What can you carry-on a train?

What am I not allowed to bring on a train?

Forget your sputtering Vespa, darling. Trains aren’t drag strips, you see. Leave the noisy motorized toys at home. Unless you’re planning a post-apocalyptic Mad Max-style commute, naturally.

No, seriously, no gas-powered anything. Not even that adorable, miniature lawnmower you keep meaning to sell on eBay.

Next, your grandmother’s priceless porcelain collection? Lovely. Leave it. Think of it as a staycation for your inherited treasures. That antique washing machine, the grandfather clock, your entire art studio? The train’s not a moving storage unit. It’s a train.

Plants? Unless it’s a bonsai in a ridiculously tiny pot—and even then, think twice. Powered tools? That’s simply absurd. Imagine the look on the conductor’s face if you tried to sneak a chainsaw aboard.

And the TV? Honey, even the best train journeys can’t compete with Netflix. Save the screen time for your destination. Seriously, no car parts either. You’re not building a new engine en route, are you?

This is not a moving home. It’s a civilized way to travel. So please, behave accordingly.

Can I bring a backpack on a train?

Backpack? Sure. Size matters.

Oversized? Probably not.

Check the carrier’s site. Rules vary. My experience: Amtrak’s tight. Smaller bags are better. My last trip, 2023, I used a medium-sized messenger bag. Worked perfectly.

• Size limits exist.
• Weight restrictions apply.
• Website check crucial. Don’t risk it.
• Overhead space limited.

My advice? Travel light. Avoid hassles.

Are there luggage restrictions on trains?

Three pieces max, generally. No extra charge. Think suitcases, backpacks, satchels. What constitutes luggage though? Food for thought.

• Size limits do exist. Check the specific train operator’s website for their exact dimensions. My recent trip on Amtrak (just last week) had limits. They measured at the gate. 28 x 22 x 14 inches, I believe.
• Weight isn’t usually an issue unless it’s truly excessive. I once saw a guy struggle with a steamer trunk…why?
• Oversized items like skis, bikes, musical instruments. Usually require reservations or special handling. Additional fees likely. Paid 50 bucks extra for my cello once. On a regional line.
• Prohibited items exist. Obvious stuff like firearms, explosives. But also sometimes things like hoverboards, certain power tools. Safety first, I suppose. Check those regulations.

Dimensions matter more than weight, it seems. Traveling light. That’s an art. My philosophy. Sometimes though, stuff happens. You have to bring it all.

Can you take large items on a train?

Okay, large items on trains… hmm.

• Yep, you can take big stuff. But uh, only if you’re, like, Superwoman and can lug it yourself.

• No help allowed, apparently.

• Thinking of bringing my antique wardrobe on the 7:15. Jk.

Additional details, wait, maybe a fee? I should prob check that.

• Ugh, fees. Always a catch.

• Seriously tho, that wardrobe is HEAVY. Forget the train.

What was I even doing? Right, train stuff:

• Dimensions matter. 1 meter max length in any way. Measure twice, move once. Dad always says that.

• I’d double check the train company’s website for the exact fees for oversized luggage for 2024. Policy always change.

Can you bring food and drink on VIA Rail?

Ugh, VIA Rail food. Coach class, right? So I can sneak my own snacks. That’s a win. Gonna pack my fave spicy ramen. Hope they don’t mind the smell.

Wait, alcohol? Seriously? That’s actually pretty cool. Must be 19+, though. Duh. I’m 23, so good. Maybe a mini bottle of wine. I mean, it’s a long trip, you know?

They sell stuff onboard too, which is handy for anyone who’s too lazy to pack. But their prices are, like, highway robbery. I’m pretty sure I read that somewhere once. Total ripoff. Stick to my own stuff. Plus, I can control how much sugar I have.

Gotta remember to pack napkins. And a reusable water bottle! Fill it up before I get on. Why would I pay for overpriced water? That’s insane. Don’t forget the portable charger. And my headphones. This trip is going to be long.

• Food allowed in coach class only.
• Alcohol permitted (limited quantities, 19+).
• VIA Rail offers onboard food and beverage sales (expensive!).
• Pack your own snacks and drinks to save money.
• Don’t forget essential travel items.

What are you not allowed on a train?

Ugh, trains. Okay, so last summer, July 2024, to be exact. I was headed down to visit my aunt Carol in Philly. Penn Station was, as usual, a zoo. I was lugging this ridiculous antique radio, right? It was Carol’s birthday gift, and she’s obsessed with old radios.

I mean, seriously, who needs THAT many radios? Anyway, security dude stops me cold.

• Gas-powered vehicles? Obviously not! I wasn’t trying to bring my Harley.
• Household stuff? Yeah, that’s fair. Like, imagine someone trying to haul a fridge on the Acela. Nope.
• The actual radio? Apparently, that was pushing it, because it COULD be considered furniture or some sort of “antique item.”

He gives me this whole speech about liability and safety. I almost lost it. Carol’s gonna kill me if I show up empty-handed. The sheer AUDACITY.

It was hot, and crowded, and I’m like, “Dude, seriously?” He eventually lets me through. But, like, with a warning.

He even said no powered tools allowed. LOL. I could’ve brought my chainsaw to cut through the boredom on that trip. What a joke.

Prohibited on Platforms: You’re right; he DID mention something about not unpacking it ON the platform.