SBB Luggage Policy 2026: Rules, Limits, Fees and Storage 

SBB (Swiss Federal Railways) imposes no official weight or size limits on carry-on luggage you just need to manage your bags independently. Registered luggage is capped at 23 kg per item. Station-to-station transport costs CHF 12 per item. Door-to-door service starts at CHF 50 flat rate plus CHF 12 per item.

Whether you’re hauling a suitcase through Zurich HB, shipping ski gear to Zermatt, or wondering what to do with your bike, here’s everything you need to know about the SBB luggage policy in 2026.

What Is the SBB Luggage Allowance for On-Board Bags?

SBB does not enforce a specific weight or size limit for luggage you carry on board. Passengers of all ticket classes standard or firstmay bring as many bags as they can independently carry, lift, and store. The key rule is self-sufficiency: staff will not assist with loading or stowing your luggage.

This is a major difference from airline travel and something most competitor articles fail to highlight clearly. There is no “two-bag limit” or “10 kg cabin allowance” on SBB trains. As long as your bags don’t block aisles, occupy seats meant for other passengers, or create safety risks, you’re good.

SBB Bags on Train: Where Can You Store Them?

Storage options vary by train type:

Practical tip: Use the SBB Mobile app or SBB.ch timetable to check coach occupancy before boarding. Choose the least-busy coach and wait at the correct platform position suitcase pictograms on the platform indicate which coaches have dedicated luggage racks.

What Are the SBB Luggage Rules for Registered Baggage?

SBB’s registered luggage service (Tariff 602) applies when you check bags in for transport rather than carrying them yourself. Under this system, each item must weigh no more than 23 kg, be labelled with your name, address, and phone number, and travel under a valid SBB ticket or annual travelcard.

This service is not available with a standalone luggage payment you must have a legitimate travel ticket covering the full transport route.

What Items Are Prohibited from SBB Registered Luggage?

The following cannot be transported under Tariff 602:

• Electronics: televisions, computers, laptops, cameras, mobile phones
• Valuables: precious metals, jewelry, watches, gemstones
• Financial documents: cash, securities, cheque books, identity documents
• Packaging: moving boxes, containers of any kind
• Fragile goods: works of art, antiques, glassware
• Perishables: dairy products, meat, and similar foods
• Oversized bicycles: cargo bikes and special electric bicycles

What Is the SBB Luggage Weight Limit?

The SBB luggage weight limit is 23 kg per item for all registered and transported luggage including bags, ski equipment, and cycling gear checked through the SBB luggage service. There is no official weight limit for bags you carry on board yourself.

Can I Put 30 kg in One Bag on SBB?

No. A single bag weighing 30 kg exceeds SBB’s 23 kg registered luggage limit and will not be accepted for transport. For carry-on luggage, there is technically no enforced weight cap but you must be able to handle the bag entirely on your own. If a 30 kg bag cannot be safely lifted into an overhead rack without assistance, it will cause practical problems regardless of policy.

Edge case worth knowing: If you’re connecting to a flight via Zurich Airport, note that SBB’s 23 kg limit aligns with most standard airline economy allowances but confirm your airline’s specific rules separately.

What Are the SBB Luggage Size Limits?

For carry-on bags taken directly on board, SBB does not publish official maximum dimensions. For registered luggage transported via the SBB service, bags must fit within a category defined as “bags, suitcases, sacks, or boxes up to 23 kg.” No specific centimeter dimensions are listed for standard luggage but ski bags and snowboard bags must be packed in appropriate public transport covers (available at check-in stations) and must not exceed 23 kg.

How Much Does SBB Luggage Transport Cost?

This is the section most competitor guides get wrong or leave out entirely. Here is a full breakdown of SBB’s 2026 registered luggage fees (per official SBB pricing):

SBB Luggage Transport Pricing Table

Real-world cost scenario: Sending one suitcase and one bicycle door-to-door to Grindelwald (a car-free zone) would cost: CHF 50 (flat rate) + CHF 12 (luggage item) + CHF 20 (bike) + CHF 30 (car-free surcharge) = CHF 112 total.

How Can I Transport My Luggage with SBB?

SBB offers five registered luggage transport options, each suited to different travel needs:

1. Station-to-station Drop off at one SBB station, collect at another. CHF 12 per item, 23 kg max. No advance booking required.
2. Door-to-door  SBB collects from your address on Day 1, delivers on Day 3. CHF 50 flat rate + CHF 12 per item.
3. Door-to-station  Collection from your home, delivered to a station.
4. Station-to-door  Picked up at a station, delivered to your accommodation.
5. Express door-to-door  Same-day collection (7–9am) and delivery (5–8pm). Additional CHF 50 surcharge. Must be ordered by 12pm the previous day.

Note: All services require a valid train ticket or annual travelcard (GA, Half Fare, Point-to-Point, Regional, or Night GA Travelcard) for the same route.

