The dangers of overpacking on the train

The number of pieces of luggage that you can take with you on a train is now limited on TGV inOui and Intercités trains. This instruction, which the SNCF evolved very discreetly on February 15, 2024, was noticed by Le Figaro on February 21. Previously, only passengers on Ouigo trains were restricted on the amount of baggage that could be carried on board the train – with an excess to be paid in the event of additional or very bulky baggage.

In the inOui and Intercités TGVs, “ you simply need to be able to carry all your luggage yourself at once », summarizes the SNCF. For the moment, the SNCF has no plans to fine passengers who do not respect its new instructions. An adaptation period is planned until September 15, 2024.

What is the fine if I take too much luggage on a train?

In the inOui and Intercités TGVs

After September 15, 2024, “ non-compliance with the baggage policy results in (…) a fine of €50 », declared SNCF Voyageurs to our colleagues at Le Figaro. Moreover, ” in the event of obstruction of movement in the corridors or in the event of undue occupation of a place or baggage area, you are liable toa fine of €150 », we read on the SNCF Voyageurs website.

In the Ouigo

If you are traveling with additional or bulky baggage that has not been reserved in advance, you may have to pay a regularization of €20 at the train station.

How much baggage can you take on a TGV Inoui or Intercités?

On board a TGV inOui or an Intercités train, you can take:

• Maximum 2 pieces of luggage with dimensions not exceeding 70 × 90 × 50 cm: suitcase, backpack, hiking bag, sports bag,
• 1 piece of hand luggage with maximum dimensions of 40 × 30 × 15 cm: backpack, shopping bag, computer bag.

It is possible to travel with certain special baggage, in which case the following restrictions apply:

• 1 piece of luggage not exceeding 70 × 90 × 50 cm: suitcase, backpack, hiking or sports bag,
• 1 special baggage with dimensions limited to 90 × 130 cm: stroller, folded scooter, musical instrument in a case, pair of skis, wakeboard or snowboard in a cover,
• 1 piece of hand luggage not exceeding 40 × 30 × 15 cm: backpack, shopping bag, computer bag.

The bicycle is a somewhat special piece of luggage, which has his own instructions. They depend on whether you are traveling with a bicycle not dismantled (it is then obligatory to reserve a place for the bicycle) or disassembled/folded and covered.

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How much baggage can you take in an Ouigo?

Some baggage are included in the default Ouigo train ticket, corresponding to the Ouigo Essentiel offer:

• 1 piece of hand luggage not exceeding 36 × 27 × 15 cm,
• 1 cabin baggage with maximum dimensions of 55 × 35 × 25 cm.

Additional baggage are paid :

• It is possible to subscribe to the Ouigo Plus offer (€9), allowing you to add additional baggage measuring 130 × 90 cm x 30 kg: scooters, wakeboard or snow board, pair of skis in their cover, musical instrument in a case.
• The additional baggage option added to the Ouigo Essentiel offer (€5 per bag) allows you to travel with sports equipment or your musical instrument.

If you want travel with your bike on a TGV OuiGo train, you must select the option (€5 for a disassembled bicycle in a cover and €10 for an undisassembled bicycle).

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