PKP Intercity oversize luggage - rules for transporting large luggage | PolishTrains

At a glance

• Luggage is oversized when the sum of its three dimensions exceeds 200 cm or it weighs over 35 kg
• The oversized luggage fee on PKP Intercity is PLN 5.10 per item when bought before travel
• Single-track bicycles, large musical instruments and sports equipment fall under oversized luggage rules
• Oversized luggage and bicycles require separate tickets and cannot be combined under one charge
• Best storage spots are the luggage racks at carriage entrances or spaces at the end of a compartment
• Buying the luggage ticket in advance online is strongly recommended to avoid extra on-board charges

Rail travel does not impose much restriction on the carriage of suitcases and bags, leading many passengers to choose the train over the plane. Standard luggage fits on shelves above the seats or in dedicated suitcase spaces and does not require additional charges.

Oversized luggage on PKP is that which:

• exceeds 200 cm in total dimensions (height + width + length),
• with one dimension not exceeding 55 cm,
• weighs more than 35 kg.

This category includes, for example, single-track bicycles , larger musical instruments, sports equipment or extra-large suitcases.

The main difference between standard luggage and oversized luggage is that the latter does not fit in the designated spaces and requires an additional charge - PLN 5.10.

Standard PKP Intercity regulations allow you to carry a few pieces of hand luggage, as well as larger bags and suitcases, as long as they do not compromise safety or obstruct passage in the carriage. If you're planning to take a really substantial piece of luggage with you, it's worth checking in advance that it doesn't qualify as PKP oversized luggage, which we discussed in the previous paragraph.

The most important rules for carrying luggage:

• use the shelves above the seats or the racks at the entrances
• do not put your suitcases in the aisles or by the doors
• remember that a bicycle, sports equipment or musical instruments require an additional ticket

Remember, you can easily buy tickets for travel with additional luggage online at PolishTrains. During the purchase process, you will immediately add a ticket to carry your bicycle or oversized suitcase, avoiding last-minute stress and additional charges.

Most passengers travelling on long-distance trains do not have to worry about extra costs for suitcases or backpacks. The problem only arises when your luggage is considered oversized - that is, luggage that exceeds the permitted dimensions or weight.

The carrier's rules are clear: a single piece of luggage must weigh no more than 35kg and its dimensions must allow it to be placed in the standard seats in the carriage. If a suitcase is too large to fit on a shelf or rack, the staff may consider it to be additional baggage, which means that a carriage ticket must be purchased.

A charge also applies to special items that do not fit into the standard category. These include in particular:

• bicycles (one bicycle can be taken with a special ticket),
• larger musical instruments,
• sports equipment such as skis or a snowboard.

However, there are exceptions. A wheelchair is always carried free of charge and there are special spaces in the carriages for it. A pushchair , on the other hand, is not considered oversized luggage if it can be folded and placed on a shelf. Otherwise, an additional ticket must be purchased.

In practice, there is no rigid limit of pieces, but common sense must be used. Most often passengers take:

• up to two medium-sized suitcases
• smaller hand luggage

On PKP Intercity, luggage on the train also includes the possibility of carrying a wheelchair free of charge, which is not treated as additional luggage. It is worth paying attention to the specially marked places in the carriages - they are prepared just for bicycles, larger items or sports equipment (e.g. skis or snowboards).

❌ However, some items are excluded from carriage. This includes flammable substances, sharp tools or items that may pose a risk to the safety of other passengers. Such restrictions are standard throughout European railways and result from safety regulations.

When travelling by train, it is not only important how many suitcases you can take, but also where to put them safely. On modern PKP Intercity trains, various solutions have been provided that allow both small bags and larger luggage to be carried comfortably. This means that even a large suitcase on the train is no problem if it is positioned correctly.

Luggage rack

The most obvious solution is the luggage shelf above the seats. This is ideal for medium-sized suitcases, backpacks or hand bags. However, with larger bags, the question often arises: where can you find space for your luggage on Intercity if your suitcase does not fit on the top shelf? In that case, additional spaces can be used.

Racks

Intercity carriages have special racks and luggage racks located at the entrances or at the ends of the compartments. This is where it is best to place bulky suitcases. The carrier allows even very large bags and trunks to be carried, so a large suitcase should not be a problem on Intercity - it is enough to find a designated place for it. It is worth remembering that luggage should be placed in such a way that it does not block the aisle or the door. Additionally, in many modern trainsets, such as Pendolino or modernised IC coaches, there is space for a suitcase next to selected rows of seats, which can be slipped between or under the seats. This is a good solution if you want to have your luggage always in sight.

Special seats

Travellers with children can use seats marked with pictograms for prams , while passengers with disabilities can use spaces designated for wheelchairs. These spaces are always clearly marked and adapted to carry larger items.

Can I carry large sports equipment on an Intercity train?

Yes, you can carry large sports equipment such as skis, a snowboard or even a folding kayak, but it is treated as oversized luggage. The equipment must be folded, properly packed (e.g. in a cover) and its dimensions and weight must allow it to move freely on the carriage. It must not block aisles, doors or endanger the safety of other passengers.

What if there is not enough room on the train for large luggage?

Unfortunately, there may not be enough room on the train for large luggage at peak times or on popular travel dates. In such a situation, the train staff may decide to move your luggage to another carriage or to another available seat.

Remember that you can always ask the conductor or train manager to help you find a suitable seat.

What is the maximum size and weight of hand luggage I can place on the shelf above my seat?

PKP Intercity does not provide rigid and specific dimensions or weight for hand luggage that can be placed on the shelf above the seat. Common sense applies here. If you can lift and carry it freely then you should be fine.

By regulation, hand luggage should:

• Not exceed (sum of length, width and height) 200 cm
• Be light enough that you can lift it yourself and place it on the shelf
• Not interfere with other passengers or endanger their safety

Travelling by train is a convenient way of getting around Poland and Europe - even with a large suitcase. PKP Intercity clearly defines how much luggage you can take on the train, what limits apply and when additional charges are necessary. Standard bags are included in the ticket price, and only oversized luggage on PKP requires the purchase of a luggage ticket.

By knowing the baggage allowance rules and planning your journey accordingly, you can ensure that even a large suitcase on the train will not be a problem - just use the designated areas and follow the simple rules.