Deutsche Bahn luggage - what you should consider when traveling by train
Travelling with Deutsche Bahn offers a comfortable and environmentally friendly way to travel. To ensure your train journey goes smoothly, it is important to bear a few things in mind regarding your luggage.
Are you planning a train journey, or are you considering doing without a plane or car on your next trip? If so, here are a few useful tips for you on the subject of Deutsche Bahn luggage.
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How much luggage am I allowed to take on Deutsche Bahn trains?
When travelling with Deutsche Bahn, you are allowed to take one additional larger item of luggage free of charge alongside your hand luggage, provided you can carry it yourself. In principle, up to three easily portable items of luggage are permitted, provided they can be stowed safely above or below the seat or in the luggage racks provided. No luggage reservation is required for this. It is advisable to check the exact regulations on the official Deutsche Bahn website before your journey to find out about any changes or special arrangements.
What are you allowed to carry on the train?
You are allowed to carry a wide variety of items and pieces of luggage on a Deutsche Bahn train. When travelling with Deutsche Bahn, you can take a whole host of items and luggage with you. To ensure that all passengers feel safe and comfortable, there are a few important rules and guidelines that we should follow.
If you’re travelling with larger items of luggage that don’t fit in the overhead compartment above your seat, you can stow them on the luggage racks provided. These include, for example, larger suitcases and travel bags. Make sure you can carry your luggage yourself and stow it safely. Aisles, doors and emergency exits must remain clear at all times.
Deutsche Bahn also allows the carriage of special luggage such as bicycles, pushchairs or bulky sports equipment. Specific requirements apply depending on the item and the type of train. For example, to take a bicycle on a long-distance train, you’ll need a bicycle ticket and a reserved space. Here you’ll find further information on permitted items in addition to suitcases, Trolley and travel bags.
How to stow your luggage on Deutsche Bahn
Even if it doesn’t seem so at first glance, there are several ways to stow your luggage on a Deutsche Bahn train. For example, you can simply store your luggage under your seat. Of course, it mustn’t be too bulky for this. Soft luggage, such as a rucksack or a travel bag, is ideal for this.
Of course, Deutsche Bahn also provides luggage racks for your luggage. Depending on the type of train, you’ll find these in the entrance areas, between the rows of seats or in the open-plan compartments. Smaller items of luggage can often be stowed above your seat. If you are unable to keep your suitcase or travel bag in sight, it is advisable to choose one with a secure lock. A TSA lock can protect the contents from unauthorised opening. However, a lock does not protect your luggage from theft on Deutsche Bahn, so you should keep an eye on it whenever possible.
What sort of luggage is suitable for travelling with Deutsche Bahn?
Whether you’re planning a short city break or a longer trip, choosing the right luggage plays an important role in making your train journey pleasant and stress-free. The ideal luggage for a train journey is characterised by practicality, ample storage space and comfort. A low weight is also a clear advantage, ensuring you can carry your luggage comfortably.
Rucksack: A rucksack is a practical option, especially for shorter trips or day trips. Choose a rucksack with plenty of compartments and good padding for comfort and organisation. Make sure the rucksack isn’t too big and fits easily under the seat or in the luggage rack.
Hand luggage: A small, handy suitcase is ideal for short trips or weekend getaways. This type of suitcase offers enough space for essential clothing, personal items and travel essentials, whilst remaining light and easy to handle.
Travel bag: A travel bag or a wheeled travel bag is ideal for longer journeys. They offer plenty of space for clothes, shoes and personal items. Our travel bags are robust and, depending on the model, feature sturdy wheels to make them easy to manoeuvre across platforms and onto the train.
Does Deutsche Bahn offer a luggage service?
Yes, you can book the Hermes luggage delivery service via bahn.de; the contractual partner is Hermes.
The Hermes luggage delivery service offers you a convenient and reliable solution for transporting your luggage. Whether it’s suitcases, travel bags or bicycles, the luggage service allows you to have your luggage transported from door to door. You can either have your luggage conveniently sent from your chosen location to your destination or drop it off at a Hermes PaketShop. Drop-off at a PaketShop costs €19.95 (up to 25 kg), whilst collection from your front door costs €24.95 (up to 31.5 kg).
By using the Hermes luggage delivery service, you can make your journey even more enjoyable and focus on what really matters. You can find information on the exact terms and conditions, current costs and booking options here on the Hermes luggage delivery page at bahn.de.
We wish you a safe and pleasant journey with Deutsche Bahn. Enjoy the comfort and convenience of travelling by train, whilst our suitcases keep your luggage safe and ensure you have a worry-free travel experience.
Frequently asked questions about luggage on Deutsche Bahn
How much luggage are you allowed to take on the ICE?
The same rules apply on the ICE as on all Deutsche Bahn trains: in addition to your cabin baggage , you may take one additional larger item of luggage free of charge, provided you can carry it yourself. In principle, you can take up to three easily portable items of luggage, which you can stow above or below your seat or on the luggage rack. You do not need to make a reservation for your luggage.
What size of suitcase fits on the train?
Deutsche Bahn states no fixed suitcase dimensions ; you do not need to weigh or measure your luggage before travelling. The important thing is that you can carry the suitcase yourself and stow it on the train. Place small suitcases and rucksacks in the overhead rack above your seat; place large suitcases in the luggage rack.
How do you send a suitcase by train?
Via bahn.de, you can have your suitcase delivered door-to-door within Germany. You can arrange for it to be collected from your chosen location or drop it off at a Hermes PaketShop. The service is now booked as ‘Hermes Luggage Delivery’, with Hermes as the contractual partner. Dropping off at a PaketShop costs €19.95 (up to 25 kg), whilst collection from your front door costs €24.95 (up to 31.5 kg).
Are you allowed to take a bicycle on long-distance trains?
Yes, on designated long-distance trains, you can take your bike with you using a long-distance cycle ticket and a space reservation. On local services, you’ll need a ticket from the ‘Deutschlandtarif’ cycle ticket range, unless carrying a cycle is already free of charge on that service. You may take folding bikes and e-scooters on board when folded, just like normal luggage.
How do you protect your luggage from theft on the train?
According to Deutsche Bahn, you are responsibleYou should therefore store suitcases and bags within sight wherever possible and keep valuables in a rucksack right next to your seat. A suitcase with a TSA lock protects the contents from unauthorised access, but does not prevent anyone from taking the whole suitcase.
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