We have only traveled by train for day trips before and will be traveling between these cities later this month. We have tickets and reservations already, but I wondered if we keep our luggage with us or if we check it somewhere prior to boarding? I've tried a search here and while there's lots of good info on routes etc, I couldn't find the answer to this question.
Thanks!

keep it with you and either store it above your seat, behind your seat or between the cars where there's a place to stack luggage.

I also suggest bringing a bicycle cable and padlock to secure through the luggage handles on to the luggage rack poles for security.
You are at risk of theft if you leave your seat or check the bags near the train doors.

Sandi is correct and the place for storage will depend on the train equipment being used. On these particular routes you can almost count on storing the luggage above your seat.

As to security: I've used the bicycle locking cables in the past and if you do this I recommend using one with a combination lock (one less key to keep track of). But I think you will hardly see anyone else using these and people seem to leave their seats on trains in Europe all the time without a lot of apparent concern about theft. But I do agree that leaving luggage near train doors is not a good idea.

I do not bother with a lock and cable, but at night I take sleepers, which have doors that I can lock from inside. Web sites that give you the overall picture are these
There are a detailed and able survey of rail travel, country by country at http://www.seat61.com/, and a note on getting the best from sleepers and couchettes at http://www.geocities.com/rexbickers/...ghttrains.htm/.
Long and detailed chapter on all aspects: http://www.enjoy-europe.com/hte/chap17/rail.htm
Train information and travel suggestions. http:// www.footloosetravel.com.
http://www.raileurope.com/
But I can list you agents that charge 30 percent less than RailEurope charge.

Ben Haines, London
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