Luggage rules on Deutsche Bahn trains

What you can bring

• Free allowance: You may take your hand luggage plus one additional larger piece, or one other item, free of charge. Suitcases, backpacks, laptops and briefcases all count. The extra piece must be something one person can carry alone. bahn.de
• No weight limit: The DB luggage page gives no general weight limit; the test is that you can carry and lift it yourself. The terms of carriage define hand luggage as easily portable items and allow one additional load (Traglast) if there is enough space in the racks. bahn.de
• International trips: On international journeys up to three easily carried pieces of hand luggage are allowed. bahn.de
• Where it goes: Standard luggage racks measure about 700 x 500 x 300 mm. Other places: overhead racks, under your seat, the gap between facing seat rows (lay wheeled suitcases flat). Keep aisles, doors and fire extinguishers clear. On the Intercity 2 the overhead shelves are too small for suitcases, so use the racks at the ends and in the middle of the car. bahn.de

Bikes, dogs and special cases

• Bikes on long-distance trains: You need a long-distance bicycle ticket with a storage space reservation; the reservation is free and included in the ticket price. One bike per passenger. Folding bikes and small electric vehicles may be carried folded if stowed safely. bahn.de
• Dogs: Dogs that do not fit in a carrier must be leashed and muzzled and travel at half the flexible or saver fare, with no BahnCard discount. Small pets up to the size of a house cat in a closed carrier travel free. bahn.de
• E-scooters: One approved folded electric micro-vehicle per person may be carried as hand luggage; using it on the train is not allowed and the built-in battery may not be removed, charged or used as a power bank. bahn.de
• Heavy bags: You can send large pieces ahead with the Hermes luggage dispatch and travel with light luggage only; DB lists the price on the Hermes page, not on its own luggage page. bahn.de

FAQ

Is there a weight limit for luggage on German trains?

Deutsche Bahn names no weight limit. You must be able to carry and lift the item yourself.

How many bags can I take on an ICE?

Hand luggage plus one additional larger piece free of charge, as long as it fits in the racks.

Do dogs need a ticket on DB trains?

Dogs that are not in a carrier need a ticket at half the flexible or saver fare and must be leashed and muzzled. Small pets in a closed carrier travel free.