Taking a bike on a train in the UK

We take pride that most of our events are accessible by train, and for very long distance trips such as England to Scotland it’s definitely the best way of seeing more of the country. However if you are new to taking a bike on a train, it can be quite daunting with lots of different rules and processes. Here, we try to make this simple!

Whilst there may be a lot of detail on this page, fear not, most of the time things are quite straightforward and the worst that can happen is that your train is simply too crowded to board and you decide to simply take the next train. This has happened to all of us at some point, just chill, just like riding with us, it’s nice to take your time.

The information below is also quite well laid out on Cycling Scot.

Planning your train journey with a bike

We suggesting using the following process:

Check the cycle restrictions for your chosen trains.
Book your tickets and, if required, cycle reservation, online in the same transaction.
Make yourself aware of where your bike needs to go on the train.
Check the display screens for a bike symbol to see where the space will be on the platform or check Realtime Trains.

Do I need to make a reservation?

You can take a bike for free without reservation on most trains. Firstly, check the cycle policy for your train journey using the National Rail site. The original guide says a reservation is required for the following operators or routes:

LNER
Avanti West Coast
TransPennine Express
Caledonian Sleeper
Great Western Railway – services between London and Bristol, Cardiff, Swansea, Exeter, Plymouth and Penzance only
East Midlands Railway – services to and from London only
Greater Anglia – services from London to Norwich only
ScotRail services: Glasgow/Edinburgh to Aberdeen/Inverness; Glasgow to Oban/Fort William/Mallaig; Inverness to Wick/Thurso/Kyle of Lochalsh
CrossCountry – reservations not required but there is only one unreserved space, so they are recommended
Lumo – the original guide says bikes are banned at all times

Train operator rules change. Check current cycle policies and reservation requirements with the operator before booking.

Example train search showing cycle restrictions for a journey via Stockport

Second example of train search results showing cycle restrictions

Making your reservation

This can be made when booking your train ticket through the GWR, ScotRail, Avanti and TPE websites and apps, regardless of your operator. On the TPE site you can book a bike with your ticket after you have selected your ticket.

TransPennine Express booking screen with the option to add a bike reservation

The site will then update to show the reservation has been made successfully. If you see a yellow box, you need to make the seat reservation before the bike reservation. Otherwise it may return that all the spaces are taken. If you still see that message and are sure reservations are possible, please try a different train.

Example confirmation message for a train bike reservation

If you already have your ticket, you can book a bike reservation online through the TPE site. You will need an account. If you get ‘not available’ for a particular train, then try the next one. Your reservation will appear in your account; print it out and take it with you.

First step in the online train bike reservation process

Next step in the online train bike reservation process

Printed paper ticket for a bicycle reservation on a train

Choosing your ticket

We recommend booking flexible tickets, not advance tickets, when travelling with a bike, in case you cannot board your selected train due to overcrowding or full bike spaces. But, this is very rare, so if the journey is long and the fare is hugely more expensive, for example from England to Scotland, then book an advance. You’re especially good booking advances with Avanti West Coast due to their ample cycle space which passengers cannot normally access (see below).

Where will the bike space be?

Check the on platform screens as they usually show a bike symbol, this gives you an idea of where to stand. You can also use detailed mode at Realtime Trains to see a diagram of your train and the location of spaces, for many but not all trains. Left is the front in the direction of travel.

Train platform display with the bicycle symbol marking the bike carriage

Train carriage diagram marking the location of bicycle spaces

Boarding and stowing your bike

Bike spaces on trains vary. Look for the symbols – usually on the door or beside it. You must board using the correct door. If in doubt ask platform staff.

Bicycle symbols and instructions showing where bikes can be stored on a train

Most often, there’s a bike storage area that’s just an open space with or without tip up seats. If it’s quiet ask people to move. If not try to squeeze the bike in if you can or otherwise just stand. If there’s luggage, put your bike behind it.

Bicycle storage space inside a passenger train

Most trains can only officially take 2 bikes but usually four will fit at a push. If the spaces are full get on anyway and usually people will be accommodating. If the whole train is really busy, wait for the next one.

Trains with specific bike spaces

GWR, LNER, CrossCountry, Caledonian Sleeper, and some TPE services use vertical hooks, which can be more awkward. On CrossCountry’s long distance Voyager trains, only one space is unreserved. On GWR/LNER/TPE, the hook may be difficult with very deep rims.

Vertical bicycle hook space on a CrossCountry train

Vertical bicycle hook space on a GWR train

Avanti West Coast

The original guide describes a cycle store at the far north end of the train, in coach A. The external door can only be opened by staff. Make yourself known to platform staff around 5 minutes before boarding. They will tell the on board staff where you are going. 15 minutes before alighting, visit the train manager in coach C to remind them that you need to get off at the next station. When going north, the driver will usually let you out.

There is an inner door to the passenger saloon, this can be opened from both sides by sliding the door manually. If all else fails, and there are no staff in sight to let you off, take your bike through the coach and out the passenger door at the other end.

Avoiding crowding: tips

For a more comfortable experience, the original guide suggests avoiding the following services, which it describes as generally overcrowded and unpleasant even without a bike. Check current operator information before travel.

Throughout the year

Trains operating entirely within South East England leaving London in the evening rush hour Monday–Friday 4–7pm, or arriving in London before 9.30am Monday–Friday. Bikes are not allowed on most of these trains. Check on your operator’s website.
CrossCountry during weekend daytimes and Friday early evening. Use late evening or early morning trains.
Sunday mid afternoons, around 3–6pm. The guide suggests travelling in the 7pm–11pm window instead.

Sunny and warm Saturdays

Trains leaving Chester calling at Rhyl or returning in the evening.
Trains from Nottingham to Skegness and returning in the evening.
Trains leaving Matlock to Nottingham in the afternoon and evening.
Hope Valley Line – look for 4 car trains on RTT; 2 car trains may be difficult to board.

High summer or bank holidays

Friday evenings, and Sunday/Monday mid afternoons on GWR services to and from Devon and Cornwall.
Services to and from Shrewsbury to West Wales and Pembrokeshire: travel, but be prepared for crowding.
Weekend high summer departures from Inverness to Edinburgh, especially mid morning.
Trains leaving Leeds for Carlisle on Friday evenings.