When travelling in Europe, there is no single practical rule that can be applied to all tickets without checking the details first. Read the terms and conditions for budget flights, high-speed services and international flights particularly carefully.
Check the baggage allowance for each fare
Make a note of the number, dimensions and any non-standard items. Check the operator’s rules for each leg of the journey: what applies on the first train may not necessarily apply on the second. Bicycles, pets and large sports bags may have specific requirements. If there are any surcharges, check them before making your final price comparison.
Work out the transfers
Your luggage must not only be permitted but also manageable for you. Check the routes between platforms and stations. Inside the carriage, do not block the aisle or place heavy items in an unstable position. Keep your documents and essential items with you, and mark your main suitcase so you can distinguish it from similar ones.
See also: Train ticket refunds in Europe: fares and reasons for cancellation; Cheap train tickets across Europe: how to work out the total cost.
Official sources
SNCF Connect; Deutsche Bahn: tickets and terms and conditions. Please check current services, prices and terms and conditions for your specific dates; the photographs illustrate rail travel and do not confirm the configuration of a specific service.
Image details
- SNCF TGV 2N2 4718 (52370373563).jpg — Nelso Silva from Porto, Portugal; CC BY-SA 2.0. The image has been resized and converted to WebP. Licence terms — see the original page.
- TGV 2N2 Euroduplex Océane, Train No. 841, Gare Montparnasse.jpg — Kilyann Le Hen; CC BY-SA 4.0. The image has been resized and converted to WebP. Licence terms can be found on the original page.
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Questions and Answers
Are the regulations the same for TGV, ICE and other trains?
Don’t assume so: check the operator and the service.
What do I need to check regarding my bicycle?
Admission, packaging, a separate space and booking for each journey.
Where should I factor in the surcharge?
In the total cost of the journey before you buy your ticket.
What’s important when changing flights with luggage?
The actual transfer time, the stairs and the ability to carry your own luggage.