Can you carry luggage on eurostar train

Allowance and dimensions: Ticket holders are permitted two pieces of large baggage and one small personal item. Recommended maximum for large items is 85 × 55 × 35 cm; small personal items should not exceed 45 × 36 × 20 cm. No formal weight cap is published, however oversized or extremely heavy items may be refused at the gate.

Storage on board: Store suitcases on overhead racks or in dedicated bays at carriage ends; small bags fit under seats. Space is limited during peak departures, so place items compactly and avoid blocking aisles. Label all items with contact details and keep passports, medication and valuables in the small personal bag.

Check-in and gate deadlines: Arrive at the terminal 45–60 minutes before departure. Standard ticket check-in gates normally close 30 minutes prior; premium-class gates may have a 10-minute cut-off. Present any oversized sports gear or boxed bicycles at the check-in desk well before gates close to allow staff to advise on handling or fees.

Special items and extra services: Foldable bicycles transported as a regular piece are accepted without extra booking; non-folding bicycles, skis, surfboards and large musical instruments usually require advance reservation and may incur charges. For bulky items that exceed permitted dimensions, use station left-luggage, courier services or pre-booked special handling where available.

Prohibited and safety rules: Dangerous goods (explosives, compressed gases, corrosives, flammable liquids, firearms without proper documentation) are not permitted. Do not leave items unattended; unclaimed baggage may be removed by security. If an item is refused at the gate, staff will explain alternatives including rebooking or using official station storage.

Practical tips: Measure bags before departure, attach a visible name tag, photograph contents for insurance, use TSA-style locks for checked items and pack a change of clothes plus essential documents in the small personal bag to avoid disruption if an item is refused or delayed.

Permitted baggage rules for the cross‑Channel high‑speed service

Recommendation: limit personal effects to two large suitcases, one cabin bag and one small personal item; reserve space in advance for oversized sports or musical equipment.

• Standard allowance: two checked-size cases plus a cabin bag that fits the overhead shelf and a small personal bag for documents and valuables.
• No formal per-item weight limit published; items must be handled by the passenger and stored without blocking aisles or exits.
• Oversized/special items (bicycles, surfboards, skis, large instruments) require prior reservation and may incur a fee; collapsible bikes placed inside a protective cover are often accepted without a supplement if dimensions are compact.
• Prohibited or restricted goods: flammable liquids, corrosives, explosives, and unloaded firearms; lithium batteries should remain in a cabin bag and spare batteries carried in protected packaging.

Practical storage and boarding tips:

• Place large cases on end in the dedicated racks at carriage ends; fold and stow smaller bags on the overhead shelves or under the seat.
• Label all items clearly and secure zippers with straps or TSA‑style locks to speed up inspections.
• Arrive 45–60 minutes before departure when transporting bulky items to allow for security checks and finding available storage space.
• Keep passports, tickets and high‑value items in the personal bag carried into the passenger area.
• If space appears limited at boarding, staff at the platform can advise on where to place oversized pieces or whether a reservation for special equipment is required.

Official baggage allowance: how many items and recommended dimensions

Bring a maximum of two medium/large suitcases plus one small personal item per ticketed passenger. Recommended maximum dimensions for main pieces: 85 × 55 × 35 cm; recommended personal item size: 45 × 36 × 20 cm.

No formal per-piece weight limit is imposed by the operator, but each article must be liftable and stowable by the passenger without staff assistance. Oversized or bulky items (full-size bicycles, surfboards, long musical instruments) require advance booking or specific carriage arrangements and may incur surcharges.

Practical recommendations: use wheeled, lightweight cases that fit the stated dimensions; label all pieces externally; distribute heavy contents across two bags rather than exceeding recommended measures. Related reading: how can a cats tail fall off.

Where and how to store large suitcases and cabin bags on board

Place large suitcases in the dedicated end-of-carriage storage bays; position cabin bags on overhead shelves or beneath the seat ahead for immediate access and minimal aisle obstruction.

End-of-carriage storage bays – best practice

Load large cases into the luggage bays located at each carriage end. Insert wheels toward the carriage wall and handles toward the aisle to maximise usable bay space and speed retrieval. Stack flat when possible, with heavier items on the bottom and softer items on top. Attach a visible ID tag and fasten with a luggage strap or cable lock to deter accidental movement. Avoid blocking the doorways and emergency equipment panels; if a bay becomes full, shift bulky items closer to the carriage corner rather than into the vestibule.

