Eurostar luggage: rules, dimensions and tips

21 October 2026 · Updated on 11 November 2026, by Miquell Hellings
6 min read

Travelling by Eurostar is usually much easier with luggage than flying. You often do not have a classic weight allowance, and liquids are less complicated too. Still, you will want to know three things in advance: how many items you can take, which travel bag dimensions apply and what you may or may not bring on board. If you are travelling to London, there is something important to consider as well: extra security checks, border control and customs rules. For short trips, weekend bags are often ideal: compact, easy to carry and spacious enough for a few days.

Go straight to the collection: Weekend Bags

Luggage rules by route and ticket type at a glance

Route or ticket type	Standard luggage allowance	Dimensions for larger luggage	Important to know
Continental Eurostar routes, such as Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam and Cologne	Usually 2 larger items + 1 piece of hand luggage	Generally a maximum of 75 x 53 x 30 cm per large item	Luggage is normally included in your ticket. If you search for Thalys luggage dimensions, this usually refers to these Eurostar routes now.
To or from London with Standard or Plus	Usually 2 larger items + 1 small piece of hand luggage	Generally a maximum of 85 cm on the longest side	Extra security checks, passport control and border formalities apply. The standard allowance is different from the rules for unusual or extra luggage.
To or from London with Premier	Often 3 larger items + 1 small piece of hand luggage	Here too, generally a maximum of 85 cm on the longest side	The amount of luggage allowed depends on the route and ticket type. Always check your booking confirmation and the latest terms and conditions.

No official weight limit, but there is a practical limit

With Eurostar, luggage is usually less about kilos than it is with airlines. There is generally no fixed weighing moment like at the airport. The practical limit is simple: you must be able to carry your luggage yourself, take it through the station and store it on the train. Packing too much mainly causes inconvenience for you.

Liquids, food and drinks: easy on board, stricter at the British border

For the train itself, there is normally no airport-style 100 ml rule. You can usually bring a bottle of water, shampoo, perfume or other toiletries without having to use travel-size containers for everything. If you are travelling to London, you must distinguish between what you can bring on board and what you can take across the British border. A snack, lunch or bottle of wine is usually no problem on the train, but after Brexit there may be separate rules for bringing goods into the United Kingdom, especially larger quantities of alcohol. Therefore, always check the latest UK border and customs information shortly before departure.

Allowed and prohibited items without any hassle

Usually allowed: laptop, phone, chargers, power bank, headphones, snacks and a water bottle.
Not allowed: weapons, ammunition, explosives and flammable or other dangerous substances.
Not sure? Security staff may refuse items if they are unsafe or do not meet the rules, especially on routes with border control.

Bicycle, pushchair and pets: the exceptions explained

Folding bicycle: often allowed if folded compactly and preferably packed for transport.
Dismantled bicycle: sometimes possible in a cover or bike case, but this does not automatically count as standard luggage.
Regular bicycle: usually depends on the route or requires a separate procedure, so do not assume the same rules as for a suitcase.
Folding pushchair: usually allowed and often placed with the larger luggage.
Pets: not allowed on many Eurostar routes. Assistance dogs are the main exception. For special luggage or unusual dimensions, always check the latest route conditions in advance.

Travelling to London? Allow time for security, border control and extra checks

Eurostar works differently for London than for many continental train journeys. Before boarding, you go through security, passport control and border formalities. It is therefore a good idea to arrive at the station earlier and keep your ticket and travel documents easy to reach. It is simpler than checking in for a flight, but there are extra checks. Just before departure, also check the app or the station for boarding times, gates and changes.

Where do you store your luggage on board?

Smaller bags usually go in the rack above your seat. Larger suitcases and travel bags are usually placed in the luggage racks near the entrance or at the end of the carriage. The luggage rules are flexible, but space on board is limited, especially on busy trains. If you would like to sit close to your suitcase, choose a seat near a luggage rack where possible and board on time.

Pack smart for Eurostar without carrying more than necessary

Pack compactly and keep your luggage easy to handle, even without an official weight limit. Stairs, platforms and transfers can quickly feel heavier than you expect.
A compact suitcase, a travel bag with or without wheels or a sturdy backpack is often more convenient than one large, heavy bag. Handy luggage organisers such as packing cubes keep cables, toiletries and documents organised. These are exactly the practical travel solutions you will find plenty of at ByMetz.
Keep essentials such as your passport, wallet, charger and snacks separate in a small bag, so you do not have to keep opening your large suitcase.
On Eurostar, you usually do not have the airport routine of separate liquid bags and trays for electronics, so packing smart can be a little easier.

A few more practical questions before departure

These are two short points that often come up shortly before departure.

Are you responsible for your own luggage?

Yes. You remain responsible for your suitcases and bags during the journey. It is therefore better to keep valuables such as your passport, phone, laptop and wallet with you rather than in a large luggage rack. In the event of loss or theft, the carrier is not automatically liable. A luggage tag also helps you quickly recognise your bag or suitcase on the platform and on the train.

Does Eurostar have Wi-Fi on board?

Wi-Fi is available on many Eurostar trains, although the quality or availability may vary by route, train and journey. It is useful for travel updates or messages, but do not rely on it completely. Make sure your tickets and travel documents are also available offline on your phone or printed out.