Luggage rules
Know your luggage allowance and how to pack before your trip. This guide covers everything you need to know.
Luggage allowance
Your luggage allowance depends on your ticket type and whether you’re travelling by train or coach.
Quick reference
| How you travel | Hand luggage (max. 10kg) | Large luggage (max. 20kg) | Extra items allowed |
| Coach | 1 | 2 | Yes, if pre-booked |
| Train Economy | 1 | 1 | Yes, if pre-booked |
| Train First Class | 1 | 2 | Yes, if pre-booked |
- If your trip includes a coach and a train, coach luggage rules apply for the entire journey.
- Extra items may include baby seats, prams, mobility aids or sporting gear if they meet safety and size rules.
Packing tips
- Make sure your bags meet weight and size limits to avoid refusal.
- Keep medication in your hand luggage for easy access throughout the journey.
- Label all checked bags with your name, address and phone number. Unlabelled luggage will not be accepted.
- Use sturdy bags with working zippers or secure fastenings.
- Pack all items securely, especially large or fragile ones.
Size and weight limits
- No item over 20kg is allowed on any NSW TrainLink service.
- Size measurements must include protruding parts (wheels and handles). Measure the widest points on each side.
- Luggage that does not comply with the luggage policy, including excess luggage, is not permitted.
- Luggage must be packed in a suitcase or a suitable protective travel bag.
Hand luggage
Max weight: 10kg
Max size: 30cm (h) x 50cm (l) x 30cm (w)
Large luggage
Max weight: 20 kg per item
Max size: 60cm (h) x 70cm (l) x 50cm (w)
Check-in luggage service
You can check in large or heavy luggage at select attended stations and stops during opening hours. Checked luggage is accepted only on the day of travel.
- Check-in deadline: At least 30 minutes before departure.
- Minimum weight: Items under 5kg will not be accepted.
- On trains: You don’t need to check in your luggage. If it is heavy or large, store it in the luggage area at the end of your train carriage. Luggage on board is your responsibility.
- On coaches: All luggage must be checked in before boarding. It will be stowed in the compartment under the coach.
What you can bring
Prams and baby seats
Young children can bring infant and children's items beyond the standard allowance:
These items include:
- Child restraint car seat/booster seat and/or baby safety capsule: Ensure belts and straps are secured with no loose ends.
- Collapsible prams and strollers
These should be stored in the designated luggage area of your carriage on a train or in the storage compartment beneath if on a coach.
Mobility aids and wheelchairs
Medical items
Some items are permitted for personal use if specific requirements and conditions are met.
- Medication: Carry medication in your hand luggage—not your checked bag.
- Oxygen cylinders: Must be type B, CS, CH, CL or D, under 13kg, secured upright and carried by you.
- Oxygen concentrators: Must have battery power for the full trip. Power outlets aren't guaranteed.
Sporting equipment and musical instruments
Due to limited space on our services, we kindly request that passengers take note of the following travel conditions.
Dangerous goods and prohibited items
Don’t bring dangerous items or anything that could cause a safety risk. Always check before you pack.
Prohibited items
- Dirty, soiled, or offensive items.
- Inadequately secured luggage (including items packed in plastic bags).
- Polystyrene or wooden boxes (except bicycles in cardboard boxes as specified).
- Lightweight material bags exceeding 15kg (only clothing and soft items allowed).
- Engines, motors, or their parts (including vehicles).
- Sailboards.
- Animals (except approved assistance animals.)
- Household items or appliances.
- Plants or plant matter.
- Perishable food items (including meat, seafood, fruit, and vegetables).
- Unattended bags (your luggage must travel with you).
- Alcohol not purchased on board (BYO alcohol is not permitted).
Possession, use or transport of illegal drugs is strictly prohibited and may result in immediate reporting to law enforcement authorities.
The following items must not be taken on board under any circumstance:
- Compressed gases: Flammable, non-inflammable and poisonous.
- Corrosives: Acids, alkalis, mercury and wet cell batteries.
- Explosives: Munitions, fireworks and flares.
- Flammable liquids and solids: Lighter fuel, matches, paints, thinners and fire-lighters.
- Oxidising materials: Bleaching powder and peroxides.
- Poisons and infectious substances: Insecticides, weed killers and live virus materials.
- Weapons: Firearms, spear guns, crossbows and knives.
- Radioactive materials.
NSW DPI has issued an Emergency Order restricting the movement of fire ant carrier materials into NSW from fire ant-infested areas in Queensland.
Damaged luggage and liability
- NSW TrainLink is not responsible for damage to luggage taken on board.
- We recommend private travel insurance.
- Liability for checked-in luggage is limited to $300.
- NSW TrainLink does not assume liability for normal wear and tear. This includes:
- Cuts, scratches, scuffs, dents, and marks that may occur despite careful handling.
- Damage to or loss of protruding parts, such as straps, pockets, pull handles, wheels, and locks.
- Unsuitably packed luggage (e.g., over-packed).
- Damage to cameras, electrical appliances, radios, jewellery, money, or alcohol, which were packed in checked luggage.
Lost property and unclaimed luggage
- Unclaimed luggage will be kept for seven days, then sent to the Lost Property Office at Central Station.
- Unclaimed items are disposed of after 28 days.
Frequently asked questions
Questions about luggage and what you can take onboard.
Need additional information?
Contact us for help with further questions or assistance with your travel.