Eurostar Luggage Policy: Allowances, Bag Sizes & Rules

Eurostar passengers carry their luggage directly on board the train, as there is no traditional check-in or checked baggage hold. Adult passengers in Standard and Eurostar Plus can bring up to two bags (maximum 85 cm on the longest side) plus one small piece of hand luggage. Eurostar Premier ticket holders can bring three bags plus hand luggage. There is no weight fee, but travelers must lift and stow their own bags.

At a glance

Baggage Allowance Snapshot

Eurostar includes all luggage in your ticket price, with no fees for standard bags. Every passenger must be able to lift and carry their own items onto the train safely.

Standard Class allowance 2 bags + 1 hand luggage Adult passengers

Eurostar Plus allowance 2 bags + 1 hand luggage Formerly Standard Premier

Eurostar Premier allowance 3 bags + 1 hand luggage Formerly Business Premier

Child allowance (ages 4–11) 1 bag + 1 hand luggage Children with a child ticket

Maximum bag dimension 85 cm (33.5 in) Measured along the longest side

Weight limit No kilogram cap Must carry and stow independently

Liquid restrictions No 100 ml limit Drinks, food, and toiletries permitted

Luggage tags Mandatory Name and contact details on all items

What can change: Special registered luggage desks and cycle reservations vary across cross-Channel trains and continental routes.

Source check

Official Source Verification

Baggage rules can vary by route, travel class, and train type. BaggageBase separates published carrier rules from practical travel guidance.

Official source Eurostar Conditions of Carriage & Baggage Regulations

Source type Train operator policy and conditions of carriage

Policy scope Cross-Channel (UK–Continent) and Continental high-speed routes

Last checked Official verification required

Confidence High

Important caveat Registered oversized baggage services and non-folding cycle availability are limited by route and train set.

Luggage Allowances by Travel Class

Eurostar operates high-speed passenger rail services linking the United Kingdom, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany. The baggage allowance depends on the travel class printed on your ticket. You do not check bags into a luggage hold. Instead, you carry all items through the station, past security, and directly onto the train.

Standard Class

Passengers traveling on a Standard ticket can bring:

• Two large bags: Suitcases, large backpacks, or travel holdalls measuring up to 85 cm (33.5 inches) along the longest side.
• One piece of hand luggage: A handbag, laptop bag, briefcase, or small daypack that fits by your feet or in the overhead rack.

Eurostar Plus

Eurostar Plus (formerly Standard Premier) offers extra coach space and a light meal, but shares the same baggage count as Standard:

• Two large bags: Up to 85 cm along the longest edge.
• One piece of hand luggage: A personal item such as a tote bag, purse, or computer sleeve.

Eurostar Premier

Eurostar Premier (formerly Business Premier) provides an expanded allowance for business and leisure travelers:

• Three large bags: Suitcases or duffels up to 85 cm along the longest edge.
• One piece of hand luggage: A briefcase, personal item, or small backpack.

Children and Infants

• Children aged 4 to 11: Permitted one bag (up to 85 cm) and one piece of hand luggage.
• Children under 4: Travel free without an assigned seat and do not have an individual luggage allowance. Their belongings must fit inside the allowance of the accompanying adult.
• Pushchairs and Strollers: Prams, folding buggies, and travel cots travel free of charge in addition to your luggage allowance. They must be folded down before boarding and stored in the luggage areas near the coach doors.

Allowance Comparison by Class

All items must fit inside the train luggage shelves or overhead racks without blocking aisles, doors, or emergency equipment.

Bag Dimensions and the Self-Carry Rule

Eurostar does not measure bags by total linear inches (length plus width plus height). Instead, the operator sets a single measurement rule:

• Maximum length: No standard bag should exceed 85 cm (33.5 inches) on its longest side, including wheels and handles.
• Overhead fit: Standard carry-on rolling bags and medium suitcases generally fit into overhead racks. Large full-size cases must go in the floor-level racks at the coach entrances.

The Independent Lifting Requirement

Eurostar does not weigh bags at check-in or security. There are no excess weight fees or 23-kilogram caps.

