Complete Guide to Eurostar Luggage Rules and Allowances
This guide covers everything you need to know about Eurostar luggage: how much you can bring, what size it needs to be, what's banned, and how to move through security without any drama.
Packing for a Eurostar train trip feels dramatically different from packing for a flight. No wrestling your shampoo into a tiny plastic bag. Nosneaking your suitcase past the gate agent. No €50 surprise fee because your bag is three kilos over. Eurostar's luggage policy is genuinely one of the nicest things about the service — but there are rules, and a few of them catch first-time passengers off guard.
Eurostar Luggage Allowance: What You Get with Each Ticket
The number of bags you're allowed depends on your ticket class. Eurostar rebranded its fare tiers in late 2024, so if you're used to the old names, here's the updated version:
Standard and Plus passengers can bring two large bags plus one small piece of hand luggage. That hand luggage covers things like a handbag, laptop bag, briefcase, or small backpack — something that fits under the seat or on the overhead rack. It's not a third full-sized bag.
Premier passengers get three large bags plus that same hand luggage allowance. If you're travelling with a lot of gear, or just want to bring a separate suit carrier, Premier gives you that extra breathing room.
Children (aged 4–11) are allowed one large bag and one piece of hand luggage — a smaller allowance than adults, so it's worth keeping that in mind when packing for a family trip.
No weight limit applies to any ticket type. Pack your bag heavy and Eurostar won't care, as long as you can carry it yourself. There's no porter service at stations, and staff aren't required to help lift bags into racks, so be realistic about what you can actually manage.
Premier passengers get three large bags plus that same hand luggage allowance. If you're travelling with a lot of gear, or just want to bring a separate suit carrier, Premier gives you that extra breathing room.
Children (aged 4–11) are allowed one large bag and one piece of hand luggage — a smaller allowance than adults, so it's worth keeping that in mind when packing for a family trip.
No weight limit applies to any ticket type. Pack your bag heavy and Eurostar won't care, as long as you can carry it yourself. There's no porter service at stations, and staff aren't required to help lift bags into racks, so be realistic about what you can actually manage.
Eurostar Luggage Size Rules: The 85 cm Rule Explained
The key measurement to know is 85 cm. On routes to and from London (St Pancras to Paris, Brussels, or Amsterdam), each large bag must be no longer than 85 cm at its widest point, with maximum dimensions of 85 x 53 x 30 cm. That covers virtually any standard checked suitcase or large rolling bag — most airline-size suitcases sit comfortably within those limits. On services that don't involve London — Paris to Brussels, for example, or Amsterdam to Rotterdam — the allowed bag size drops to 75 x 53 x 30 cm. Still generous, but worth checking if you're hopping between continental cities without going through St Pancras. Oversized items (longer than 85 cm) can sometimes still travel but must go through Eurostar's Registered Luggage Service, at a cost, and this isn't available from every station. More on that below.
What's Not Allowed: Eurostar Luggage Restrictions and Prohibited Items
Prohibited Items
A number of items are banned outright and can't travel on Eurostar under any circumstances:
A number of items are banned outright and can't travel on Eurostar under any circumstances:
- Firearms (including replicas and deactivated guns that look real)
- Military shells and artillery casings — even decorative ones, even if you bought them as souvenirs. These cause station evacuations regularly and Eurostar takes them very seriously.
- Explosives and flammable substances
- E-scooters and hoverboards, including their batteries, on London routes
- Lithium e-bike batteries carried separately from the e-bike
- Sharp objects like knives, scissors, and tools in the cabin (these can travel as registered luggage if pre-arranged)
- Perishable food items under certain customs restrictions — particularly relevant now that the UK and EU have separate rules
As of April 2025, milk, dairy products, and certain meats from the EU are temporarily restricted from being brought into the UK due to foot-and-mouth disease concerns. Check the UK government's GOV.UK for the current list before packing food.
The Liquids Rule (or Rather, the Lack of One)
Here's something that genuinely surprises people: there's no 100 ml liquids restriction on Eurostar. You can bring a full-size bottle of shampoo, a 750 ml bottle of wine, or a large water bottle — none of it needs to be decanted or left behind. Alcohol is permitted within certain quantity limits, but standard personal amounts are fine.
Sharp Objects and Tools
Penknives, kitchen knives, scissors, and tools are not permitted in the cabin. If you need to travel with any of these, they can be sent as registered luggage by prior arrangement — but you'll need to plan ahead rather than turning up on the day.
Penknives, kitchen knives, scissors, and tools are not permitted in the cabin. If you need to travel with any of these, they can be sent as registered luggage by prior arrangement — but you'll need to plan ahead rather than turning up on the day.
Sports Equipment, Bikes, and Musical Instruments
Bikes
Folding bikes travel free of charge as long as they're packed in a bike bag. Non-folding bikes can be transported on selected services using the Registered Luggage Service — spaces are limited, so booking ahead is essential, especially during summer. Disassembled bikes in a non-rigid cover with maximum dimensions of 135 x 85 x 30 cm are also an option.
Folding bikes travel free of charge as long as they're packed in a bike bag. Non-folding bikes can be transported on selected services using the Registered Luggage Service — spaces are limited, so booking ahead is essential, especially during summer. Disassembled bikes in a non-rigid cover with maximum dimensions of 135 x 85 x 30 cm are also an option.
Skis and Snowboards
Eurostar runs a seasonal ski train from London St Pancras to the French Alps (Chambéry, Moûtiers, Landry, Bourg-St-Maurice and others), with services running on Saturdays from December through early April. On any Eurostar service, skis and snowboards travel in addition to your regular luggage allowance — they don't count against your two bags. They need to be in a protective case that fully covers them, with straps attached.
