Mimar

And if you are changing trains, you'll have to carry the bags up one set of stairs and down another -- to get to the correct track for your connecting train.

Christina

I've never been on any European train that regulated your luggage, and lots of people take on suitcases larger than that, actually. I travel in Europe with a 25" lightweight rollerbag frequently, plus a much smaller tote, and it doesn't bother me that much at all and I handle it myself. Of course you can't put a 25" suitcase in an overhead bin, but on some trains I've taken in France, you couldn't fit a 22" inch bag up there, either, actually (some TGVs).

I would not take a bag larger than that, however. And I would get one that is the lightweight variety, that can cut off about 4-5 pounds right there.

PalenQ

Well like bilboburgler says bicycles can't usually be brought aboard legally - folding bikes yes but I've seen quite a few contretemps between folks who wedge their bikes into vestibules in between cars - so you cannot take anything on board but anything you can stow in baggage areas and not block the aisle, entry ways, etc.