Can we travel with luggage on glacier express

Recommendation: Carry one medium-sized bag per person for onboard storage and forward large suitcases via the hotel-to-hotel courier service offered by Swiss rail partners; reserve that service at least 24 hours before departure.

The panoramic carriages provide overhead shelves, vertical bays near doorways and occasional small luggage compartments. There is no separate freight coach, so space is limited to shelves and vestibule areas; oversized items may obstruct passages and reduce seating capacity during peak season.

Arrange door-to-door transfer through SBB or private couriers; booking options include hotel reception, station ticket office and online portals. Many providers require reservation 24–48 hours ahead and deliver the following day; charges depend on distance and service level, so request a price quote before handing over items.

Practical checklist: label each case clearly and place a contact card inside, keep passports, electronics and medications in a small daypack onboard, arrive 20–30 minutes early to stow belongings, and pre-book transport for bulky sports gear such as skis or bicycles since these often require special handling and extra fees.

Baggage rules for the Swiss panoramic train

Bring only cabin-sized baggage for onboard storage; forward large suitcases via station baggage transfer or use station lockers at key stops.

Recommended allowance: one cabin bag plus one personal item. Suggested maximum weight per item: 8–10 kg. Typical overhead-rack capacity fits bags up to about 55 x 35 x 25 cm; under-seat space suits standard backpacks. Hard-case roller suitcases may be difficult to stow during peak hours.

Folded bicycles accepted when compact and fully folded; non-folded cycles require prior approval and space reservation. Ski equipment should be packed in a protective bag and carried as a single unit to avoid blocking aisles.

Station services and costs

Short-term lockers available at major stations (Zermatt, St. Moritz, Chur, Brig). Locker sizes and fees vary: small ≈ CHF 3–5/day; medium ≈ CHF 5–8/day; large ≈ CHF 8–12/day. Door-to-door forwarding via national rail or private couriers costs roughly CHF 18–40 depending on route and speed; same-day options cost more.

Practical tips

Label bags clearly with hotel name and arrival date when using forwarding. Board early to secure overhead space during high season. For assisted boarding or bulky items request help at the staffed ticket office before departure.

Baggage allowances and size/weight limits per passenger

Recommended allowance: one cabin bag (max 55 x 40 x 23 cm; 8–10 kg) plus one medium suitcase (max 90 x 60 x 30 cm; up to 23 kg) per passenger; smaller personal item such as a handbag or laptop bag may be added.

• Standard pieces allowed:
  • Cabin bag – typical cabin-rack dimensions: 55 x 40 x 23 cm; recommended weight 8–10 kg so overhead stowage remains safe.
  • Medium suitcase – best kept under 90 x 60 x 30 cm and 23 kg to fit coach luggage racks and aisles.
  • Personal item – small handbag, briefcase or duty-free bag; keep valuable items on your person.
• Excess items – more than the above may be accepted only if space available; avoid relying on spare space during peak periods.

Storage locations and handling

• Overhead racks suit cabin-size bags and soft-sided items.
• Designated luggage racks at coach ends handle larger cases; place heavy suitcases there to avoid blocking aisles.
• Foldable bags and backpacks fit under seats; keep fragile or valuable contents on board at all times.
• Station staff will assist placing very large items on platforms if needed; allow extra time before departure for loading.

Oversize items and special equipment

• Sports gear (bicycles, skis, golf clubs): reserve space in advance; separate carriage or surcharge often applies.
• Folding bicycles that are boxed or bagged and meet cabin-dimensions are usually accepted as a standard piece.
• Wheelchairs and mobility aids are permitted free of charge; notify operator ahead to ensure appropriate assistance.
• Hotel-to-hotel baggage transfer services exist for bulky suitcases; typical fee range CHF 15–25 per item per transfer, book at least 24 hours ahead.

• Packing recommendations:
  • Use soft-sided bags where possible for easier fitting on racks.
  • Label each piece clearly and secure zippers; place heavy items at the bottom of larger cases.
  • Keep medicines, documents and electronics on your person; do not rely on remote storage for valuables.
  • Arrive 15–25 minutes early at departure points when carrying oversized or multiple items.

Onboard storage layout: overhead racks, luggage compartments and seat space

Store one medium suitcase per person on the lower vestibule rack; place a daypack on the overhead shelf and keep essential items under the seat for immediate access.

Overhead shelves

Shelves extend along each panoramic carriage. Usable depth: approximately 35–45 cm; usable height: roughly 25–30 cm. Recommended single-item weight: 8–10 kg to avoid shelf sag and shifting. Best items for these shelves: backpacks, coat bundles, camera bags and soft tote bags. Position straps or handles outward and tuck loose fabric to reduce movement during curves.

