We traveled on our own by train in June mostly in Switzerland and northern Italy after our Rick Steves Alpine tour. We each had a Rick Steves suitcase and a backpack. We traveled in 2nd class cars. Our experiences with luggage were mixed because some cars have luggage racks with adequate room and some had only vertically narrow overhead shelves which may or may not hold the Rick Steves bags. Is there any way to know which cars have the larger luggage areas or which part of the cars have them? It was a bit stressful getting on with our stuff, not seeing where to put bags, and having to leave them somewhere while I hunt for a place to put them. Of courrse it helps to get on the train early, but that's not always possible. Thanks for any advice for next time!
Posted by
Brooklyn, NY
5079 posts
If feasible, check out the cost of first class tickets. Except on Eurostar, we find the cost not to be too much more. In first class you have better luggage storage options.
Posted by
Ontario, Canada
7565 posts
Are you familiar with the Man in Seat 61? https://www.seat61.com/luggage-on-european-trains.htm
Different train companies and different routes will have different types of cars. The above website has a page regarding luggage on trains. But there are also sections for each country, with photos showing the interior of various types of cars. They may be of help.
Depending on the type of car, we either keep our bags at our feet or above the seat, or in the storage racks adjacent to the car doors. Some types may have this storage in the middle of the car, but we haven't encountered that often.
Posted by
Lynnwood, Washington
10530 posts
Look for seats where there are two tables back to back. The place where the seat backs touch forms an an opening large enough for two carryon bags underneath.
Posted by
San Diego, California
7222 posts
Sometimes when trains have four seats facing each other, a "v" is formed behind them, and carryon luggage fits there.
First class is not a bad option.
Have a great trip.
Posted by
560 posts
and don't travel with large , hard sided suitcases which won't squeeze in to spaces. In a lot of trains there is the forgotten space under the seats which nobody else seems to notice, I can get a large soft holdall the size of a small child in there and when I pull it out other passengers look at me as though I'm magician!!! This is the interior of the sort of regional train you may encounter, they are not big on luggage racks but the space under the seats is clearly visible
To avoid any confusion I should point out that I don't carry a small child in my holdall......