Train Travel with Bicycles

Train Travel with Bicycles

Are bicycles and trains the ultimate combination?

We like to think so. Both are convenient, environmentally friendly and fun! Here is what you need to know about bringing your bike on the train.

Many train operators allow bikes onboard. On some trains, you need to reserve a space for your bike before you travel. Make sure you check the specific cycle policies for each train company you travel with. You can also park your bike at lots of stations - search our Stations page for more information.

Train Travel With Bicycles In General:

• Label your bike clearly.
• Cover folded bikes.
• Motorcycles, tricycles and bicycle trailers are not permitted
• Unaccompanied bikes are not permitted.
• Bikes must be kept in Designated Areas and must not obstruct doors or aisles.
• Bikes are carried at the owner's risk, see the National Rail Conditions of Travel.

Folding Bikes

• You are welcome to bring your folding bike on all trains, at no extra cost. There are a few additional requirements on the following services:
• c2c and Stansted Express - folding bikes should be transported in a protective carrying case
• East Midlands Railway, South Western Railway and LNER - folding bikes are carried free of charge as long as they can be stowed as luggage
• London Overground - folding bikes are carried free of charge, up to a limit of one per vestibule area at peak times

Tandem Bikes

Due to their size, tandems are only permitted on the following services:

Avanti West Coast
Greater Anglia
LNER

ScotRail (Glasgow to Oban route only)

• Bringing your Bike on a Bus
• Some of our journeys are permanent bus links, and sometimes there will be rail replacement bus services.

What Does That Mean For You And Your Bike?

In General:

• Non-folding bikes are not allowed on buses
• Folding bikes are usually allowed on buses if there is space and if your bike is fully folded and stowed as luggage. Please note, however, that we cannot guarantee a space for your folded bike

Cycle Hire In London And Other Cities

• You can rent a bike at one of over 700 bike docking stations in central London. Simply go to any docking station with your bank card and touch the screen to get started. Ride it where you like then return it to any docking station ready for the next person.
• Bikes are available 24 hours a day, all year round. It is self-service and there is no booking required - just turn up and go.

For more information, visit our Transport for London page.

• Many other cities also have cycle hire schemes, including Manchester, Glasgow and Liverpool. Check the Journey Planner, which will have information from PlusBike about whether cycle hire is available at the relevant stations.

Plan Your Journey With PlusBike

If you are planning a journey by bike and train, PlusBike can help you find details on bike parking, bike hire, information on bringing your bike on trains and whether you need to make a reservation to take a bike onboard. Look for the PlusBike icon in your Journey Planner results.

Train Travel With Bicycles Travel Tips

Do

• Reserve a space for your bike if your train company requires it.
• Stow your folding bike as luggage.
• Check the rules before you travel.

Do Not

• Obstruct doors or aisles.
• Bring your motorcycle.
• Forget your helmet.

Train Travel With Bicycles FAQs

Can I Bring My Bike On The Train?

Yes, many train operators allow bikes onboard. You may need to reserve a space in advance. Folding bikes are always allowed, as long as they can be stowed as luggage. Tandem bikes are only allowed on a few train services.

Can I store My Bike At A Station?

Yes, many railway stations have bike storage on the station, or nearby. Search our Stations page for more information.

Can I Bring My Bike On A Bus?

• Folding bikes are allowed on buses if they can be stowed as luggage, and if there is space. But you cannot bring a non-folding bike on a bus.
• I have an Advance ticket for a train that allows bikes, but bike reservations are not possible. What if there is no room for my bike?
• If there is no room for your bike on the train you booked for the Advance ticket, check with your train company about alternative services.

Can I Hire A Bike At My Destination?

Many Train Companies work with independent cycle companies to offer bike hire at stations or nearby. Search our Stations page for more information. Also, many cities have cycle hire schemes, including London, Manchester, Glasgow, Liverpool and many more. Check the Journey Planner, which will have information from PlusBike about whether cycle hire is available at the relevant stations.