Paris is a wonderful destination but not always a convenient one for travellers with large amounts of luggage. The city's metro stations have few lifts, taxis have limited boot space and the RER carriages were not designed with oversized bags in mind. If you are arriving with more than two large suitcases, a pushchair or specialist equipment, you need a plan before you land.
The Limits of Public Transport
The RER B from CDG is the default recommendation for budget-conscious travellers, but it becomes impractical with large luggage. The carriages are narrow, the overhead racks are limited in size and the staircases at central Paris stations have no lifts in many sections. Dragging a large suitcase up three flights of stairs at Gare du Nord during rush hour is not a pleasant experience.
The same applies to Orly. The Orlyval has narrow doors and limited standing space. Buses have luggage compartments on some routes but not all, and luggage placed in the hold on a bus is not always supervised.
Standard Taxis and Their Limitations
A standard Paris taxi has a boot capable of holding one or two large suitcases, depending on the vehicle. If you have three or more cases, or additional items such as a foldable pushchair or a large sports bag, you may be refused by a taxi driver or asked to book a second vehicle. Taxi drivers in Paris are not required to help with luggage, although most will assist as a courtesy.
Private Transfers: The Best Option for Heavy Luggage
A private transfer service allows you to specify your luggage requirements at the time of booking. If you have four large suitcases, a foldable pushchair and a car seat, you book a vehicle with the appropriate capacity. A minivan or estate car will be confirmed in place of a saloon.
Your driver meets you in the arrivals hall, takes the luggage directly from your hands and loads it into the vehicle. At the other end, they unload and carry it to the hotel entrance. You are not navigating staircases, lifts or crowded platforms with your cases.
Golf Bags and Sports Equipment
Golf bags, skis and bicycle cases require specific handling. A standard saloon cannot accommodate a golf bag in the boot. Advance notice is essential. Most private transfer services can arrange an estate car or minivan for sports equipment, but only if this is confirmed at the time of booking.
CDG Terminal 2 has a dedicated oversized luggage carousel for items that cannot pass through standard belts. This includes ski bags, surfboard cases and golf bags. Allow extra time at baggage claim if you are collecting from this carousel.
Luggage Storage Options in Paris
If you arrive before your hotel room is ready, luggage storage is available at several locations in central Paris. Gare du Nord, Gare de Lyon and Gare Montparnasse all have left-luggage facilities. Several dedicated luggage storage services, including Nannybag and Radical Storage, operate from shops and hotels across the city and can be booked online in advance.
Packing Advice for Paris
Cobblestones are common in the historic centre of Paris. Hard-shell suitcases with four wheels roll well on smooth surfaces but become difficult on uneven stone pavements. If you are moving between hotels or spending time on foot in areas like the Marais or Montmartre, a bag with two wheels or a flexible base handles the terrain better.
Samantha Travels provides airport transfers with luggage capacity confirmed at booking. Book your Paris airport transfer and specify your luggage needs when you reserve.