Can you bring luggage on eurail

Most pan‑European rail‑pass trips have no formal checked‑bag system: parcels are stowed on overhead shelves, on dedicated racks at carriage ends or on the floor beside seats. Regional multiple‑unit trains offer less stowage than long‑distance high‑speed or night services, so plan for variable space depending on service type.

Operators differ on rules for oversized or unusual items. High‑speed and cross‑border services occasionally set maximum dimensions or require advance notification; bicycles, surfboards and skis often need paid reservations or special compartments. Verify the specific carrier’s policy before boarding to avoid on‑platform refusals or surcharge fees.

Practical packing guidance: use soft‑sided cases or duffels (60–75 L for main pieces) to fit awkward racks, keep a compact daypack for valuables and documents, place heavy items low and near wheels for easier lifting, and attach a visible ID tag. Carry a small cable lock for unattended storage and keep passports, medication and electronics on the person at all times.

When staying overnight in a city, use station left‑luggage lockers or staffed cloakrooms to reduce on‑train bulk; for routes with limited carriage space purchase seat reservations where available to avoid blocked aisles and ensure access to luggage racks.

Baggage allowances for European rail passes

Limit personal baggage to one large rolling suitcase (approx. 80–85 cm / 32–34 in) plus a daypack; keep individual items under 20–25 kg to allow safe lifting onto racks and into compartments.

Ticket type does not set baggage dimensions or weight – individual train operators enforce practical restrictions. High-speed services (TGV, ICE, AVE, Eurostar equivalents) offer limited overhead and door-area storage; regional and InterCity trains typically provide larger racks and end-of-carriage platforms for bulky cases.

Night sleepers include dedicated storage: under-berth space, luggage rooms in couchettes and couchette compartments. Very large trunks or oversized sports equipment often require advance notification or a paid reservation on overnight services; folding bicycles packed in a bag are accepted more freely than full-size bicycles.

Bicycles and large sports items: most international and high-speed routes mandate a reservation and a supplement for non-folding bikes. Check operator-specific rules before travel; if reservation slots sell out, professional courier services or local bike-shipping options are alternatives.

Station facilities: major hubs provide left-luggage lockers, manned luggage storage and trolleys; fees vary by city and size. Smaller stations may lack these amenities, so plan transfers and arrival/departure times accordingly to avoid carrying large cases long distances.

Security and handling: secure valuables and travel documents in a daypack carried aboard. Fasten zippers with small locks, apply a visible name tag, and photograph bag contents and external identifiers. Consider travel insurance covering theft and damage for high-value items.

Packing and on-board placement: use soft-sided bags when possible to compress into tight racks; place heavier items low and near carriage ends to avoid aisle obstruction. Board 10–20 minutes early on busy routes to claim overhead or door-area space; reserve seats near luggage racks if available.

If transporting excess freight or door-to-door delivery is preferred, several European luggage-shipping services operate between major cities and hotels; bookings should be made at least 48–72 hours ahead of departure for guaranteed pickup and delivery.

Recommended baggage limits and storage locations on European trains

Recommendation: keep baggage to a maximum of two large suitcases plus one small daypack per passenger; aim for a single-case weight of 20–23 kg to allow safe lifting onto upper racks without assistance.

• Practical size guide
  • Carry-on/daypack: up to 40 x 30 x 20 cm – fits under a seat or on a small shelf.
  • Medium suitcase: up to 70 x 50 x 30 cm – fits on lower racks or between seats.
  • Large suitcase: up to 85 x 55 x 40 cm – fits on dedicated luggage bays or lower carriage racks; may need vertical placement at carriage ends.
• High-speed/intercity trains (TGV, ICE, AVE and similar)
  • Overhead racks suitable for one medium bag or small case; heavier/large suitcases go to end-of-carriage racks or on floor space behind bulkheads.
  • No formal weight limits on most operators, but staff expect passengers to lift and stow items unassisted.
  • Board early to claim space behind vestibule doors; choose seats near luggage racks when travelling with oversized cases.
• Regional and commuter trains
  • Storage is limited: overhead shelves often small and vestibule areas crowded during peaks.
  • Prefer soft bags or backpacks that can be tilted into narrow spaces; avoid more than one large case per person on busy services.
• Night trains and sleepers
  • Compartments usually provide under-bed space, small lockers or dedicated luggage compartments near the carriage entrance.
  • Very large trunks sometimes stored in a guarded baggage van or a locked compartment; check operator rules for reservation/handling.
• Special items (bicycles, skis, surfboards)
  • Most operators require a reservation or special ticket for bikes and oversized sports equipment; folding bikes that fit into standard racks avoid extra fees.
  • Use protective covers and secure items with straps while stored in vestibules to avoid obstructing doors.
• Security and handling tips
  • Keep passports, electronics, medications and valuables in a small bag carried at all times.
  • Fasten larger suitcases with an external strap or cable lock; place a distinguishing tag for quick identification.
  • Distribute weight evenly between hands when lifting; bend knees and slide case onto rack rather than lifting overhead directly.
  • If travelling with bulky bags during peak hours, board at the earliest stop possible to access storage space.
• If space is unavailable
  • Station left-luggage facilities and lockers are common in major terminals; sizes typically accept large suitcases but check availability in advance.
  • Consider sending oversized freight via courier or station-to-station baggage services where offered by national operators.

