A to B
Magazine
The
Bike/Rail Page
UK Bike
Restrictions
Rail, Preserved Rail, Rail-link ferries & buses
Updated
July 2008
We are
grateful to the Association of Train Operating Companies, local
authorities, individual cycle users and the Cyclists Touring Club for
information on cycle carriage. If you have any official or unofficial
information on cycle carriage, please share it with us at 
PLEASE NOTE!
Cycles can
once again be booked on line.
Visit
www.nationalexpresseastcoast.com/Onboard-Our-Trains1/Baggage-and-Pets/Cycles/
Folding
bikes
travel free and without restriction on all services unless stated.
See Folding
Bikes
Conventional
bikes
are restricted as below. For advice, see Bike-Rail
2
For
general advice on carrying your bicycle by train, please refer to:
Bike-Rail
2
Unsure
of operators and routes? Download Barry Doe's excellent National Rail
map here
Primary
Operators:
Arriva
Trains Wales (Formerly
Wales & Borders)
tel: 0845
6061 660
reservations: 0870 9000 773
web: www.arrivatrainswales.co.uk
mail:
customer.relations@arrivatrainswales.co.uk
Services from
Cardiff to West Wales, Manchester & Holyhead, plus local services
throughout Wales
Long-distance
services carry two bicycles. Reservations are free on long distance
services, and strongly recommended. On local services, bicycles are
carried free without booking, but conveyed 'subject to space being
available'. For full details of the lines that are (or should be)
covered by Arriva's booking arrangements, please see the 'Cycling by
Train' leaflet and separate Valley Lines leaflet - to obtain copies,
please phone 0870 9000 772. The Valley lines out of Cardiff (and soon
Newport too) are extremely useful for getting through the hilly and
congested areas if heading for the wide open spaces. Bikes are
generally welcomed outside peak hours.
Tandems and
tricycles are not permitted. There are no special
restrictions on folding bikes
c2c
(formerly
LTS Rail)
tel: 08457 678
765
web:
www.c2c-online.co.uk
London Fenchurch
Street - Southend Central & Shoeburyness
c2c welcome
bicycles free of charge on services where they can be accommodated
safely. Bicycles are not permitted on weekday services that arrive in
London between 07.20 and 10.10 or leave London between 16.30 and
18.40. If you plan to travel with a group of three or more cycles,
please contact the Helpline on 08457 678 765.
Tandems and
tricycles are not permitted. Folding bikes
should be enclosed in a container or case.
Chiltern
tel: 08456
005 165 (information & telesales)
web: www.chilternrailways.co.uk/
London Marylebone -
Aylesbury, Stratford on Avon & Birmingham Snow
Hill
Bicycles are welcome on Chiltern Railways but not on trains arriving
at London Marylebone or Birmingham Snow Hill between 07.45 and 10.00
or departing London Marylebone or Birmingham Snow Hill between 16.30
and 19.30 Monday to Friday. Restrictions apply to all intermediate
journeys. Bicycles are carried free and without reservation.
There are no
special restrictions on folding
bikes.
CrossCountry
Trains (formerly
Virgin CrossCountry)
NEW RULES APPLY
tel: 0844
811 0124
web: www.crosscountrytrains.co.uk
South &
Southwest England to Northern England & East Scotland
Virgin used
to allow up to four bikes in the Voyager trains, but under
crossCountry the trains are being altered by having the shop in Coch
D removed and replaced by a smaller cycle storage area, while the old
cycle area becomes a secure cupboard for the onboard trolley.
Although there is actually room for three bikes in the new bike zone,
CrossCountry will only take reservations for up to
TWO
BIKES. You
might be able to wangle a third aboard if the Train Manager is
sympathetic, but no guarantees, and of course, he may finish his
shift before you reach your destination... Latest news is of cyclists
being aggressively expelled from trains, even where they have
reservations, so do beware. CrossCountry services are often the key
to longer jouneys, and hard to avoid withouth a diversion via
London.
A free advance reservation is 'compulsory for most journeys' says
CrossCountry vaguely. Free? Well, yes and no. Cross Country adds that
it 'may charge for reservations'. Well, is it free or not? No doubt
time will tell. In the past, the reservation system has been largely
ignored by Virgin staff on the ground, but that will no longer be the
case with the reduced space! Good news is that all services (except
road coach links) carry bikes, space permitting of course. When
making a reservation, remember that it's no longer possible to book
bicycles online, and it's advisable to make the bicycle booking when
you buy your ticket. If adding a bicycle to a normal ticket, you must
visit a staffed station (why?).
