If you're planning a hillwalking trip to the Alps, the Pyrenees, or even the Ardennes, Eurostar offers a wonderfully convenient way to get your walking holiday started without the hassle of airports. But a common question arises: can you bring your trekking poles on board? The short answer is yes – Eurostar allows trekking poles, but with a few important conditions. This guide explains exactly what you need to know, from packing requirements to luggage restrictions, so you can travel with confidence.

The definitive answer – yes, but pack them properly

Unlike airlines, which almost universally ban trekking poles from the cabin, Eurostar does not have a blanket ban on walking equipment. You are permitted to bring trekking poles on the train, provided they are packed securely and stowed safely during the journey.

The key conditions:

1. Pack them as sports equipment – they should be in a bag, a protective sleeve, or securely bundled with straps. Loose poles are not acceptable.
2. Protect the tips – carbide tips must be covered with rubber tip protectors or wrapped in cloth/tape to prevent damage to luggage racks and other passengers' belongings.
3. Stow them in designated areas – you cannot keep poles in the passenger seating area where they might obstruct aisles or injure someone. They must go in the luggage racks at the ends of the carriages or in the overhead racks (if they fit).

The size limit – know the 85cm rule

Eurostar's luggage policy states that each passenger can take two items of luggage (up to 85cm long) plus one small handbag. Your trekking poles, when collapsed, must be under 85cm to fit in the standard luggage racks.

• If your poles are under 85cm when collapsed – you can place them in the overhead racks or the luggage racks at the carriage ends. Most telescopic poles collapse to around 60‑70cm, so they will fit.
• If your poles are over 85cm – they may still be allowed, but they must be placed in the large luggage storage areas at the ends of each carriage (where suitcases and large backpacks go). There is usually space, but it's limited, so it's wise to board early to secure a spot.

What about folding Z‑poles? They collapse to 35‑40cm, so they'll easily fit in any luggage rack.

Tip: If your poles are on the long side, loosen the locks and collapse them to their absolute shortest length before boarding. It's also helpful to bundle them with your rucksack so they are not a separate loose item.

How to pack for Eurostar – practical advice

Here's a step‑by‑step packing routine to ensure smooth passage:

1. Collapse fully – extend all sections down to their shortest length.
2. Protect the tips – fit rubber tip protectors or wrap the tips in a thick sock or cloth. This prevents damage to luggage and other gear.
3. Bundle together – use a velcro strap, tape, or a dedicated pole sleeve to keep the pair together as a single unit.
4. Place inside or attach to your rucksack – if you have a rucksack with side compression straps, you can secure the poles to the outside (but ensure they don't protrude beyond the bag's outline). Alternatively, place them inside the main compartment or in a separate sports‑equipment bag.
5. Keep them accessible – you may be asked to show them at the security check (Eurostar has security screening before boarding). Having them easily accessible speeds up the process.

Security checks – what to expect

Eurostar operates security screening at St Pancras International (and at other stations). Your luggage will pass through an X‑ray machine, and your poles will be visible. Security officers are used to seeing walking equipment, and as long as they are packed securely, you will not be stopped.

What to avoid:

• Don't carry poles loose in your hand through security – pack them away.
• Don't have exposed metal tips – they can be seen as a hazard.
• Don't argue if an officer asks to inspect them – simply comply.

On the train – where to stow your poles

Once on board, you have several options:

1. Overhead luggage racks

If your poles are under 85cm (most telescopic poles are when collapsed), they will fit in the overhead racks. Place them lengthways, handles facing the aisle, so they are easy to retrieve.

2. Luggage racks at carriage ends

Every Eurostar carriage has a luggage rack near the doors. These racks are designed for larger items like suitcases and backpacks. You can place your bundled poles here. Ensure they are not protruding into the aisle.

3. Behind your seat (if space allows)

If you have a window seat with a gap between the seat and the wall, you can sometimes slot poles there. But this is not always possible – use the luggage racks instead.

