Traveling by train offers many benefits, such as comfort and convenience. However, transferring by train with a tour group will feel different from independent travel. We've created this article to help you anticipate what to expect during train transfers on a Go Ahead tour.
Luggage
Travelers are responsible for managing their own luggage, as porterage services are not offered on train transfers. All travelers must feel comfortable lifting their suitcases onto storage racks quickly and efficiently, sometimes above the seats, upon boarding the train. As a result, we strongly suggest packing lightly.
For tours that include a train transfer, travelers are limited to one checked bag and one personal item due to very little storage space on board. We suggest bringing a small or medium-sized rolling suitcase as your checked bag and a small backpack or handbag as your personal item.
Boarding and exiting
Travelers should be prepared and equipped to board trains quickly and efficiently, because most will only stop at the platform for a few minutes. In this very short amount of time, all passengers must exit and board the train. The whole tour group must get on the train with their luggage (normally stepping over a raised platform) and store their suitcases before heading to their seats.
The same applies when collecting your luggage and exiting the train at your destination.
Navigating the station
Travelers may need to walk a considerable distance from the bus drop-off to reach the train platform, with their luggage in hand, all while navigating a busy train station. Additionally, certain train stations operate similarly to airports where security measures, such as baggage and body scanners, are common.
Often, train platforms aren't announced until minutes before the train is arriving. Given this, it's important to stay with your Tour Director and tourmates and be prepared to move swiftly together as a group so you don't risk missing your train. Getting to the platform may require escalators and stairs (elevators aren't guaranteed), so you must be comfortable lifting and carrying all luggage over steps.
Seating and commuters
Most groups will have pre-assigned seats or rows, but this isn't always the case. It's possible your group could be split up across several train cars depending on how full a train is.
The trains we use to transfer between locations are primarily used as public transportation, so you can expect people to be on their daily commute. These trains are not designed for luxury or sightseeing, although many routes do offer scenic landscapes.
Japan tours
Large suitcases aren't allowed on bullet trains in Japan due to extremely limited storage space. Only hand luggage is allowed. Due to this, our Japan tours include a luggage transfer service to bring your suitcase from one hotel to the next when traveling between overnight locations by train. When this happens, you can expect your luggage to arrive the following day, so bringing an overnight bag as your personal item, like a backpack, is strongly recommended.
Machu Picchu tours
All travelers booked on tours that visit Machu Picchu must bring a small overnight bag, such as a backpack or duffel bag, for their one-night stay in the Machu Picchu Region. Your larger suitcase will be transferred from your previous hotel before staying in the Machu Picchu Region to your next hotel after visiting Machu Picchu.