Packing can be challenging - not only are you worried about fitting in everything you need for your trip (space for a winter coat?), but also whether your luggage falls within the guidelines of your means of transport. Much is made of aeroplane regulations around what you can bring, but did you know there are similar train guidelines too?
Our extensive guide below aims to answer some of your biggest questions about luggage policies when travelling by rail, including how much you can bring, any items banned from trains, and specific Eurostar policies.
How much luggage can you bring on the train?
In the UK, you’re welcome to bring up to three pieces of luggage onboard at no extra cost. Though this is pretty consistent across the board, it’s worth checking with your specific provider before your journey to be sure.
Additional luggage charges may apply if:
- You bring more than three items of luggage
- Your luggage takes up seats which other passengers require
- Your luggage is larger than one metre in any dimension. If you can’t carry large luggage onboard without assistance, the item is not permitted onboard.
Note that Lumo only allows a maximum of one medium-sized suitcase (63 x 41 x 27cm) and a small bag, i.e. a rucksack/ holdall that's small enough to fit on your lap or under the seat in front of you.
What luggage is not allowed on trains?
Any item that is larger than 1 metre in any dimension that you cannot carry without assistance is not permitted on board. This includes:
- Large furniture
- Large musical instruments
- Surfboards
- Canoes
- Hang-gliders
There are also extensive bans on motorised vehicles that aren’t required for mobility purposes due to dangers around the flammability of lithium batteries. These include:
- Motorcycles
- Mopeds
- E-scooters
- Motorised bikes
Note that there are also restrictions around bringing pets aboard without a leash or carrying case. Find out more about bringing pets on trains here.
Where to put a suitcase or other luggage on the train
We recommend placing your suitcase in the overhead luggage rack or on the floor beneath your feet or under your seat if there is space. It’s okay to place your luggage on empty seats on quiet services but only if no other passenger would like to sit there. Please be considerate during busy services by moving your luggage to the overhead racks or the floor.
For most services, you can typically find larger luggage racks at the ends of each carriage, with a maximum bag size allowance of 30 x 70 x 90cm as a rule of thumb.
For example:
- Avanti West Coast: Luggage racks are fit for medium-sized cases and large bags around the size of airplane cabin luggage. Maximum dimensions for luggage is 30 x 70 x 90cm.
- CrossCountry: Luggage racks near the end of carriages are suitable for suitcases up to 30 x 70 x 90 cm. Overhead racks are ideal for rucksacks and hand luggage.
- Grand Central Rail: Overhead storage is approximately 19 cm tall and 33 cm deep, with a curved profile.
- Great Western Railway: Luggage racks at the end of each carriage can fit suitcases up to 25 x 40 x 75 cm. Cabin-style bags, laptop bags and handbags should fit under seats and in overhead compartments.
- Hull Trains: Luggage racks are suitable for suitcases up to 30 x 70 x 90 cm.
- LNER: Racks at the end of coaches are ideal for suitcases up to 30 x 57 x 80 cm, with a maximum allowance of 30 x 70 x 90cm. Cabin-style bags are recommended to be placed in the overhead racks.
What size is the overhead luggage rack?
The size of overhead luggage racks on trains varies by train company, though they are typically built to hold medium-sized luggage, such as rucksacks, cabin-style bags, handbags and laptop bags.
Where to find a luggage trolley at the station
Luggage trollies can be found at multiple popular London train stations. In most cases, a £1 coin deposit is required to operate the trolley which will be refunded upon the return of the trolley. Here’s where they can be found at some of London’s top departure points:
- London King's Cross: Trolley bays can be found on platforms 1–9, around the concourse and outside by the entrances.
- London Euston: Trolleys are available around the station and at the taxi rank.
- London Paddington: Trolley bays can be found around the station including on Heathrow Express platforms. A £1 coin deposit is refunded when you return the trolley
Note that if you are disabled, older, or less mobile, you can request assistance with your luggage in advance of your journey through Passenger Assist or on the day at the station.
Eurostar luggage allowance
If you’re travelling on the Eurostar, there are a few slightly different rules when it comes to luggage.
All luggage on Eurostar must be less than 85cm in length (in any dimension) for routes to and from London, and 75cm on all other routes. There is no weight limit to luggage brought onboard. Eurostar asks that your luggage be a sensible size so that you can transport and store it safely in dedicated areas without disrupting any other passengers.
There are no restrictions on liquids, though there are some on alcohol (personal consumption is limited to four 440 ml bottles or cans of beer; or one 750 ml bottle of wine).
The amount of luggage you can bring depends on your route and ticket:
Travelling to and from London
- In Eurostar Standard and Eurostar Plus, you can bring two pieces of luggage and one piece of hand luggage.
- In Eurostar Premier, you can bring three pieces of luggage plus one piece of hand luggage
- And in all travel classes, children can bring one piece of luggage and one piece of hand luggage
Travelling between Belgium, France, the Netherlands and Germany
Two items of luggage (max. 75 x 53 x 30 cm) and one item of hand luggage is allowed. Any excess luggage must be transported in a case that’s no longer than two metres and may come with a charge of €30 per case.
For more information on Eurostar luggage allowance, check here.
Can I bring a pram on board trains?
Prams are permitted onboard but must be capable of folding if the train is busy and you are required to place it in storage.
Can I bring pets on board trains?
Sure! Check out our extensive guide on bringing your pets on your journey with you here.
Can I bring bikes on board trains?
Yes, bikes are generally allowed on trains for free in the UK, but some restrictions exist times of travel and the types of bikes that can be brought on board. Read our in-depth breakdown of the rules on bringing bikes on trains in the UK here.