How many suitcases can you take on the train?

Wondering how many suitcases you can take on the train? With SNCF , for TGV Inoui and Intercités trains , each passenger can carry up to two pieces of luggage (suitcases or bags) with maximum dimensions of 70 x 90 x 50 cm . In addition, you are allowed one piece of hand luggage (backpack or briefcase) measuring 40 x 30 x 15 cm . To find out everything you need to know about luggage on the train , follow SNCF's guidelines for a smooth journey.

Details by railway company

SNCF: TGV, Intercités, and TER

Are you travelling with SNCF on lines like Paris-Marseille on the TGV Inoui? Be aware that stricter rules apply to long-distance trains. However, for TER regional trains, you have a lot of flexibility with your bags and suitcases, as long as you manage them yourself and store them in the designated areas.

OUIGO: A low-cost approach to rail transport

For your budget journeys with OUIGO , plan ahead: only one cabin bag is free in addition to a small personal item. If you have extra luggage, remember to book it in advance to avoid high fees on board or at the station.

Eurostar: Traveling between the United Kingdom and continental Europe

With Eurostar , whether you're travelling from Paris St. Pancras to London or vice versa, your luggage must strictly adhere to the size restrictions for security checks . Prepare for a smooth journey by following these guidelines.

Thalys: Specifics for international journeys

Since Thalys was integrated into Eurostar, the rules for international journeys have been aligned. Passengers must ensure that their suitcases and bags meet the permitted size limits to avoid any inconvenience during boarding.

General policies regarding luggage on trains

Standard size and weight of permitted suitcases

In France, railway companies impose maximum dimensions for luggage, whether in the hold or in the cabin. Generally, standard suitcases must not exceed 70 x 90 x 50 cm per bag, while hand luggage must often remain around 40 x 30 x 15 cm .

These dimensions may vary depending on the operator or type of train. For example, some commercial offers allow for a cabin bag measuring 55 x 35 x 25 cm . It should be noted that these restrictions mainly concern size, as most domestic routes do not impose a strict weight limit for unchecked baggage.

"Special" luggage (such as a folded stroller, a musical instrument, a bicycle in a cover, or a surfboard) has specific maximum dimensions, often around 90 x 130 x 50 cm . In some cases, it must be packed in a labeled cover.

Limitation on the number of bags per passenger

Generally, each passenger can board with two standard-sized bags and one carry-on bag. However, these rules may vary depending on the operator, the chosen offer, and the class of travel.

For low-cost services or those with specific options (such as certain OUIGO fares), the ticket often includes one or two free pieces of luggage. Any additional luggage may be charged , either at the time of booking or directly at the station.

It is important to note that all luggage remains the responsibility of the traveler during the journey. It must be light enough to be carried by one person and stored in the designated areas. Furthermore, it must not obstruct other travelers or block passageways.

Exceptions and special cases

Special luggage: Instruments, sports equipment, and bicycles

If you are travelling with a musical instrument , it must be placed in a case with maximum dimensions of 90 x 130 x 50 cm . The case must be labelled . For larger instruments, such as a double bass, you will need to present it to the flight attendant .

Regarding sports equipment , a pair of skis in a bag is accepted without any specific size restrictions, but limited to one pair per person . Snowboards and water sports equipment follow the same rules, with a labeled bag .

Bicycles folded or disassembled in a 90 x 130 cm bag are permitted without a reservation. They must be accompanied by a double pannier . For bicycles not folded, you must reserve a space at a cost of €10, while limiting your other luggage.

Folded strollers or scooters, respecting the maximum dimensions of 90 x 130 x 50 cm , must be stored in the designated spaces.

Additional baggage: Conditions and costs

Specific conditions apply to additional or bulky luggage exceeding the permitted allowances. This includes advance booking or additional fees, particularly for non-folding bicycles. SNCF regulations also stipulate that all luggage must be labeled and comply with the permitted dimensions.

It is imperative to label these bags and to carry them alone, without disturbing other SNCF passengers.

Excess baggage handling

Impact of excess baggage on travel comfort

Excess luggage can clutter storage areas and aisles, reducing the capacity of train carriages. This also lengthens boarding and disembarking times, negatively impacting comfort and the smoothness of the journey for all SNCF passengers.

Oversized or improperly positioned luggage can obstruct aisles and seating areas, cause suitcases to shift unexpectedly during the flight, and increase the risk of forgetting or losing them. This is why airlines insist that each passenger carry their belongings alone and in one trip.

Penalties and procedures for non-compliant baggage

If you are carrying excess or non-compliant baggage, you may be required to pay a penalty. The general rule is a minimum of €50 per non-compliant bag, with increments depending on the number of excess bags. In cases causing significant disruption to traffic, this penalty can reach a maximum of €150 .

Agents are authorized to refuse boarding of luggage, demand its removal at the station, or issue a fine, in accordance with the conditions of carriage. In the case of luggage deemed dangerous or causing significant disruption to other passengers, a more severe penalty may be imposed, in accordance with the Transport Code.

Conclusion

In summary, for a smooth journey on TGV Inoui, Intercités, or other SNCF trains, be sure to respect the limit of two pieces of luggage with maximum dimensions of 70x90x50 cm and one piece of hand luggage measuring 40x30x15 cm. Remember to label your luggage , make sure you can carry it yourself, and check the specifications of GYL suitcases if you plan to bring any.

For services like OUIGO, Eurostar or special luggage such as bicycles or instruments, follow the specific rules to avoid costly fines ranging from €50 to €150 as well as the inconvenience of congestion.

Before your journey, whether it's Paris to Marseille or elsewhere, be sure to check the maximum permitted dimensions directly on the SNCF website. Don't wait: measure your suitcases, book if necessary, and travel light for optimal comfort !

FAQ

How many suitcases can I take per person on a train in France and what are the permitted dimensions?

Each passenger may bring up to two suitcases (or travel bags) with maximum dimensions of 70 × 90 × 50 cm , as well as one piece of hand luggage measuring 40 × 30 × 15 cm . Luggage must be clearly labeled, and you must be able to carry it all at once . Please note that fines may be imposed for failure to comply with these rules.

What happens if I have more suitcases than the allowed limit (fine, denied boarding, additional baggage options)?

If you exceed the permitted limit, several penalties are possible: a surcharge may be applied at check-in (the rate varies depending on the company), you may be required to check your luggage in the hold with additional charges per kilo, or you may even be refused boarding if the train is full. If you are transporting prohibited items, you risk having them confiscated, receiving an administrative fine , and potentially being banned from traveling.

Are the baggage rules the same for all types of trains (TGV Inoui, Intercités, OUIGO, international trains) and for bulky items or musical instruments?

Luggage rules vary depending on the train:

• TGV Inoui and Intercités: 2 pieces of luggage measuring 70 × 90 × 50 cm + 1 small piece of luggage measuring 40 × 30 × 15 cm.
• OUIGO: Stricter rules: 1 piece of hand luggage measuring 40 × 30 × 15 cm + 1 cabin bag measuring 55 × 35 × 25 cm.
• International trains: Generally, the maximum size is 130 × 90 cm.

For bulky items or musical instruments , paid exemptions may be required.

Where and how should I store my luggage on board to ensure safety and avoid obstructing aisles or passageways?

Store your luggage in the overhead compartments or under the seat in front of you, respecting the airline's size restrictions. Place the heaviest items at the bottom to avoid any imbalance. It is essential never to block aisles, emergency exits, or passageways. If a crew member asks you to check or check in luggage, follow their instructions immediately.