CrossCountry will be hiring in good old High Speed Trains for peak
summer services to Newquay and Paignton, but these will carry
NO
BIKES, as the
space will be reserved for surf-boards.
Come back British Rail, all is forgiven! By the way, the Cyclists
Touring Club is on the case about the crucial and quite unnecessary
loss of cycle/luggage space on these trains. Contact Dave Holladay
for details: dave.holladay@CTC.ORG.UK
There are no
special restrictions on folding
bikes.
Docklands
Light Railway (London)
tel: 0207
222 1234
web: www.dlr.co
uk
mail: cservice@dlr.co.uk
Light rail network
throughout East London
According to
the DLR, 'Bicycles are not allowed on trains unless in foldaway
carrying cases'. The intention is presumably to outlaw all but
folding bikes, but you could interpret this as meaning any bicycle -
folding or otherwise - may be carried provided it is fully enclosed
in a case of some kind. Do let us know if you manage to smuggle a
tandem onboard...
There are no
special restrictions on folding bikes
East
Midland Trains (formerly
Midland Mainline and parts of Central Trains)
reservation
tel: 08457 125 678 or visit the website, download the booking form
and email it to cycle.reservation@eastmidlandstrains.co.uk
(unnecesarily cumbersome, surely?)
web: www.eastmidlandstrains.co.uk
London St Pancras -
East Midlands & South Yorkshire, plus Liverpool - Norwich
crosscountry
NEW RULES APPLY
Former
Midland Mainline services have been rebranded East Midland Mainline
(Route 1) and cycle carriage rules tightened up. The company says
space is limited, which it isn't because EMT has inherited High Speed
and Meridian trains, which are relatively well off for bicycle space.
In any event, you must now book in advance, and we're told that
bookings will not be accepted into or out of London at peak
times.
Minor services inherited from Central have been rebranded East
Midland Connect. On the primary route from Liverpool to Norwich
(Route 2), reservations remain compulsory. On other minor routes
(Routes 3 and 4), trains carry only two bikes and reservations are
not possible, so bikes are carried on a first-come, first-served
basis, with priority going to disabled passengers.
Interesting point: EMT very fairly points out that it i s
unable to carry tandems or tricycles on the East Midlands Connect
services, but claims they cannot be squeezed into Mainline services
too and from London. Not strictly true, because the HST is quite
roomy enough.
Folding
cycles are unrestricted, but EMT makes a point of
mentioning that bikes must fit into the luggage
racks.
Eurostar
tel: 08705
850850
web: www.eurostar.com
mail: new.comments@eurostar.co.uk
London Waterloo
& Ashford International - Paris, Brussels & Lille
Passengers
can carry folding bicycles on board, but the bike must be packed in a
'regulation size bike bag' (the maximum allowable in France being
120cm x 90cm). The bag must be carried as part of the normal luggage
allowance, clearly labeled and placed on one of the racks in the
vestibule. A reular traveler has pointed out to us that as long as it
can be shoe-horned into the bag, the bike doesn't nactually eed to be
a folder. Unusually, compact machines such as the Brompton can also
be carried on the generous overhead racks. For those travelling with
a full-size machine, the bicycle travels separately by the registered
service at a cost of £20 per cycle each way. We've been told
that it is now possible to book the bike on the same train: the
booking service opening 10 days before departure, and bookings being
available as late as 60 minutes before departure, but Eurostar says
there is no such service!
A useful tip if travelling further afield by high speed train is to
change at Lille Europe if possible, rather than Paris, as many
long-distance services stop in Lille, giving a cross-platform change.
Cycling between termini in Paris is rather like London - about the
same distances, and with similar traffic levels.
Tandems are not allowed, but tandems which split or break apart are.
Note, however, that the two halves must be made into a single parcel,
or the £20 charge doubles to £40.
Folding
bikes must be bagged - very compact machines will fit in
the overhead racks
First
Capital Connect (formerly
Thameslink and part of the WAGN franchise)
tel: 0845
026 4700
web: www.firstcapitalconnect.co.uk
mail: customer.relations.fcc@firstgroup.com
Brighton - Gatwick
Airport - London - Luton Airport Parkway - Bedford (cross-London
services)
London (Moorgate & Kings Cross) - Stevenage, Cambridge,
Peterborough & Kings Lynn
Thameslink is
happy to carry bicycles between Bedford and Luton Airport Parkway
inclusive at any time. Elsewhere, the company cannot carry bicycles
on trains travelling towards London that arrive in London stations
between 07.00 and 10.00 (Monday-Friday), or on trains travelling away
from London departing from London stations between 16.00 and 19.00
(Mon-Fri). Cyclists are asked to use the section of the train with
tip-up seats, identified by a cycle symbol on the outside of the
train. Interestingly, Thameslink does not mention that bikes are now
banned in and out of Brighton at peak times (see Southern entry).
