Large luggage in bullet trains

Question

Hi guys

Starting to plan our holiday and we will be catching the bullet train to and from Shanghai to Beijing , Xian etc

Concerned that our luggage will be too big for the storage. X2 carryon and x2 large luggage bags.

Will large beads be an issue ti find somewhere to store on the train ?

Thanks

Answer

Traveling on China’s high-speed trains (bullet trains, or “Gaotie”) is generally very convenient, but luggage space can be a concern if you are carrying large suitcases. Standard trains have overhead racks above the seats for small bags and carry-on luggage, and additional storage areas near the doors for larger items. Most travelers find that typical carry-on and medium-sized suitcases fit without issue, but very large bags may require a bit of planning.

For your situation with 2 carry-on bags and 2 large luggage bags, it’s important to note the following:

Each passenger is allowed to bring luggage within reasonable limits; the soft guideline is around 20–25 kg per piece and no larger than 160 cm (length + width + height) per bag. Large suitcases exceeding this size may still be carried but require careful placement.
Overhead racks are suitable for smaller bags, usually carry-ons or medium suitcases. Your large luggage will not fit here.
Designated luggage areas near the doors or at the end of each carriage are intended for larger suitcases. There is usually enough room for multiple large bags, but space can be limited during peak travel times or on fully booked trains.
Staff can sometimes assist with storing very large or heavy items, but this is not guaranteed, so early boarding is helpful.

Here are some practical tips for managing your large luggage on bullet trains:

Arrive at the station early to secure space near the carriage doors for your larger bags.
Place heavier or very large luggage in the dedicated storage area at the end of the carriage rather than trying to fit it overhead.
If traveling with companions, consider combining smaller bags in one space to save room for larger suitcases.
Use luggage straps or labels to make your bags easily identifiable, especially if you need to temporarily move them to allow other passengers to board.

In summary, large luggage is usually manageable on China’s bullet trains as long as you use the designated storage areas near the carriage doors. Overhead racks are limited to smaller items, so plan to place your 2 large suitcases on the floor or in the end-of-carriage luggage areas. Traveling off-peak or arriving early increases your chances of finding convenient storage.

Large luggage in bullet trains

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