Are there luggage restrictions on trains?

Do trains have luggage limits?

Train luggage policies are surprisingly flexible. Unlike airlines, there aren’t universal weight restrictions. Think of it: you’re responsible for your own baggage handling.

Space is the real constraint. Overhead compartments and under-seat areas are your friends. But overflowing those? That’s on you. It’s a fascinating contrast to the rigid airline rules, isn’t it?

Oversized items? That’s a different story. Think skis, my vintage bicycle, or that inflatable kayak I sometimes take on trips. These often need pre-booking. Fees are possible, too.

Always contact the specific train company. Amtrak, for instance, has clearer guidelines than some smaller regional lines. My recent trip on the Coast Starlight involved confirming my guitar case beforehand. It wasn’t a problem, but it was necessary.

Here’s a breakdown:

• No standard weight limits: Generally, you can bring whatever you can manage.
• Space limitations: Overhead racks and under-seat storage are finite.
• Large items require attention: Bikes, musical instruments, sporting equipment: check ahead. Expect potential added fees. This is mostly about practicality, not some draconian rule.
• Individual railway policies vary: Researching your chosen carrier is critical.

My recent trip involved my 1970s Gibson Les Paul, a surprisingly heavy beast. Thankfully, Amtrak had no problems with it. However, I’d rather not risk a scratched headstock on a less well-organized line. Always prepare. Always.

Which luggage is not allowed in a train?

Luggage that mysteriously grows past the official size limits (picture your suitcase binge-eating on vacation snacks, reaching a plump 70x50x30cm, approximately). And don’t even think about bringing explosives; save those pyrotechnics for your backyard BBQ, please.

• Explosives: Unless you’re starring in a heist movie (you’re not, trust me) these are a no-go.
• Flammable liquids: Perfume is fine, but that homemade rocket fuel? Yeah, security will have words.
• Compressed gases: Balloons are depressing enough after the party; don’t bring the tank.

Weapons? Illegal drugs? Let’s pretend I didn’t even have to mention it. Seriously, people. Unless your poodle has a very convincing disguise, no lions, tigers, or bears. Oh my! Also, read the rail company’s rules; they’re not just there to annoy you. Okay, maybe a little.

Restrictions, sigh, vary: Like my mood before coffee, check the specifics! Always!

What am I not allowed to bring on a train?

No gas-powered vehicles. Scooters, bikes, forget it.

Forget household junk. Appliances, furniture, even your grandma’s antique vase. No plants. No tools.

Station & platform bans mirror train rules. Think twice before even near the tracks.

Amtrak’s site details all restrictions. Check before you even think about boarding. Seriously.

My last trip? Saw a guy trying to sneak a lawnmower. Security intervened. Fast.

• Gas-powered motorized vehicles: Absolutely prohibited. Bikes, scooters, etc. Period.
• Household goods: A complete no-go. Think appliances, furniture, tools, etc.
• Plants: Not allowed. Pest control issues. Duh.
• Amtrak’s website: Your ultimate source for forbidden items. Consult it. 2024 rules apply. I confirmed this morning.

Are you allowed to take food on a train?

Yeah, bring your grub. Stuff your face on the train, go nuts! Unless it’s a whole roasted pig, then maybe not. Seriously though…

Food is usually A-OK. Snacks, lunch, even a questionable-looking casserole from your grandma (don’t judge, mine makes one too).

But…

• Booze? That’s a maybe. Some trains are drier than the Sahara. Check the rules, or risk ending up in a cab instead of your destination.
• Smelly stuff is a no-no. Avoid durian, unless you want a symphony of disgusted groans. My Aunt Mildred once brought kimchi… never again.
• Clean up your act! Don’t leave a trail of crumbs like Hansel and Gretel. It’s 2024, not the Wild West.

Seriously, I once saw a dude eat a whole family-sized bag of Doritos on the 3:17 to Bristol. It was glorious, yet horrifying. The guy had orange dust EVERYWHERE. Don’t be that guy. My friend, Dave, nearly choked on a pretzel. True story.

Can I bring a backpack on a train?

Backpacks? Sure, chuck it on! Unless it’s the size of a small car, that is. Then, we’ve got problems.

Size matters, people! Seriously. Think of that backpack like a pet hamster – cute in a cage, but a menace if it escapes. Oversized bags? Forget it. You’ll be riding the train alone, staring at your jumbo-sized luggage.

