Be careful if you are taking the train this summer for your holidays: the SNCF has recently changed the rules regarding the luggage you can take. You risk unpleasant surprises!
Like many holidaymakers, you may have planned to take the train this summer. But while this mode of transport is relaxing and often faster than the car, it is also restrictive. The issue of luggage in particular can be tricky, especially since the SNCF has changed the rules in force on board the TGV Inoui since February 15, 2024, and the number of bags per person is now strictly limited.
Basically, each traveler is entitled to two pieces of luggage with maximum dimensions of 70 x 90 x 50 cm and one piece of hand luggage (backpack, computer bag, etc.) measuring 40 x 30 x 15 cm. Large bags and suitcases must be placed under the seat or in the storage spaces at the entrance or in the middle of the carriage. And you can keep your hand luggage on your lap or store it in the compartment above your seat. Be careful, under no circumstances should your belongings be left in the aisles or obstruct traffic on the train, under penalty of a fine of €150.
If you have so-called special luggage (stroller, scooter, musical instrument, pair of skis, etc.), things get more complicated. First, you are only allowed one large piece of luggage (suitcase or bag) and one piece of hand luggage. Then, this special luggage must have maximum dimensions of 90 x 130 cm, regardless of its nature. The only exception is skis, for which there is no size limit, but only one pair is allowed per traveler.
Strollers and scooters must be folded, and must not exceed the maximum dimensions of 90 x 130 cm (once folded) and placed in the luggage storage areas. They must not be left in the aisles, on the platforms between the cars and under no circumstances be stored in the compartments above the seats, as they could fall and injure passengers. Musical instruments, for their part, must be transported in a case not exceeding 90 x 130 cm and stored according to the same rules.
Finally, for bicycles, there are two options. If your bicycle is neither dismantled nor folded, you must reserve a space for it when purchasing your ticket. This option costs €10. However, since the number of bicycle spaces is limited on each train, you will not always be able to take advantage of this option. On the other hand, if your bicycle is dismantled and folded, it is considered special luggage and you do not need to pay for an additional option. It must be placed in a cover with maximum dimensions of 90 x 130 cm and stored according to the same rules as other special luggage. Please note that whether your bicycle is dismantled and folded or not, you are then allowed to take a large suitcase or bag, a cabin bag and a double pannier for a bicycle. Please note that only classic bicycles are accepted on TGV Inoui trains, tricycles, tandems and cargo bikes are prohibited on board.
If you need to transport additional baggage, beyond the quota set per traveler, or special baggage that does not comply with the above instructions, unfortunately there is currently no option, even for a fee. Instead, the SNCF is promoting its “Mes Bagages TGV Inoui” service, which allows you to have your personal belongings delivered to your destination, to a relay point or to your home, for a cost of €38 per bag.