BillT

We will be taking the train from Prague to Dresden. I need to know where on the train I can store our 2 full size suitcases. We can go either 1st or 2nd class. I want to be able to keep my eye on the luggage. If its a compartment (1st class) I don't think full size suitcases will fit on the overhead rack. Are there luggage racks at the end of each car and would that work? Would it be better to go 2nd class so that I can keep an eye on my luggage?

BillT

That should read Prague to Dresden.

sparkchaser

<i>We will be taking the train from Prague to Dresden. I need to know where on the train I can store our 2 full size suitcases. We can go either 1st or 2nd class.</i>

If you can afford first class, do it.


<i> I want to be able to keep my eye on the luggage.</i>

You and everyone else.


<i> If its a compartment (1st class) I don't think full size suitcases will fit on the overhead rack.</i>

In the ICE (and IC) first class compartments, you can fit a full-sized suitcase in the overhead rack but you'll need to have good upperbody strength (and the understanding of your seatmates) to get it up there and pull it back down.


<i>Are there luggage racks at the end of each car and would that work? </i>

On German ICE (I have no experience with other countries' high speed trains) trains, there is normally space between the last seats of each row and the "wall"/bulkhead of the train where you can fit full-sized suitcases. Also, depending on the configuration of your train wagon, there might be a section with racks for stowing luggage, but I would not plan your wagon having one.

First class wagons might have more storage room but I haven't really made a point to take notes.


Thing is, <b>everyone else</b> with luggage will be looking to stow their bags within their field of view as well as you, so you'll have to mentally prepare yourself for the chance that your bags will not be visible. I have to do this almost every time and it's never been an issue.


<i>Would it be better to go 2nd class so that I can keep an eye on my luggage? </i>

Second class would would be a worse situation than first class as far as luggage storage options go because there are more people ctrammed into a wagon.

Just put locks on your luggage and place your trust in strangers not stealing your stuff.

michelhuebeli

Don't obsess over and change your seating preferences on account of luggage. Small stuff stays with you, under your seat or up above, big bags go wherever there is room, depending on the type of carriage and on space available. When the train stops, you can always stand up and stretch and look in the direction of your bags - you'll soon see if somebody tries to abscond with a bag of yours - they won't be as quick on their feet as you will in hot pursuit... That kind of brazen theft is extremely rare.

Besides, two full-size suitcases sounds like too much in this day and age. Anything more than a cabin-legal rollaway and a light backpack/daypack is a pain in the proverbial and makes you regret it before the trip is half over. Stairs, steps, lack of elevators and escalators, cobblestones and other rough surfaces - they all conspire to make life miserable if you have big bags and too much weight.

sparkchaser

<i>Anything more than a cabin-legal rollaway and a light backpack/daypack is a pain in the proverbial and makes you regret it before the trip is half over. </i>

Yep.

BillT

Thanks for the input but we need to take the 2 large suitcases. We will be gone for 13 days, 3 countries and 4 cities and carrying cabin legal rollaways just is out of the question. We are not new to traveling to Europe or Asia for that matter (in Asia we used to take 4 suitcases and 2 rollaways!).
Its just that I have not been on the trains in many years and was trying to understand the luggage storing on the trains.

sparkchaser

You know, Europe does have washing machines. The smell is from minimal use of deodorant, not unwashed clothes.

BillT

Well we are not Rick Steves type of travelers ... more like Samantha Brown!

PalenQ

Well we are not Rick Steves type of travelers .>

me either but his web site www.ricksteves.com has lots of great info such as answers I think to the questions you've asked about luggage and 1st vs 2nd class - you will find it a lot easier to keep your eye on luggage in first class - IME first class often has empty seats - I nearly always put my bags on an adjoining empty seat - rare to do this in 2nd class and the difference in fares on that journey may not be much.

For more great European rail info check www.seat61.com (good info on discounted fares) and www.budgeteuropetravel.com. Czech the Czech railways web site for discounted fares in either class.

michelhuebeli

"... Czech the Czech railways..."
Good one! I once hung with Hungarians and pole-vaulted... never mind.

BillT

PalenQ- I agree with you - Rick Steves does give better advice and tips than Samantha Brown! We just don't travel like Rick, we enjoy finer hotels and not roughing it!

Christina

I am not one of these real light packers, usually take a 25 inch suitcase, and I've never had a problem on any train having a place to keep that. That isn't really that big a deal, some people have even larger bags. In any case, I did take the train from Prague to Dresden and, to be honest, don't remember exactly where I put my bag but I know it wasn't a problem. And I know it was not on any overhead rack (I don't think you can put anything on those over the 22 inchers, and on some racks that is stretching it). I believe I was first class, though, that train wasn't that expensive that the price was an issue--I usually do first class when abroad and moving around with luggage, I only do second class for day trips. I don't believe I was in any compartment.

BillT

Thanks Christina!

PalenQ

"... Czech the Czech railways..."
Good one! I once hung with Hungarians and pole-vaulted... never mind.>

And I've frenched with some French (filles that is!)