Train Travel with Bicycles

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.

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 (PDF, 1.1MB).

Folding bikes

You’re 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)

e-bikes

Road legal electric bicycles, also known as e-bikes can be taken on most trains (see note below). These are electric bikes that are pedal-assisted with a motor that generates a maximum continuous rated power output of 250 watts and do not provide electrical assistance when travelling at more than 15.5 mph.

Please check the general cycle restrictions for your local operator, which also cover folding e-bikes. (e.g. use in peak / off peak periods and any other limitations).

There are a few additional requirements on the following services:

• Elizabeth line and London Overground – only folding e-bikes can be carried at any time - and up to a limit of one per vestibule area at peak times.

In addition, there are some specific guidelines for taking e-bikes on trains or their use at stations.

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’s 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 the Transport for London website.

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.