Will Rimowa Fit in the Train? Assessing Rimowa’s Compatibility on Trains

Many Rimowa models have Compact and Cabin sizes that can fit into the overhead compartments of trains designed to hold small to medium-sized luggage.

Train luggage rules are friendlier than airline rules. But this does not mean you can jack luggage of any size onto a train as you travel from one point to another.

Some luggage is not permitted on trains, while others attract additional luggage charges.

The question is, what luggage can fit into a train? This article will examine whether you can take the premium travel companion (the Rimowa luggage) on a train at no extra cost.

Do Rimowa suitcases fit in the overhead compartments of trains?

The overhead bin of a train can hold small to medium-sized luggage. The size of the overhead compartments are similar to that on domestic air planes. The only difference is that there is no latch. So it’s an open compartment. So it gives some extra flexibility. It doesn’t matter if you luggage sticks out a bit.

Rimowa suitcases are available in different sizes, including small cabins, medium to large check-ins, and large to extra-large trunk cases. So, you’ll find a Rimowa that fits into the overhead compartments of trains effortlessly.

Note that the Rimowa size options depend on the specific Rimowa model. The Rimowa Original offers the widest range of sizes (eleven) in Rimowa stores. It is available in a small Pilot size, an even smaller Compact size, three Cabin sizes, two Check-Ins, and four Trunk sizes. 

The Rimowa Classic has five size options, while the Hybrid has four. The Essential, Essential Lite, and Essential Sleeve have six, five, and four-size options, respectively. 

Model	Size
Original	Compact: 40.5 x 41.5 x 23 cm (15.9 x 16.3 x 9.1 in)Pilot: 42 x 50 x 23 cm (16.54 x 19.7 x 9.1 in)Cabin S: 55 x 40 x 20 cm (21.7 x 15.7 x 7.9 in)Cabin: 55 x 40 x 23 cm (21.7 x 15.7 x 10 in)Cabin Plus: 57 x 44 x 25.5 cm (22.4 x 17.3 x 10 in)Check-In M: 69 x 44 x 27.5 cm (27.2 x 17.3 x 10.8 in)Check-In L: 79 x 51 x 27.5 cm (31.1 x 20.1 x 10.8 in)Trunk S: 65 x 39 x 34 cm (25.6 x 13.4 x 15.4 in)Trunk: 73 x 44 x 36.5 cm (28.7 x 17.3 x 14.4 in)Trunk Plus: 80 x 36.5 x 44 cm (31.5 x 14.4 x 17.3 in)Trunk XL: 80 x 43.5 x 46 cm (31.5 x 17.1 x 18.1 in)
Classic	Cabin S: 55 x 40 x 20 cm (21.7 x 15.7 x 7.9 in)Cabin: 55 x 40 x 23 cm (21.7 x 15.7 x 9.1 in)Check-In M: 71 x 47.5 x 26 cm (28 x 18.7 x 10.2 in)Check-In L: 79 x 53 x 28 cm (31.1 x 20.9 x 11 in)Trunk: 75 x 47 x 36 cm (29.5 x 18.5 x 14.2 in)
Hybrid	Cabin S: 55 x 40 x 20 cm (21.7 x 15.7 x 7.9 in)Cabin: 55 x 40 x 23 cm (21.7 x 15.7 x 9.1 in)Check-In: 66 x 44 x 27 cm (26 x 17.3 x 10.6 in)Check-In L: 78 x 52 x 27 cm (30.7 x 20.5 x 10.6 in)
Essential	Cabin S: 55 x 39 x 20 cm (21.7 x 15.4 x 7.9 in)Cabin: 55 x 39 x 23 cm (21.7 x 15.4 x 9.1 in)Check-In M: 67.5 x 44.5 x 24 cm (26.6 x 17.5 x 9.4 in)Check-In L: 77.5 x 51 x 26.5 cm (30.5 x 20.1 x 10.4 in)Trunk: 73 x 37 x 41 cm (28.7 x 14.6 x 16.1 in)Trunk Plus: 80 x 37 x 41 cm (31.5 x 14.6 x 16.1 in)
Essential Lite	Cabin U: 50 x 35 x 20 cm (19.7 x 13.8 x 7.9 in)Cabin S: 55 x 37 x 20 cm (21.7 x 14.6 x 7.9 in)Cabin: 55 x 37 x 23 cm (21.7 x 14.6 x 9.1 in)Check-In M: 67.5 x 44 x 25 cm (26.6 x 17.3 x 9.8 in)Check-In L: 78 x 51 x 26.5 cm (30.7 x 20.1 x 10.4 in)
Essential Sleeve	Compact: 40 x 42.5 x 23 cm (15.7 x 16.7 x 9.1 in)Cabin S: 55 x 39.5 x 20 cm (21.7 x 15.6 x 7.9 in)Cabin: 55 x 39.5 x 23 cm (21.7 x 15.6 x 9.1 in)Cabin Plus: 56 x 45 x 25 (22 x 17.7 x 9.8 in)

The Compact and Cabin Rimowas fit into the overhead luggage racks. The overhead compartments of some trains will even take medium Rimowa Check-In luggage.

