Baggage & Luggage Information
Planning a train journey in the United States or the United Kingdom? Baggage allowances can vary depending on the railway operator, train service, route and type of luggage you are carrying.
MyTrainRoutes does not set or enforce train baggage policies. We provide general travel information and links to official railway sources so passengers can check the latest luggage allowances,
size and weight limits, checked baggage availability, special-item requirements and restricted items before travelling.
Always check the official baggage policy of the train operator running your journey before you travel.
Why You Should Check Your Train Operator’s Baggage Policy
There is no single baggage allowance that applies to every train in the US or UK. Different railway companies may have different rules covering the number of bags, size, weight, storage, checked baggage, bicycles, sports equipment, musical instruments and other special items.
Even within the same railway network, baggage rules may vary between services. Some trains offer checked baggage, while others only provide space for luggage that passengers carry onto the train.
Before travelling, check the official operator website for the specific train and route shown on your ticket.
US Train Baggage & Luggage Information
Train baggage policies in the United States vary between intercity, long-distance and regional rail services. Passengers should check the operator's current rules before arriving at the station.
What to Check Before Travelling
- Personal item allowance
- Carry-on baggage allowance
- Maximum baggage size
- Maximum baggage weight
- Checked baggage availability
- Checked baggage fees
- Oversized or excess baggage rules
- Bicycle and sports equipment policies
- Musical instrument requirements
- Prohibited and restricted items
- Lost or damaged baggage procedures
- Station baggage services and storage
Major US Train Operators & Official Baggage Information
| Train Operator | Area / Services | Official Baggage Information |
|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | Intercity and long-distance passenger rail services across the United States | Baggage Information & Services |
| Brightline | Passenger rail service in Florida | Official Terms & Baggage Information |
| Metra | Chicago metropolitan area and northeastern Illinois | Riding Metra |
| Caltrain | San Francisco Bay Area and Peninsula | Rider Information |
| Metrolink | Southern California regional rail | General Rider Information |
| Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) | New York metropolitan area and Long Island | Official LIRR Information |
| Metro-North Railroad | New York metropolitan area and surrounding regions | Official Metro-North Information |
| NJ Transit | New Jersey and the New York metropolitan area | Travel Information |
| SEPTA | Philadelphia region and Southeastern Pennsylvania | Travel Information |
| MBTA | Boston and surrounding Massachusetts communities | Riding the T |
| MARC Train | Maryland, Washington, D.C. and surrounding areas | Official MARC Train Information |
| Virginia Railway Express (VRE) | Virginia and Washington, D.C. region | Riding VRE |
Amtrak Baggage Information
Amtrak has specific baggage allowances for personal items, carry-on bags and checked baggage. The rules can also vary for certain connecting services and special items.
Amtrak currently allows each passenger to bring one personal item and two carry-on items, subject to its published size and weight limits. Where checked baggage is available, passengers may also have checked baggage allowances subject to Amtrak's rules and the stations and services involved.
Amtrak also publishes separate information for bicycles, sporting equipment, musical instruments, baby items, mobility equipment and other special items.
Check Official Amtrak Baggage Information | Check Amtrak Carry-On Rules | Check Amtrak Special Items
Important Amtrak Baggage Note
Not every Amtrak train or station offers checked baggage service. Connecting services operated by other carriers may also have baggage rules that differ from standard Amtrak policies.
Check the official baggage information for your specific journey before travelling.
UK Train Baggage & Luggage Information
UK passengers can generally take luggage onto National Rail services, but individual train companies may have additional or different requirements.
National Rail's current guidance states that passengers are generally permitted to bring up to three pieces of luggage at no extra cost, provided the luggage can be carried safely and does not cause an obstruction or inconvenience. Individual train companies may apply different policies, so passengers should check their operator before travelling.
Check Official National Rail Luggage Information
What to Check on UK Train Services
- Number of luggage items permitted
- Size of luggage
- Where luggage can be stored
- Large and oversized items
- Bicycle requirements
- Musical instruments
- Sports equipment
- Restricted items
- Assistance with luggage
- Luggage storage at stations
Luggage must not block doors, aisles, corridors or areas reserved for passengers with wheelchairs. Passengers are normally responsible for carrying and managing their own luggage unless assistance has been arranged.
