Train Travel: What Luggage To Take On Sncf Trains?
If you need to take the train soon, please note that SNCF's luggage rules have changed since February 15, 2024. From now on, the number of bags allowed per passenger is limited on board TGV Inoui and Intercités trains. We will explain which bags you can bring with you on your next train journey.
What changed at SNCF in February 2024?
For air travel, passengers are already accustomed to checking the weight and size of their suitcases. Until recently, this was not the case for train travel. An informal and little-known rule among travelers stated that "you must be able to carry all your luggage by yourself in one go."
But beware: the SNCF rules regarding luggage have changed since February 15, 2024. Now, the railway company much more clearly limits the number of pieces of luggage allowed per passenger on board TGV Inoui and Intercités trains.
What are the rules regarding luggage on trains?
Since February 15, 2024, the luggage restriction well known to passengers of the low-cost Ouigo trains also applies on board TGV Inoui and Intercités trains.
In practice, during a journey on these two categories of trains, each traveler is now only allowed two suitcases and one piece of hand luggage such as a tote bag, backpack, or laptop case.
Travelers' luggage must also adhere to maximum dimensions, as for air travel (even though there is no weight limit like on airplanes).
What are the luggage dimensions to be respected on trains?
For travel on a TGV Inoui and an Intercités train, each passenger is allowed to bring:
• 2 tagged pieces of luggage with maximum dimensions of 70 x 90 x 50 cm, equivalent to two large suitcases.
• 1 piece of hand luggage with maximum dimensions of 40 x 30 x 15 cm, which can be a laptop bag, a backpack, or a tote bag.
Note: The luggage rules for TGV Inoui and Intercités trains are less restrictive than those on Ouigo trains. As a reminder, passengers on Ouigo trains are entitled to one cabin bag with dimensions of 55 x 35 x 25 cm and one hand luggage of 36 x 27 x 15 cm. It is also possible to bring an additional larger piece of luggage (measuring up to 1m30 and weighing a maximum of 30 kg), provided that you pay an extra €5 per journey.
What are the rules for special luggage on trains?
Special baggage such as strollers, musical instruments, pairs of skis, surfboards, or folded scooters are allowed on train journeys, provided certain rules are adhered to.
On TGV Inoui and Intercités trains, each passenger is entitled to one piece of special luggage with maximum dimensions of 90 x 130 cm. In this case, they can only bring one piece of luggage with dimensions of 70 x 90 x 50 cm.
On board the train, a stroller or scooter must be folded. A musical instrument must be stored in its labeled case and skis or surfboards must be packed in a labeled cover.
On a Ouigo train, the transport of a stroller, carrycot, or car seat is free if the child is traveling with you. In all cases, your luggage must not obstruct the passage of passengers in the aisles, or you may face a fine of €150.
What are the rules for transporting one's bicycle on a train?
Cycling enthusiasts can rest assured: it is still possible to transport your bike on the train. However, certain rules must be followed.
If your bike is not folded or disassembled, you must book a space for your bike at a cost of 10 euros per trip. In addition to your bicycle, you are allowed one large labeled suitcase with dimensions of 70 x 90 x 50 cm, one labeled double bike pannier, and one piece of hand luggage with maximum dimensions of 40 x 30 x 15 cm.
If your bike is folded or disassembled, it is considered as special luggage with maximum dimensions of 130 x 90 cm, and you do not need to pay for a bike reservation. In this case, you are only allowed a double bike pannier and a handbag.
What are the penalties for non-compliance with these rules?
The new rules regarding luggage on SNCF trains came into effect on February 15, but travelers have until September 15, 2024 to get used to them.
After this grace period, passengers who do not comply with the luggage rules will face a fine of €50.