Everyone likes a good carry-on bag that can be with them when they board trains to zap from one place to another. Thankfully, many Rimowa cases make good carry-on bags.

Whenever I travel with a Rimowa Classic Cabin S, I have never encountered any problems fitting it into the overhead luggage racks of trains. From Eurostar to Thalys and ICE Bus, the luxury Rimowa Classic Cabin S slots into the overhead racks.

I also like having my Rimowa in a spot where I can have my eyes on it always, so I board as early as possible. 

If you board the train late, you may discover that earlier passengers have already placed their luggage in compartments you can observe from your seat. Then you may have to keep your Rimowa in the overhead racks behind you.

Worse still, the overhead racks may be full, and you’ll have to keep your Rimowa in the luggage rack at the end of the carriage (meant for oversized luggage that cannot fit into the overhead racks).

An even better Rimowa Cabin may be the Rimowa Original Cabin. Like my excellent Classic Cabin, the Original Cabin is small enough to fit into a train’s overhead bin.

Interestingly, the design of the TSA-approved locks of the Original Cabin carry-on means it can hold more items than the similarly-sized Classic Cabin. You can slightly overpack the Original Cabin carry-on, then use the locks as leverage to help you close the suitcase better.

What Rimowa model is best suited for traveling by train?

Rail operators publish different luggage guidelines regarding maximum luggage size. But one common thing across the board is that train travelers should not bring luggage they cannot carry without assistance.

Every Rimowa suitcase is suitable for traveling on trains as long as it meets the rail-line maximum luggage size guideline, and you can board with it without needing assistance.

Rimowa bags are not the lightest bags because of their aluminum construction, but they’re some of the lightest cases you’ll find. So, when looking for a case you can handle without assistance, you’ll not go wrong with a Rimowa.

Though the larger Rimowas (like the Rimowa trunk cases) cannot fit into the overhead compartments of trains, you can still carry one aboard a train and store it in the luggage racks at the end of each carriage.

Rimowa luggage maneuverability on trains 

Many things make Rimowa the best luggage brand. Besides the prestigious name, it is incredibly well-made and easy to handle.

Thanks to a patented multi-wheel system and a height-adjustable telescopic handle, maneuvering a Rimowa suitcase on a train is easy-peasy.

Rimowa suitcases come with ball-bearing mounted wheels with cushioned axles. The four wheels are made of sturdy polycarbonate and can handle different terrains.

When traveling with the Rimowa, it moves freely and with minimal friction, both on the hard floors of train stations and metallic train floors.

While many rolling bags struggle with fast, sharp turns, a Rimowa bag/ case has no problem. Each of the high-end spinner wheels spins 360 degrees, guaranteeing stable and effortless steering of the case.

Rimowa’s spinner wheels are flexible, allowing you to roll the case behind, in front of, or next to you.

You can change direction anytime, even rolling the case sideways into tighter spaces. So, you’ll have no problem rolling your Rimowa through busy train stations or down a train aisle.

The Rimowa’s telescopic handle makes it easy to steer the case. You extend the telescopic handle from the back of the case and use it to steer the case when rolling it. 

The handle can be adjusted to fit your height for maximum comfort and maneuverability.

Conclusion

Rimowa makes an excellent travel companion whether you are an air traveler, a train traveler, or both. The luxury Rimowa luggage is a traveler’s delight though it’s a relatively expensive suitcase.

Being of the Louis Vuitton family, it offers prestige. It is made of premium materials, it looks awesome, and it rolls effortlessly. Plus, it has a lifetime guarantee.

If you need a great carry-on suitcase, head to a Rimowa store to purchase Rimowa products. Rimowa has great carry-on sizes. 

Many Rimowa models have Compact and Cabin sizes that can fit into the overhead compartments of trains, allowing you to travel with your luxury suitcase without paying extra costs.

All Rimowa models are suitable for train travel as long as they do not exceed the rail’s maximum luggage size guideline. 

A larger Rimowa that does not fit into the overhead bin can be stored in the luggage rack at the end of the carriage.

With a high-end wheel system and telescopic handle, you’ll have no problem maneuvering and rolling your Rimowa on and off a train.

Want to know more about Rimowa suitcases? Gracefuldegrade is for you. 

We’ve been reviewing Rimowa since 2016 and will tell you everything you need to know about the luxury suitcase brand (from the differences between the Rimowa models, how to tell a real Rimowa from a fake, how to buy a Rimowa at a discount, etc.).

Check this timeless article on How to buy a Rimowa (Everything you need to know).