France imposes luggage limits for train passengers

New rules that limit the number – and size – of suitcases and bags that passengers can take on board French SNCF trains are now in force. Here is what you need to know to avoid a fine.

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The French national rail service SNCF announced in February that passengers travelling on the high-speed TGV InOui services and the Intercité lines are limited to two large pieces of luggage per person.
The new rules came into place on February 15th, but the grace period ended on Sunday, September 15th – meaning that  passengers can now be fined up to €50 for failing to respect the limits.
What are the rules?
Passengers can take two large pieces of luggage with dimensions of up to 70cm x 90cm x 50 cm and one smaller piece such as a bag, laptop case or rucksack of up to 40cm x 30cm x 15cm.
A handbag or purse can also be carried, while items such as a baby buggy/stroller, a musical instrument or sports equipment such as skis or a snowboard do not count towards the luggage allowance.
READ ALSO What are the rules on taking your bike on a French train?
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Passengers on the TGV budget OuiGo lines already had limits on baggage – a standard ticket allows for one piece of luggage measuring up to 36cm x 27cm x 15cm and one piece no larger than 55cm x 35cm x 25cm. Passengers have the option to pay extra to increase their baggage allowance.
Meanwhile on the local TER services there is no baggage limit, although space for luggage storage on these trains can be limited and it is the responsibility of the passenger to ensure that all baggage is safely stowed and is not impeding other travellers.

The rule for Eurostar is that Standard and Standard Premier passengers between London and Paris can bring two pieces of luggage and one hand bag. They do not specify weight limits and instead say that passengers must be able to lift and carry their luggage themselves.
There are also rules on what you can take with you, with bans on fireworks, knives and (depending on where you are going) certain food products. You can read more here.
READ ALSO What can I take on the Eurostar to and from France?

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Comments (1)

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A frustrated customer

2024/09/04 19:42

I always respond to the SNCF surveys about my train trips. I tell them there isn’t enough space for bags. The problem isn’t with people taking excess bags, the problem is the lack of space.
On some trains there is room to put luggage overhead in the seating area – if it doesn’t weigh too much. On other trains (including newer ones) there isn’t enough space for a backpack.
This problem is more SNCF’s poor planning. That said, anyone with more than two large suitcases deserves to be fined!

See Also

The French national rail service SNCF announced in February that passengers travelling on the high-speed TGV InOui services and the Intercité lines are limited to two large pieces of luggage per person.
The new rules came into place on February 15th, but the grace period ended on Sunday, September 15th – meaning that  passengers can now be fined up to €50 for failing to respect the limits.
What are the rules?
Passengers can take two large pieces of luggage with dimensions of up to 70cm x 90cm x 50 cm and one smaller piece such as a bag, laptop case or rucksack of up to 40cm x 30cm x 15cm.
A handbag or purse can also be carried, while items such as a baby buggy/stroller, a musical instrument or sports equipment such as skis or a snowboard do not count towards the luggage allowance.
READ ALSO What are the rules on taking your bike on a French train?
Passengers on the TGV budget OuiGo lines already had limits on baggage – a standard ticket allows for one piece of luggage measuring up to 36cm x 27cm x 15cm and one piece no larger than 55cm x 35cm x 25cm. Passengers have the option to pay extra to increase their baggage allowance.
Meanwhile on the local TER services there is no baggage limit, although space for luggage storage on these trains can be limited and it is the responsibility of the passenger to ensure that all baggage is safely stowed and is not impeding other travellers.
The rule for Eurostar is that Standard and Standard Premier passengers between London and Paris can bring two pieces of luggage and one hand bag. They do not specify weight limits and instead say that passengers must be able to lift and carry their luggage themselves.
There are also rules on what you can take with you, with bans on fireworks, knives and (depending on where you are going) certain food products. You can read more here.
READ ALSO What can I take on the Eurostar to and from France?