bicycles and large sports gear.
• Fees are displayed at time of booking and paid online or over the phone; payment confirms the space allocation–no on-the-day guarantees without prior purchase.
• Arrive earlier than standard recommended arrival time when transporting reserved bulky items; allow extra time for handling staff to tag and secure each piece.
• If an item exceeds published maximum dimensions or weight for reserved carriage, carriage may be refused on departure day; always verify size rules before booking.

For unrelated background reading, see which of the following enzymes is specific for proteins.

How are security, customs and ID controls handled for hold baggage?

Passengers must carry valid passports and any required visas for presentation at identity-control booths located in the departure concourse; on UK–France/Belgium routes juxtaposed border arrangements mean immigration formalities for the destination are typically completed before boarding.

Registered hold bags pass through station security screening (X‑ray and, where used, explosive‑trace detection); random physical searches occur and officers may open cases for inspection. Prohibited items include firearms, explosives, corrosive chemicals, most flammable liquids and many aerosols. Spare lithium batteries and loose power banks are normally required to remain in cabin bags rather than in the hold.

Customs officers may request a physical inspection of stored bags; high‑value purchases, commercial quantities of goods and certain controlled products (large amounts of alcohol or tobacco, limited foodstuffs, weapons, regulated medicines) must be declared. Cash reporting thresholds: carrying amounts equal to or above €10,000 (or equivalent) between EU countries requires declaration; similar thresholds apply for entry to the UK.

When an inspection occurs, officers will document the action and either reseal the item with an official tag or issue a receipt detailing seizures. To speed processing, place receipts and proof of purchase inside the bag and attach an external name tag with contact details; avoid non‑breakable security seals that prevent lawful opening.

Consequences for undeclared or prohibited items range from seizure and fines to prosecution. Allow extra time at the station for identity and customs controls, keep medicines and essential documents in the cabin, and follow on‑site staff or border‑authority instructions if an inspection is requested.

Alternatives if the cross‑Channel operator won’t accept baggage

If the high‑speed operator refuses acceptance of a suitcase or oversized item, primary options are short‑term commercial storage, peer‑to‑peer drop‑off services, door‑to‑door couriers, hotel holding and airport/urban lockers.

Commercial left‑storage at major terminals (examples: Excess Baggage Company in the UK) typically charges £8–£20 per item per 24 hours depending on size; larger trunks attract higher fees. Most outlets accept card payment, require ID on drop‑off and offer same‑day retrieval. Book online where possible to guarantee space during busy periods.

Peer‑to‑peer networks (Stasher, Bounce) connect with local shops and hotels; typical rates run €6–15 per item per day with online booking and basic insurance (commonly ~€1,000 cover). Use photos and a written booking confirmation as proof of where items are stored.

Door‑to‑door courier services (DPD, ParcelForce, DHL, UPS, FedEx) move parcels across borders. Economy 2–5 day options for a 10–15 kg suitcase usually start around £25–£60; express/next‑day services rise into the £40–£120 band depending on size and origin/destination. Cross‑border shipments require customs documentation after UK–EU border controls; leave 24–72 hours for clearance on non‑express services.

Many hotels accept bag holding for guests and often for non‑guests for a small fee (commonly €0–€10 per item per day). Confirm acceptance in advance by message and record the hotel’s contact for collection. For short stops, pre‑arrange a late collection window to avoid extra daytime charges.

Automated lockers at airports and a number of city stations offer hourly and daily tariffs. Typical pricing: small lockers €4–8/day, medium €6–12/day, large €10–20/day. Large locker external dimensions often accommodate items up to roughly 80×40×60 cm, but verify exact internal measurements before committing a suitcase.

Long‑distance coach and ferry operators usually allow more generous or flexible carriage of bulky items than high‑speed trains; fares for coaches remain low for extra items but weight/size limits and fees vary by carrier. Compare carrier policies and transit time if the item can travel as a coach/ferry consignment instead of being stored or shipped.

Operational checklist when refused acceptance: secure valuables separately; photograph items and packaging; obtain a written or electronic note from station staff confirming refusal if available; decide between immediate short‑term storage (lockers/left‑storage) versus courier shipment; allow extra time for customs if sending across borders.