Cycling by Train

Cycles are carried FREE on National Rail services provided they can be stored safely and out of the way of other passengers and subject to restrictions detailed below.

Introduction

National Rail encourages the integrated use of cycles and trains - two convenient and environmentally friendly forms of transport. This page summarises each train company’s policy for carrying cycles by train.

Things to remember:

• It is strongly recommended that you make your reservation as far in advance as possible and reserve a cycle space at the time of purchasing your ticket
• Cycles are not carried during periods of restriction as listed on this site
• Please label your cycle clearly
• Please cover your folded cycle
• Tandems, tricycles and bicycle trailers are not carried unless otherwise stated
• Unaccompanied cycles cannot be carried on any services.
• Motorcycles cannot be carried on any services
• Cycles must be carried in the designated area on trains and must not obstruct doors or aisles
• Cycles are carried at owner’s risk (see National Rail Conditions of Carriage)

Engineering Work and Cycles

Engineering work may affect train services. Non-folding bicycles are not allowed on rail replacement bus services at any time. Folding bicycles are accepted if fully folded.

More information on engineering work.

Folded Cycles

Folding bicycles are carried free of charge and without restriction on all services, subject only to the additional requirements for specific services set out below:

• c2c and Stansted Express - Folding bicycles should be transported in a protective carrying case
• East Midlands Trains, National Express East Coast and South West Trains - Carried free of charge provided they can be stowed as luggage
• London Overground - Carried free of charge, up to a limit of one per vestibule area at peak times.

Cycling storage and hire

An increasing number of railway stations have good quality cycle storage on or near to the station. Also, many train companies work with independent cycle companies to offer cycle hire at stations. Search our station facilities" area for more information on cycle facilities" at stations.

Cycle Restrictions

Each Train Company has a policy which details the arrangements that are in place for carrying bicycles on board trains. Please choose the Train Company, to see their Cycle Policy.

Cycling by Train around Europe

RailPassenger.info has links to information on travelling with bicycles on many railways within Europe.

Eurostar.com has information about their cycle policy.

Cycling Organisations

The National Rail Cycling by Train Guide is made possible by Brompton cycles, the makers of the folding bike.

• Brompton Bicycle Limited
  Lionel Road South, Brentford, Middlesex TW8 9QR
  Tel:   020 8232 8484   Fax: 020 8232 8181
  Website: www.brompton.co.uk
  
• CTC - The national body for cyclists
  Tel:   08708 730 060   Fax: 08708 730 064
  email: cycling@ctc.org.uk
  Website www.ctc.org.uk
  
• A to B magazine - Transport & folding/electric bikes
  Tel/Fax:   01305 259 998  
  email: atob@onetel.net.uk
  Website: www.atob.org.uk
  
• Sustrans - Cycle routes & sustainable transport
  tel:   08451 130 065  
  email: info@sustrans.org.uk
  www.sustrans.org.uk
  
• Bike For All - Promoting cycling in the UK
  email: editor@bikeforall.net
  www.bikeforall.net

More information

The National Rail Cycling by Train guide is easy to download and print for easy reference when cycling.  You can also contact the Train Company you are travelling with for more information about their specific facilities for cyclists.