If you wish to keep your bag with you, place it in one of the luggage racks above your seat or, if possible, under the seat. Compartments only have luggage racks above the seats. The Intercity 2 is an exception, as the small shelves above the seats are not suitable for suitcases.

On German ICE (Intercity-Express) and regional trains in 2026, there are three main places for luggage. Small bags, backpacks, and slim "cabin-sized" suitcases fit in the overhead racks located above the seats. For medium to large suitcases that are too heavy to lift, most carriages feature dedicated luggage racks (floor-standing shelves) located near the entrance doors or in the center of the car. If the train is an open-plan layout, you can often slide smaller bags under your seat or in the "V-shaped" space between back-to-back seats. It is important to note that you are responsible for your own bags; there is no "checked" luggage car on standard ICE services. To prevent theft, it is wise to keep valuables in a small bag at your seat and use a cable lock for larger suitcases in the communal racks. If you have extremely heavy gear, Deutsche Bahn offers a "Kuriergepäck" service for a fee, where they will pick up your bags from your home and deliver them directly to your destination hotel within Germany.