Baggage fees, size limits and reservation rules with a European rail pass

Verify the operator’s policy before departure: most long‑distance high‑speed and international services require a paid seat reservation even when travel is covered by a continental rail pass; regional trains normally allow free carriage of personal items without seat booking.

Fees: Reservation supplements for pass holders typically fall in the €3–€35 range per seat depending on carrier and route. High‑speed international links (e.g., Eurostar) sit at the upper end; private high‑speed operators and AVE/Frecciarossa style services commonly charge €10–€30; sleeper/couchette compartments and premium berths add separate supplements from roughly €10 up to €80.

Size and weight guidance: No single pan‑European maximum weight is enforced, but practical limits exist. Plan for two large cases plus one small personal item as a standard allowance. Keep the largest case under about 85×55×35 cm so it fits overhead racks or end‑of‑car bays; excessively bulky items may require placement in vestibules or dedicated luggage areas.

Where to stow items: Use overhead racks for medium bags, end‑of‑car vertical bays for full‑size suitcases and under‑seat space for valuables or small backpacks. On some trains dedicated locked compartments exist for trunks; on night services store important items in the carriage near your reserved berth and keep valuables on the person.

Special items and bikes: Bicycles, skis and surfboards frequently need a separate reservation and fee on high‑speed and international services; folding bikes that meet size rules usually travel as cabin items without extra charge but must be bagged on some operators. Night trains often sell bike spaces and charge for transport.

Reservation process and timing: Book required reservations via the operator’s website, official reservation offices or partner booking desks; pay the supplement even if the rail pass covers the fare. Reserve early for peak periods and popular routes to secure both a seat and appropriate storage space; when a trip includes multiple carriers, confirm reservation rules for each segment.

Operational pages change frequently; for an unrelated procedural example see how to find a break in an underground dog fence.

How to transport oversized items and foldable bicycles on European rail routes

Foldable bicycles should be fully folded, enclosed in a protective bag and sized to fit overhead racks or vestibule storage – aim for packed dimensions no greater than 80×60×30 cm and a weight under 20 kg; oversized objects that cannot be stowed in racks require advance arrangements with the train operator.

Preparation: remove or fold pedals, secure loose parts, drain fluids if applicable, and use a hard or padded bag with internal straps to keep the item compact and protected. Apply a visible identification tag with contact details and reservation reference if one exists.

Operator-specific notes

High-speed and international services (e.g., Eurostar, Thalys, major TGV trains, Frecciarossa) generally accept folding cycles in bags as standard carry items; full-size bicycles usually need a seat-to-bike reservation and a supplement. Long-distance operators such as DB/ICE and ÖBB allow folded bikes as hand-carriage; non-folded bicycles frequently require a paid reservation and may only be permitted on specific services or in allocated bicycle spaces. Night-train providers (Nightjet and private operators) often offer dedicated bicycle or oversized-item lockers/coach spaces but demand advance booking and a fee.

On-board stowage and day-of-travel actions

Place folded bikes on overhead racks, behind last-row seats, or in designated luggage/vestibule zones; avoid blocking access doors and emergency exits. For oversized items that must be stowed on the platform or in a luggage coach, show the reservation tag and staff will advise exact placement. Arrive at least 20–30 minutes before departure for assistance with heavy or bulky pieces.

Ticketing and reservations: always check the specific carrier’s bike and large-item policy on the operator website before travel. If a reservation or supplement is required, secure it when booking seats or passes; last-minute reservations on popular routes may be unavailable. Retain confirmation and display it with the item.

Damage prevention: pad contact points, lock together movable parts, and carry a compact toolkit and spare strap. If an item exceeds the operator’s maximum size or cannot be safely secured on board, consider courier services or dedicated freight options between stations.

