Best Luggage For European Train Travel: 10 Great Options

Osprey Farpoint

It’s a lot easier to travel by train if you have a backpack instead of a suitcase and the Osprey Farpoint is one of the best travel backpacks money can buy. It’s available in several different sizes ranging from a small 40-liter bag to a massive 80-liter pack, and all of its sizes will be accepted on board trains in Europe.

The 55-liter bag seems like the most convenient option for me. It can comfortably fit enough clothes for trips of up to 10-15 days, it’s got a great compression system, a comfortable back system, and it’s compatible with Osprey Daylite. The detachable daypack is not included in the purchase, but you can get one at every Osprey store and online.

Also, the Farpoint 55 should fit into overhead spaces on most European trains, allowing for easy storage. You can keep an eye on it while you’re traveling, which can’t be said for all the luggage placed on the dedicated luggage racks on the trains.

This backpack is also water-resistant, features loads of pockets and compartments for easy organization, and it’s got stowable shoulder straps. It’s a pricey backpack, but it’s honestly worth every penny because of its excellent construction, quality, and the brand’s extensive warranty.

Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler XT

A wheeled duffel bag is another great option for train travel and the Cargo Hauler XT by Eagle Creek is one of the best duffel bags money can buy. It is a pricey option and I will include a cheaper alternative later, but if you want a premium duffel this is easily one of the best options.

This duffel bag has wheels, backpack straps, and multiple grab handles so you’ve got several ways of carrying it. That’s honestly a lifesaver for train travel because you will need to climb stairs with this bag, you’ll have to walk around the platforms, on board the train, and you’ll eventually need to store it somewhere.

Duffels can often fit in the overhead compartments on trains, so it will be easier to find storage space for the Cargo Hauler.

In terms of build quality and packing space, this duffel is like a space shuttle. It’s made from durable TPU fabric with excellent water resistance, and it’s got a massive packing compartment with loads of smaller pockets. There’s also a detachable mesh divider inside, which can make your life a bit easier when packing.

Also, it’s worth noting that the wheels on the duffel bag are oversized for easier rolling, and that will come in handy when you eventually step off the train onto a cobblestone street.

Briggs & Riley Baseline

If you prefer suitcases to backpacks and duffel bags, the Baseline by Briggs & Riley is the top option without a contest. It is an expensive suitcase and I will tell you about more affordable options, but if you’re looking for the best luggage for Europe, this is one of my top picks.

The main reason why this suitcase is so great is the CX compression system. It allows you to expand the bag with the buttons inside the main compartment, and it expands the capacity of the suitcase by 20-25%, depending on the size of the luggage. When you’ve fully packed the case you just need to press down on the front panel to close the bag.

What this means in practice is that you can pack a lot more items inside the bag while keeping it the same size. And if you get a smaller or medium-sized suitcase, you should be able to store it in the overhead luggage spaces on trains and you won’t have to worry about luggage racks at all.

This suitcase features spinner wheels, multiple internal and external pockets for easy organization, and a TSA-friendly padlock for safety. It also has an Outsider wheel handle that doesn’t protrude inside the main packing compartment, as well as an interior garment folder for any items you want to keep wrinkle-free in transit.

Osprey Nebula

Osprey Nebula is an awesome lightweight backpack and a great option for shorter trips. I have an older version of this backpack, but the size and main features are the same across both models. I’ve taken this backpack on many trips with me, and it’s one of my favorite bags for weekend getaways.

The Nebula pack has a capacity of 32 liters, which is enough for trips of up to five days. I’ve packed in just this backpack for short trips, and I’ve taken it in addition to larger bags for longer trips. It fits a lot of stuff inside the main compartment, plus it features a dedicated laptop compartment with a padded sleeve and an additional front compartment with an organizer panel.

On top of that, this backpack has a scratch-free zippered pocket at the top, which is great for stuff you want to keep easily accessible. There’s also a stretchy pocket on the front panel and two roomy stretchy pockets on the sides.

Also, the Nebula is a good size because it doesn’t get ridiculously heavy even when it’s packed to the brim. With the help of the hip belt and sternum strap, you won’t really feel the weight of the bag. The back panel and shoulder straps feature thick padding and mesh ventilation for breathability and maximum carrying comfort.

Samsonite Winfield 2

A hardside suitcase is a good option if you also have plans to fly with the luggage you’ll be taking on trains, especially if you need a big checked suitcase. The Winfield 2 is one of Samsonite’s all-time best-sellers, partly because of the excellent build quality and partly because of the affordable price point.

It’s got a polycarbonate shell, smooth double spinner wheels, a height-adjustable wheel handle, and a TSA-friendly lock. The Winfield 2 also boasts an expandable capacity of 1.5”, allowing you to fit a few extra items inside.

This luggage is available in three sizes, three-set options, and 14 different colors. It’s one of Samsonite’s most affordable polycarbonate luggage collections, and the perfect option for travelers who want a durable, high-quality suitcase but don’t want to spend a fortune on it.

On the inside, this suitcase has a zippered divider with two pockets in one compartment and tie-down straps in the other. Overall, it’s one of the best options if you want affordable hardside luggage, but keep in mind that it’s not the perfect solution if you’re only traveling by train.

