Hong Kong MTR Luggage Rules (23kg Limit): A Zerrand Runner’s Real-World Guide to Not Getting Stopped

MTR Luggage Overweight? A Zerrand (差遣) Team Guide from Real-World “Failures”

Many people crossing from Shenzhen via the Luohu or Lok Ma Chau ports assume that as long as their suitcase fits through the turnstile, they’re fine. But are you aware of the strict rules the Hong Kong MTR has for luggage size and weight?

As a Zerrand (差遣) runner team that commutes between Shenzhen and Hong Kong daily, we can tell you from experience: we’ve “stepped in the pit” and been stopped dead in our tracks by MTR staff.

Today, we’re sharing our real-world experience to show you how strict the rules really are, and what to do if you’re overweight.

The “Official” MTR Luggage Rules

First, let’s cover the official regulations. The MTR’s official website (you can check the MTR’s Conditions of Carriage of Luggage here) is clear:

• ✅ Pieces: Each passenger is allowed one piece of luggage (small items can be consolidated).
• ✅ Total Size: Total dimensions (L+W+H) must not exceed 170cm.
• ✅ Single Side: Any single side cannot exceed 130cm.
• ✅ Max Weight: Cannot exceed 23 kilograms (approx. 50.7 lbs).

Zerrand’s Real-World “Battle Scars”

The rules are just text. The enforcement is real, and it varies significantly by station!

The Hot Zones: The Lo Wu (罗湖) and Lok Ma Chau (落马洲) stations. These are the border checkpoints where MTR staff are the most vigilant and strict about luggage.

Our Experience #1: The 27kg “Failure” One of our runners was carrying a single item weighing 27 kg (59.5 lbs). We thought it was well-packed and might slide by. Wrong. We were stopped at the gate and asked to place it on the scale.

• The Result: Stopped. Overweight. No entry.
• The Solution (Key Takeaway): The staff’s advice? “Just split the load.” Luckily, the item was divisible. We quickly repacked it into two separate bags, each under the 23kg limit, and were allowed to pass.

Our Experience #2: The 1.3m “Failure” Another time, we were carrying a long, thin item that was just over 130cm. We were stopped again.

• The Result: Stopped.
• The Solution: None. Unlike weight, the length limit is a “hard no.” It’s a physical obstruction risk for doors and passages, and staff will not compromise on it.

Why Choose Zerrand (差遣)? Because We Know the Ropes

As you can see, crossing with large luggage is a gamble of strength and luck.

The professionalism of Zerrand (差遣) is that:

1. We Know the “Unwritten” Rules: We know which stations check strictly and understand the different enforcement attitudes towards weight (negotiable if split) versus length (non-negotiable).
2. We Have Solutions Ready: For a 27kg item, our solution is to pack it into two bags from the start. For an oversized item, we assess alternative transport.
3. We Save You the Hassle: Instead of you struggling to repack your suitcase on the floor of the Lo Wu station concourse, let Zerrand handle it from the beginning.

If you have large, heavy, or bulky luggage (especially anything near the 23kg or 130cm limit), we strongly recommend using our Zerrand 1-on-1 Dedicated Delivery Service. We will assess the risk at pickup and manage the logistics to ensure a smooth, compliant, and efficient delivery—no surprises at the gate!