Other restrictions:
- Monday to Friday
on services south of Stevenage (Kings Cross/Moorgate routes) and
Broxbourne (Liverpool Street Routes) that terminate in London
between 07.00 and 09.29 or depart from London between 16.00 and
18.59.
- Monday to Friday
on services between Royston and Ely that depart from or arrive at
Cambridge between 07.45 and 08.45 (except the 07.15 and 07.45
departures from King's Cross)
- Any time between
Drayton Park & Moorgate (this doesn't apply to folding
bikes)
Tandems and
tricycles are not permitted. There are no special restrictions on
folding bikes
First
Great Western
tel: 08457
000 125
web: www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk/Content.aspx?id=80
London Paddington -
Bristol, Reading, Oxford, South Wales, the Cotswolds & the West,
plus local Westcountry services
NEW RULES APPLY
FORMER
GREAT WESTERN:
Advance reservations are free, and can be made up to two hours before
the train begins its journey, or before 18.00 the day before if the
train starts before 10.00. Reservations are no longer obligatory
except on services arriving in London between 07.00 and 10.00 or
departing between 15.00 and 19.00. Up to six bicycles (still
including one tandem on most services) can be accommodated in Coach
'A' of High Speed Trains
FORMER THAMES
TRAINS SERVICES:
On local services fromerly operated by Thames Trains, bike carriage
is much less restrictive, and bikes can generally be carried on all
off-peak services in the carriage vestibules, provided they do not
inconvenience other customers. However, on Mondays to Fridays,
bicycles may not be carried on trains advertised to arrive at London
Paddington between 07.45 and 09.45 or to depart Paddington between
16.30 and 19.00. Note this is now
HALF AN
HOUR LATER,
but it still only applies to journeys made between Reading and
Paddington inclusive.
FORMER WESSEX
TRAINS SERVICES: On
these local trains in the Westcountry, up to two bikes can be carried
on a first come, first served basis, space permitting. On most
long-distance services reservations are free. As a general rule,
these trains include most trains linking Penzance, Cardiff, Bristol,
Swindon, Southampton, Portsmouth and Brighton. Bikes
CAN
be carried on these services without a reservation provided the guard
can find space, but if a bike with a reservation is then brought on
board, you may be evicted. On other local trains, bicycles cannot be
booked, and are conveyed 'subject to space being available'. The 'two
bikes per train' rule is interpreted differently by individual guards
- some will allow much larger numbers, even on peak services, but
some will not. Groups of cyclists should treat rush-hour or peak
summer season trains with caution.
Locomotive-hauled trains with proper guard's vans operated until
recently from Cardiff to Brighton and Bristol to Weymouth. These have
been withdrawn, but a summer Saturday loco-hauled train is running
once again between Bristol and Weymouth on summer Saturdays, offering
plenty of cycle space.
Interestingly, fGW is now organising bike hire, initially from
Reading and Cheltenham stations in co-operation with On Your Bike
(see www.oybike.com),
and with a scheme pending in Bristol. (bikes spread between Temple
Meas and Parkway).
Meanwhile, First Great Wwestern is trying to get a bclearer picture
of how, why and where customers cycle. You can help by taking part in
the survey at: www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk/cycles
- click on 'Travel Survey' in the left hand margin. There are prizes,
including a folding bike (hope it's not the one fGW was promoting a
year or two back) and a pair of Eurostar tickets.
Tandems ARE
still carried on HST services. There are no special restrictions on
folding bikes
First
ScotRail
tel: 0845
601 5929
reservations: 08457 550033
web: www.firstscotrail.com
mail:
scotrailenquiries@firstgroup.com
Most services in
Scotland, plus London Euston - Scotland sleepers
Cycles are
carried free on all ScotRail services, but space is limited (ScotRail
aim to provide between two and eight spaces per train), so free
reservations are essential on long-distance trains to Inverness,
Aberdeen, Stranraer, the West Highlands and Far North. The London to
Scotland 'Caledonian Sleepers' carries up to six bikes, but space
must be reserved in advance and space is limited to three bikes on
the Inverness-London portion because the trains carry shellfish
traffic! Note that non-folding trikes and tandems are no longer
allowed on the Sleeper trains.
In the summer months, a special road vehicle carries cycles between
Inverness and Wick/Thurso, but you must book in advance, and please
note that the vehicle makes NO intermediate stops. Now, it's not for
us to interfere with First Group policy, but is this really the way
forward? Is this a rail company or a road haulage contractor?
