Michael Turner
Direct recommendation: take only items you can lift and stow without assistance; standard suitcases, backpacks and small sports bags travel free with a passenger ticket provided they do not block aisles, doors or emergency equipment. For very large, heavy or bulky goods arrange paid freight or a door-to-door baggage service rather than attempting to place them in passenger areas.
Practical sizing and handling: use the overhead shelves and end-of-car luggage zones; most overhead racks accept cases up to roughly 70 cm in length and soft bags easily folded. Plan individual items no heavier than what you can lift onto a shelf alone (recommended max ~20 kg per item). Secure straps or luggage nets where available to avoid shifting during movement.
Bicycles and special equipment: long-distance services generally require a bicycle reservation plus a separate bike ticket for a dedicated spot; regional services vary by federal state and line and can restrict bikes at peak times. Folding bicycles that are fully collapsed and covered usually count as regular baggage and normally do not need a separate ticket – verify specific train rules before travel.
Security and station services: label every item with name and phone; carry valuables and documents on your person. Major stations offer paid lockers and staffed left-luggage counters; if you prefer not to handle suitcases on platforms, compare costs for DB’s paid baggage-shipping options or private couriers versus carrying items yourself.
Operational notes: items that obstruct evacuation routes or exceed coach storage space may be required to be removed; if staff ask you to relocate an item, comply to avoid fines or refusal of carriage. Check the train’s service page or call DB customer service for carriage rules on specific trains before departure.
Carry bags on DB trains: clear rules and practical tips
Passengers are allowed to travel with personal bags and suitcases on DB trains without an extra ticket for standard-sized items; there is no published universal weight limit but items must be manageable by one person and must not block aisles, doors or emergency exits.
Store cabin-size cases on overhead racks and larger suitcases in vestibule areas or designated luggage zones; do not place items on seats – if an item occupies a seat you should purchase an additional seat ticket or re-stow the item.
Bicycles and bulky sports kit require special handling: regional services usually accept bikes with a separate bike ticket, while long-distance services often require a bicycle ticket plus a mandatory reservation for a bike space; folding cycles kept folded and stowed typically travel as hand baggage without extra fees.
Prohibited cargo includes explosives, compressed gas cylinders, corrosive substances and flammable liquids; sharp tools must be sheathed; live animals follow separate fare rules (small pets in carriers commonly permitted, assistance animals travel free).
Practical precautions: label all items with contact details, keep valuables with you, arrive early on busy departures to secure rack space, place heavy items low for stability, check the specific train’s equipment (bike cars, luggage racks) on DB’s timetable page, and consider station lockers or parcel services for excess or oversized gear.
Size, weight and quantity limits for baggage on DB trains
Recommendation: limit to two large suitcases plus one personal bag per person; keep each large case below ~23 kg and sized to fit overhead racks (approximately 85×55×40 cm) so items can be stowed without obstructing aisles.
Official policy: DB does not publish a strict piece-count or fixed kilogram limit for standard items – travellers may carry what they can handle and store themselves. Practical constraints below reflect carriage geometry and staff safety rules rather than a ticket rule.
Practical size and weight guidelines
- Typical maxi dimensions for checked-style cases that fit overhead racks: up to ~85×55×40 cm. Longer items (skis, surfboards) need special handling.
- Recommended single-item weight: under 23 kg for easy manual lifting; treat >25 kg as oversized – consider parcel/baggage service.
- Small carry items (backpack, briefcase, camera bag): must fit under seat or on overhead shelf; keep each under 10 kg when possible.
- When train is busy, available floor/overhead space can be limited – reduce piece count to avoid blocking doors and gangways.
Special items and extra rules
- Bicycles, motor scooters and similar bulky equipment: may require a reservation, special ticket or be restricted on long-distance services; foldable bikes usually count as hand baggage if folded and stowed.
- Skis, surfboards, musical instruments larger than cabin size: contact DB services or use dedicated transport options; some regional trains accept skis without fee, many long‑distance trains require advance arrangements.
- Oversized or heavy freight-like items: use DB parcel/baggage service or courier – station staff will not load very heavy items for you.
- Pets and child equipment follow separate rules and can affect usable storage space for bags.
Packing tips: consolidate smaller items into one suitcase, use soft-sided bags for tighter fit, place bulky items in designated luggage areas at carriage ends, and clearly label bags with contact details.
How to transport bicycles, skis and oversized items on German rail (DB)
Reserve a bike slot for long‑distance DB services and use designated bike zones on regional services; foldable bikes in a carry cover usually travel without reservation when stowed out of aisles.
Bicycles
Book a bicycle reservation at ticket purchase or via DB Navigator for ICE/IC trains; available bike spaces per long‑distance unit typically range from 4 to 8 and sell out on peak services. Foldable models: keep folded, packed in a soft or hard cover and place on luggage racks or in a vestibule without blocking doors. E‑bikes: remove detachable batteries and secure terminals; carry spare batteries in a protective case and check battery Wh with DB staff before boarding. Carry basic repair tools and a compact lock; arrive 10–15 minutes early to load in the marked coach. Consider a padded bike bag for protection – see best luggage bags australia.
Skis and oversized items
Skis and poles fit in most racks or overhead shelves when placed in a soft sleeve; for long or bulky sports equipment, use end‑coach storage areas or store vertically in a bike/large‑item zone if permitted. Items that cannot be stowed without blocking aisles or doors must be shipped via parcel service or arranged with DB freight/assistance in advance. For items longer than standard coach space (e.g., surfboards, long poles, ladders), contact DB customer service for options; several regional operators will refuse carriage on the platform if an item obstructs passage. Protect gear from the elements with a compact umbrella or weatherproof cover – see best folding umbrella australia.
