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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:

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:

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.

Arriva Trains Wales c2c
Chiltern Railways CrossCountry
East Coast East Midlands Trains
First Capital Connect First Great Western
First Hull Trains First TransPennine Express
Gatwick Express Heathrow Connect
Heathrow Express Island Line
London Midland London Overground
Merseyrail National Express East Anglia
Northern ScotRail
Southeastern Southern
South West Trains Stansted Express
Virgin Trains  

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.

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.