On a more positive note, the reservation number (08457 550033) takes
you through to a real Scottish person in Fort William who actualy
knows the network and can see it out of the window. And First
ScotRail has teamed up with the ETA to provide a 'get you home'
service. If you are unable to complete your journey by bike, due to
an accident, vandalism or irreparable breakdown, you wil be taken to
your destination, the nearest Scotrail station, or the nearest
Scottish city if it's late in the day. The service does not apply to
the islands! All you need to do is phone 08000 717 212 and give
details of your vaild rail ticket
Tandems and
tricycles are not permitted, but we understand they can be
carried on the Far North line road vehicle, space permitting. There
are no special restrictions on folding
bikes
First
Trans-Peninne Express
tel: 0845 600 1671
reservations: 0845 7000125
web: www.tpexpress.co.uk
Manchester Airport -
North East, North West and Scotland
Space is very
restricted, with only two bikes allowed on most trains, but they
travel free. Reservations must be made at least 24 hours in advance
but a recent traveller has been told that one of the two spaces is
now first-come, first-served, so you can only book one bike per
train.
There are no
special restrictions on folding
bikes
Gatwick
Express
tel: 08458
50 1530
web: www.gatwickexpress.com
mail:
customer.comments@gatwickexpress.co.uk
London Victoria -
Gatwick Airport
All Gatwick
Express services have a a capacious luggage area, but bikes are now
resited to ten per train. Bicycles travel free at all times, but
larger groups should book in advance.
There are no
special restrictions on folding
bikes
Grand
Central
tel: 01904
633307
web:
www.grandcentralrail.co.uk
mail:
rp@grandcentralrail.com
London Kings Cross -
Yorkshire, Hartlepool, Sunderland
NEW OPERATOR
'Cyclists are
welcome!' says Grand Central. The fleet of High Speed Trains carries
up to six bikes in the 'country end' power car, free, and without the
need to book. Short platforms at Eaglescliffe, Thirsk and Hartlepool
mean that guards will put cycles to and from these destinations at
the London end of the train. Surely that means the true capacity is
12 bikes? Well, yes it does. The company has also gone to some
lengths to say it will welcome tandems and trailers, (provided they
do not exceed one metre in any dimension), but not tricycles,
although they could probably be pursuaded, if you have a fairly
compact machine. All indicative of the 'can do' attitude of this new
operator. Cheap fares, oodles of legroom, and plenty of bike space to
York and the Yorkshire coast.
There are no
special restrictions on folding
bikes
Heathrow
Connect
tel: 0845
678 6975
web: www.heathrowconnect.com
mail:
queries@heathrowconnect.com
London Paddington -
local stations to Heathrow Airport
Cycles are
carried free, except on trains due to arrive in Paddington between
07.45 and 09.45, or departing between 16.30 and 18.30, Monday to
Friday. The operator reserves the right to limit bicycles at other
times if trains are busy. TIP: If travelling to Heathrow with a bike,
you can save a lot of money by getting off at Hayes & Harlington
and cycling the last two miles.
There are no
special restrictions on folding
bikes
Heathrow
Express
tel: 0845
600 1515
web: www.heathrowexpress.co.uk/
mail:
queries.hex@airexp.co.uk
London Paddington -
fast to Heathrow Airport
Limited
accommodation is available for cycles on Heathrow Express services,
for passengers flying with their cycles from the airport. Heathrow
Express reserves the right to limit the number of cycles conveyed on
each train to no more than three at busy times. Cyclists not
travelling onwards by air may also use the service to and from
Terminal 4, subject to space being available for airline
passengers.
There is
plenty of luggage space for folding bikes, and
compact machines fit the overhead racks
Hull
Trains
tel: 08450
710 222
web: www.hulltrains.co.uk
London Kings Cross -
Grantham, Doncaster, Selby, Brough & Hull
Hull Trains
welcomes cycles on all services. Although it is advisable to make a
free reservation in advance, it is also possible to turn up and
travel with your cycle subject to space being available. Up to two
bicycles can be carried in the Train Manager's Office in coach 'D'.
Please ring 0845 710 222 (08.00-22.00 Monday to Friday, 08.00-18.30
Weekends and Bank Holidays) to book.
There are no
special restrictions on folding bikes
Island
Line
tel: 01983
562492
web:
www.island-line.com
mail:
comments@island-line.co.uk
Isle of Wight
only
The smallest,
friendliest and most reliable railway company in the UK, Island Line
operates aging Underground trains on the Isle of Wight. Up to four
bicycles may be carried free and without booking at the Shanklin end
of all trains, subject to the discretion of the guard. In practice,
the number carried off-peak is sometimes much greater.