Tip: If you're in a busy train, place your poles in the luggage rack before the train fills up – it can get crowded.

What if my poles are very long (over 85cm)?

If your poles are longer than 85cm when collapsed, you'll need to use the large luggage storage areas. Eurostar generally accommodates sports equipment (skis, golf clubs, etc.) in these spaces, so your poles will be accepted. However, you may need to:

• Remove baskets – to reduce bulk.
• Bundle them tightly – to minimise space.
• Store them with your main bag – rather than separately.

If you have very long poles (e.g., some two‑section telescopic poles), consider contacting Eurostar customer service in advance to confirm there is space.

What about other train operators (e.g., SNCF, Thalys)?

If you're connecting to other trains after Eurostar, the same general rules apply: poles are allowed as long as they are packed securely and not obstructing aisles. On French TGVs and other European high‑speed trains, the luggage policy is similar – you can store poles in the luggage racks at the ends of carriages. Always check the specific operator's policy if you have any doubt.

How Eurostar compares to airlines

Eurostar is far more permissive than any airline. You can take your poles on board without paying extra or worrying about baggage allowances – just pack them sensibly.

Alternatives – if you're worried about space

If you're concerned about fitting your poles on board, consider:

• Folding poles – they collapse to 35‑40cm and take up minimal space.
• Courier your poles – if you're going to a specific destination, you can post them ahead to a hotel or climbing shop.
• Rent at your destination – many Alpine resorts and outdoor shops rent poles for a few pounds per day.

Final checklist – before you board

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Over to you

Eurostar offers a stress‑free way to take your trekking poles to Europe's finest walking destinations. The rules are simple: pack them securely, protect the tips, and stow them in the luggage racks. With a little preparation, you can board with confidence, knowing your poles are safe and ready for the hills when you arrive. Happy travelling – and happy walking. (Word count: ~1,080)

Can I take my trekking poles on a Eurostar from London?

If you're planning a hillwalking trip to the Alps, the Pyrenees, or even the Ardennes, Eurostar offers a wonderfully convenient way to get your walking holiday started without the hassle of airports. But a common question arises: can you bring your trekking poles on board? The short answer is yes – Eurostar allows trekking poles, but with a few important conditions. This guide explains exactly what you need to know, from packing requirements to luggage restrictions, so you can travel with confidence.

The definitive answer – yes, but pack them properly

Unlike airlines, which almost universally ban trekking poles from the cabin, Eurostar does not have a blanket ban on walking equipment. You are permitted to bring trekking poles on the train, provided they are packed securely and stowed safely during the journey.

The key conditions:

1. Pack them as sports equipment – they should be in a bag, a protective sleeve, or securely bundled with straps. Loose poles are not acceptable.
2. Protect the tips – carbide tips must be covered with rubber tip protectors or wrapped in cloth/tape to prevent damage to luggage racks and other passengers' belongings.
3. Stow them in designated areas – you cannot keep poles in the passenger seating area where they might obstruct aisles or injure someone. They must go in the luggage racks at the ends of the carriages or in the overhead racks (if they fit).

The size limit – know the 85cm rule

Eurostar's luggage policy states that each passenger can take two items of luggage (up to 85cm long) plus one small handbag. Your trekking poles, when collapsed, must be under 85cm to fit in the standard luggage racks.

• If your poles are under 85cm when collapsed – you can place them in the overhead racks or the luggage racks at the carriage ends. Most telescopic poles collapse to around 60‑70cm, so they will fit.
• If your poles are over 85cm – they may still be allowed, but they must be placed in the large luggage storage areas at the ends of each carriage (where suitcases and large backpacks go). There is usually space, but it's limited, so it's wise to board early to secure a spot.

What about folding Z‑poles? They collapse to 35‑40cm, so they'll easily fit in any luggage rack.

Tip: If your poles are on the long side, loosen the locks and collapse them to their absolute shortest length before boarding. It's also helpful to bundle them with your rucksack so they are not a separate loose item.

