Hello
we are planning a trip starting in Lisbon then on to San Sebastian and ending in Bordeaux. A rental car is between $2600 and $3200 due to the one way plan.

Trains and busses are available for a fraction of that. I'm wondering how easy it is to move along our route and if 2 rollaboards are allowed?

We've taken trains in Germany and Italy sporadically but never for an entire trip.
trip.

Advice and experience appreciated!

The public transportation I've used in those areas has been comfortable and convenient ... but I've never, ever travelled with two rollaboards. If you can cut down on your luggage, i'd encourage you to do so. To be honest, I think it would be difficult to manage two rollaboards. It might be easier on a bus, because intercity buses typically have undercarriage luggage storage compartments. Trains ... well, you'd have to manage both in limited time and there is generally limited storage capacity. If you haven't already done so, consult seat61.com

I guess it depends on the size of the Rollaboard (new term to me), using Google I see they are tiny, but I understand you can get very small ones and very large ones.

Perhaps reconsider why you need this stuff, "we are having washing machines in Europe also".

I'd start with rome2rio to get basic planning done. But click through their links to confirm the raw data is good before completing your plans

FYI, bilbo, they come in every size of luggage.

Are you intending just to hit those cities or stop along the way? The problem isn't generally the cities but heading out into the countryside, where options can get more limited. Adding a wishlist of places may get your recommendations on where it is more feasible. On SCNF (France) there is generally a two bag limit (plus handbag) but with a size limit, unless you are buying a special fare or route where they are limited. As others mentioned, I would just get one bag (not oversized) and a conforming hand bag. Buses can be even more limited, depending on the system.

How long are you going? If three weeks or longer, you can do a lease option through programs like Peugeut/Citreon (or via Autoeurope) where you can pick up in Lisbon and drop off in Bordeaux. They provide a lot of savings over traditional rentals..

thanks kja, so on buses it will depend on local policy, how many wheelchairs etc that are on etc etc. Pullman type long distance will be better
Trains will be better with First Class offering more space than herd-class and often not too much more money is required to access First Class

I assume it is one bag each, so not really a problem as far as allowances go, provided they are not ridiculously large or heavy that is. Two smaller ones are possibly easier to deal with than one larger one, assuming both people are able bodied enough to deal with their own bag.

Usual rollaboards (55x40x25 cm) are the normal luggage of most European tourists.
You can enter all European trains with them, of course, even if yours are a few cm larger.
As above: how many and which places do you want to visit between Lisboa and San Sebastian?
I suppose at least Coimbra, Porto, Santiage de Compostela and Leon.
But may be you prefer to travel via Merida - Caceres - Salamanca - Avila or along another itinerary.

OK - I don't understand the confusion?? Rollaboards are . . . roll-aboards. i.e 19 to 22 inch wheeled airline carry-ons/cabin bags. I have never heard of say a 28 inch wheeled suitcase being called a 'rollaboard'. Just because it has wheels and could be rolled aboard if allowed, don't make it a bleedin' rollaboard.

Iahawk: If there are two of you as the 'we' would indicate, two rollaboards is totally fine (and honestly, if one person was lugging two rollaboards - that wouldn't be a problem either). Larger luggage is definitely also allowed but just makes schlepping it on/off the train, into the luggage racks more of a hassle.

Live and learn! I've heard any size of soft-sided wheeled suitcase called a rollerboard (aka rollaboard). I actually googled it first, just to check. But roll-aboard makes sense.

Thank you - to be more clear - each of us will have 1 rollaboard and 1 backpack.