Eurostar runs a seasonal ski train from London St Pancras to the French Alps (Chambéry, Moûtiers, Landry, Bourg-St-Maurice and others), with services running on Saturdays from December through early April. On any Eurostar service, skis and snowboards travel in addition to your regular luggage allowance — they don't count against your two bags. They need to be in a protective case that fully covers them, with straps attached.
Musical Instruments
Instruments under 85 cm can travel as part of your standard luggage allowance. Instruments between 85 cm and 136 cm need to be sent via the Registered Luggage Service. Anything larger — a double bass, a large cello — requires advance contact with Eurostar's customer service team to arrange.
Instruments under 85 cm can travel as part of your standard luggage allowance. Instruments between 85 cm and 136 cm need to be sent via the Registered Luggage Service. Anything larger — a double bass, a large cello — requires advance contact with Eurostar's customer service team to arrange.
Onboard Luggage Storage: Where Do Your Bags Actually Go?
Once you're on the train, there are a few places to put bags:
Overhead racks above every row of seats handle smaller bags and hand luggage fairly well. They're not as deep as airline overhead bins, so anything bulkier goes better in the dedicated luggage areas.
Overhead racks above every row of seats handle smaller bags and hand luggage fairly well. They're not as deep as airline overhead bins, so anything bulkier goes better in the dedicated luggage areas.
Luggage areas at the ends of each carriage are where suitcases live. These are open racks — not locked, not tagged — so keep your bags in view when you can, and don't leave passports or valuables in them. A luggage strap or small padlock gives extra peace of mind on busier journeys.
There's no assigned storage space, which means it's first-come, first-served. Arriving early before boarding makes a real difference on busy services — you'll have a much better chance of getting your bag close to your seat rather than at the far end of the carriage.
Eurostar Security: What Happens to Your Luggage
Eurostar goes through a security process that's more like a small airport than a regular train station. At London St Pancras and the Paris and Brussels terminals, passengers queue through security screening before boarding — bags go through an X-ray scanner and you'll walk through a metal detector or body scanner. Compared to airport security, it's genuinely quicker. The typical wait at Eurostar security runs around 2–5 minutes outside peak periods. Laptops can usually stay in your bag (though follow any instructions on the day), shoes stay on, and there's no liquid restriction to navigate. Allow at least 30 minutes before departure to get through check-in, passport control, and security — 45 minutes is more comfortable during busy periods.
Eurostar's Registered Luggage Service
Practical Tips for Travelling with Luggage on Eurostar
A few things that make a real difference:
Label Every Bag Clearly
Ideally with your name and seat number as well as contact details.
Arrive 45 Minutes Before Departure
Platform access closes earlier than you might expect.
Pack Less Than You Think You Need
Two large bags is actually a lot, and you're carrying all of it yourself.
Consider Sending Large Bags Ahead
If you're doing a multi-city trip and don't want to drag suitcases through Paris or Brussels on the Metro
Check Current Food Import Rules
If you're crossing from the EU to the UK, as restrictions change
Pros and Cons of Travelling with Luggage on Eurostar
What works well: No weight limit and no checked bag fees makes Eurostar significantly more relaxed than flying for most passengers. The two-bag allowance covers the majority of trips without any extras. No liquids restriction is a genuine quality-of-life improvement. Arriving in the centre of Paris or Brussels without a baggage carousel wait is a real advantage, especially for shorter trips.
Where it gets tricky: Luggage storage on board is first-come, first-served, which creates pressure during busy departures. There's no porter service, so everything is on you — literally. Oversized items require advance planning and fees. During peak summer services and holiday periods, the luggage areas fill up fast and late arrivals sometimes struggle to find space.
FAQ: Eurostar Luggage Questions
Standard and Plus passengers can bring two large bags (up to 85 cm in length on London routes) plus one small piece of hand luggage. Premier passengers get three large bags plus hand luggage. There's no weight limit, but you must be able to carry and store your own bags.
No. Eurostar doesn't impose a weight limit on any ticket type. The condition is that you must be able to carry and lift your bags yourself — there's no porter service and staff aren't required to help.
Yes. There's no 100 ml liquids rule on Eurostar. You can bring full-size toiletries, bottled water, and wine without any restrictions. Alcohol is permitted in personal quantities.
On London routes, each large bag can be up to 85 x 53 x 30 cm. On continental services (not involving London), the limit is 75 x 53 x 30 cm. Your hand luggage item should fit under the seat or in the overhead rack.
Folding bikes travel free in a bike bag. Non-folding bikes can be transported on selected services via the Registered Luggage Service, with advance booking required. Spaces are limited, especially in summer.
Prohibited items include firearms (real and replica), military shells and artillery casings, explosives, e-scooters, separately carried e-bike batteries, and sharp objects in the cabin. Some food items are also restricted depending on current UK-EU customs rules. Check Eurostar's official prohibited items list before travelling.
Allow at least 45 minutes before departure to get through check-in, passport control, and security. Arriving earlier during peak travel periods helps you secure better luggage storage space on board.
Items over 85 cm in length need to be handled through the Registered Luggage Service for an additional fee. The service is available on selected London to Paris and London to Brussels trains. Oversized items must be transported in a case no longer than 200 cm. Non-compliant items may be refused boarding or charged €30 per item.
Book your Eurostar tickets through Rail.Ninja to compare routes, check availability, and secure the best fares for your next trip between London and Europe. For most travellers doing a weekend break or a week-long trip, the Eurostar luggage policy is straightforwardly better than flying. For big family trips with lots of gear, or anyone travelling with specialist equipment, some advance planning makes the whole experience much smoother.