Get up to speed with our luggage limits
Whether you’re heading to London for a weekend away or travelling on your daily commute, we want you to have a relaxed journey. Because space on board our trains is limited, we ask all our customers to pack light, stay within our luggage limits and be mindful of fellow travellers.
You can only bring a maximum of three items on board Grand Central trains:
1 x handbag, small rucksack or laptop bag
1 x small carry‑on bag, holdall or overnight bag
1 x suitcase ( 30 x 70 x 90cm)
By sticking to our luggage limits and using the correct storage areas, you help us to stay on schedule and ensure that aisles, doorways, and wheelchair spaces remain clear and safe for everyone.
Please do not exceed our luggage limits as extra items cannot be accommodated and you will be unable to travel.
Every case has its place
On Grand Central trains, you will find several different storage areas designed to keep your belongings secure and the aisles clear throughout your journey. Please do not place your luggage in the designated wheelchair spaces.
Storing bikes, pushchairs & special items
Bikes on board
We have space for 2 bike reservations per train. Bike spaces must be reserved when purchasing a ticket and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. If you have a folding bike, it must be folded before boarding and carried as normal hand luggage within our three-item limit (not exceeding 90 x 70 x 30 cm). Road-legal electric bicycles up to 25kg can be taken on our trains. E-scooters are not permitted.
Travelling with bikes, scooters and firearms
Push bikes
Cyclists are very welcome on all Grand Central services!
- Our trains have space for two reservable bike spaces.
- Reserve at least 24 hours in advance during the booking process
- Folding bikes travel as normal hand luggage within our three-item limit (not exceeding 90 x 70 x 30cm). Bikes must stay in designated areas.
E-bikes
Road-legal electric bicycles up to 25kg can be taken on our trains; however, customers should be aware that non-folding cycles are stored vertically and staff may not be able to assist in lifting heavy items.
For the safety of yourself and other passengers:
- No charging on board the train
- Battery must stay attached (unless part of folding design)
- Damaged batteries and spare batteries cannot be carried
- No modified or non‑compliant e‑bikes
- You must use the normal designated cycle storage areas on trains
- Do not lock your e-bike to any part of the train in case of the need to remove the bike quickly from the train in an emergency
If an e‑bike battery overheats or catches fire, move away and alert staff immediately (see nearby posters or signage for an emergency).
Use of e-bikes at stations:
- Store e‑bikes only in designated cycle areas
- Charge e‑bikes only at signed charging points
- No riding e‑bikes, push bikes or scooters on platforms
Government information on the safe purchase and use of e-bikes can be found via https://www.gov.uk/guidance/buy-safe-be-safe-avoid-e-bike-and-e-scooter-fires
E-scooters - not permitted
E-scooters are not permitted anywhere on the National Rail network or London Underground.
Firearms - not permitted
Grand Central does not permit the carriage of licensed firearms on any of our services.
National Rail Conditions of Travel:
"23.4 - Unloaded firearms, properly licenced, with prior permission of the Train Company and carried in accordance with the law and any other specific instructions are permitted."
Luggage FAQs
Find quick answers to common questions regarding luggage limits, prohibited items and accessibility below.
Are there any prohibited items?
For the safety and comfort of all passengers, certain items are not allowed on our trains, such as:
- Hazardous materials: dangerous goods such as flammable liquids and explosives
- Oversized luggage*: Exceeding the 30 x 70 x 90cm dimensions
- Unsecured large objects: Any unsecured large object that may cause injury or obstruction
- Disruptive items: Items that cause inconvenience or a nuisance to other passengers due to their properties e.g. odour or leakage issues
- Firearms: Grand Central does not permit any licensed firearms on our services
- E-scooters: Motorcycles, mopeds, motor scooters and e-scooters are not permitted on our trains or at our stations
- Damaged batteries: For safety, e-bikes with damaged or "modified" batteries cannot be carried
*Oversized luggage includes but is not limited to: canoes, surfboards, sailboards, skis, snowboards and golf equipment, musical instruments or furniture exceeding the 30 x 70 x 90cm dimensions
Where should I put my pushchair?
Pushchairs must be folded and stored in the end-of-carriage luggage racks or in the designated storage area by the doors in Coach F. Please do not leave in the aisles or doorways.
Can I bring a mobility scooter on board?
Wheelchair and mobility scooter users can use the designated wheelchair spaces within the following coaches:
- Coach F (Standard)
- Coach E (First Class)
We are able to accommodate wheelchairs and scooters within the following dimensions:
- 70cm wide
- 120cm in length
- 300kg maximum weight including passengers
For more information on boarding a Grand Central train with a mobility scooter, please visit our dedicated page here: https://www.grandcentralrail.com/help/travel-assistance/electric-mobility-scooters
Can I put my bag on a seat?
Luggage and pets are not permitted on seats. If a bag is occupying a seat needed by another passenger, you will be asked to move it. Please note that seat reservations are for passengers only.
Do Grand Central trains have wheelchair spaces?
Yes. Every Grand Central train has dedicated wheelchair spaces, located in Coaches E and F. These spaces are reserved exclusively for wheelchair users and must be kept clear of luggage, prams, or folding bikes at all times to ensure they are accessible for those who need them.
If travelling with a wheelchair and you need help with boarding or navigating the station, we recommend booking Passenger Assist. You can book this in advance to ensure our teams are ready to help you on and off the train. For more details on our accessibility services, please visit our travel assistance page here.
How do I board with my bike?
Please arrive at least 10 minutes before departure. Head to Coach B, show your booking PDF to the train manager and they will help you access the cycle storage area.
What are the safety rules for E-bikes?
For the safety of all passengers, we enforce the following:
- No charging: E-bikes and batteries cannot be charged on board or at stations
- Battery safety: Batteries must not be removed on board. You cannot cspare batteries or bikes with damaged or modified battery systems.
- Emergency access: Do not lock your e-bike to the train structure. In case of a battery fire, evacuate the area immediately and notify the crew.
Are firearms permitted on Grand Central trains?
No, Grand Central does not permit the carriage of licensed firearms on any of our services.
This is in accordance with our rights provided within section 23.4 of the National Rail Conditions of Travel.
Still have questions?
If you’re unsure about a specific item or need more help planning your trip, our team is here to help.
- Visit our Help Centre for common support topics.
- Contact Customer Relations on 0345 603 4852 option 4 (07.00 - 19.00, Monday to Friday, 09.00 - 12.30pm Saturday to Sunday).
- Email [email protected] with an overview of your question.