Entrance racks and large cases

Floor racks at vestibules are sized for larger cases; guideline dimensions: up to 85 cm length and 20–25 kg weight per item. Many racks include elastic straps or vertical slots that secure rolling cases; place heavy items low and close to the carriage door to ease boarding and disembarking. Avoid stacking suitcases in aisles; blockages slow station operations.

Seat-area space: under-seat clearance typically 25–30 cm high and 40–50 cm deep, suitable for laptop bags, small backpacks and shopping bags. Keep that area accessible during stops and do not obstruct emergency exits or aisles.

Tip: Label every bag clearly and load at the vestibule before taking a seat to minimize aisle obstruction and speed up handling at intermediate stops.

Transporting oversized items: skis, bicycles and musical instruments

Pre-book dedicated space for skis, bikes or large instruments and present items at station check-in at least 30–45 minutes before departure.

Skis and snowboards: use a rigid or heavily padded ski bag. Typical maximum single-item length accepted onboard is about 230 cm; items exceeding that are handled as freight or station consignments. Aim for item weight under 25–30 kg to avoid manual-handling restrictions. Storage locations usually include coach-end racks or underfloor compartments; staff will direct placement during boarding. Surcharges commonly range CHF 5–15 per set; reserve a slot online or at the ticket counter.

Bicycles: folding bikes in compact form typically stow on racks or overhead areas; full-size bicycles must be partly disassembled (remove front wheel, turn handlebars, lower seat) and packed in a bike bag or box. Common boxed dimensions accepted onboard: 140–170 cm length, 25–40 cm thickness. Advance reservation for a bicycle space is normally required; standard fees run CHF 10–30. Loading is handled from the platform into a dedicated bike zone or coach vestibule; staff can assist with securing straps.

Musical instruments: small cases (guitar, violin, wind instruments) fit overhead or under a seat in a hard case. Large instruments (cello, double bass) usually require either purchase of an additional seat or freight/consignment handling; reserve an extra seat early if carriage on a passenger seat is preferred. Use rigid cases, internal straps and corner protection; secure the case during boarding and label clearly. Items exceeding roughly 120 cm in any single dimension often trigger special registration.

Packing checklist and alternatives: rigid case or heavy padding, internal straps, visible ID tag, weight kept under 30 kg where feasible, corner protection and external fragile stickers. If operator limits prevent carriage, use station-based consignment services or national rail freight/courier delivery for door-to-door transport. Always confirm exact dimension limits, reservation windows and surcharge amounts on the operator website or at the ticket office before arrival.

Pre-booked baggage transfer and station-to-station shipping

Pre-book baggage forwarding at least 24 hours before departure; same-day collection sometimes available for an extra charge but space is limited.

How station-to-station forwarding typically works

• Booking window: book online or at a ticket/baggage desk minimum 24 hours ahead; some operators accept bookings up to 2 hours before earliest collection time but impose a surcharge.
• Drop-off: present booked item at the station baggage counter or dedicated drop desk; you will receive a numbered claim ticket and a printed transfer label.
• Transit time: domestic station-to-station transfers usually arrive at destination station the next day; express same-day or overnight options available at higher tariff.
• Pickup: collect at the destination station baggage office using claim ticket and photo ID; baggage office opening hours vary by station and may close earlier than platforms.

Size, weight, packaging, fees and liability

• Typical size/weight limits: most services accept single items up to 25–30 kg and maximum linear dimension ~158–160 cm (length + width + height rules apply). Heavier or larger items require special booking and surcharge.
• Packaging: hard-shell suitcase or reinforced box recommended; fragile contents must be clearly declared. Do not send cash, passports or irreplaceable items.
• Labeling: attach the printed transfer label provided at booking; add a visible contact phone number and destination station name on the outside.
• Fees: expect a range roughly CHF/EUR 10–45 per item for standard station-to-station routes in Switzerland/Europe; door-to-door courier options cost more. Exact tariffs depend on distance, delivery speed and provider.
• Liability and insurance: standard carrier liability is limited – ask the operator for the maximum declared liability and claim deadline. Photograph contents and exterior condition before drop-off and consider separate insurance for items over provider limits.

Practical recommendations

1. Confirm baggage office opening hours at both departure and arrival stations before booking; late-night or early-morning pickups may not be possible.
2. Keep the claim ticket, booking reference and drop-off receipt until final collection; store digital photos of labels and contents.
3. Avoid sending valuables or legally required documents; carry these on board.
4. If transporting oversized sports equipment, book an appropriate service category and allow extra handling time; some stations require separate handover points.
5. Check cancellation and refund policies: most providers issue refunds only when a shipment is cancelled before physical acceptance at the drop desk.