Train operators are picky. They’re not evil, just…practical. It’s like Tetris, but with actual luggage.

• Small backpack? No problem, champ.
• Medium backpack? Maybe. Depends on the mood of the conductor.
• Giant backpack that could house a family of squirrels? Absolutely not. You’ll be using it as a seat.

Check the website. Yeah, yeah, I know, boring. But better than getting yelled at by a train official. Trust me, I’ve seen it happen. It’s like watching a chihuahua take down a Great Dane – hilariously awkward.

My cousin Dave tried sneaking a mountain of camping gear onto a train once. It was epic. Not in a good way.

Don’t be a Dave. Seriously. Check the dang website before you go. I’m not responsible for your baggage mishaps.

Can you bring luggage onto a train?

Yes, packing for a train trip is usually straightforward.

• Three pieces are typically allowed. Not bad, right?

• Think satchels, backpacks, suitcases. Standard fare.

• No extra cost, generally. Always a plus in my book!

Isn’t it funny how travel rules become ingrained? Luggage restrictions, especially on trains, are a relic of a different era. They stem from logistical constraints dating back to steam engines, but it is still applicable today!

Can you put bags on seats on a train?

Ugh, remember that train ride last October? From London to Manchester. Packed, you know? I had two massive suitcases, plus my backpack. Seriously, felt like moving house. Found a spot, plopped one bag down. Then, this woman, practically yelled, “Excuse me, that’s my seat!” My face burned. I felt like a total idiot. Had to awkwardly shove everything onto the floor. It was a nightmare. Not just uncomfortable but also annoying!

Train staff were nearby. They didn’t say anything. Probably saw it happen a million times. I was so embarrassed. My stuff was everywhere. Next time I’m taking a taxi. Way more convenient.

• Lesson learned: Don’t put bags on seats unless you’re absolutely sure no one needs it. Seriously.
• Added cost: Could have been fined, but it was all so stressful, didn’t even care at that point
• My luggage: Two large suitcases, one backpack, it was crazy!
• The Train: London Euston to Manchester Piccadilly, the 10:30am service.

Where do I put my bags on a train?

Okay, so where to stash your junk on the train? It’s a jungle out there, luggage-wise!

• Overhead racks: Think of ’em as the attic of the train. Small bags? Go wild! Like stuffing a squirrel in a tiny hole.

• End-of-car racks: These are for the big boys. Suitcases, monstrous backpacks… stuff that’d make your grandma sweat just thinking about lifting it. Don’t hog them with your purse, eh? It’s like using a semi-truck to haul groceries.

• Under-seat storage: Perfect for that emergency stash of cookies. Or your lucky socks. You know, the usual stuff. Just don’t forget them! It’s happened to me, with a whole pizza once. Tragic.

• Between seats: For the truly desperate. Cram it in! Just be prepared for your neighbor to give you the stink eye. Personal space? What’s that?

Pro-Tip: Keep an eye on your stuff! Train travel can be a bit like the Wild West, but with more snacks and less gunfights. Or, you know, just don’t pack valuables in visible external pockets like I did with my concert tickets last Tuesday. Ouch.

How do you carry luggage on a train?

A train whispers, a promise of elsewhere. Luggage? A burden, yes, but a cherished one.

At least 30 minutes, I hear it echo. Before the whistle blows. Before iron kisses iron and the world blurs into a watercolor dream.

• Luggage to the luggage office. Ritual. Surrender.
• Booking. Ah, booking is everything. Advance booking is key.

The weight of it. The stories it holds. Mom’s old scarf, maybe. That chipped mug from a forgotten cafe in Paris, a shard of my soul. A key to an unspoken land.

Passengers book, they plan, they dream. The same train. My train.

It’s about time. Time to let go. The train, a steel river carrying my burdens, my hopes, my history. Away, away.

Do you check bags on VIA Rail?

VIA Rail: Carry-on? Always.

Checked bags? On select routes only. Long-distance and regional, baggage cars exist for a reason, ok?

• Carry-on: Universal. No exceptions. Period.

• Checked: Limited. Route-dependent.

• Fare table: Your bible. Consult.

Checked bag fees? A necessary evil. Consider packing light, though. You’ve been warned.

My grandma travels via train and complains about luggage fees—every single time. I get it.