UK Train Operators & Official Luggage Information
UK train companies may have additional luggage requirements for their own services. Use the official operator information below before travelling with large luggage, bicycles, musical instruments, sports equipment or other special items.
| Train Operator | Main Area / Routes | Official Information |
|---|---|---|
| Avanti West Coast | West Coast Main Line and major UK cities | Luggage Information |
| LNER | East Coast Main Line and London–York–Newcastle–Edinburgh services | Luggage Information |
| Great Western Railway | London, South West England and Wales routes | Luggage Information |
| CrossCountry | Cross-country routes connecting major UK cities | Luggage Information |
| Northern | North of England | Luggage Information |
| TransPennine Express | Major routes across Northern England | Luggage Information |
| East Midlands Railway | East Midlands, London and major regional destinations | Luggage Information |
| Greater Anglia | London, East Anglia and surrounding areas | Luggage Information |
| South Western Railway | London, South West England and surrounding areas | Luggage Information |
| Southeastern | London, Kent and surrounding areas | Luggage Information |
| Southern | London, Sussex, Surrey and surrounding areas | Luggage Information |
| ScotRail | Scotland | Luggage Information |
| Transport for Wales | Wales and cross-border services | Luggage Information |
| Chiltern Railways | London and the West Midlands | Luggage Information |
Travelling With Special or Oversized Items
If you are travelling with something other than a standard suitcase or small personal bag, check the operator's rules before you travel. Special items can have separate restrictions, fees, packing requirements or reservation requirements.
Bicycles
Bicycle policies vary between train companies. Some operators require bicycle reservations, while others may restrict bicycles during busy periods or require them to be folded.
Musical Instruments
Musical instruments may be permitted if they can be safely stored without obstructing other passengers. Larger instruments may have additional requirements or restrictions.
Sports Equipment
Sports equipment such as skis, surfboards, golf equipment and other large items may be subject to special conditions. Always check the operator's policy before travelling.
Mobility Equipment
Passengers travelling with wheelchairs, mobility scooters or other accessibility equipment should check the operator's accessibility and luggage requirements before travelling.
Lost, Damaged or Missing Luggage
If your luggage is lost, damaged or left behind on a train or at a station, contact the relevant train operator or station operator as soon as possible.
The correct procedure depends on where the item was lost and which railway company or station operator is responsible for the location.
Do not assume that MyTrainRoutes can locate or recover your luggage. Lost-property and baggage claims must be handled through the applicable railway company or station operator.
Lost or Damaged Baggage on Amtrak
If you lose an item on an Amtrak train or at an Amtrak station, use Amtrak's official lost-item reporting process. Amtrak also publishes specific information about its baggage liability and claims procedures.
Amtrak Baggage Information | Amtrak Lost & Damaged Baggage Information
Need Help With Your Luggage on a UK Train?
Passengers who are disabled or have restricted mobility and need assistance with luggage can request help through National Rail's Passenger Assist service.
Passenger Assist can help eligible passengers with navigating stations, boarding and leaving trains, changing trains and carrying up to three items of luggage where the luggage can be safely managed by one person.
Check National Rail Passenger Assist
Practical Train Travel Packing Tips
- Label your luggage with your name and contact information.
- Keep important documents, medication and valuables in your personal item.
- Make sure your luggage can be safely lifted and moved when required.
- Keep aisles, doors and emergency areas clear.
- Use designated luggage racks or storage areas whenever available.
- Check special-item rules before bringing bicycles, sports equipment or large instruments.
- Allow extra time at the station if you are travelling with multiple or large bags.
- Check the operator's official policy again shortly before departure because rules can change.
About Baggage Information on MyTrainRoutes
MyTrainRoutes is an independent railway information and travel resource. We do not operate trains, control baggage allowances, provide baggage handling services, or make decisions about whether an item can be carried.
Baggage allowances, size and weight restrictions, checked baggage availability, special-item requirements, prohibited items, baggage fees and lost-property procedures are determined by the applicable railway operator or station operator.
Baggage policies can change and may vary by train, route and service. Always check the official operator website before travelling, particularly if you are carrying large, heavy or special items.
Links on this page lead to external websites operated by railway companies or official rail information services. MyTrainRoutes is not responsible for the content, availability, policies or decisions of external websites.