Overhead shelves, under-seat space and vestibule handling

Store cabin bags horizontally on overhead shelves with wheels facing rearwards to create a uniform profile; keep heavier cabin items on the lower shelf or beneath the seat to lower centre of gravity. Small backpacks and valuables should be placed under the seat directly in front for constant access. Do not leave items in aisle or vestibule overnight; when space is limited, keep the smaller bag accessible and transfer larger items to dedicated bays first. For oversized or oddly shaped items, request assistance from on-board staff at the earliest opportunity and label items clearly to speed identification during disembarkation.

Transporting bicycles, skis, surfboards and other oversized items

Reserve and declare oversized sports equipment before arrival; undeclared items risk refusal at the station and will not be accepted at the last minute.

• Advance booking: Book a special-item reservation or excess-item slot via the operator’s website or customer service at least 48–72 hours ahead. Keep the booking reference and proof of payment accessible.
• Typical acceptance limits (guidance):
  • Bicycle in a rigid box or padded bike bag: length 120–140 cm, height 70–90 cm, depth 25–45 cm; weight commonly limited to 20–32 kg per boxed bike.
  • Skis / snowboards in a dedicated bag: max length frequently up to 210–225 cm; combined weight 15–30 kg.
  • Surfboards in padded board bag: length usually accepted up to 250–270 cm if stored in a reserved oversized slot; weight per board typically under 30–35 kg.
  • Other bulky items (windsurf rigs, paddleboards, golf bags): expect similar length/weight ranges and the need for prior confirmation.
• Packing checklist:
  1. Disassemble wheel(s), remove pedals and turn handlebars on bicycles; secure loose parts in a small labelled box attached inside the bike box/bag.
  2. Deflate tyres slightly for bikes to reduce pressure damage during handling.
  3. Use padded board bags for surfboards with fin removal or protection (soft fins taped, removable fins stowed separately).
  4. Place skis/snowboards in a padded sleeve with poles in a separate compartment or taped together.
  5. Reinforce corners of cardboard boxes with corner protectors and external tape; reinforce seams for long items.
  6. Attach a tag with full name, mobile number, departure/arrival stations and booking reference.
• On-departure procedure:
  • Arrive at least 45–60 minutes before departure for check-in of oversized items; allow extra time at major hubs or during peak periods.
  • Report to the oversized-items desk or staff on the platform; do not leave bulky equipment unattended in public areas.
  • Expect handling staff to verify packing and measurements; oversized items may be refused if not properly boxed or if dimensions exceed what was booked.
• Where items travel and onboard storage:
  • Stored in dedicated luggage compartments, vestibule areas, or a baggage van depending on service configuration; unsecured placement in passenger saloons is rare and typically prohibited.
  • Items stored off the passenger deck may not be immediately accessible during the trip; plan accordingly for tools or immediate needs.
  • High-demand services may restrict oversized-item carriage during busy times; check alternative options if travelling on peak dates.
• Damage, liability and insurance:
  • Declare any pre-existing damage on arrival check-in if requested; keep photos and serial numbers for valuable equipment.
  • Operator liability for loss or damage is usually capped; consider separate travel or sports-equipment insurance for high-value items.
• Alternatives if item not accepted:
  • Book a specialised courier or door-to-door sports-equipment service that handles oversized gear between stations or to accommodation.
  • Use local rental providers at destination for bikes, skis or boards to avoid transport restrictions entirely.
  • Ship items ahead with national parcel services offering oversized/long-item options and tracking.
• Final practical tips:
  • Keep a compact tool kit and zip ties accessible in hand baggage for on-the-spot adjustments.
  • Weigh and measure items at home before departure to match booking details precisely.
  • Photograph packing and serial numbers immediately after boxing; store copies with booking confirmation on a phone and a printed copy in the item.

Carrying musical instruments, fragile belongings and valuable items

Recommendation: transport musical instruments in a rigid, lockable case and keep cases inside the passenger compartment during the entire trip rather than dispatching them to hold areas.

Size guidance: cases up to ~85 cm length and under 23 kg typically fit overhead racks or under-seat spaces on high-speed services; items 85–100 cm may require allocation between seats or in vestibule areas; instruments exceeding 100 cm (cello, small upright bass) usually need a booked extra seat or advance arrangement with staff for special handling.

Packing for fragility: use custom foam inserts or layered high-density foam, immobilise movable parts with cable ties or foam blocks, wrap delicate surfaces in acid-free tissue then bubble film, place silica-gel packs and a humidity indicator card inside the case, and secure accessory boxes separately to avoid impact damage.

Case selection and protection: prefer flight-grade or ATA-style hard cases with internal latches and pressure-equalisation valves; consider hard cases from established manufacturers listed at best luggage brands for business travel. Add a padded outer gig bag or weatherproof cover for transfers and a compact protective umbrella such as those reviewed at best personal travel umbrella to shield cases during station-to-platform movement.

