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Luggage on NSW TrainLink services

Before you embark on a NSW TrainLink service, it's crucial to understand the luggage allowance and baggage policy associated with your travel. This guide will provide you with all the details you need to know.

Hand luggage

Each passenger is allowed one hand-luggage bag with the following restrictions:

  • Maximum weight: 10 kilograms.
  • Maximum size: 30cm high x 50cm long x 30cm wide.

Large luggage

The allowance for large luggage depends on the travel class selected:

Economy Class on train services:

  • Number of items: One (1) item per passenger.
  • Maximum weight per item: 20 kilograms.
  • Maximum dimensions per item: 60cm high x 70cm long x 50cm wide.

First Class on train services and/or seats on coach services:

Number of items: Two (2) items per passenger.

  • Maximum weight per item: 20 kilograms.
  • Maximum dimensions per item: 60cm high x 70cm long x 50cm wide.

No single item taken onboard an NSW TrainLink services can exceed 20kg.

When measuring luggage for size, it's important to include any protruding elements, such as wheels and handles. These dimensions are typically measured at the widest end of each side to ensure that the luggage adheres to size restrictions imposed.

If you do not check-in your large/heavy luggage, baggage taken on board the train must be stowed in the luggage area at the end of your carriage. Luggage carried on board is your own responsibility.

Passengers can check in large and/or heavy luggage at select attended stations and stops during their opening hours.

It's important to note that luggage check-in closes 30 minutes before the scheduled departure of the train. Travelers should arrive with sufficient time to complete the check-in process within this timeframe.

There is a weight limit for items that can be checked in. Specifically, items weighing less than 5kg cannot be checked in. This restriction ensures that only larger and heavier luggage is processed through the check-in service.

Typically, luggage check-in services are located near the booking office or waiting room at most stations. At Central Station in Sydney, the luggage drop-off for regional services can be found on Platform 1.

Arrival at your Destination

Please collect your checked luggage items as soon as you arrive at your destination. You can collect checked luggage from staff at the station or stop.

It's essential to keep your luggage check-in receipt safe throughout your trip, as it serves as proof of ownership when collecting your checked baggage at your destination.

If a passenger's luggage is not collected at the destination, it will be kept at the closest attended station for a period of seven days before it is sent to lost property office. Refer to lost property and unclaimed luggage.

Selected infant and children's item are accepted in addition to the luggage allowance, and no additional charges apply. Accepted items include:

Child Restraint Car Seat and/or Baby Safety Capsule:

  • Ensure belts and straps are secured with no loose ends.
  • Stored in the designated luggage area at the end of the carriage (if you're on a train) or beneath the coach (if you're on a bus).

Collapsible Baby Carriages (Prams and Strollers):

  • Stored in the designated luggage area at the end of the carriage (if you're on a train) or beneath the coach (if you're on a bus).

When booking a regional trip, it's important to plan ahead and be aware of any accessible travel exceptions that may apply to the service. These exceptions could include specific policies or requirements for passengers with mobility aids or disabilities.

Accepted Mobility Aids and Equipment:

Collapsible Wheelchairs: Collapsible wheelchairs are accepted in addition to the permitted luggage allowance. This means that passengers who use collapsible wheelchairs can bring them along for their journey without counting towards the regular luggage allowance.

Walking Frames and Crutches: Similarly, walking frames and crutches are also accepted as additional items and can be brought on board without counting toward the regular luggage allowance.

Stowing Mobility Aids and Equipment:

Stowing in the Luggage Area: Mobility aids and equipment, including collapsible wheelchairs, walking frames, and crutches, should be stowed in the designated luggage area on the train. This ensures that they are securely stored during the journey.

Motorised Scooters and Wheelchairs:

Booking for Motorised Scooters and Wheelchairs: Customers using motorised scooters and wheelchairs should book their travel accordingly. These mobility devices may have specific requirements regarding dimensions, manoeuvrability, and stability.

Compliance with Specifications: Passengers using motorised scooters and wheelchairs must ensure that their devices comply with the specifications to be accommodated on train or coach services. Refer to mobility aid specifications.

Sporting equipment & Musical instruments

Due to limited space on our services, we kindly request that passengers take note of the following travel conditions:

Please note the following guidelines:

  • A limit of one (1) bicycle per passenger is permitted.
  • Reservations are essential.
  • Bicycles will be stored in the checked luggage area.

The bicycle (including protective containers) must weigh less than 20 kilograms to be accepted. If the bicycle exceeds 20 kilograms in weight, it cannot be accepted.

Push Bicycles:

  • Bicycles must be contained in a cardboard bicycle box or commercially produced protective bag to protect the bicycle during transport.
  • Bicycle boxes can be obtained from bicycle retailers or provided upon request.
  • When packing the bicycle, ensure that no part of it protrudes.
  • Boxes must not be torn or damaged to ensure the safe transportation of the bicycle.
  • Maximum dimensions when packed: 135cm long x 80cm high x 24cm wide.
  • A supplementary charge of $12.10 applies for push bicycles.

