Trains and domestic flights treat luggage differently. On trains there is a published limit that is rarely enforced; on flights the allowance depends on the fare you buy. Check both before you pack, and pack one bag per person that you can lift yourself.
It can be stressful to haul a suitcase through a station. A small amount of planning at home makes it much lighter.
What are the rules on trains?
The official luggage limit is 20 kg for adults and 10 kg for children, with each item at most 130 cm on C, D and G trains, though bags are rarely weighed[1].
Expect X-ray bag checks at station entrances, and arrive 30 to 40 minutes before departure at major stations[2]. Foreigners must also show a passport to buy a long-distance ticket and to pass platform gates[3], so keep it in a pocket, not at the bottom of a bag.
Bicycles cannot be carried aboard high-speed trains[4], which matters for anyone planning a cycling stretch.
What about baggage fees on domestic flights?
Allowances differ by airline and fare, so the answer depends on the exact flight. The basic fare may include only a small cabin bag, and checked bags may carry a fee.
Before you pay, read the baggage section for the exact flight. Our guide on baggage allowance on domestic flights explains how to find it. If a domestic flight is part of your package, ask what allowance is included.
How should friend groups pack?
Keep the rule simple: one checked bag and one small bag each.
- Weigh every bag at home and note the weight.
- Move heavier items to the person with spare room.
- Put liquids, chargers and medicines in the cabin bag.
- Agree who carries shared items such as a power strip or first aid kit.
If one person keeps going over the limit, decide in advance whether the group shares the extra fee.
When does forwarding luggage make sense?
If you have a heavy suitcase and short stays in each city, sending it ahead between hotels can be cheaper than paying repeatedly at the counter. Read how to send luggage ahead between cities before deciding.
For a regional trip, compare the whole picture in rail versus domestic flight, because the lighter option saves more than the fare.
What should you do next?
Add a baggage line to your budget, even if it turns out to be zero. Check what transport is included in packages and what packages usually leave out. Our rail-versus-flight tool helps with the choice, and the costs hub has the rest.