Where and how to store bags on board: racks, compartments and overhead space
Store medium-sized bags on the overhead shelves and place large roller cases in the end-of-carriage racks with wheels toward the aisle and handles facing the door.
End-of-carriage racks and vestibule areas
Use the horizontal metal racks at each vestibule for bulky items; position cases flat, with the long side against the carriage wall to reduce tipping. Fasten soft straps or a cable lock around the handle and a vertical pole when space is limited. Avoid stacking more than two hard-shell cases on one rack and never block doorways or emergency exits.
If a dedicated compartment (closed-door bay) exists, place only oversized or multiple cases there and keep any personal valuables with you in the carriage. Leave a visible tag with contact details on large items so staff can reunite them with their owner if relocated.
Overhead shelves, under-seat space and securing small items
Overhead shelves are intended for backpacks, tote bags and cabin-size suitcases; load heavier items closest to the carriage wall and slide them fully onto the shelf so they do not protrude into the aisle. For under-seat storage, tuck smaller bags and shopping bags completely beneath the seat in front of you, avoiding vents and electrical outlets.
To prevent shifting during travel: orient wheels against a vertical surface, use luggage straps or a bungee cord to anchor items to a rail, and place fragile contents on top of soft items. Keep passports, electronics and medications in a daypack stored at your feet or on your lap rather than in checked or end-of-carriage storage.
Etiquette and safety: stow items close to your seat when possible, avoid occupying the designated floor-level spaces reserved for prams or mobility aids, and check overhead and vestibule areas before alighting to avoid leaving items behind.
When you must pay or reserve for extra or bulky items
Reserve and pay in advance for non-folding bicycles, e-bikes and any item that cannot be stowed on racks or overhead shelves.
Specific situations requiring payment or booking
Non-folding bicycles and e-bikes: long-distance services often require a bike reservation plus a small fee (typically single-digit euros); regional rules vary by operator and sometimes allow bikes without reservation at off-peak times.
Large sports equipment: surfboards, windsurf rigs, full-length skis or sailbags that exceed standard rack space (roughly over 1.2–1.5 m) usually need prior booking or carriage as special items.
Oversized boxes and crates: parcels that cannot be safely stored in passenger areas must be declared ahead of departure; carriage may be possible only with a freight or special transport arrangement and an additional charge.
Musical instruments and bulky cases: instruments that occupy a seat (cello, double bass) require purchase of an extra seat; smaller instruments should fit in overhead or under-seat storage without extra cost.
How to arrange payment or a reservation
Check the specific train type on the operator’s timetable before booking; use the official app or website to add bike reservations or special-item services. For items not offered online, contact customer service or the station service desk to request a special transport booking and confirm applicable fees. Arrive early to place bulky items in designated storage areas and to show reservation confirmation.
If you need a short break while planning logistics, consider treating yourself to a great sweet red wine.
Report and claim for lost, damaged or delayed items on DB
Report missing, damaged or delayed items immediately to on-board staff or at the DB service desk and submit an online report on DB’s Lost & Found portal; keep ticket, reservation and any baggage tags as proof.
How to report
Locate on-board personnel or the station Service Point before leaving the platform; staff can open an immediate incident report and note train number, carriage and seat. If the item is discovered after you left the station, use DB’s official Lost & Found form on the DB website and record the reference number you receive.
Provide the following details in every report: date and time of travel, train number, origin and destination stations, coach/carriage/seat/compartment, ticket or reservation number, exact description (brand, colour, size), serial numbers, photos, last seen location and baggage-tag numbers. File a police report and include the police reference when theft is suspected.
Making a compensation claim for damage or permanent loss
For damaged items use DB’s damage claim (Schadensmeldung) process: submit clear photos of the damage, original purchase receipts or a current market-value estimate, repair quotes where applicable, and your travel documents. For items declared permanently lost, attach proof of ownership/value and the Lost & Found reference. Always request written confirmation and a claim reference.
Typical practical timelines: report onsite immediately; complete the online Lost & Found form the same day or within 48 hours when possible; submit damage claims within a few days of discovery and attach all supporting documents. Expect an initial search/response within 7–14 days and a decision or status update via email with a claim reference.
Practical tips: photograph items and tags before disembarking, store serial numbers separately, keep purchase receipts, forward all correspondence into a single email thread, use travel insurance for high-value items and supply the insurer with DB claim references, and escalate unresolved cross-border cases to the European Consumer Centre or national arbitration bodies.
FAQ:
Can I bring luggage on Deutsche Bahn trains? Are there limits on size or number?
Yes. You can take suitcases, backpacks and smaller bags on board free of charge. Deutsche Bahn does not publish a strict weight or dimension cap for standard passenger luggage, but items must not block aisles, doors or emergency exits. Use overhead racks, luggage shelves or the space near the doors reserved for larger bags. Keep valuable or fragile items with you at your seat and label your bags. If you carry many pieces or bulky items, plan how they will fit without obstructing other passengers.
What are the rules for bicycles, oversized cases and sports equipment on Deutsche Bahn? Do I need a reservation or extra ticket?
Rules differ by train type. On regional services (S-Bahn, RB, RE) bicycles are usually permitted; some regional operators require a separate bike ticket or restrict bikes during busy periods. On long-distance trains (ICE, IC, EC) foldable bikes that fit in a bag are treated as luggage and can be carried without a special reservation. Regular bicycles often need a bicycle ticket plus a reservation and are only accepted on certain long-distance services or in designated carriages. Large sports equipment (skis, surfboards, oversized instruments) may need a reservation or special handling on some services; very large items that cannot be stowed safely can be refused. Ordinary suitcases do not incur extra fees. Before travel, check the specific train’s information in the timetable or the DB Navigator app to see whether a bike reservation or additional ticket is required for your connection, and contact customer service if you carry unusually bulky gear so you avoid problems at the station.