The hardside construction is very durable, but unlike the softsides, it doesn’t have great organizational features and it’s heavier.

Samsonite Andante 2

Samsonite Andante 2 is a really good solution if you’re considering a duffel bag for travel to Europe. It’s got wheels and a telescopic handle so it will be easier to get around train stations with it, but it also has multiple carry handles to help you conquer steps, train boarding, and more.

The duffel bag is available in three different sizes and color options, although frankly, the color variety is barely existent. But that shouldn’t matter too much considering that this is some of the most affordable wheeled luggage from Samsonite and an excellent option for travelers who want high-quality luggage but are on a tighter budget.

The Andante features a spacious packing compartment that can fit a lot of items, as well as lots of pockets and compartments throughout the bag. You get separate pockets at either end of the bag, which works great for wet items, dirty clothes, shoes, or even just as a sleeping bag compartment.

A downside of this duffel bag is that it doesn’t have any backpack straps or even a long shoulder strap. You can either wheel it around the train station or you can carry it in one hand, which could be problematic when the bag is filled to capacity.

Travelpro Maxlite 5

Travelpro Maxlite 5 is a very popular softshell suitcase and an excellent option for your upcoming Europe trip. The carry-on size doubles as great cabin luggage, making this bag a really good option if you’re going to travel both by train and plane.

The Maxlite 5 suitcase is constructed from durable materials, exceptionally lightweight, and feature-packed. It’s got a height-adjustable wheel handle, smooth spinner wheels, an expandable capacity, and grab handles at the top, side, and bottom.

This luggage features a single packing compartment with internal tie-down straps. The mesh pocket on the top cover can also fit quite a few things, plus you get an additional external compartment for items you want to keep more easily accessible.

Another thing to note about this Travelpro bag is that it’s got a tapered shape, which is supposed to prevent the travel bag from tipping over when it’s expanded. This can be a lifesaver for train travel, especially if you can’t find space for your bag in luggage storage and you need to keep it next to you during the trip.

DELSEY Paris Chatelet Hard+

Delsey Paris Chatelet Hard+ suitcase is possibly the best option for travelers who need versatile luggage. If your European trip includes both train and air travel, you won’t regret getting this suitcase. The polycarbonate exterior is exceptionally durable, plus the suitcase is packed with useful features.

This luggage features a height-adjustable wheel handle, a TSA-friendly lock, and double-spinner wheels with built-in brakes. The brake system is awesome for train travel; if there’s no space in luggage storage or the overhead bins and you need to keep the suitcase close to you, you can just leave it upright and lock the wheels so that it can’t roll away from you.

The wheels lock with a push of a button, for maximum convenience. This luggage also features grab handles on the top and side, as well as a patented Securitech zipper for luggage closure.

The interior of this case is another awesome feature worth mentioning. It’s fully lined with two compartments, each of which has both a zippered divider and tie-down straps. The suitcase also comes with removable shoe and laundry bags for easy organization, as well as a travel hanger.

It’s a pricey piece of luggage, but if you want a premium bag and you’re okay with the cost, it’s by far one of the best hardside suitcases you can buy.

Kelty Coyote Backpack

The Coyote backpack from Kelty is a great solution if you want to travel with just one piece of luggage. This massive backpack has a capacity of a minimum of 60 liters, which should be enough for trips of two weeks. It’s a great option for backpacking through Europe, and great for train travel because of the elaborate back system.

The backpack features thick padding and breathable mesh in the back panel and shoulder straps, for maximum carrying comfort. There’s also a sternum strap and a padded hip belt, which will help make you more comfortable when wearing a fully packed backpack. Also, everything about the back system is adjustable so you can easily make it fit you perfectly.

The Coyote offers plenty of storage space for your travel essentials, as well as multiple different pockets and compartments so you can keep everything neatly organized. It’s even got compression straps and external attachment points for bulkier items that might not fit inside the main compartment.

Best of all, the backpack is very affordable, at least for a bag this size. What makes it great for train travel is that you can easily get around the train station and take on stairs with this bag, but you might not be able to get this to fit into overhead bins on all trains. In any case, it’s easier to travel with than a large checked suitcase, plus it offers a similar capacity.

DELSEY Paris Helium Aero

The Helium Aero is another great option for travelers who prefer hardside luggage. This is a really good option if you want a versatile suitcase, especially if you normally prefer bags with good organizational features.

The main thing that makes the Helium Aero luggage special is the external front compartment. That feature is rarely seen on hardside luggage, and it makes traveling with just one hardshell suitcase significantly more convenient. This compartment has a padded laptop pocket and it can fit any other small items you would like to have handy in transit.

It’s worth noting that there’s only one model of the Helium Aero with an external compartment. The larger suitcases don’t have this feature, and it’s possible to purchase a carry-on without this pocket as well.

This luggage is made from durable polycarbonate, it’s got smooth double spinner wheels, a telescopic wheel handle, an expandable capacity, and a TSA-friendly lock. The interior is fully lined but lacks pockets. Overall, it’s a really good and versatile suitcase that can work for all sorts of trips, train travel in Europe included.