Michael Turner
Recommendation: For most services on France’s national rail network carry one cabin-sized bag (approx. 55×35×25 cm) for overhead racks and place larger suitcases in end-of-coach bays; reserve and pay for extra or oversized items on low-cost fares before boarding.
Typical onboard options include overhead racks that accept standard cabin cases, under-seat room for small backpacks, and vertical bays near coach doors for large cases. High-speed brands such as TGV and Intercités provide clear bay areas and wide aisles; expect limited floor space during peak hours. Physical constraints, not formal piece-count limits, most often determine where items can be stowed.
Practical limits and handling: aim for single-piece weights under ~25 kg for safe lifting and placement; measure items before travel to match the 55×35×25 guideline for overhead placement. For surfboards, skis, bulky musical instruments or folding bicycles, check specific fare rules and pre-book a space where required, pack fragile gear in protective covers, and mark items with contact details.
On-the-day tips: Arrive 10–15 minutes ahead to secure bay space, place heavy cases in end-of-coach racks to free aisles, keep passports and electronics on your person, and report lost items to onboard staff or the operator’s lost & found. Review the operator’s terms on the official website or app for fare-dependent restrictions and any fees for oversized baggage.
Baggage policy on France’s national rail services
Pack carry-on bags to fit overhead racks and under-seat spaces; large suitcases should be stowed in designated zones or deposited in station lockers when not easily handled.
Most domestic services set no formal limits on number, weight or size of items carried aboard, provided each piece can be lifted and placed without blocking aisles. Low-cost operators require pre-booked pieces and apply fees–check fare conditions before travel. Overnight coaches and certain international routes request reservations for bulky equipment such as bicycles or surfboards.
Overhead rack capacity commonly accepts items around 55×35×25 cm; aim for single-piece weight below 20–25 kg to meet manual-handling expectations and staff requests. Place oversized or heavy items in bulkhead areas between carriages and attach a visible name tag with contact details.
Special items and fees
Bicycles: fold and treat as carry-on when compact; otherwise reserve a bicycle space or buy a supplement. Musical instruments and sports equipment: measure and reserve in advance if length exceeds carriage allowance. Major stations offer automated lockers (“consigne”) and staffed left-baggage offices for medium-to-long-term needs; prices and maximum dimensions vary by site.
Practical checklist
Before departure: verify the specific service’s conditions online, book paid extras for oversized items if required, label all pieces, keep valuables in a small daypack, arrive 20–30 minutes early to secure space. Onboard: stow items promptly, avoid blocking doors, and request staff assistance for heavy pieces.
Where to stow carry-on bags on TGV, Intercités and TER
Place hard-shell roller suitcases in the end-of-carriage racks on TGVs and against the walls in designated zones; keep backpacks on overhead shelves or tucked under the seat in front; collapse umbrella strollers and secure them in the vestibule area or on end racks – see a recommended model: best grow with me umbrella stroller.
Carriage-specific placement
TGV: Large compartments at each car end are marked with pictograms and sized for most 28–32″ suitcases; overhead shelves run along both sides and accept backpacks, garment bags and soft totes. Place fragile items on your lap or in an overhead shelf directly above your seat to reduce shifting.
Intercités: Overhead shelves are shallower than on high-speed stock, so place medium bags sideways or store larger roll-ons in door-area racks when available. If no rack exists, position a large bag on the floor close to the bulkhead and parallel to the aisle to avoid obstruction.
TER: Regional vehicles often have minimal shelving; keep carry-ons compact, wear valuables in a waist pack (best womens waist pack for hiking) and place bulkier items in vestibules while standing clear of door sensors.
Practical tips and safety
Do not block passageways or emergency exits; secure straps and loose items so they cannot roll when doors open. Tag each bag with contact details and use soft straps or bungee cords for bundles. Transporting delicate cargo (aquarium specimens, artwork) requires rigid containers placed on the floor between seats or in a baggage zone – see an example of delicate cargo reference: best anemone for reef tank.
Quick checklist: large roller → end rack or vestibule; backpack → overhead shelf or under-seat; valuables → on-person waist pack; stroller → folded and secured at the carriage end.
Baggage size, weight and number limits per passenger on French national rail services
Carry no more than two items per passenger: one cabin-sized bag (max 55 x 35 x 25 cm) plus one small personal item (handbag, laptop case or similar).
Recommended weight per piece: keep individual items at or below 25 kg; pieces over 30 kg generally require prior notification or special handling and may be refused on some services.
