To travel on the Venice Simplon Orient Express each passenger is asked to bring no more than one item of suitable hand luggage (a plane cabin bag size), one suit carrier or overnight bag, to be retained in your cabin, and one suitcase to be stored in the baggage car.

Traveling on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express involves strict luggage limits due to the historic nature and compact size of the vintage 1920s carriages. Each passenger is typically allowed one "cabin-sized" piece of hand luggage and one suit carrier or overnight bag to be kept within their compartment. For larger items, guests are permitted one suitcase weighing no more than 23kg (about 50 lbs), which must be checked in at the station before boarding; this larger bag is stored in a dedicated luggage van and is generally inaccessible until you reach your final destination. In 2026, the Eastern & Oriental Express (the Southeast Asian counterpart) follows similar rules, often capping main luggage at 30kg. Because the cabins do not have modern overhead bins or under-seat storage, travelers are encouraged to pack a small "essentials" bag for the journey and use the checked service for their main wardrobe, ensuring the historic aesthetic of the train is maintained without being cluttered by oversized modern suitcases.