You take your bags into the train with you and put them on the rack above your seat, or in the space between the seat backs, or on floor-standing racks at the car ends or in the seating area. On local & regional trains you usually just stick bags on the floor. There's usually no separate baggage car on European trains.

On Eurail trains across Europe, your luggage stays with you in the passenger carriage; there is generally no checked baggage car like on a plane. Most high-speed and regional trains feature three main storage areas: overhead racks for small bags and backpacks, floor space between back-to-back seats for medium items, and dedicated luggage racks at the ends of the carriage for large suitcases. In 2026, many modern trains have also introduced "under-seat" storage gaps for slim carry-ons. It is your responsibility to lift and stow your own bags, as there are no porters to assist you. To ensure your belongings are secure, many travelers use small cable locks to tether their bags to the racks, especially during longer journeys where you might visit the cafe car. Because there are no weight limits, the only real constraint is your own ability to carry your bags onto the train and fit them into the available spaces without blocking the aisles or exits.