Train travel: with luggage and pets

According to Redion's holiday barometers, every year more than 10% of Belgians plan to travel by train for their holidays.

But what type of luggage is allowed on the train?
Is the number of suitcases or backpacks limited, as is the case on a plane?
And what should you do if your dog or cat is travelling with you?

Our blogger Alain Dierckx gives us some tips

Travelling by train in Belgium

What luggage is allowed on SNCB trains?

Each traveller can bring three items. The maximum total weight is limited to 30 kg.
Document holders, backpacks and travel suitcases can be brought free of charge and must be stored in the space provided under or above your seat. The same applies to wheelchairs, pushchairs, folding bikes, scooters and sports equipment.
Some trains have separate luggage compartments.
Bikes, Segways and bike trailers are chargeable (€4 per one-way trip).

Are pets allowed on SNCB trains?

Small pets can travel free of charge by train but must be carried in a basket, cage or box with maximum dimensions of 30x30x55 cm. Guide dogs and assistance dogs travel free of charge.
Animals on a lead are chargeable (a fixed cost per one-way trip) and a muzzle is recommended. Of course, they must not disturb or pose a danger to other train users (and they must be clean).

On Eurostar

What luggage is allowed on Eurostar?

On Eurostar (routes between Belgium, France, the Netherlands and Germany), you can bring two pieces of luggage with a maximum size of 75x53x30 cm, plus one piece of hand luggage. All luggage must be labelled and stored in the spaces provided for this purpose. Large items such as bikes, musical instruments and sports equipment must be carried in a case no longer than 2 metres, and you must be able to carry them yourself.

On Eurostar to and from London, luggage with a maximum length of 85 cm (on the longest side) can be carried free of charge. The luggage allowance varies depending on the travel class:

• In Standard and Standard Premier class, you can bring two pieces of luggage and one piece of hand luggage.
• In Business Premier class, you can bring three pieces of luggage and one piece of hand luggage.
• And in all travel classes, children can bring one piece of luggage and one piece of hand luggage.

Are pets allowed on Eurostar?

On the Eurostar to and from London, no animals are allowed. Only guide dogs are admitted if they meet strict conditions. There are strict quarantine rules for animals travelling to the United Kingdom.

On Eurostar (routes between Belgium, France, the Netherlands and Germany), small cats and dogs under 6 kg can travel free of charge in a cage measuring no more than 45x30x25 cm. Guide dogs also travel free of charge but must wear a muzzle. Dogs over 6 kg must wear a muzzle and be kept on a lead (€30 per one-way trip).
Exception: no animals are allowed on the Eurostar Neige (Ski Train) and Eurostar Soleil (Sun Train).

What items are banned on the Eurostar train?

On the Eurostar website, you'll find the list of items you can't bring.

For international travel, you must also take into account applicable customs regulations and import duties.

On trains in Germany

What luggage is allowed by Deutsche Bahn?

In principle, you can bring one suitcase and one piece of hand luggage free of charge. Suitcases, backpacks, laptops, document holders, etc. can be brought free of charge provided they can be stored in the spaces provided for this purpose. The same applies to pushchairs, scooters, folding bikes and orthopaedic equipment. Under no circumstances should the aisle be partially or fully blocked. Each traveller is allowed to bring one bike. In that case, a "bike space" must be booked and paid for.

Are pets allowed on Deutsche Bahn trains?

Small pets can travel free of charge by train but must be carried in a basket, cage or box with maximum dimensions of 30x30x55 cm. Guide dogs and assistance dogs also travel free of charge.
Animals on a lead and wearing a muzzle are chargeable (half the price of their owner's ticket).

On trains in France

What luggage is allowed by the SNCF?

Since February 2024, the French national railway company (SNCF) has introduced luggage restrictions on the InOui high-speed train.
For other types of SNCF trains (INTERCITÉS, OUIGO, TER), different rules may apply. An overview is available on this page of their website.

Are pets allowed on trains in France?

Small pets can travel by train but must be carried in a basket, cage or box with maximum dimensions of 45x30x25 cm. A ticket costs €7. The same price applies to muzzled animals kept on a lead. Guide dogs and assistance dogs travel free of charge.

On trains in the Netherlands

What luggage is allowed by NS (Nederlandse Spoorwegen)?

In principle, you can bring all your luggage free of charge if you can carry it yourself. Your hand luggage must not exceed 85 cm in width, depth or height. Under no circumstances should your luggage take up another seat or block the aisle.

Are pets allowed on trains in the Netherlands?

Small pets can travel free of charge in a basket or cage on domestic trains. This also applies to assistance dogs. For large dogs, you must buy a day ticket for €3.30. A muzzle is advised.

Above, we've limited ourselves to our neighbouring countries.
For other countries, we recommend checking the official website of the railway company for your destination for the most up-to-date information and rates.

Some tips for travelling by train

• Compact, lightweight luggage makes train travel easier and more comfortable.
• For an international trip, book as far in advance as possible, and preferably 3 or 4 months before departure.
• If you're travelling with a pet, choose a time slot during quieter hours. Too many people and too much noise will only add to your animal's stress (and your own).
• If you're bringing special or extra-large items on your trip, it's also best to book in advance.
• Arrive at the station a little earlier to have time to find your way around and take care of certain formalities. Remember that journeys outside the EU may involve additional time for security and identity checks. So arrive at least 1 hour ahead of time.
• Check the relevant websites before departure for any updates.
• Be courteous on the train and don't inconvenience other passengers.

Train travel is particularly handy for city breaks, since stations are largely located in or near city centres. If the distance is too great, don't forget to arrange another means of transport to reach your final destination. Finally, keep in mind that the train is a very eco-friendly means of transport, but its fares are (unfortunately) generally (very) high.

Note: The information given above was accurate at the time this article was published, in April 2024.