What are the luggage rules on French trains?
Passengers on French TGV, Intercités, and regional TER services may bring two large bags (max 70 × 90 × 50 cm each) plus one small item (max 40 × 30 × 15 cm), with enforcement as of 15 September 2024, and fines up to €50–€150 for non-compliance. This post teaches you how to manage luggage on TGV and store it smartly, avoid fines, and pack light—featuring Radical Storage as the perfect solution for secure station storage.
Understanding Luggage Rules on French Trains
SNCF Luggage Allowance (TGV, Intercités, TER)
- Latest SNCF baggage policy (from 15 Feb 2024, enforceable since 15 Sep 2024):
- 2 large pieces up to 70 × 90 × 50 cm each
- 1 small item up to 40 × 30 × 15 cm (laptop bag, handbag, etc.)
- Mandatory self-carrying; no maximum weight, but must handle yourself
- Failure to comply may incur fines up to €50, or even €150 if luggage obstructs passageways.
OuiGo (Budget SNCF Sub-Brand)
- Offers more restrictive OuiGo baggage policy France train:
- Hand luggage: max 36 × 27 × 15 cm
- Carry-on bag: max 55 × 35 × 25 cm
- Extra bag or XL luggage option for small fee (€5 if booked early, higher at station).
Regional TER Trains
- No formal maximum dimensions, but luggage must be manageable and fit safely; space can be limited.
Comparing Baggage Policies: Quick Overview
| Train Service | Allowed Luggage | Extra Charges or Notes |
| SNCF TGV / Intercités | 2 bags ≤ 70 × 90 × 50 cm + 1 small ≤ 40 × 30 × 15 cm | Must label bags; fine up to €50–€150 enforced since Sep 15 2024 |
| OuiGo | 1 hand-luggage 36 × 27 × 15 cm + 1 carry-on 55 × 35 × 25 cm | Extra bag paid (€5 early, €20 at station) |
| TER | No fixed size; self-carry only | Space limited; handle yourself |
Penalty Risks: French Train Luggage Fines
- €50 fine introduced for exceeding luggage allowance on TGV InOui and Intercités since mid-September 2024.
- In obstructive cases, fines can reach €150.
- Label must show your name clearly on all pieces to comply with SNCF baggage rules.
Smart Packing Tips for Train Travel France
Smart Packing Tips & Efficient Packing for OuiGo and TGV
- Packing Light French Train Travel:
- Prioritize trailing roll-ons or duffels within 70 × 90 × 50 cm limit
- Use a slim 40 × 30 × 15 cm laptop bag as your personal item
- Rigid rollers or small backpacks offer more flexibility
- Carry-On Only for TGV: When possible, carry just one bag and one small item to avoid hassle.
- Organize Essentials in small item: Keep passport, snacks, charger handy.
- Compression cubes reduce volume dramatically.
- Label early: Write name visibly to comply with luggage rules.
- Reddit travelers mention casual enforcement—but policies exist to avoid fines and clutter:
“Standard TGV: often they don’t check, but OuiGo is really strict”
“Controller will ask that carry-on-only passengers put bags under seat if no luggage option paid”
Luggage Storage Options Near French Train Stations
When packing light still feels heavy, or you’re between trains, local storage helps. Options include:
- Left-luggage lockers at Paris train station
- Radical Storage station luggage—an affordable, reliable international service.
Radical Storage locations near key stations (e.g., Gare du Nord, Gare de Lyon, Gare Saint-Lazare) offer secure luggage holding from as little as €5–€10/day, with 24/7 access, insurance, and online reservation. (Note: you’ll need to insert current pricing and stations from Radical Storage’s site or database.)
FAQ
Q: What is the SNCF luggage allowance?
A: Two items max 70 × 90 × 50 cm each plus one small item max 40 × 30 × 15 cm. Details above.
Q: What’s the OuiGo baggage policy France train?
A: One hand bag 36 × 27 × 15 cm and one carry-on 55 × 35 × 25 cm. Extra bag costs begin at €5.
Q: What happens if I exceed dimensions like 70 × 90 × 50 cm?
A: You risk a €50 fine (up to €150 in obstructive cases).
Q: DIY labeling – necessary?
A: Yes—mandatory name label on all bags to avoid issues.
Q: Can I bring musical instruments, prams, pets, skis?
A: Yes—if folded and in a cover, and labelled. They don’t count toward the three-piece limit on TGV/Intercités.
Q: How do I best pack for TGV/Intercités?
A: Size-appropriate roller + small bag, use compression cubes, label everything, prepare for self-carrying only.
Why Radical Storage Simplifies Your Journey
Navigating luggage on French trains: rules, storage & smart packing strategies is easier when you’re informed—and still want freedom to roam.
When fines loom large or you’re juggling shopping, coffee, and catching the next leg of your journey, Radical Storage offers a reliable solution:
- Affordable, secure lockers near major stations
- Simple online booking, flexible drop-off/pick-up windows
- Fully insured storage—leave your luggage worry-free
- Friendly human support, local partners, multilingual service
Next time you hop off the train in Paris or Marseille, lighten up—drop your suitcase with Radical Storage and enjoy your trip hands-free, without worry about “French train luggage storage packing strategies.
