Luggage assistance on trains

We just spent 4 weeks in France and took several train trips, all in first class. There was no “red cap” type service, but all coaches had luggage storage areas at each end of the coach. No need to lift luggage into overhead bins like in airplanes. We traveled light with only a carry on size suitcase and backpack we could each manage at train stations and on the train.

I have never seen any red caps or similar to assist passengers on trains in Europe. Pack light and take a small piece of luggage. There are luggage racks on each end of the train cars.

we always take first class trains and no one will help, but like others said - there are racks in the back of the train for luggage and if you have the seats with the table, you can store stuff there too.

Here is the link to the service in France available with previous reservation for persons with reduced mobility (including due to age) in certain French rail stations. It includes escort to the train and carrying and placing of one piece of 15-kilogram luggage.

The service you are looking for is called Accès Plus.

https://www.accessibilite.sncf.com/informations-et-services/nos-services-pour-l-autonomie-des-voyageurs/nos-services-d-assistance-https-www-accessibilite-sncf-com-informations-et/acces-plus

(in French - you can use Google to translate it)

On that page, you can also search at which stations this service is available.

It said Accès Plus is available at Montpellier, Arles, and Nice. But you must reserve in advance (and you would need to be sure to reserve for each of you, not just one of you).

Sorry, I don't know about whether the rail companies in Italy and Spain offer something similar.

If you are going to travel by train you need to pack really light. We are also elderly and now don't travel with more than an airline carryon size bag and a messenger bag. If we are doing a train side trip we just use small backpacks. There are no porters. You can arrange handicapped service at some stations ahead, but I'd not like to rely on that at the stop you get off especially if it is a quick stop. You will find that you will need to carry bags up stairs and sometimes up steep stairs on trains. You just can't travel with luggage you can't handle even while seeking as little lifting as possible. Even putting it in the racks at the ends of cars means lifting -- and it is not uncommon for those racks to be full.

What we do these days is base one place, usually Paris and then when we do a side trip, say to Annecy this spring or Lyon in the fall, we carried just backpacks or a small expandable tote with our stuff so we were not lugging heavy luggage.

I don't think over your head is going to an issue on the train, but it would be an issue on the plane. On the train you need to be able to each manage your own bag and carry it up 3-4 steps on the train and maybe a flight of steps at the train station.

On the train, you can use the rack at the end of the car. On certain types of train cars there is sometimes a floor space between two seats that sit back to back that can be handy for suitcases as well. If you find yourself in a car where there really is no other option than the overhead rack and you are standing looking a little "lost" about how you will get it up in the rack, I would not be surprised if a kind fellow traveler didn't help you out. I know I would help lift your bag for you.......

The overhead racks in single-level train cars can hold only carry-on size bags. Overhead racks in double-decker TGV trains can hold only small bags or sacks, not even a carry-on suitcase. Since you can't lift, this info is irrelevant.

In France, I don't think you'll have access to any TGV trains for your route until you leave Montpellier. You will have mostly local trains with six-seat compartments or Intercités trains with seating in open cars, no compartments. You keep your luggage next to your legs in the local trains. In Intercités, the racks at the end of the train cars have three shelves. If you are lucky, the lowest could have room. The middle shelf is waist height, the top rack is high. First class train cars have more floor and waist-height racks dispersed through the train car.
There's no reserved seating in local trains. Intercités trains have reserved seats. Choose first class for more room for your luggage.

You have two Montpellier to Barcelona high-speed trains a day, one in the morning and another in the afternoon. I don't remember about the luggage racks, but again, you'll have more room for your luggage in first class. You also have numerous slow local trains with multiple changes to get you to Barcelona. But high-speed is 3.5 hours--much better.

Even if a station says it has red cap, don't count on it. Even seen those folks at the airport who ordered a wheelchair and it never appears?

Kim, thank you for the education.

Your post is a good example of when the forum is at its best.

Thank you.

Much practical advice here. My small addition: Some TGV cars have an extra luggage rack in the centre of the car. Look for an identifying tag hanging from the overhead rack. The more accessible racks at either end fill up quickly.

My husband has helped many elderly and young girls with huge suitcases during all of our travels. I have never seen anyone left on the side of the train due to inability to get their luggage on/off. Travel light with carry on only (So that you are not a burden on the person who may be willing to help you), do your best and I think you will be just fine as most people are genuinely kind and helpful. Just know most people will only help get your luggage up and on the train, up to you on where you want to store it. Some may warn about those who offer this service then hold out their hand or demand payment, in that case, personally, I would gladly pay someone for the help if I needed it.
In Rome I got really turned around at the train station, and I am really good with intuitively finding my way. A girl offered to help us, after being warned on so many forums about the "help at the train station scam" we were weary but decided to follow her, making sure we stayed on a well populated path. And sure enough she took us right to our bin area. I offered to pay her and she refused, but I insisted and she finally accepted. We were truly grateful for her help with the alternative possibly missing our train.

Thank you everyone for your advice and recommendations. You were all very helpful! We’ve decided to bite the bullet and fly from Florence to Nice.

Flying sounds like a better option to me. My husband and I in our 70s and 80s have traveled often by train in Europe but it was becoming increasingly difficult. As was mentioned earlier, there are three or four steep stairs that you have to climb with your bags just to board the train. We have often been helped by strangers who would just come by us pick up our bags and carry them upstairs. Or downstairs. We have found the French young people to be extremely helpful. But this is not something you can count on because who knows who will be standing next to you? We’ve pretty much given up trains at this point. We rent a car and/or fly. I wish you bon voyage.