Folding Bicycles:

  • Folding bicycles must be packed in a commercially produced protective cover bag.
  • Maximum dimensions when folded: 79cm long x 59cm high x 36cm wide.
  • No additional charges apply for carrying folding bicycles.

Surfboards, snowboards, and skis with poles can be transported, provided they are packed in a protective bag.

  • Passengers are limited to one (1) such item per passenger.
  • The maximum length allowed for these items, including the protective bag, is 200 cm.
  • A supplementary charge of $12.10 applies for transporting these items.
  • Reservations are essential.
  • Items will be stored in the checked luggage area.

Golf equipment can be transported when packed in a protective bag with a secure hood or cover and should not exceed 20 kilograms in weight.

  • Each customer can take one set of golf equipment in addition to their standard luggage allowance without any additional charge.
  • Items are to be stowed in the luggage area.

Passengers can bring an instrument as part of the standard baggage allowance, provided it meets the applied size and weight restrictions for luggage. Musical instruments must be transported in a hard carry case.

Additional Seat for Musical Instruments:

  • Customers have the option to purchase an additional seat to accommodate larger, delicate, or valuable musical instruments next to them during the journey. The instrument would have its own seat next to customer, stored against window. Speak with a reservation agent on 13 22 32 to book.
  • Instruments must not exceed 45cm high, 125cm long and 20cm wide.

Items count as one (1) large luggage item.

Boogie/Body Boards:

  • Items must be packed safely in a protective bag.

Skateboards:

  • Accepted if packed securely in a travel bag/protective cover.

Non-Motorized Scooters (including Small Kick/Push Scooters):

  • Accepted if collapsed and packed securely in a travel bag/protective cover.

Tennis/Cricket/Hockey and Bowling Equipment:

  • Accepted if packed securely in a protective bag.

Scuba Diving Gear:

  • Accepted in a separate bag.
  • Must be stored in the checked luggage area.
  • Excludes compressed air/gas tanks and knives (considered dangerous goods).

Other types of small-sized sporting goods items may be accepted; please inquire with reservations when booking.

Safety and courtesy

For safety and courtesy reasons, please be aware of the following:

  • Luggage that does not comply with the luggage policy, including excess luggage, is not permitted.
  • Luggage must be packed in a suitcase or suitable protective travel bag.
  • Wheelchairs and mobility devices are subject to size and weight restrictions. Refer to Mobility aid specifications.

Restricted items

Some items are restricted on our services. Please note:

  1. No single item should exceed 20kg in weight. Items heavier than 20kg will not be accepted.
  2. Items that are dirty or soiled; or of an offensive nature will not be accepted.
  3. Luggage insufficiently secured or protected, included items packed in plastic bags will not be accepted.
  4. Items packed in polystyrene or wooden boxes or soft-sided cardboard boxes are not approved containers, unless cardboard box is used to transport bicycle as specified.
  5. Luggage packed in lightweight material bags, such as candy-striped bags, can be accepted. The maximum weight allowed is 15 kilograms. These bags must only contain clothing and soft items.
  6. Sailboards.
  7. Engines, motors (includes vehicles) or parts of engines/motors.
  8. Approved Assistance Animal exempt, animals are not permitted on train or coach services. Refer to Travelling with animals and pets.
  9. Household items and appliances.
  10. Plants and/or plant matter.
  11. Perishable food items including meat, seafood, fruit and vegetables.
  12. Any damaged luggage receptacle that cannot be secured or has protruding contents, will not be accepted as checked luggage.
  13. Baggage that is not traveling with a passenger will not be accepted.

Dangerous goods

The following items must not be taken on board under any circumstance:

  • compressed gases - flammable, non-inflammable and poisonous
  • corrosives - acids, alkalis, mercury and wet cell batteries
  • explosives - munitions, fireworks and flares
  • flammable liquids and solids - lighter fuel, matches, paints, thinners and fire-lighters
  • oxidising materials - bleaching powder and peroxides
  • poisons and infectious substances - insecticides, weed killers and live virus materials
  • firearms, spear guns, crossbows and knives
  • radioactive materials

Lost property and unclaimed luggage

Unclaimed luggage will be kept at the closest attended station for seven days. If it is not claimed, it will be sent to the Lost Property Office at Central Station. The easiest way to investigate a lost item is by submitting a lost property report. Unclaimed items are disposed of after 28 days.

NSW TrainLink luggage liability

To the extent allowed by law, any damage to luggage taken onboard the service by passenger is not NSW TrainLink responsibility. Private travel insurance is recommended.

For luggage checked-in NSW TrainLink liability is limited to $300.

NSW TrainLink does not assume liability for normal wear and tear to baggage.

A short-term luggage storage service is available for NSW TrainLink Regional customers at the luggage drop-off counter on Platform 1 at Central Station in Sydney. It is a convenient option for passengers who want to temporarily store their luggage while traveling on the same day.

There is a charge of $4.40 for each item of luggage stored.

Other storage options

SmarteCarte offers baggage storage services for both short-term and long-term needs. There are charges associated with using SmarteCarte's baggage storage services. For more information, visit the Baggage Storage website.

Location: Grand Concourse at Central Station in Sydney - opposite Platform 1.