Tandems and
tricycles are not permitted. There are no special
restrictions on folding bikes
London
Midland (formerly
Silverlink and parts of Central Trains)
London Euston -
Birmingham, Birmingham - Liverpool and local services in the West
Midlands
tel: 08456
024277
web:
www.londonmidland.com
Cycles are
carried free of charge on all off-peak services Restrictions apply
Monday to Friday 07.00 to 09.59 on services to London Euston and
16.00 to 18.59 on services leaving London
Tandems and
tricycles are not permitted
London
Underground & Overground
tel: 0207
222 1234 (Underground) or 0845 6014867
(Overground)
web: www.thetube.com
or www.tfl.gov.uk/overground
mail: customerservices@email.lul.co.uk
NEW OPERATOR
Underground services
in and around London, plus North London local services
Bicycles are
allowed on the overgorund trains free of charge and without
reservation, but peak time restrictions apply: Bicycles are banned on
Monday to Friday between 07.00 to 10.00 and 16.15 to19.00 on services
south of Watford to or from London Euston. On services between
Willesden Junction and Gospel Oak, and Gospel oak and Barking
bicycles are banned in either direction from 08.00 to 10.00 and 16.30
and 18.30
On the Underground, bicycles are completely banned between 07.30 and
09.30 and 16.00 to 19.00 Monday to Friday. Outside these peak hours,
bicycles are permitted anywhere on the surface or near-surface
lines:
Circle,
District,
East London,
Hammersmith & City and
Metropolitan.
Bicycles are also
permitted on surface sections of the following deep tube lines
outside the central London area:
Bakerloo
Line Queen's
Park - Harrow & Wealdstone (only against the flow of commuter
traffic - north in the morning, and south in the evening
peak)
Central
Line White
City - West Ruislip or Ealing Broadway .
Leyton -
Epping
. Woodford -
Hainault
Jubilee
Line Finchley
Road - Stanmore
. Canning
Town - Stratford
Northern
Line Edgware
- Colindale .
Hendon Central - Golders Green .
East Finchley - High Barnet or Mill Hill East
Piccadilly
Line Barons
Court - Hounslow West or Uxbridge .
Oakwood - Cockfosters
Bicycles must not be
taken on Victoria
Line or
Waterloo &
City
escalators.
Folding
bicycles may be carried anywhere on the system at any
time, but must be folded and should not exceed two metres in length.
It is advisable to cover the bike whilst on the Underground, although
this is not a regulation
Merseyrail
(formerly
Merseyrail Electrics and Arriva Trains
Merseyside)
tel: 0151
702 2071
Local Northern and
Wirral line services around Liverpool
Cycles are
carried free at any time, space permitting.
There are no
special restrictions on folding
bikes
National
Express East Anglia (formerly
'one')
tel: 0845 600 7245
reservations: 08700 40 90 90
web: www.onerailway.com
mail:
customer.relations@onerailway.com
NEW RULES APPLY
London (Liverpool
Street) - Norwich & Harwich International, plus local services in
Norfolk, Suffolk & Cambridgeshire
Hurrah! The
ludricrously-named 'one' has gone, to be replaced by the equally
ludicrous National Express East Anglia. Are we supposed to call it
NEEA? East Anglia? Or the whole mouthful? Even worse, the cycle
carriage rules have been tightened up, quite without justification,
because the trains are the same.
Up to four cycles are still accepted on local trains, but the
spacious long-distance trains now accept four instead of six. Free
reservations are obligatory on services to London (not sure if that
includes local journeys outside London), and reservations are also
'encouraged' on local trains. We're not sure whether ticket holders
still receive the benefit of the unique 'one' Anglia/ETA cycle
recovery scheme - if your cycle breaks down or is stolen in the 'one'
Anglia area you will be recovered and taken to the nearest station.
On mainline services to destinations south of Colchester, the cycle
carriage fee is £3 per single or return journey (reservation
essential). According to Jonathan Denby (Head of Corporate Affairs) ,
"tandems are still carried on 'one' Great Eastern emus, 'one' Anglia
loco-hauled sets and 'one' Class 170s". In practise, this should mean
all long-distance trains in the area, but some confusion remains.
Note that Anglia is running its own reservation line from a
call-centre in Norwich, so a call to the company should be routed to
someone who really knows the network.
The
timetable notes are mistaken - tandems are STILL carried
on former Anglia and Great Eastern long distance trains. Or not?
Latest reports suggest that tandems are banned. Come on 'one'! Make
your minds up!
