SNCF luggage restrictions: baggage allowance on board TGV and OUIGO trains
OUIGO is an independent subsidiary of the French national rail company SNCF, while TGV (high-speed train) is a service launched by the French railway giant. Find everything you need to know about the luggage allowance policy when travelling with TGV and OUIGO to the major French cities and internationally. Get information about the SNCF luggage delivery service and find affordable shipping alternatives provided by the best courier companies and available for instant booking.
LUGGAGE ALLOWANCE
TGV and OUIGO baggage allowance: What are the luggage size and restrictions?
According to the TGV baggage allowance policy, there are no limitations regarding the (number of) luggage each passenger can bring on board. However, it is important that you can carry your bags yourself. Also, keep in mind that, even though the luggage size on TGV trains is not limited, there might not be enough space to store all your belongings in the designated luggage areas.
OUIGO baggage allowance policy is different and has more restrictions. According to the general conditions concerning baggage, at OUIGO, all passengers (whether adults or children, including babies) have two free luggage options:
- 2 pieces of hand luggage not exceeding 36 x 27 x 15 cm;
- 1 suitcase not exceeding 55 x 35 x 25 cm and 1 piece of hand luggage not exceeding 36 x 27 x 15 cm.
The carry-on luggage must be placed under the passenger’s seat. The hand luggage should be placed on the passenger’s knees during the journey. Families with small children can bring their pushchairs without paying OUIGO extra luggage fees.
EXTRA CHARGES
Travelling on OUIGO and TGV trains with extra luggage
What do you do if your luggage exceeds the maximum size of OUIGO luggage? The OUIGO luggage allowance policy may be not sufficient to carry everything you need. Nevertheless, when travelling with OUIGO, you can bring more suitcases onboard by purchasing the “extra bag” option for 5€. The luggage should not exceed 2 meters in length and 30 kg in weight. However, if you do not select this option before the day of departure, you will have to pay 20€ at the station.
When travelling with TGV, you are allowed to bring as many bags as you want, therefore there is no extra baggage fee. Still, the luggage size should be reasonable. When your bags are too large to be stored within the allowed space, you can consider shipping excess luggage by courier and travel hands-free.
TRAVEL LIGHT
SNCF luggage delivery service and alternatives
SNCF offers a door-to-door luggage delivery service for those who cannot lift their luggage when travelling on TGV and OUIGO trains. The SNCF luggage service “Mes Bagages” offers next day delivery to the chosen address (for TGV trains, pick-up and delivery can be done in stations only). It should be booked before 12:00 p.m. on the day before pick-up. Unfortunately, the service is not available at the moment. We recommend checking the SNCF website for updated information.
At Eurosender, we offer alternative ways of transporting your luggage when travelling with TGV or OUIGO. You can easily book our luggage service and enjoy door-to-door delivery whenever your station is. Check the instant price through our booking tool!
OUR SERVICES
Luggage delivery with Eurosender when travelling on SNCF trains
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Are bikes allowed on board TGV and OUIGO trains?
TGV baggage allowance policy states that passengers are allowed to bring their bikes on board without extra charge. However, the bike must be folded to 90 cm x 120 cm or smaller. Otherwise, you can remove the wheels and pack them in a carrying bag with the frame. When travelling on board TGV INOUI, you can carry a folded bicycle for free or book a ticket for an assembled bike for 10 €.
According to the OUIGO baggage allowance, disassembled bicycles stored in carrying cases are accepted on board. They are treated as extra bags, and you will be required to pay 5€. Your bike should not exceed these dimension limits: 120×90 cm.
NEED MORE INFORMATION?
FAQs about TGV and OUIGO baggage allowance
Can I travel with sports equipment on TGV and OUIGO trains?
No guidance is provided on sports equipment when travelling with TGV. Therefore, if you plan to bring your skis or other sports equipment on board, we recommend that you contact the SNCF directly.
Can I bring musical instruments on board TGV and OUIGO trains?
TGV baggage allowance policy does not have any limitations regarding carrying musical instruments. The only condition is still the same – you should be able to carry your luggage and accommodate it within the allowed space on the train. Please remember that it is forbidden to obstruct traffic in the corridors and block access to compartments with bulky luggage.
What are the OUIGO luggage restrictions?
OUIGO luggage policy does not allow travelling with these items:
- Weapons
- Explosives
- TVs and electronic appliances
- Boxes
- Shopping bags
- Bumpers
These are only examples of OUIGO baggage restrictions. For any doubts and more information, we recommend contacting SNCF directly.
What is the TGV pet policy?
TGV pet policy states that dogs and other pets are allowed on board. Each passenger can travel with up to two animals, and a ticket has to be bought for them. In case you are planning to travel with a different type of pet, such as a miniature pig, you should contact the company. The rules and fare for travelling with pets on TGV trains are the following:
- TGV pet policy for animals that weigh less than 6 kg: The pets must travel in a bag or basket (up to 45 cm x 30 cm x 25 cm). The fare will be 7€.
- TGV pet policy for animals that weigh more than 6 kg: The animals must wear a muzzle during the entire journey. The fare will be 50% of the full 2nd class.
- TGV pet policy for guide dogs: No ticket or muzzle is required. The pet travels free of charge.
Can I travel with my pets on board OUIGO trains?
OUIGO pet policy states that pets, such as dogs and cats, are allowed onboard. Passengers can carry small animals (under 6 kg) as “hand luggage”. However, that means that they will not be able to bring an additional small bag. The fee for bringing animals that weigh more than 6kg is 30€. Wild animals and attack dogs are not allowed on board. If you are planning to travel with a pet, make sure you have all the necessary documents.
Is it possible to travel in a wheelchair on a TGV train?
Yes! All the TGV trains have special spaces for wheelchair users and are equipped with power lifts. You can also book a special assistance service to have a person who will help you board and will carry your luggage.
How can I travel with my car on TGV trains?
SNCF has a service called Auto/Train that enables passengers to travel by car or motorcycle. The service is not active at the moment. However, SNCF can organise vehicle transport with its partner Hiflow. For more details, you should get in touch with SNCF. Alternatively, you can book our car transport service and get the best solution within a few hours.