Eurostar Baggage Allowance: What You Can Bring
People travelling on Eurostar for the first time often ask me if they need to stick to a 10 kg cabin bag limit, or whether they have to decant shampoo into 100 ml bottles. The answer to both is no. Eurostar is not an airline. You get two bags plus a small piece of hand luggage, there is no weight limit, and there is no restriction on liquids.
The baggage allowance on Eurostar is, in short, far less stressful than flying. But there are real rules around bag size, bikes, prams, and what you can carry through customs that are worth knowing before you pack.
Quick answer — Eurostar baggage allowance:
- Standard / Standard Premier: 2 bags (max 85 cm on the longest side) + 1 hand luggage item
- Business Premier: 3 bags + 1 hand luggage item
- No weight limit — but you must be able to lift and store your bags yourself
- No liquids restriction — full-size bottles are fine, no 100 ml rule
- Folding bikes: free, no booking needed (max 75 x 53 x 30 cm folded)
- Full-size bikes: £45 per bike booked 48+ hours ahead; selected trains only
- Pushchair / pram: free, does not count against your bag allowance
- Oversized items: €30 per item on the day; selected trains only
Eurostar Baggage Allowance by Class
| Class | Bags Included | Hand Luggage | Weight Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 2 bags (max 85 cm) | 1 small item | None — must be liftable |
| Standard Premier | 2 bags (max 85 cm) | 1 small item | None — must be liftable |
| Business Premier | 3 bags (max 85 cm) | 1 small item | None — must be liftable |
The 85 cm rule applies on London routes — St Pancras to Paris, Brussels, or Amsterdam. On services between continental stations only (Paris to Brussels, say), the limit is tighter: 75 x 53 x 30 cm per bag.
Standard and Standard Premier have identical allowances. Business Premier is the only class where the count changes — you get a third bag, which helps if you’re travelling with a lot of kit or a separate garment bag.
What Counts as Hand Luggage on Eurostar?
The hand luggage item is separate from your two main bags: a handbag, briefcase, laptop bag, or small backpack that fits at your feet or under the seat. Eurostar doesn’t publish dimensions for it, but the rule exists to stop people piling on a third full-sized bag. A slim laptop case or a small daypack is fine. A full cabin bag is not.
No Weight Limit — What That Actually Means
Airlines weigh bags. Eurostar does not. There is no weight limit on the Eurostar baggage allowance, which matters if you’re travelling with a heavy suitcase or bringing back a case of wine.
The condition worth knowing: you must be able to carry and store your luggage yourself. Staff are not required to help lift bags into racks, and there’s no baggage drop for standard tickets. If you can’t hoist a bag into the overhead rack unaided, it’s going in the end-of-carriage luggage stack.
That stack is at the end of each carriage and can take large cases easily. Most people with rolling suitcases use it by default — overhead racks are better for rucksacks and soft bags. On busy departures, particularly Friday evenings from St Pancras, those stacks fill up fast. Board early if you have big luggage.
No Liquids Rule on Eurostar
Eurostar has no 100 ml liquids restriction. Full-size shampoo, sunscreen, a litre of olive oil, bottles of wine — all fine. No clear resealable bag needed.
There is airport-style security at St Pancras, Gare du Nord, and Brussels-Midi: your bags go through an X-ray machine and you walk through a metal detector. But the liquids rule you’d face at Heathrow or Gatwick does not apply here.
Open containers are a practical issue rather than a rule. A sealed water bottle is fine through security; an open cup of coffee is awkward but not prohibited. Just close it.
If you’re flying to Paris on easyJet or Ryanair, your toiletries bag is subject to the 100 ml rule. On Eurostar, it isn’t. That alone is worth knowing if you’re travelling with a full washbag.
Eurostar vs Flying: Baggage Comparison
| Eurostar (Standard) | easyJet (Standard fare) | Ryanair (Regular) | British Airways (Euro Traveller) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bags | 2 bags up to 85 cm | 1 bag (56x45x25 cm) | 1 small bag (40x20x25 cm) | 1 bag (56x45x25 cm) + 1 personal item |
| Weight limit | None | None if it fits | 10 kg | None stated |
| Liquids rule | No restriction | 100 ml applies | 100 ml applies | 100 ml applies |
| Checked bag | Included | From ~£27 per bag | From ~£25 per bag | Often excluded on cheapest fares |
| Extra bag | €30 (registered service) | ~£27–45 | ~£25–45 | ~£65+ |
On Ryanair or easyJet, you’re paying extra for a hold bag the moment you travel with anything larger than a small carry-on. On Eurostar, a full suitcase is included. Two people going to Paris for a long weekend can save £50–100 in baggage fees alone — before you factor in getting to and from the airport.