How to secure and organize bags for tight connections and crowded peak services

Limit gear to one hard-shell suitcase (max 55 × 40 × 23 cm, 10–15 kg) plus a daypack of 6–8 kg; keep passport, travel documents, phone, power bank and medication in the daypack’s outer pocket for instant access.

Pack by function: heavy items adjacent to wheels, fragile items centered, and daily-change clothes in a single 25×15×10 cm packing cube. Use one compression cube for dirty items only; mark it with a bright tape or label.

Secure rolling cases with a 60 cm combination strap and a 1.5 m coated steel cable lock threaded through handle and zipper pulls. For soft-sided bags, run a short luggage strap through both top and side handles to prevent sudden slippage on racks.

For tight transfers, arrange a “run kit”: shoes with grip, travel belt with documents, and a quick-grab strap on the case handle. Expect platform-change times: 5–8 minutes if platforms are adjacent, 12–20 minutes if moving between concourses or using elevators; plan accordingly.

On peak services, board toward carriage ends where multi-purpose areas and vertical storage are more available. Store the case vertically with wheels facing the carriage center, lock wheels where possible, and place the daypack on the lap or between feet to keep aisles clear.

Attach a bright strap or tape to each piece for fast visual ID when platforms are crowded. Take a photo of each packed item and the case exterior; store photos in an offline folder labeled “bags” on the phone.

Choose suitcases with high-quality roller bearings for faster boarding runs–see best luggage wheels japanese hinomoto. For families, prefer ultra-light umbrella strollers that collapse in one motion to speed platform transfers: best lightest umbrella stroller.

Use tamper-evident zip ties on external zippers, a stitched internal label with contact details, and a small RFID tag for tracing. If a carriage fills, move to the next door rather than blocking aisles; retrieve bags only when the carriage has stopped fully at the platform.

Where to find operator-specific baggage policies and make baggage-related reservations

Search the train operator’s official “baggage” or “travel info” pages and complete bike/oversize bookings through the operator website, mobile app or a staffed ticket office – have the rail-pass ID and exact train number ready.

Major operators – direct entry points and reservation routes

Deutsche Bahn (DB): visit https://www.bahn.com/en and open “Service” → “Baggage & bikes”. Bike and special-item reservations are added in the booking flow under “Extras” or via the DB Navigator app; station counters and telephone service (+49 30 2970) can also make reservations for pass holders.

SNCF / TGV: policy and bike rules at https://www.sncf.com/en -> “Prepare my trip” -> “Baggage”. High-speed trains (TGV/INTRAS) require bike space reservations for full bikes; use the “Add services” step when booking or call customer service for pass bookings.

Trenitalia / Frecce: see https://www.trenitalia.com/en under “Before travelling” -> “Baggage”. Book bike or bulky-item slots during ticket selection on the site/app or at station ticket desks for regional vs. high-speed differences.

ÖBB / Railjet: policy at https://www.oebb.at/en, section “Service” → “Baggage”. Bike reservations available in the e-shop; Intercity and Railjet trains may show explicit bike/oversize options when selecting seats.

SBB (Switzerland): clear rules at https://www.sbb.ch/en, search “Baggage”. Use the SBB app or counters for bicycle reservations on international/high-speed connections.

Eurostar: baggage and bicycle rules at https://www.eurostar.com, section “Before you travel” → “Baggage”. Folded bikes in bags allowed; standard bicycles require advance reservation and a fee via the booking engine.

Thalys / Lyria / Italo / Renfe: each operator lists policies under “Travel information” or “Baggage” pages (Thalys: https://www.thalys.com; Lyria: https://www.lyria.com; Italo: https://www.italotreno.it; Renfe: https://www.renfe.com). Use the operator booking widget to add bike or oversized-item reservations or contact the operator’s customer service for rail-pass holders.

Reservation checklist for pass holders and regular tickets

Before booking: have rail-pass number, full name on pass, travel date, train number and class; know item type (folded bike, standard bike, surfboard, box) and dimensions/weight.

During booking: select “pass holder” where prompted, then choose seat reservation if required and add the bike/oversize option in “extras” or “services”; save or screenshot the confirmation number and payment receipt for any additional fees.

If online option unavailable: use the operator app, call customer service, or visit the staffed ticket counter at a major station – present the pass and give the train number and item details so staff can issue the reservation and a written confirmation.

On tight connections or full services: reserve bike/oversize space as early as possible (many high-speed and international trains have strict, limited quotas); if a policy page asks for measurements, provide exact centimetres to avoid rejection at boarding.