Railway luggage rules

Train luggage rules are more relaxed than airline rules but passengers are required to carry their own bags and board the train without assistance. Bags are stored in the luggage racks at the end of each carriage or in the overhead compartments.  

General Guidelines

The general rule is that travellers should carry one item of luggage per passenger plus one smaller item of hand luggage. Some rail operators publish more specific guidelines, but they aren't strictly enforced. 

There are some restrictions for bicycles and pets, so if you intend to travel with a particularly bulky item or animal you should do thorough research before booking any tickets. 

Labelling your luggage
Labelling your bags is mandatory on all Eurostar and French trains, so you should affix a label that includes the passenger's full name.  Paper labels can normally be found at large stations (e.g. Eurostar terminals) but we recommend purchasing something more sturdy that will last more than one trip.

Luggage by operator

  • Eurostar
  • TGV
  • ICE
  • AVE
  • Italo
  • ICE Bus

Luggage on the Eurostar

  • Passengers with an adult ticket can take a maximum of two bags (up to 85cm long) including rucksacks, suitcases or ski equipment and one small item of hand luggage.
  • Child passengers (4-11 year olds) can travel with a maximum of one bag (up to 85cm long) and one piece of hand luggage.
  • There aren't any weight restrictions for luggage, but you must be able to carry your own bags onto the train and put them in the luggage racks, so make sure they’re not too heavy for you.
  • Pushchairs and prams can be carried in addition to your individual allowance. These need to be folded up stored in the luggage racks in your coach.
  • If you need to take more than the standard luggage allowance, or have heavy or oversized items (longer than 85cm) you can do so with Eurostar's registered luggage service, which can be arranged at the station for a fee. (This service is not available from Ebbsfleet or Ashford.)
  • If you are traveling with a musical instrument 85cm or less in length then it can travel with you onboard as part of your individual luggage allowance. Any instrument exceeding 85cm will have to travel as registered baggage or have a place reserved on board. Eurostar have a dedicated page to musical instruments with detailed information about your options. 
  • Luggage on the ski train: The Eurostar Ski Train has a special area in each carriage for large items like skis. 

Luggage on the TGV

TGV INOUI and Intercités trains

Since February 15, 2024 for travel with baggage, new measures have been implemented on board TGV INOUI and Intercités trains.

From now on, you will be able to travel :

  • up to 2 pieces of labelled ordinary baggage, such as suitcases, travel bags, sports bags, etc., with maximum dimensions of 70 x 90 x 50 cm
  • and 1 labelled piece of hand luggage (small backpack, shopping bag, laptop bag), maximum dimensions 40 x 30 x 15 cm.
TGV (France - Spain)
  • Each passenger may travel with up to three pieces of luggage each 85 x 55 x 35cm max. 
  • The total weight of each item must not exceed 25kg.
  • In addition, we accept hand luggage of 46x70cm max. weighing less than 30kg e.g. skis, folded wheelchairs or prams, dismantled bikes in a bike bag 120x90cm.
  • Bags are scanned for long distance or international journeys at some major stations, Barcelona in particular. 

Luggage on the ICE

  • Each passenger may travel with up to two pieces of luggage (e.g. suitcase) plus one item of hand luggage
  • There is no specified weight limit, but passengers must be able to carry their own luggage and place it in luggage racks without assistance
  • All items of luggage must be labelled.

Luggage on the AVE

  • Luggage is considered to be any hand-carried item that does not contain items that may be a hazard or nuisance to other passengers (e.g. knives, weapons, harmful substances etc.).
  • All ticketed passengers may carry up to three pieces of luggage.
  • The largest piece of luggage may not exceed 85 x 55 x 35 cm (height-width-depth).
  • The total weight of the three items of luggage may not exceed 25kg.
  • Folded baby seats and pushchairs are permitted. 
  • Musical instruments in their cases, may not exceed 30 x 120 x 38 cm (width-length-depth).
  • Folded or dismantled bicycles must be placed inside a carrying case. The sum of the dimensions may not exceed 180 cm. 
  • Only one golf bag, surfboard or pair of skis may be transported per passenger. Both golf bags and ski bags must be closed properly so that the items they contain cannot move or shift.
  • The maximum weight for sporting equipment is 30kg. 

Luggage on Italo trains

  • Passengers travelling on Smart fares must have bags under 75 x 30 x 30cm. Any piece exceeding these dimensions may not be brought on board. 
  • If there is no space for your bag in the overhead luggage rack, you'll need use the baggage areas found at the end of each carriage.
  • Please see Italo's specific information about luggage size and storage for more details. 

Luggage on DB's ICE buses

  • Luggage is limited to two pieces per passenger and may not exceed the dimensions 70 cm x 50 cm x 30 cm.. 
  • The luggage cannot be transported in the seating area.
  • Foldable buggies may be transported if enough space is available.  
  • Oversize luggage, over the dimensions given above, cannot be transported.