There are no special restrictions on folding
bikes
London (Liverpool
Street) - Southend Victoria, Colchester & Ipswich
Bicycles are
welcome free of charge on non-inter city services where they can be
accommodated safely. At busy times, on trains arriving in London
(either Liverpool Street or Stratford) between 07.45-09.45 and
departing London or Stratford between 16.30-18.30 Monday to Friday,
bicycles are banned. And the older rolling stock used during peak
hours on certain trains has been withdrawn, so there are NO
exceptions. However, bicycles may be carried at any time north and
east of Shenfield. Big deal! (Note that NEEA's publicity appears to
show that bicycles are banned both inbound and outbound in both the
morning and evening peaks, but this is not so. The ban is only with
the commuter flow.)
We suspect
tandems are no longer carried on long distance trains.
There are no special restrictions on folding
bikes
London (Liverpool
Street) - Stansted Airport
Cycles are
not conveyed at any time, unless they have been flat-packed for air
travel.
Tandems and
tricycles are not permitted. Folding cycles must be fully
folded and contained in a 'protective carrying case'. In practise, a
light cover will do, but be discreet!
London (Liverpool
Street) - Stevenage, Cambridge, Peterborough & Kings Lynn
Cycles are
conveyed free of charge where they can be accomodated safey. However,
they are banned:
- Monday to Friday
on services south of Broxbourne that terminate in Liverpool Street
or Stratford between 07.45 and 09.45 or depart Liverpool Street or
Stratford between 16.30 and 18.30. These restrictions apply to all
intermediate journeys.
- Monday to Friday
on services between Audley End, Cambridge and Ely in either
direction between 07.45 and 08.45
(Note that NEEA's
publicity appears to show that bicycles are banned both inbound and
outbound in both the morning and evening peaks, but this is not so.
The ban is only with the commuter flow.)
Tandems and
tricycles are not permitted. There are no special restrictions on
folding bikes
National
Express East Coast
(formerly
GNER)
tel: 08457
225 225
web: www.nationalexpresseastcoast.com
London Kings Cross -
Yorkshire - North East England - Scotland
NEW OPERATOR
Bicycles were
carried free of charge on all trains under GNER, and the rules
haven't changed much. Advance reservations were essential on GNER
services, and spaces, which were subject to availability, had to be
reserved at least 24 hours before departure. A maximum of five cycles
can be carried per train, with tandems counting as two cycles. The
electric trains used on most services are being refurbished, a move
that has reportedly increased bicycle capacity to six per train.
The really good news is that National Express East Coast has
introduced an online cycle reservation scheme for their own services,
that also appears to work for other operators. A great step forward:
www.nationalexpresseastcoast.com/Onboard-Our-Trains1/Baggage-and-Pets/Cycles/
Tandems
are still permitted. There are no special restrictions on
folding bikes
Northern
Rail
tel: 0845
000 0125
reservations: 0845 600 8008
web: www.northernrail.org
mail:
customer.relations@northernrail.org
Local services
throught the north of England
NEW CYCLE
ENTHUSIASM!
Northen is
working really hard to encourage people to cycle too and from its
stations (even though there may not be space to carry bikes on peak
hour trains). As part of this scheme, volunteers have collected
information on cycle routes and cycle parking at the company's 472
stations - see the pdf file below. If you can help to update the
information, please contact martin.bright@sustrans.org.uk
and ask for a questionnaire. As part of the new cycle-friendly
policy, all local bike bans have been rescinded.
There are no
special restrictions on folding bikes
Bikes
& Parking NORTHERN RAIL.pdf
Southeastern
Trains
tel: 0845
000 2222
web: www.setrains.co.uk
London - Kent &
South East England
Cycles are
carried free on all services except those timed to arrive in London
between 07.00 - 10.00, or due to depart 16.00 - 19.00 Monday to
Friday. These rules apply on any part of the journey, with the
following exceptions: Subject to space, you may board peak time
trains beyond Gillingham, Otford, Tonbridge or Redhill, if travelling
to stations in East Sussex or Kent. Unfortunately, Southeastern is
now in the hands of the people running the Southern franchise, and
they appear to hate all bicycles (including folding bikes - see
below)
There are no
special restrictions on folding bikes
(yet)
Southern
tel: 08451
272920
web: www.southernrailway.com
London - Surrey,
Sussex & South East England
RULES NOW BEING
STRICTLY INTERPRETED!
A 'limited
number' of cycles are carried free on all services except on trains
due to arrive into London Victoria, London Bridge or Brighton between
07.00 and 10.00, or due to depart from London stations or Brighton
between 1600 and 1900 on Mondays to Fridays. Reservations for cycles
are not required.
