Best Luggage For Europe Train Travel (2024) – Must Read Before You Buy
If you’re planning a trip to Europe’s enchanting cities and picturesque countryside, then you know that efficient and reliable luggage is essential for seamless train travel experiences. Navigating the bustling train stations and cobblestone streets requires a sturdy, durable suitcase but also compact and versatile.
Train luggage rules are more relaxed than airline rules, and trains in mainland Europe have no strict luggage limits. There aren’t any weight restrictions for luggage. However, passengers must be able to carry their bags onto the train and put them in the luggage racks without assistance, so make sure they’re not too heavy for you.
In this guide, we have compiled the top ten luggage for Europe train travel based on size requirements and durability, among other key features to make your holiday experience memorable.
Europe Train Travel — Luggage Guide
When travelling by train to Europe, you can take a piece of hand luggage, pushchairs, and prams at no additional charge. The general rule is that travellers should carry one luggage item per passenger and one smaller item of hand luggage.
While some rail operators publish more specific guidelines, they aren’t strictly enforced. However, one cannot be too careful. Labelling your bags is mandatory on all Eurostar and French trains, so affix a label with the passenger’s full name.
Paper labels can normally be found at large stations, but bringing yours is advisable. You can store your bags in the luggage racks at the end of each carriage or overhead compartments. While trains in Europe may be lax on their weight limit, they are fairly strict on the size limits, and there is no assistance.
Eurostar (train travel to Paris, Brussels, Lille, Amsterdam, and Rotterdam, as well as connecting destinations in France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany), allows each adult two pieces of luggage each, each measuring up to 85cm, so large suitcases are no problem.
On Italo, passengers travelling on Smart fares must-have bags under 75 x 30 x 30cm. Any piece exceeding these dimensions can not be brought on board.
For Thalys (train travel to Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam and Cologne), you are permitted one carry-on bag and two pieces of luggage under 75 x 53 x 30 cm.
On the AVE, a piece of luggage is considered to be any hand-carried item that does not contain hazardous items or items that can be a nuisance to other passengers (e.g. knives, weapons, harmful substances etc.). Whereas on TGV & TGV Lyria (France, Switzerland), each passenger can take 2 bags or suitcases plus 1 piece of hand luggage.
TGV (France – Spain), on the other hand, has a weight limit of 25kg. You can travel with up to three pieces of luggage, each not more than 85 x 55 x 35cm max.
Top 10 Luggage For European Travel
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Best Carry On |
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Best Hardside Luggage |
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Best Value For Money |
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Editor's Choice |
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Best Softside Luggage |
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Traveler's Choice Pagosa Indestructible
- Product Dimensions: 28 x 18 x 10 inches
- Weight: 8.24 pounds
- Department:unisex-adult
- Colour: Baby Blue
- Model number: TC09157B26
Overview
This Travelers Choice suitcase has a textured polypropylene hard shell that is resistant to abrasion, scratches, and water. Spinner wheels enable 360-degree rolling manoeuvrability through airports and crowded areas also helping in picking up from airport.
The expansion gusset provides up to 2″ of additional space to make packaging a breeze. 22-inch Carry-On Spinner has a built-in USB port, a Type C port, and an interior power bank compartment, allowing for a fast connection and charge of your portable electronic device.
Special Features
Polypropylene exterior is impervious to wear, scratches, and moisture. The two-inch expandable gusset makes packing a breeze.
Standard Size for Carry-On Bags, 22″ The built-in USB port, Type C port, and internal power bank compartment of the Spinner allow you to quickly connect and charge your portable electronic device. 9″ wide x 3.5″ long x 1″ deep describes the size of the power bank storage container. Battery pack sold separately.
There are numerous zippered compartments inside the spacious main compartment. The #10 self-repairing zippers are extremely sturdy. Clothes are held in place by internal compression straps.
- This suitcase has 360 degree spinner wheels, making navigation a breeze.
- The bag’s push-button telescoping handle with multiple extension lengths.
- Rubber grab grips on the top and either side make it simple to lift and transport heavy loads
- The suitcase is not as sturdy as some other Travelers Choice suitcases.