Oversize and special-equipment thresholds: any item with linear dimensions (length + width + height) above 160 cm or any single dimension above 120 cm should be declared in advance; musical instruments, surfboards, skis and similar gear above cabin dimensions normally need reservation or a paid supplement.
Extra items and fees: most standard tickets permit two free items as above; budget or low-cost services apply stricter quotas and fees for additional pieces–check the fare conditions for the specific service before travel.
Practical rules to avoid problems: weigh and measure at home, label all items with contact details, use soft-sided bags or collapsible cases for easier placement, and book space for bicycles or bulky sports gear in advance when the operator requires it.
How to secure, label and monitor your bags on board
Lock zippers and attachment points with a TSA‑approved cable lock and wrap a brightly colored strap around the case for instant visual identification.
Physical protection
- Use a small cable lock (recommended: 3–5 mm braided steel) routed through zipper pulls and handle loops; choose models marked TSA‑002 for inspections without cutting.
- Add a locking luggage strap with a unique color or pattern; pick one with a reflective panel for low‑light visibility.
- Place tamper‑evident security seals (numbered plastic pull‑ties) across main openings; photograph serial numbers before departure.
- Reinforce weak points: wrap heavy‑duty exterior tape around seams, protect soft corners with adhesive corner guards, and cover paper tags with clear waterproof tape.
- Keep high‑value items (passport, wallet, electronics) in a slim underseat pouch or on your person rather than inside checked bags.
Labeling and monitoring
- Exterior tag: display first name + last initial, local phone number, and a short email; omit full home address to reduce theft risk.
- Interior card: include full name, alternate contact, trip itinerary and a reward offer line; laminate or place in a sealed zip bag.
- Unique visual ID: attach a brightly colored ribbon, patterned strap or custom luggage cover so your bag is recognisable within 2–3 seconds at a glance.
- Bluetooth trackers: Apple AirTag (≈1 year replaceable CR2032 battery, UWB for compatible phones), Tile Pro (extended range, replaceable battery), Samsung SmartTag for Galaxy users – hide inside a zipped pocket to avoid removal; enable alert notifications on your phone.
- Real‑time trackers: compact GPS units with SIM (examples: Tracki, Jiobit) provide live location and geofencing but require a subscription and periodic charging (battery life: hours–days depending on update rate).
- Operational note: confirm operator rules for active cellular devices in checked baggage and for battery‑powered transmitters; switch trackers to passive or comply with any carriage restrictions if required.
- Digital backup: photograph exterior, interior contents, serial numbers and any unique marks; store images in cloud storage and email them to yourself for remote access.
Quick checklist: 1) lock zippers + add strap, 2) attach exterior tag + internal card, 3) hide a Bluetooth tracker and enable phone alerts, 4) photograph contents and serials, 5) keep valuables on person.
Transporting large or special items: bikes, skis and oversized bags
Reserve space in advance for bicycles and declare any oversized equipment at booking; folding cycles packed inside a protective cover up to 120×90×30 cm and 25 kg are normally accepted without a special reservation, whereas full-size bicycles usually require a paid reservation or must be boxed (recommended boxed dimensions: 140×90×30 cm, maximum weight 30 kg).
Bicycles – packing, booking and onboard placement
If carrying a non-folding bike, book a bike slot online or at the ticket office before travel. Remove pedals and lower handlebars if required, deflate tyres slightly to avoid pressure damage, and place the front wheel inside the frame or pack both wheels in the case. Use a padded bike bag or cardboard box rated for 30 kg. Onboard, stow bikes in designated bike corners or vestibule areas; secure the frame with a strap or cable lock to a handrail to prevent tipping and to avoid blocking doors or accessible seats. Carry a small toolkit, spare inner tube and zip ties for quick fixes.
Skis, snowboards and oversize bags – dimensions, packing and alternatives
Pack skis/snowboards in a soft or semi-rigid bag up to 200 cm in length; a dedicated ski bag with internal padding reduces damage. Place pairs parallel to the carriage aisle in vestibules or under bench seats where space permits, never across an egress route or in wheelchair spaces. Any item longer than 120 cm or heavier than 30 kg should be declared in advance; items exceeding ~200 cm in length often require freight handling or parcel shipment. For bulky sports gear or oversized suitcases, consider one of three options: book a dedicated freight/parcel pickup to the destination station, collapse and pack items to meet the 140×90×30 cm boxed guideline, or rent equipment at the destination to avoid handling and extra fees.
Practical checklist before boarding: confirm reservation for bikes if required, pack fragile parts, label bags with name and mobile number plus booking reference, arrive 20–30 minutes early for loading help, and always keep valuables and documents with you in a compact daypack.
