New luggage rules on France trains: avoid €50 fines

Starting in mid-September, France's high-speed train services, TGV InOui and Intercités, will implement new luggage regulations aimed at reducing excess baggage on trains. The French national train operator, SNCF, announced these changes in February, highlighting the need for passengers to manage their luggage effectively to ensure a comfortable journey for all. The new rules stipulate that travelers can carry either one piece of hand luggage and two suitcases or one piece of hand luggage, one suitcase, and one specific item, such as a musical instrument or bicycle, which must be covered and meet size restrictions. Hand luggage must not exceed dimensions of 40 cm x 30 cm x 15 cm, while suitcases can be up to 70 cm x 90 cm x 50 cm. Specific items, including bikes and snowboards, have a maximum size of 130 cm x 90 cm, and skis must be covered but have no size limit. Booking a space for bikes on TGV InOui and Intercités is mandatory, costing €10 per journey. Passengers who fail to comply with these luggage limits risk facing fines of €50, as ticket inspectors will enforce the regulations. This initiative aims to alleviate the issue of overcrowded luggage storage on trains, particularly for passengers boarding at later stops. Variations in luggage regulations exist for other services, such as Eurostar and low-cost TGV OuiGo, where additional fees apply for extra luggage. The regional TER trains do not impose maximum dimensions but require passengers to manage their own bags. SNCF's changes reflect a growing concern for passenger comfort and efficient use of space on trains.