What Are the SBB Luggage Storage Options at Stations?

SBB offers two types of in-station storage: self-service lockers and staffed Travel Centre storage.

SBB Locker Sizes and Prices

Lockers are available at most larger stations, including Basel, Bern, Geneva, Lucerne, and Zurich. Payment at grey and newer blue lockers accepts credit cards and mobile payment apps (Apple Pay, Twint). Older blue lockers still require Swiss coins, though these are being phased out.

For luggage that doesn’t fit in lockers or if you need storage beyond 96 hours the SBB Travel Centre offers staffed storage at CHF 6–16 per item per day (based on locker rates at that station), with a 23 kg limit per item. Long-term storage is also available: one month costs CHF 120 per item.

What Are the Rules for Travelling with Pets on SBB?

Small animals (dogs, cats, rabbits, birds) with a wither height of up to 30 cm travel free when kept in a carrier, basket, or transport box. Once removed from their container, a separate ticket is required.

For larger dogs of any size travelling in passenger carriages:

• Day Pass Dogs: CHF 25 (unlimited travel for one day on trains, buses, boats, and most urban transport)
• Monthly Dog Pass: CHF 60
• Yearly Dog Pass: CHF 350

Dogs must sit under the seat and are not permitted in restaurant or dining coaches (guide dogs and assistance dogs are exempt).

Tips for Stress-Free Travel with SBB

• Label everything before check-in. Registered luggage must display your full name, address, and phone number SBB provides downloadable luggage labels on their website.
• Book door-to-door transport at least two days in advance. Same-day express must be ordered by 12pm the previous day.
• Check station opening hours before using the check-in or collection service. Not all stations offer luggage services, and hours vary.
• Use the SBB app’s occupancy forecast to find the least busy coach before boarding. This significantly improves your chances of finding storage space for large bags.
• Connecting to a flight at Zurich Airport? SBB offers a dedicated flight luggage service to and from Zurich Airport check SBB’s flight luggage page for participating airlines.

What Happens If SBB Loses or Damages Your Luggage?

SBB’s liability is governed by the Swiss Federal Passenger Transport Act. Maximum compensation is CHF 2,000 per item for loss or damage. In the case of a delay, SBB covers emergency purchases (clothing, toiletries, equipment rental) up to CHF 200 per item per 24-hour period, for a maximum of 14 days.

Damage must be reported within seven days of receiving your luggage. Claims are processed by Automate Insurance AG on behalf of Swiss public transport.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Is there a carry-on luggage limit on SBB trains?
No. SBB does not enforce official weight or size limits for bags you carry on board yourself. You must be able to manage all bags independently without staff assistance.

What is the maximum weight per item for SBB registered luggage?
23 kg per item. This applies to all bags, ski equipment, and sports gear sent via any SBB transport service. Items exceeding this limit will not be accepted.

How much does station-to-station luggage transport cost on SBB?
CHF 12 per item, with a 23 kg weight limit. No advance booking is required. You must hold a valid train ticket or travelcard for the same route.

Can I send luggage with SBB without buying a train ticket?
No. SBB’s registered luggage services require a valid travel ticket or annual travelcard (GA, Half Fare, Point-to-Point, etc.) covering the full transport route.

How long does door-to-door luggage delivery take with SBB?
Standard delivery takes three days: luggage is collected on Day 1 and delivered on Day 3. The same-day express option collects between 7–9am and delivers between 5–8pm on the same day, at an additional CHF 50 surcharge.

Can I ship a bicycle with SBB’s luggage service?
Yes. Standard bicycles cost CHF 20, e-bikes and special bikes cost CHF 30 via door-to-door transport. Bikes cannot be shipped to certain car-free locations (Saas-Fee, Zermatt, Stoos, etc.), and are excluded from same-day express delivery.

Are station lockers available 24/7 at Swiss rail stations?
Most SBB lockers are accessible nearly 24 hours a day. Maximum rental duration is 96 hours (4 days). For longer storage, use the SBB Travel Centre, which offers staffed storage during counter opening hours.

What items cannot be registered as luggage with SBB?
Prohibited items include electronics (laptops, cameras), valuables (jewelry, cash), fragile goods (antiques, artwork), perishables (meat, dairy), and commercial shipments. Cargo bikes and oversized electric bicycles are also excluded.

Can I travel with my dog on SBB trains?
Yes. Small animals in carriers (wither height under 30 cm) travel free. Larger dogs require a Day Pass (CHF 25), Monthly Pass (CHF 60), or Yearly Pass (CHF 350). Dogs must sit under the seat and are not permitted in dining coaches.

What compensation does SBB provide for lost or damaged registered luggage?
SBB’s maximum liability is CHF 2,000 per item for loss or damage, and up to CHF 200 per item per 24-hour period (maximum 14 days) for delayed delivery. Claims must be filed within seven days of receiving the item.