For a wider comparison across UK carriers, see our UK airline baggage allowance comparison.
Bikes on Eurostar
Folding Bikes
Folding bikes travel free on all Eurostar services. No booking needed. When folded, the bike must fit within 75 x 53 x 30 cm, or be under 85 cm on its longest side if carried in a protective bag. It counts as one of your standard two bags.
Most folding bikes — a Brompton included — fold well inside those dimensions. Measure yours before you travel if you’re not sure.
Full-Size Bikes
Full-size bikes run on selected trains only and must be booked in advance through Eurostar Travel Services:
| Route | Assembly | Booked 48+ hrs ahead | Booked under 48 hrs |
|---|---|---|---|
| London ↔ Brussels | Assembled or disassembled | £45 each way | £60 each way |
| London ↔ Paris | Disassembled only | £45 each way | £60 each way |
| Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Lille | Not available | — | — |
Disassembled means both wheels off, packed in a box or purpose-made bike bag, maximum dimensions 135 x 85 x 30 cm. You must drop the bike at the oversized luggage point at least 90 minutes before departure and travel on the same train.
Eligible train times as of early 2026 (verify at eurostar.com when booking — these change):
- London to Paris: departures roughly 08:01–15:31
- Paris to London: departures roughly 11:13–18:13
- London to Brussels: three trains daily, roughly 09:01, 13:01, 15:04
- Brussels to London: four trains daily, roughly 07:56, 12:52, 14:52, 17:56
Book the bike slot as soon as you have your ticket. Spaces are limited, and once they’re gone, they’re gone.
Pushchairs and Prams
One pushchair per child travels free, on top of your standard bag allowance. It does not eat into your two-bag count.
The pushchair must be folded before boarding and stored in the luggage racks in your carriage, not left in the aisle or door area. Overhead racks won’t take even a compact buggy — in practice, everyone puts them in the end-of-carriage stacks. Board early if you have a larger pram and want to be sure of the space.
One car seat per child is also allowed free, under the same terms.
Oversized and Excess Baggage
For items that won’t fit within the standard allowance — a large case over 85 cm, a bulky instrument, sports equipment — there are two routes.
Eurostar Travel Services (registered luggage) is available on selected trains between London, Paris, and Brussels. The fee is €30 per additional or oversized item. Items must be under 200 cm on any single dimension and under 30 kg. You must travel on the same train as the luggage.
Turn up without booking and the same €30 applies on the day — or the item may be refused. Booking ahead removes the uncertainty.
Door-to-door couriers are the other option. Eurostar’s partner is Luggage Buddy; third-party services including Eurosender and Euro Luggage Delivery also cover UK–France and UK–Belgium. Prices for a London-to-Paris delivery typically run £30–60 per bag depending on how far ahead you book. If you’re travelling as a family with multiple large cases, this can be worth it just to board hands-free.
Musical instruments under 85 cm fit within your standard allowance. Instruments between 85 cm and 136 cm can go via the Eurostar luggage service if booked at least 48 hours ahead.
Security, Prohibited Items, and Customs
Security
Eurostar runs airport-style security at all departure stations. Bags through X-ray, passengers through metal detectors. It takes longer than turning up for a domestic train, and Eurostar recommends arriving at least 30 minutes before departure — 60 minutes at St Pancras if you want to be comfortable. Factor this in, especially at busy periods.
What You Cannot Bring
Prohibited items on Eurostar include:
- Gas canisters (camping gas, large aerosols)
- Knives with blades over 3 inches (about 7.5 cm)
- E-scooters and hoverboards
- Firearms and replica weapons
Alcohol can be carried for personal use. On board, Eurostar limits consumption to four cans or bottles of beer, or one bottle of wine per person. Large bottles of spirits are not allowed for on-board drinking.
