ParisByTrain.com

[kimusubi]

I am taking the train from France to Italy and I was wondering if they x-ray the bags you bring on the train. I will be carrying only a small backpack to travel. The reason I ask is because I am bringing photographic film, I am paranoid x-rays will damage the film.

Also, I am taking the night train, so I will be sleeping on a couchette. Where are you allowed to keep your bag on the couchette? Where are you allowed to keep your bag on a train in general?

Thanks to Ben for this great website. It really made traveling around Paris easier for me.

[ben]

Hi Kim,

Bags are generally not x-rayed before entering the train. If x-rays and your film ever becomes an issue anywhere, you can always ask for hand inspection of the film canisters themselves and security staff should be happy to do so.

The only X-ray machines I've seen in Paris train stations is for baggage storage services, where there definitely is an x-ray machine before you're allowed to enter & store your luggage.

On sleeper trains, I believe you keep your bags with you in your cabin. There should be space provided for such purposes. On TGV trains, you can place small luggage on the overhead rack, but most large luggage is kept at the luggage racks, which are located both right near the train car door and another spot or two spread throughout the train car (they'll have spaces where there are no seats, just a metal rack meant for several people's luggage).

Thanks for the kind words about the site.

Enjoy your trip!

Ben