Folding
bikes are carried free of charge without restriction, but from 2006,
folding bikes 'bigger than a Brompton' have been turned away and
Brompton owners forced to fold their bikes at the barrier and carry
them to the train, particularly at London Bridge, Victoria and
Brighton. This tough stance softened for a while, with Southern staff
being told to allow folding bikes to be wheeled down the platform if
the owner refuses to fold it at the barrier or is unable to carry it.
This was a concession, but we understand the company may have cracked
down again, certainly at Brighton. Please keep us informed of your
own experience
South
West Trains
reservations:
0845 6000 650
web: www.southwesttrains.co.uk
mail: customerrelations@swtrains.co.uk
London Waterloo -
South West London and South West England
NEW RULES APPLY -
New rolling stock to Weymouth, and watch out for the Megatrain bike
ban!
Formerly a
haven for cyclists, the South West Trains area has seen increasing
restrictions as new trains are introduced. Currently space is limited
on trains from Waterloo to Salisbury/Bristol, Exeter and Plymouth;
between Reading and Brighton; between Totton and Romsey
(Southampton); and on most Waterloo to Southampton trains.
Reservations are obligatory on all but some Waterloo to Southampton
trains, but booking is now free. Note, however, that if you have
booked a cheap 'Megatrain' ticket to Southampton or Portsmouth, you
will not be entitled to travel with a bicycle, even on a train where
bicycles are welcome. A few other specifics:
LONDON SUBURBAN
AREA: Bicycles
are banned from boarding trains trains due to arrive at Waterloo from
07.15 to 10.00, or depart Waterloo between 16.45 and 19.00 Monday to
Friday (note the slightly extended ban duration) within the suburban
area bounded by Dorking, Reading, Hook, Alton and Guildford
(previously Woking). A 'nod and a wink' policy existed for many years
on the ground, and bikes were usually allowed aboard at the guard's
discretion, but according to reports, this is no longer the case.
There is now also an OUTWARD
BOUND ban on
trains leaving Clapham Junction between 07.45 and 09.00
Monday-Friday, as far as Clapham Junction, Strawberry Hill and
Feltham.
LONDON-SALISBURY-EXETER:
Once simple, but
now rather complicated due to the variety of stock working this line.
Bike space can vary from two upwards. Generally speaking, longer
trains on longer journeys will convey more bicycles.
LONDON-GUILDFORD-PORTSMOUTH
& LONDON-SOUTHAMPTON-WEYMOUTH:
These lines are now worked by Class 444 (5 car) and Class 450 (4 car)
trains. The Class 444 offers six cycle spaces situated in the 3rd and
4th coaches (counting from 1st class, which is almost always at the
London end). Cycles must not be placed in the disabled space, in the
door areas (except by agreement with the guard), or behind the
drivers door. The shorter Class 450 officially offers only two bike
spaces, but with careful positioning three or fours can be squeezed
in, and the guard will usually allow this, provided the gangways are
not obstructed. The only exceptions to these rules are when
travelling too or from three stations with short platforms -
Bedhampton (London-bound platform), Beaulieu Road and Shawford.
Cycles should usually be placed in the first door of the 2nd carriage
in the direction of travel .
PORTSMOUTH-NETLEY-SOUTHAMPTON:
This line is unusual because the number of bycycles in the peak is
controlled by the guard. Thus the cycle allocation may be as much as
ten one day (two per doorway), or as little as four the next,
depending on the guard and the number of passengers. Bicycles must be
held by their owners and allow passengers to move freely around
them.
Folding
bikes may be carried at any time, free of charge, provided
they 'can be stowed as luggage'.
Translink
tel: 028
9066 6630
web: www.translink.co.uk
mail: feedback@translink.co.uk
RAIL & BUS
SERVICES
Belfast - Larne, Bangor, Derry & Cross-border Enterprise trains
to Dublin
NEW RULES APPLY
Hold on...
why has Northern Ireland been given a fully integrated bus and rail
system while we have to put up with all this privatisation nonsense
on the mainland? You'll have to ask your MP.
Bikes are carried on all long-distance Goldline Express Coaches, and
all trains, but not before 09.30 on weekdays. Trains generally carry
four bicycles, while coaches carry two. Bikes travel free on all
services, but note that the reservation system has been discontinued,
so carriage is on a strictly, first-come first-served basis.
Tandems,
tricycles and motorised bicycles are not permitted on
trains or road coaches. There are no special restrictions on
folding bikes
Valley
Lines
(Now
part of Arriva Trains Wales - see above)
Wrexham
& Shropshire
tel: 0845
260 5200
web: www.wrexhamandshropshire.co.uk
email:
info@wrexhamandshropshire.co.uk
London Marylebone -
Telford, Shrewsbury & Wrexham
NEW
OPERATOR
A new
operator that will run with short HST sets when established,
suggesting plenty of bike spaces. For the time being though, the
rolling stock situation is a bit unclear, so bikes are not permitted.
