luggage on train
 

I have never travelled by train before, so please permit me to ask a very, very dumb question. We will be in Prague and will travel to Krakow by train. Because our trip combines a several weeks of both business and pleasure travel, there is no way to avoid carrying 2 large suitcases. Is there a way to accomodate them on the train? Is the overnight train or the day train (which involves a change in Katowice) preferable under the circumstances? Thanks so much!

Hi zoe,

You have to handle yur own luggage.

Given your circumstances, I suggest taking the night train.

You also save a night's hotel cost.

((I))

I haven't been on Czech or Polish trains, but German and Italian trains can accomodate larger suitcases. Of course, it depends on how "larger" "larger" is.

We have travelled with up to 27 inch suitcases with no problem, putting them between two seats that are turned back-to-back or in overhead racks when the racks in the particular train car were big enough.

There have also been luggage areas at the ends of the train cars we've been in. You would want some sort of security device (e.g., cable lock) if you leave your suitcases in these areas.

I don't know which would be best for you -- that is a tough route as no way is ideal. It also depends on how big you are really talking about. If each of you just has one suitcase that is about 25" or so, that's nothing unusual. I've traveled that route myself by train with a bag that size (plus small totebag and purse).

There are disadvantages to each method. The overnight involves no stops, so that could be nice with the luggage. I am not familiar with the comfort and facilities of a Czech train, however (which I think that is) -- I would definitely want a private sleeper car. And then you arrive in Krakow at a time when you cannot do anything whatsoever (5:30 am). So what do you do then? Maybe if you are lucky your hotel will be open (a higher level hotel should be open at that hour, at least if you warn them) so you can put your bags in their room and sit in the lobby or something until even a cafe is open.

The one going through Katowice has a better schedule in that regard and you can enjoy the trip and countryside (I did). I would choose it if the change at Katowice doesn't scare you -- as I said, it really depends on your bags. I think that may be a nicer train, also, but am not sure of that (an EC to Katowice).

I myself didn't do either one, and took the train from Prague to Olomouc in southern CR as I wanted to see it for a change from PRague, and then took the train the next day (around 10-11 am) to Prague from there. I think that involved one slight change in trains, also, still within the CR. The train to Krakow was real nice at that point as it was from Vienna (also an EC, as I recall). We got into Krakow around 4 pm.

Definitely book first class on any train, and that will help in the area of having room for your luggage. Fares are real cheap on those trains. I had the 25" suitcase plus tote and just kept it in the compartment on the floor, actually, as it wasn't full. I believe there was a luggage hold place at the end of the car, however (Not positive on that, but I think so). People put smaller suitcases up on the racks.

People do travel by train in those countries, including on business, and I am sure you can't be the first person to have a suitcase of some size.

excuse me, I meant I took a train from Prague to Olomouc, and then the next day from Olomouc to Krakow (with a short train change at Prerov in CR, a bit from Olomouc). The big train from Vienna to Krakow goes through Prerov.

Thank you, Christina. Your posts throughout this forum have been very helpful to me in planning this trip.