DELSEY Paris Titanium Hardside Expandable
- Product Dimensions: 19 x 13 x 9.75 inches
- Weight: 7.9 pounds
- Department: unisex-adult
- Colour: Silver
- Item model number: 00207180111
Overview:
Delsey Paris’ Helium Titanium Collection is scratch-resistant since it is 100% polycarbonate and has a matte metallic finish. This carry-on is designed to fit in the overhead compartments of both foreign and domestic airlines and is ideal for Europe train travel.
The suitcase comes with a special front laptop compartment that can hold a laptop in checked luggage of up to 15.6 inches in screen size.
Special features
This bag’s four double-spinner wheels are offset from the bag’s centre of gravity to provide the bag with a broader, more solid platform for rolling.
The bag’s dual-locking trolley handle, as well as its top and side carry handles, make it a breeze to transport.
A 3-dial TSA-approved lock is concealed inside the case’s side, preventing it from being damaged during a routine airport security check.
The suitcase expands up to 2 inches for additional packing space.
- This carry-on bag has a 2-inch expansion capacity and is completely lined,
- The suitcase has two packing sections with tie-down straps and a zipped divider to keep your belongings from moving around during transit.
- There is a secure zipped compartment that protects your valuables.
- The suitcase keeps items secure and wrinkle-free with the two large fully-lined compartments and web straps.
- There are no locks for the laptop zippered compartment
DELSEY Paris Chatelet Hard+ Hardside
- Product Dimensions: 27.5 x 12.5 x 20 inches
- Weight: 12.6 pounds
- Colour: Chocolate Brown
- Department: Unisex-adult
- Model Number:40167082015
Overview
Named after the famous central district of Paris, the timeless and elegant spinner luggage, Chatelet Air, offers leather-like accents and a deluxe interior. It is made from virgin polycarbonate formulated to achieve the highest extreme temperature and impact resistance standards.
The Delsey Paris Chatelet is an excellent option for a suitcase that blends elegance and functionality.
Special Features
The four-spinner wheel suitcase has a variety of well-matched colours to suit every taste.
The external polycarbonate shell is covered with faux leather accents.
The deluxe interior features a removable hanger, laundry and shoe bag areas, and two large lined compartments with web straps to keep items secure and wrinkle-free.
The lightweight suitcase is well-fitted and environmentally friendly, enabling the elderly to travel elegantly while limiting any negative environmental impact.
- As a carry-on, the Delsey Paris Chatelet will easily pass through the airport without worrying about going over the airline’s weight restriction.
- The suitcase can fit into the overhead compartment.
- The Chatelet suitcase comes with a 10-year limited warranty.
- The checked luggage has received top ratings from the large majority of people who have bought it, and with proper care, it has the potential to last a long time.
LEVEL8 Grace Carry On Luggage
- Product Dimensions: 14.5 x 9.4 x 21.8 inches
- Weight: 10.34 pounds
- Colour: Blue
- Department: unisex-adult
- Model Number: LA-6576-06T00
Overview
Level 8 is a relatively young brand, and the Grace carry-on luggage is the best compartment luggage for business flights with the separate laptop/iPad compartment. The shell is built of excellent PC+ABS materials and has a 3-layer micro-diamond textured surface for anti-scratch technology and exceptional durability while being very lightweight.
Special Features
The beauty of this suitcase is the front laptop compartment to helps you safely store and access electronics. You can easily separate your electronics from clothing.
The suitcase expands an extra 2 inches to give more packing room.
The interior of this suitcase features cross straps, multi pockets and dividers to keep belongings neatly organised.
- The luggage has a zippered divider and a lined packing section to help maintain organisation.
- The suitcase is sturdy, and the zipper and handles hold up very well.
- Very practical and comfortable to move because the four double wheels allow easy movements.
- Aesthetically beautiful.
- The suitcase usually comes locked, and the default unlock code may not work.
- It may only fit into the overhead bins of some flights, especially international flights.