Customs: UK–EU Rules
Eurostar crosses an international border. You go through UK Border Force on the way out and French or Belgian customs on the way in. The checks are real — treat it like an international airport.
UK to France or Belgium: EU external border rules apply. You cannot bring animal products — meat, dairy, fish — from the UK into the EU. This catches people out with packed lunches. Plant-based food is generally fine, but seasonal restrictions can apply during disease outbreaks; check the DEFRA website before travelling if you’re carrying food.
France or Belgium to UK: UK personal import limits apply. You can bring back duty-free:
- Beer: 42 litres
- Wine: 18 litres
- Spirits over 22% ABV: 1 litre
- Fortified wine (port, sherry): 2 litres
Above these amounts, you should declare goods. Items clearly beyond personal use can attract customs duty.
Practical Tips for Travelling on Eurostar
One thing worth knowing if you’re bringing things back: the no-weight-limit rule is real. A suitcase packed well beyond what any airline would accept, a full case of wine from Burgundy, large bottles of olive oil — all fine. The only constraints are customs limits on alcohol and the prohibition on animal products heading into the EU.
On busy trains — Friday evenings out of London, Sunday evenings back from Paris — the end-of-carriage luggage stacks fill quickly. Board early if you have big cases and a standard ticket. Business Premier boards first, which is the other practical reason to upgrade if you’re travelling heavy.
Bike bookings are easy to leave too late. Eligible trains are limited, space per train is limited, and the price jumps from £45 to £60 once you’re inside 48 hours. Book it when you book the ticket.
Families with pushchairs should allow airport-style lead time. The folded buggy goes through the X-ray, which adds a few minutes at security — it’s fine, just not instant.
For comparison on other routes, our guides to British Airways baggage allowance and Lufthansa baggage allowance cover those policies in full.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many bags can I take on Eurostar?
Standard and Standard Premier tickets include two bags plus one small hand luggage item (handbag, laptop bag, small daypack). Business Premier gets three bags plus hand luggage. No weight limit in any class.
Is there a weight limit for Eurostar luggage?
No. Eurostar sets no weight limit. The one condition: you must be able to lift and store your bags yourself, as staff are not required to assist.
What is the Eurostar bag size limit?
On London routes — St Pancras to Paris, Brussels, or Amsterdam — each bag must be no more than 85 cm on its longest side. On services between continental stations only, the limit is 75 x 53 x 30 cm per bag.
Does the 100 ml liquids rule apply on Eurostar?
No. Eurostar does not apply the 100 ml restriction. You can carry full-size toiletries, wine, or any other liquids in any quantity. Your bags still go through an X-ray at security, but there is no limit on liquid volume.
Can I take a folding bike on Eurostar?
Yes, free on all services, no advance booking needed. Folded dimensions must be within 75 x 53 x 30 cm (or under 85 cm on the longest side in a protective bag). It counts as one of your two standard bags.
Can I take a full-size bike on Eurostar?
Yes, on selected trains only, booked through Eurostar Travel Services. Cost is £45 each way (48+ hours’ notice) or £60 (under 48 hours). London–Brussels accepts assembled bikes; London–Paris requires the bike to be disassembled and packed (max 135 x 85 x 30 cm). The service is not available to Amsterdam, Rotterdam, or Lille.
Can I bring a pushchair on Eurostar?
Yes. One pushchair per child travels free, in addition to your standard allowance. It must be folded before boarding and stored in the carriage luggage racks. One car seat per child is also permitted free.
Does Business Premier have a different baggage allowance?
Yes — three bags plus one hand luggage item, versus two bags for Standard and Standard Premier. No weight limit applies in any class.
What food can I bring from the UK to France on Eurostar?
You cannot bring animal products — meat, dairy, fish — from the UK into France or Belgium. Plant-based foods are generally fine. Check DEFRA guidance before you travel if you’re carrying anything perishable, as temporary restrictions can apply.
How does the Eurostar baggage allowance compare to easyJet or Ryanair?
Eurostar is more generous. Two full-size bags with no weight limit and no liquids restriction are included in the ticket price. easyJet charges from around £27 for hold luggage on standard fares; Ryanair’s cheapest tickets include only a small bag under the seat. Add those fees up for two passengers on a return trip and Eurostar often works out cheaper before you’ve even compared the ticket prices.