Onboard placement and securing: store instruments horizontally on overhead racks when possible with heavier end toward carriage centre; for placement between seats, orient case so it cannot roll into the aisle and use luggage straps or Velcro ties to fasten to seat frames; avoid blocking vestibules, emergency exits and wheelchair spaces.

Valuables protocol: keep passports, hard drives, cameras, jewellery and cash on the person in zipped interior pockets or a locked daypack within immediate reach; maintain digital and physical proof of ownership (serial numbers, receipts, dated photos) and save insurance policy reference numbers on a phone screenshot and on paper.

Staff notification and documentation: if an instrument requires a seat, special stowage or handling, request assistance at ticket desk or platform staff before boarding and obtain written confirmation when possible; note staff name/time and take photos of the stowage location to support a claim if damage occurs.

Loss-prevention measures: attach an inconspicuous GPS tracker or Bluetooth tag to the interior of the case, apply tamper-evident seals to external latches, register serial numbers with manufacturers, and insure items for transit value rather than replacement cost to speed claim settlement.

Security checks, prohibited items and customs rules for baggage

Arrive at the terminal at least 60 minutes before scheduled departure to complete security screening and border formalities; allow extra time for peak periods and group travel.

All baggage passes through X‑ray scanners; random manual searches, explosive-trace swabs and sniffer dogs are used. Immigration counters process passports/IDs before gate access. Boarding gates normally close 10–15 minutes before departure–items that have not cleared screening will not be permitted beyond the gate.

Strictly prohibited on board or in checked/held items: explosives and detonators; flammable liquids (petrol, lighter refills), pressurised gas canisters (including camping gas), fireworks and signal flares; corrosive or oxidising chemicals; tear gas and incapacitating sprays; radioactive materials. Firearms, ammunition and replicas require prior written authorisation from the relevant border authority and must be declared at least 48 hours in advance where permission is granted.

Battery and electronic rules: spare lithium-ion batteries and power banks must remain in hand baggage; rating limits follow aviation practice: up to 100 Wh permitted without approval, 100–160 Wh require carrier approval, > 160 Wh prohibited. Devices must be switched off during screening if requested. Open-flame items (torch lighters, gas stoves) and fuel containers are banned.

Liquid restrictions differ from airports: the 100 ml airline rule does not normally apply on international rail services, but strong restrictions affect aerosols, industrial chemicals and large volumes of alcohol or fuel. E-cigarettes/vaping devices are not to be used onboard and should be stored safely in hand baggage.

Customs highlights for cross‑border travel: monetary instruments exceeding €10,000 must be declared when entering or leaving the EU; cash or equivalents over £10,000 require declaration when entering or leaving the United Kingdom. Personal allowances when entering the EU from a non‑EU country (typical thresholds) include: 1 litre of spirits over 22% or 2 litres of fortified wine, 4 litres of still wine, 16 litres of beer; tobacco limits commonly set at 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250 g of tobacco. Meat, milk and most dairy products brought from non‑EU countries are generally prohibited into the EU except for limited infant/medical supplies.

Regulatory specifics and temporary restrictions differ by country and change after geopolitical events; consult national customs and border agency pages (for example gov.uk and douane.gouv.fr) and the carrier’s travel conditions before departure for final, legally binding rules.

Booking extra baggage services and quick-boarding tips for multiple bags

Book paid additional-baggage allowances online at least 48–72 hours before travel; web rates normally undercut station payments and allow selection of special-handling options for oversize items.

Use the operator’s “Manage booking” page or the dedicated excess-baggage portal: add extra items to the reservation, specify dimensions and weight for each piece, upload photos for fragile or musical instruments when requested, then save the confirmation code and e-ticket barcode for desk or gate staff.

Expect add-on fees to vary by item type: small extra bags typically fall into a lower tier, bulky items (skis, boards, full-size instrument cases) require a higher surcharge and separate booking slot. If collection or door-to-door transfer is preferred, reserve that courier service 72+ hours ahead and confirm pickup windows.

Arrive at the departure terminal 60–90 minutes early when traveling with more than two pieces; allow an additional 20–40 minutes for security screening and manual handling of oversized items. Present booking confirmation and item tags at the baggage drop desk rather than joining standard boarding lines.

Boarding flow tips: consolidate personal effects into one accessible cabin bag, place heavy items on low-wheeled suitcases to reduce lifting time, use a bright, readable tag with the booking reference on each piece, and keep fragile or valuable items as hand-held carry-on with protective casing and documentation. Reserve seats near dedicated storage zones if the operator offers seat-assignments tied to baggage placement.

For large instruments or delicate cargo, request assisted loading at least 72 hours before departure and arrive at the special-handling counter 30–45 minutes before the general check-in deadline so staff can allocate space and record liability details on the manifest.