Wrangler Smart Luggage Set
- Patented 3-in-1 Utility Design: Features a built-in (1) cup holder, (2) USB port, and (3) phone holder for ultimate travel convenience
- Effortless Mobility: Equipped with 4 multi-directional spinner wheels, allowing 360º smooth and easy maneuverability
- Expandable Capacity: Offers the option to expand, providing extra packing space for longer journeys or souvenirs
- Easy Carrying and Transport: Comes with top and side handles, making it convenient to lift and move the luggage around
- Stable and versatile: Designed with 4 side studs to allow the luggage to be laid on its side without tipping over, ensuring stability during travel
- Patented 3-in-1 Utility Design: Features a built-in (1) cup holder, (2) USB port, and (3) phone holder for ultimate travel convenience
- Effortless Mobility: Equipped with 4 multi-directional spinner wheels, allowing 360º smooth and easy maneuverability
- Expandable Capacity: Offers the option to expand, providing extra packing space for longer journeys or souvenirs
- Easy Carrying and Transport: Comes with top and side handles, making it convenient to lift and move the luggage around
- Stable and versatile: Designed with 4 side studs to allow the luggage to be laid on its side without tipping over, ensuring stability during travel
KENNETH COLE Out of Bounds
- Product Dimensions: 14.5 x 8.5 x 21.75 inches
- Weight: 6.25 pounds
- Colour: Rose Gold
- Department: unisex-adultModel Number: 5705047
Overview:
This lightweight, robust hard side carry-on luggage from Kenneth Cole Reaction’s “Out Of Bounds” collection features a roomy, fully lined interior and moulded corner guard reinforcements for optimal impact resistance, garment restraints to keep your belongings in place, and moulded corner guard that allows the suitcase to stand upright on its side; this carry-on travel suitcase is loaded with features.
The robust ABS used in the construction of this baggage is lightweight while still being extremely scratch- and impact-resistant.
Special Features
There are moulded corner guard reinforcements for optimal impact resistance.
The carry-on suitcases have multi-directional, 4-wheel spinners, enabling smooth, 360-degree rotation over any terrain.
There is a little loop on the main compartment zipper pullers, so you can use a TSA lock or padlock for further security.
- The lockable, extendable handle of the trolley can be extended to a maximum height of 41 inches for your convenience.
- Lightweight construction helps you adhere to airline weight restrictions and avoid unnecessary airport fees.
- You can store this 20-inch carry-on in the overhead compartments of most domestic and international airlines without hassle.
- The bag may not be impact resistant as it easily breaks under pressure.
- When fully loaded, you may find the wheels very difficult to manoeuvre in difficult terrains, especially in carpeted areas.
Travelers Club Midtown Hardside 4-Piece
- Product Dimensions: 16 x 12 x 26 inches
- Weight: 17 pounds
- Department: unisex-adult
- Colour: Tan
- Item model number: TCL-21604
Overview:
The Travelers club midtown is an ideal European train travel luggage because of its size and how the wheels move smoothly and silenty, helping you quickly move on any terrain. The bag fits perfectly in different European trains and under plane seats. Say goodbye to messy and intertwined clothing with this travel luggage set.
Special Features
This suitcase is made from 100 percent ABS hardshell and the hardshell is made from 600D polyester
The set comes with a boarding tote and travel kit
360 degrees four spinner wheels.
The luggage has an expandable feature
Push-button recessed locking handle system
Fully lined interior with accessory pocket
- The spinner wheels allow complete upright mobility for free weight mobility.
- The bag expands for extra packing capacity.
- The wheels are a bit flimsy and do not roll as expected
Coolife Luggage 3 Piece Set Suitcase
- Product Dimensions: 18.7 x 16.6 x 12.4 inches
- Weight: 25.15 Pounds
- Colour: Silver3
Overview:
This Coolife expandablesuitcase is the go-to whether you want to pack light with the best suitcase or plan a vacation, go with luggage that’s durable and easy to carry. This set is lightweight and durable 100% ABS material, with an impact-resistant hard shell and moulded corner guard reinforcements for absorbing and deflecting shock for maximum impact resistance.
Special Features
This luggage set has solid, strong zippers, a tough corner guard and a three-step telescoping handle.
The luggage has a scratch-resistant finish.
Soft-touch top and side handles for comfortable carry
- This suitcase is expandable for up to 15% additional packing capacity.
- No need to worry about broken locks as the in-built TSA combination lock provides peace of mind when checking cases through security.
- You can easily manoeuvre the luggage thanks to its four double-spinner wheels.
- Unlike other rolling luggage that rolls just forwards and backwards—or spinner luggage with single and double wheels, the Coolife spinner luggage offers superior strength and glides effortlessly in any direction.
