Going on vacation by train... It's often a headache for travelers, from booking tickets to packing. Particularly when it comes to luggage, as some are obliged to carry heavy or bulky objects that take up a lot of space. But what are the regulations in force on SNCF trains? Can you take everything with you on a TGV or Ouigo? What objects are forbidden on board SNCF trains?
Regarding bulky baggage, here's what the SNCF says on its website:"Your special baggage (musical instrument, bicycle in cover, folded bicycle, scooter) may measure a maximum of 130 cm x 90 cm. Bicycles, musical instruments, snowboards and skis must be packed in a labelled bag. You can travel with your own pair of skis, with no maximum size, up to one pair per person", it says on its website.
Anything exceeding these dimensions is therefore prohibited, with the exception of double basses, for which an experiment will run from July 1 to September 8, 2024. Larger items of luggage are to be stowed"at the entrance or in the center of your car, as well as in the free spaces on the floor between certain seats arranged back to back", with the exception of scooters and baby carriages, which must"be stowed in the lowest possible luggage space, and not overhead, for safety reasons".
Suitcases must measure"maximum 90 cm x 70 cm x 50 cm". Hand luggage mustmeasure "maximum 40 cm x 30 cm x 15 cm". All baggage must be labelled and is the responsibility of the passenger. It must be stowed under your seat or above it, in the dedicated compartment. Please note that some baggage is not accepted, as it is"dangerous, unusual, intended for commercial use or prohibited". Here's the list:
Bicycles are authorized, subject to the following conditions: if the bicycle is not dismantled, it must be stored in the dedicated space on board the train; if the bicycle is folding, it must be folded before boarding, and must measure a maximum of 130x90 cm when folded. You can take it with you, as it's considered "hand luggage". The same applies to scooters, whether electric or not.
If the bike is disassembled, it is also accepted on board, provided it is disassembled before access to the platforms, and transported in a labeled bag with the authorized dimensions (130x90 cm). Please note, however, that not all bicycles are accepted on board TGVs, including recumbents, tricycles, tandems, cargo bikes, longtails, trailers and bicycles transported in cardboard boxes.
Note also that bicycle spaces can be reserved on board certain TGV and Intercités trains. For more information, visit the SNCF website at the time of booking. For Ouigo trains, bicycles must be dismantled and stored in a bag. You must subscribe to the "extra baggage" option when you buy your ticket.
With all that, you should be well prepared for your TGV journey. And if you have any questions, you can always consult the SNCF website. Have a good trip!