However, passengers must follow the self-carry rule: you must be able to lift, carry, and stow your own luggage without assistance from train staff. Station platforms and train doorways involve steps, ramps, and narrow vestibules. If a bag is so heavy that you cannot lift it safely onto the train racks, staff may refuse carriage.

On-Board Luggage Racks and Storage Areas

Luggage space on Eurostar trains is shared among all passengers in each coach. Space is available on a first-come, first-served basis across three main zones:

1. End-of-Carriage Vestibule Racks

• Multi-tiered metal storage racks are positioned next to the sliding exterior doors of each carriage.
• These wide shelves are built for heavy suitcases, large holdalls, and folded pushchairs.
• Place the heaviest cases on the bottom shelf so they remain stable during travel.

2. Overhead Racks Above Seats

• Wide metal racks run the entire length of the carriage over the passenger seats.
• These are suitable for cabin-size rolling bags, duffels, backpacks, and winter coats.
• Bags must lie flat and must not hang over the edge of the rack into the aisle.

3. Under the Seat in Front

• Small personal items, computer bags, and handbags should be kept under the seat in front of you.
• Keeping personal bags at your feet frees up rack space for larger suitcases.
• Safety note: You must never leave luggage in the aisles, between connecting coaches, or in front of emergency escape exits.

Security Screening, Liquids, and Customs

Luggage rules on Eurostar differ significantly from airline rules, particularly regarding liquids and station screening.

Station Security Checks

On cross-Channel journeys connecting the United Kingdom and continental Europe, passengers pass through security before boarding:

• Bags, coats, and personal devices pass through airport-style X-ray scanners.
• Passengers pass through walk-through metal detectors.
• On continental routes (such as Paris to Brussels or Amsterdam), security checks are usually brief, randomized, or handled directly on the platform.

Liquid Allowances (No 100 ml Limit)

Eurostar does not enforce the airport 100 ml liquid rule:

• You may carry full-size toiletries, bottles of water, perfumes, and hot takeaway drinks.
• Liquids do not need to be placed in clear plastic zip bags.

Alcohol Limits

Passengers may carry personal alcohol aboard cross-Channel trains for moderate consumption:

• An adult may generally carry up to 4 cans of beer or cider, or 1 bottle of wine. Spirits are typically limited to 1 bottle per adult.
• Eurostar may designate specific services as "dry trains" during major sports fixtures or late-night holiday periods, banning all alcohol from being brought aboard or consumed.

Post-Brexit Food Rules

Customs restrictions apply when traveling across the UK-EU border:

• Meat and Dairy Restrictions: You cannot bring meat, meat products, milk, cheese, or fresh dairy items into the European Union from Great Britain.
• Fresh Produce: Certain fresh fruits, vegetables, and plants are prohibited under agricultural import laws.
• Packaged items like crisps, bread, sweets, and chocolate can be carried freely across borders for personal use.

Bicycles, E-Scooters, and Sports Equipment

Special baggage rules apply to sporting goods, mobility equipment, and bicycles.

Bicycles

• Folding Bikes: Folding bikes that measure 85 cm or less when folded count as one item of your standard luggage allowance. They must be packed inside a protective travel cover that covers all parts.
• Non-Folding Bikes: Fully assembled or boxed bicycles cannot be rolled into standard passenger carriages. Carriage depends on dedicated cycle spaces or registered baggage services. These spaces require an advance reservation and fee. Availability varies by route and train model.

Electric Mobility Ban

Eurostar strictly bans electric scooters, hoverboards, e-skateboards, and self-balancing boards from all trains and stations. The ban is due to fire hazards associated with lithium-ion batteries. Certified electric wheelchairs and approved mobility aids for disabled travelers remain fully permitted.

Musical Instruments

• Instruments under 85 cm: Violins, flutes, and trumpets can be carried as one item of your standard luggage allowance.
• Instruments over 85 cm: Larger items, such as cellos or guitars, must be booked on a separate passenger seat next to you or shipped via registered baggage where available.

Station Procedures, Labeling, and Lost Property

Mandatory Baggage Tags

International and French railway safety regulations require all luggage to be clearly labeled.

