Luggage Policies on Eurostar

Posted by toddetchieson on 03/05/15 07:16 PM

We are planning to take the Eurostar from London direct to Avignon and are a little confused by the luggage policy. It states that your bags are limited to "85cm long". Does anyone know if that truly means only the length (not considering the width and depth)?

Also, the website says that if your bags are too big then you will need to use the Registered Baggage Service but then also states that service is only available to Paris, Brussels, and Lille. So, what happens if your bag doesn't fit the "85 cm long" policy? Is it rejected and you aren't allowed to take it on? Are you just charged an extra fee?

Thanks for any help! I'm just having a hard time understanding their FAQ.

Posted by mph

03/05/15 07:33 PM

693 posts

I am not sure of the answer but I have taken a large suitcase with no issues. Brace yourself to be flooded with comments by the carry on luggage militia that roam this site.

Posted by Laura

Rick Steves' Europe

03/05/15 07:37 PM

16893 posts

It is only the length. You can take up to two full-sized suitcases onboard, larger than we would recommend most people to take, plus a smaller handbag. Pack as light as you can for your own benefit, since you're likely to handle bags yourself in a variety of situations.

Posted by Chris F

Basel, Switzerland

03/05/15 08:30 PM

8889 posts

They don't actually measure the bags. I think the 85cm limit is because anything bigger wouldn't fit in the luggage racks and would stick out into the corridor.

If you haven't done so already, read this page, which has everything about luggage on trains. The rest of the site (the man in seat 66) is recommended.
In practice, anything bigger than 85 cm would be unmanageable. All luggage is hand luggage. You have to lift your own luggage on to and off of the trains, and into and out of the luggage racks (see second photo on aformentioned page).
If you use the Eurostar registered luggage service it does not necessarily travel on the same train as you, and can take up to 24 hours.

Posted by toddetchieson OP

03/05/15 08:46 PM

3 posts

Thanks all - great responses.

Also, @Chris F I also found that same site, and for anyone else who happens to click into this thread with similar questions, here is a great link with lots of great Eurostar info from the Man in Seat 61.

Posted by Norma

Montreal, Quebec, Canada

03/05/15 08:49 PM

8293 posts

One year, in the winter time, we took the Eurostar from London to to Paris. A pair of British yummie mummies on a ski trip to France with their young children, boarded the train with tons of baggage and ski equipment for the whole troop. They deposited it all at the end of the coach, taking up all the luggage storage space and overflowing into the passage way. It seems to me an oversize suitcase should not be a worry.

Just to add a note about the yummie mummies. They installed the 4 kids in seats near us which had been reserved by people who got on the train at Ashford. Needless to say these passengers were dismayed to see the children occupying their seats. We were pleased to direct them to the two entitled mothers up front who then had to take the children to their proper seats, which happened to be in another coach. The end.