- The luggage set is made from extra strong ABS material for enhanced strength.
- Not all the suitcases are expandable. It is important to read before purchasing.
Amazon Basics 24-Inch Hardside Spinner
- Product Dimensions: 16.73 x 10.63 x 23.62 inches
- Weight: 9.37 pounds
- Colour: Black
- Department: unisex-adult
- Model Number: N989
Overview
This compact, best hard shell luggage set is perfect for overnight stays, weeklong excursions, or weekend getaways. The lightweight luggage is resistant to scratches and has an extra-thick ABS hard shell to keep your belongings safe. The mobility in either direction is effortless on the four double-spinner wheels, thanks to its robust telescopic handle and securely attached short handle.
Special Features
The suitcase is conveniently portable thanks to its four double wheels and retractable handle.
Up to a fifteen per cent expansion capacity;
The luggage has a divider-lined inside and three outside zippered compartments for accessories.
- There are three zipped compartments for stowing smaller items, and the inside is lined with 150D polyester and divided into two sections.
- You can make more room for storage by extending the length for easy rolling.
- This lightweight Amazon Basics luggage has no TSA lock or smart features.
Rockland Fashion Softside Upright Luggage
- Product Dimensions: 8 x 13 x 19 inches
- Weight: 1 pounds
- Department: unisex-adult
- Colour: Black/Gray
- Item model number: F102-BLACK/GRAY
Overview
The deluxe 2-piece Rockland fashion soft side luggage set is crafted from a patent-protected, heavy-duty, eva-moulded, hi-count fabric. This set is ideal for the dedicated and seasoned traveller. This travel bag is constructed with polyester and PVC lining for durability.
This set of luggage includes three expandable uprights and a flight container. This rolling carry-on bag features an exquisitely imprinted interior lining, a detachable and adjustable non-slip shoulder strap, a spacious main compartment, and industrial hardware of the highest strength.
Special Features
This luggage set features a retractable handle on the interior, ez-roll in-line skate wheels, rear zippered compartments, top and side comfort grasp handles, stability bars at the bottom to prevent tipping, and locks and keys.
Each upright’s interior is completely lined with a durable and elegantly imprinted lining and heavy-duty silver pewter industrial hardware.
- The travel bag’s transparent in-line skate wheel system helps for a smooth ride.
- The self-locking retractable handle system has a push button, and the upright expands an extra 2 inches in depth to maximise packing capacity.
- The padded top and side handles are ergonomic and comfortable to grip,
- The travel bag has two front full-size zippered pockets and three internal organisational pockets for all your travel necessities.
- The telescoping handle stows away conveniently and allows for easy manoeuvring when extended.
- The luggage tips over when fully packed.
What to Pack for An European Train Travel
- A Retractable-Cable Lock
If your backpack doesn’t have a lock that can pass through security scanners (TSA-approved lock), consider purchasing a retractable cable lock.
- Compression bags
Using compression packs to remove air from your garments is a great way to free up space in your suitcase for gifts and other mementoes.
- European Travel Plug Adapter
A European-style adapter is required to power electrical devices from the United States, Canada, Australia, or the United Kingdom.
- Travel Insurance for Europe
No one prays for mishaps, but it’s always good to prepare for rainy days by purchasing European backpacking insurance if you plan backpacking. It is advisable to get some kind of travel insurance.
- Travel Umbrella
An umbrella is one of those essential eco friendly travel items you forget to bring but end up needing desperately. Don’t think twice when packing for your European trip; just pack a portable umbrella.
Conclusion
In this guide, we have detailed the top hard and soft luggage options that will make your European train journey a breeze, helping you pack smarter and travel with ease.
Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or you’re embarking on your first adventure, we have carefully selected a range of luggage options to suit your specific needs.
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Chiamaka is a trained communication professional and a talented wordsmith with a knack for crafting captivating stories about people, products and services that add value . With pen in hand and a mind brimming with endless creativity, she has honed her skills as a skilled author. Her heart truly lies in the enchanting realm of travel. From alluring destinations and travel luggage to awe-inspiring adventures, she has had the pleasure of weaving words that transport people to far-flung destinations. She is passionate about traveling to new destinations and exploring fascinating cultures and landscapes.