• Every suitcase, rucksack, and hand luggage item must have a tag showing your full name, seat number, and phone number or email address.
• Free paper luggage labels are available at terminal check-in areas at London St Pancras, Paris Gare du Nord, and Brussels-Midi.
• Unlabeled bags left unattended in stations or trains may be removed and destroyed by security staff.

Boarding Workflow

1. Arrive on Time: Arrive 60 to 90 minutes before your departure time to clear ticket gates, security scanners, and border control.
2. Security Scan: Place all luggage flat on the X-ray conveyor belts.
3. Board the Coach: Walk your bags through the platform doors and board your assigned carriage.
4. Stow Bags Safely: Place large bags on the lower shelves of the entrance vestibule racks and small bags in the overhead racks.
5. Direct Exit on Arrival: Pick up your luggage from the racks before stepping onto the platform. There are no baggage reclaim carousels at train terminals.

Lost Property

Items left aboard Eurostar trains are collected by station cleaning crews:

• London St Pancras: Managed by the official station lost property office run by Excess Baggage Company.
• Paris Gare du Nord and Lille Europe: Managed by the SNCF Lost and Found office (Bureau des Objets Trouvés).
• Brussels-Midi: Processed by the Belgian rail operator SNCB.
• Amsterdam Centraal: Handled by the NS Dutch Railways lost property service.

Before you travel

Eurostar Luggage Preparation Checklist

Follow these steps before heading to the train station to ensure smooth security and boarding.

• Count your bags. Ensure your luggage count matches your ticket class (2 large bags for Standard/Plus, 3 for Premier).
• Measure the longest side. Confirm that no standard suitcase exceeds 85 cm (33.5 inches) along its longest edge.
• Attach luggage labels to every bag. Write your full name, seat number, and mobile phone number on tags before arrival.
• Test your lifting ability. Make sure you can lift and carry your own bags onto the train steps and into the racks without help.
• Check food items. Do not carry fresh meat, dairy, or cheese products across the border between the UK and the EU.
• Leave electric scooters at home. Remember that e-scooters and hoverboards are banned from all Eurostar trains and stations.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many bags can I take on Eurostar?

Passengers in Standard and Eurostar Plus can take two large bags (up to 85 cm on the longest side) and one piece of hand luggage. Eurostar Premier ticket holders can bring three large bags plus one hand luggage item. Children traveling on a child ticket can bring one large bag and one hand luggage item.

Is there a weight limit for Eurostar luggage?

Eurostar does not set a strict kilogram weight limit on passenger bags. However, the train operator requires that you must be able to carry, lift, and stow your own bags safely without help from train staff.

Can I bring liquids on the Eurostar?

Yes, Eurostar does not enforce the airline 100 ml liquid rule. You can carry full-sized toiletries, perfume bottles, hot coffee, and bottled water through security. Moderate quantities of personal alcohol are also permitted, though limits apply on certain services.

Do I have to pay extra for luggage on Eurostar?

No, your luggage allowance is included in the price of your train ticket. There are no extra fees for standard bags, but items that exceed the 85 cm limit or extra bags that block train space may be refused at boarding.

Why do I need to label my luggage on Eurostar?

Labeling your luggage is a legal requirement under French and international rail security laws. Every item-including backpacks and laptop bags-must display your full name, seat number, and contact information. Unlabeled bags left unattended may be destroyed by security personnel.

Can I bring food and snacks on the train?

Yes, you are welcome to bring your own food and non-alcoholic drinks on board. However, post-Brexit customs rules strictly prohibit travelers from carrying meat, dairy, cheese, or fresh milk across the border between Great Britain and the European Union.

Can I take a bicycle on Eurostar?

Folding bicycles measuring 85 cm or less when folded are accepted as one of your standard luggage items, provided they are stored in a protective carry bag. Non-folding bicycles require advance booking and payment, and availability depends on the specific train route.

Where do I store my bags once on the train?

Large suitcases must be stored in the tiered luggage racks located near the exterior doors at the ends of each carriage. Small suitcases, backpacks, and coats can be placed on the overhead racks above your seat, while small personal items fit under the seat in front of you.

Baggage rules can vary by route, train type, and ticket conditions. The operating transport company's official published regulations always take precedence over general guidance.