Recommended providers to compare: national rail baggage services (example: SBB Baggage Service), national postal parcel services and international specialist couriers (example: SendMyBag). Always verify exact terms, deadlines and prices on the provider’s official page before booking.

Station assistance and handling for passengers with heavy or multiple bags

Book porter or platform assistance at least 48 hours before departure if carrying items heavier than 20 kg or more than two suitcases; last-minute requests may be refused or charged as rush services.

Pre-booking checklist

Provide: date, train number, scheduled arrival/departure time, origin and destination stations, number of items, weight per item, dimensions (L×W×H), presence of fragile or high-value contents, mobility requirements, and a local contact phone. Attach photos for bulky or irregular-shaped goods. Expect confirmation within 24 hours; if none arrives, follow up by phone.

Handling limits: single-item manual lifting usually capped at 25–30 kg; items above 30 kg require mechanical assistance or two-person handling and incur extra fees. Define oversize as longest side >150 cm or length plus girth >300 cm – such pieces are flagged for special handling and possible routing through freight facilities.

Fee guidance: standard porter assistance at major Swiss stations typically ranges CHF 10–30 per item; heavy-item surcharges commonly CHF 20–50; same-day emergency service often costs 100–200% of the normal rate. Confirm exact amounts in the booking confirmation.

At-station procedure

Arrive 15–30 minutes earlier than check-in guidance. Report to the assistance desk or platform supervisor, present booking reference and photo ID. Staff will issue a numbered handover tag – keep that tag until final collection. Porters generally move items from concourse to the carriage vestibule; internal carriage placement beyond the vestibule may be refused for safety reasons.

Label each case: name, phone, station-to-station route and booking reference. For fragile articles request “fragile” stickers and shock-absorbing padding; declare high-value contents and consider declared-value cover or third-party insurance. For photographic gear and tripods check fit and fastening options prior to boarding – see are digital camera tripods universal.

Accessibility note: stations commonly offer free mobility assistance when reserved at least 24 hours ahead; cancellations under two hours may still incur charges. If porters decline an item due to weight or size, arrange a paid freight transfer or use the station’s cargo office; these consolidation points are usually accessible via staff escort.

Recordkeeping: save booking confirmation, tag numbers and staff names; photograph items at handover and upon collection as condition evidence. For claims, submit documentation promptly – damage claims typically within 7 days, loss claims within 21 days – including booking reference, item descriptions, photos and original receipts.

Procedures for lost, delayed or damaged baggage and how to file a claim

Report missing, delayed or damaged bags to onboard staff or station personnel before leaving the station; obtain a written reference number or Property Irregularity Report (PIR), note the name and badge number of staff, and retain tickets and reservation confirmations.

Immediate actions at point of discovery

Obtain official paperwork. Request a PIR or equivalent incident report and a contact address or claims reference. Photographs of external damage, internal contents, and any identifying tags accelerate approval. Keep original boarding pass, seat reservation, and any delivery receipts issued at the station.

Secure emergency essentials. For delayed items, purchase only essential replacements and keep every receipt; such purchases are commonly reimbursable up to a cap if supported by originals and the PIR. For high-value items (electronics, instruments, jewellery), present serial numbers and original invoices when reporting.

How to prepare and submit a claim

Compile: PIR/reference number; copy of ticket and reservation; government ID; dated itemised list of lost or damaged goods with estimated values; original purchase receipts for high-value pieces; repair estimates or replacement quotes; and photographs showing damage or packaging condition. Scan or photograph all documents before sending.

Send claims via the operating railway company’s official claims portal or designated email address shown on the PIR. If the service is jointly operated, submit to the operator printed on the ticket and copy the partner operator where indicated. State a clear preferred remedy: repair, replacement, or cash settlement, and include bank details for reimbursement.

Timeframes and follow-up. File as soon as possible; many operators apply strict notification windows (commonly measured in days from travel date). Expect an initial acknowledgement within 7–14 days and a full decision within 2–8 weeks; escalate to the station complaints office or national rail ombudsman if no reply appears after 30 days. Maintain a simple tracking log of all communications, dates and names.

Compensation often reflects documented retail value less depreciation and may be subject to liability limits stated in the carrier’s conditions of carriage. Keep original packaging and avoid disposing of damaged items until instructed.

To reduce exposure to claims, choose robust cases and protective covers; consider a durable item that expands or organises contents for longer trips – see a tested option here: best luggage that fits the most clothes. For weather protection of carry items, consider this recommendation: best travel umbrella for sun protection.

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