How to pack for Eurostar – practical advice

Here's a step‑by‑step packing routine to ensure smooth passage:

1. Collapse fully – extend all sections down to their shortest length.
2. Protect the tips – fit rubber tip protectors or wrap the tips in a thick sock or cloth. This prevents damage to luggage and other gear.
3. Bundle together – use a velcro strap, tape, or a dedicated pole sleeve to keep the pair together as a single unit.
4. Place inside or attach to your rucksack – if you have a rucksack with side compression straps, you can secure the poles to the outside (but ensure they don't protrude beyond the bag's outline). Alternatively, place them inside the main compartment or in a separate sports‑equipment bag.
5. Keep them accessible – you may be asked to show them at the security check (Eurostar has security screening before boarding). Having them easily accessible speeds up the process.

Security checks – what to expect

Eurostar operates security screening at St Pancras International (and at other stations). Your luggage will pass through an X‑ray machine, and your poles will be visible. Security officers are used to seeing walking equipment, and as long as they are packed securely, you will not be stopped.

What to avoid:

• Don't carry poles loose in your hand through security – pack them away.
• Don't have exposed metal tips – they can be seen as a hazard.
• Don't argue if an officer asks to inspect them – simply comply.

On the train – where to stow your poles

Once on board, you have several options:

1. Overhead luggage racks

If your poles are under 85cm (most telescopic poles are when collapsed), they will fit in the overhead racks. Place them lengthways, handles facing the aisle, so they are easy to retrieve.

2. Luggage racks at carriage ends

Every Eurostar carriage has a luggage rack near the doors. These racks are designed for larger items like suitcases and backpacks. You can place your bundled poles here. Ensure they are not protruding into the aisle.

3. Behind your seat (if space allows)

If you have a window seat with a gap between the seat and the wall, you can sometimes slot poles there. But this is not always possible – use the luggage racks instead.

Tip: If you're in a busy train, place your poles in the luggage rack before the train fills up – it can get crowded.

What if my poles are very long (over 85cm)?

If your poles are longer than 85cm when collapsed, you'll need to use the large luggage storage areas. Eurostar generally accommodates sports equipment (skis, golf clubs, etc.) in these spaces, so your poles will be accepted. However, you may need to:

• Remove baskets – to reduce bulk.
• Bundle them tightly – to minimise space.
• Store them with your main bag – rather than separately.

If you have very long poles (e.g., some two‑section telescopic poles), consider contacting Eurostar customer service in advance to confirm there is space.

What about other train operators (e.g., SNCF, Thalys)?

If you're connecting to other trains after Eurostar, the same general rules apply: poles are allowed as long as they are packed securely and not obstructing aisles. On French TGVs and other European high‑speed trains, the luggage policy is similar – you can store poles in the luggage racks at the ends of carriages. Always check the specific operator's policy if you have any doubt.

How Eurostar compares to airlines

Eurostar is far more permissive than any airline. You can take your poles on board without paying extra or worrying about baggage allowances – just pack them sensibly.

Alternatives – if you're worried about space

If you're concerned about fitting your poles on board, consider:

• Folding poles – they collapse to 35‑40cm and take up minimal space.
• Courier your poles – if you're going to a specific destination, you can post them ahead to a hotel or climbing shop.
• Rent at your destination – many Alpine resorts and outdoor shops rent poles for a few pounds per day.

Final checklist – before you board

• □ Poles collapsed to shortest length.
• □ Tips protected (rubber covers or wrapped).
• □ Poles bundled together (not loose).
• □ Placed in a bag or attached to your rucksack.
• □ Ready for security screening (accessible if needed).
• □ Know where you'll stow them on board (overhead or end‑of‑carriage rack).

Over to you

Eurostar offers a stress‑free way to take your trekking poles to Europe's finest walking destinations. The rules are simple: pack them securely, protect the tips, and stow them in the luggage racks. With a little preparation, you can board with confidence, knowing your poles are safe and ready for the hills when you arrive. Happy travelling – and happy walking.