See www.wrexhamandshropshire.co.uk/cycles-pets-and-heavy-luggage.php
There are no
special restrictions on folding bikes.
Virgin
Trains
tel: 0845
000 8000
web: www.virgin.com/trains
mail:
customer.relations@virgintrains.co.uk
London Euston - West
Midlands, North Wales, North West England &
Scotland
West Coast
services carry up to four bikes, with a free compulsory advance
reservation system.
TIP: To escape Virgin's blood pressure-raising automated
telephone booking system, say 'agent' at the start. This, we're told,
should put you through to a nice lady in Scotland.
TIP: When making a cycle booking, use the Virgin Customer
Services number (0870 789 1234) rather than the ticket line (08457
222333). But be warned - if you're adding a cycle reservation to an
existing ticket, the telephone staff will give you a reference number
to present at the station. A cyclist has recently been turned away at
Euston trying to board with the number only. Staff may insist on a
bicycle reservation ticket... More than their jobs are worth, etc
etc
TIP: Voyager and Pendolino trains carry a yellow rectangle at the
opposite end to the bike space. This is usually at the 'country' (ie
furthest from London) end of the train.
There are no
special restrictions on folding bikes.
Private &
Preserved Railways:
If you're interested
in small railways, you might be interested in our magazine
Miniature
Railway!
Symbol
indicates an interchange with the National Rail
network
Bluebell
Railway
tel: 01825
720800
Kingscote -
Sheffield Park
Standard
gauge - South from East Grinstead into delightful
countryside
Bicycles are not
carried on the East Grinstead - Kingscote bus link so you'll have to
cycle (not far). All trains have a guard's van, and up to 20 bicycles
(or smaller numbers of tandems or tricycles) can be conveyed without
booking, at a charge of 50p (return) or 30p (single). Larger parties
(up to 60 bikes) can be carried in a parcels van by special
arrangement.
There are no
special restrictions on folding
bikes
Bodmin
& Wenford Railway
tel: 01208
73666
Bodmin
Parkway - Bodmin - Boscarne Junction
Standard
gauge - the cross-platform connection at Bodmin Parkway
eliminates a long hard climb into Bodmin
The Bodmin
& Wenford Railway welcomes cyclists. Carriage of bikes, tandems
and trikes is free of charge, although large parties are advised to
book in advance.
There are no
special restrictions on folding
bikes
Bure
Valley Railway
tel: 01263
733858
Wroxham
- Aylsham
15 inch
gauge
Like most of
the narrow gauge railways, the Bure Valley is very accomodating.
Trains carry up to four bicycles or two wheelchairs, but extra vans
are available and can be marshalled into trains as required. Parties
with up to 10 or 15 bikes can be carried with advance notice. If
you're travelling without a bike, you can hire one at Wroxham or
Aylsham, ride beside the line on the traffic-free railway path and
take the train back. There is a flat-rate cycle carriage fee of
£2 per bike.
There are no
special restrictions on folding
bikes
East
Kent
tel: 01303
893320
Shepherdswell
- Eythorne
Standard
gauge - a delightful ride from nowhere to
nowhere
All trains have a
guard's van, and bicycles of all kinds are carried without booking or
restrictions.
There are no
special restrictions on folding
bikes
Ecclesbourne
Valley
tel: 01629
823076
web: www.e-v-r.com
Idridgehay - Wirksorth -
Ravenstor (for
High Peak Trail)
Standard
gauge - a delightful ride from nowhere to
nowhere
When the line is
reopened throughout (projected for October 2010), there will be a
passenger interchange at Duffield with National Rail services. The
line will then provide a very useful link, bypassing a busy stretch
of the B5023, and connecting the planned Derby Cirty / Little Eaton
cycleway with the High Peak Trail (Route 54). All trains have guard's
vans and bicycles and tandems are carried free of charge, although
large groups are advised to book in advance. Tricycles are carried,
provided they are able to pass through standard double guard's van
doors
There are no
special restrictions on folding
bikes
Ffestiniog
Railway
Ffestiniog Travel: 01766 512400
trains:01766 516000
web: www.festrail.co.uk
Portmadog - Minfford
- Blaenau
Ffestiniog
2 foot
gauge - the Minfford - Blaenau Ffestiniog link is
extremely useful, saving a 600 foot climb in the easterly
direction!
Bicycles are
subject to a charge of £2.50 per journey. Parties of six or
more, or those with tandems or tricycles are advised to phone in
advance to allow time for an extra baggage van to be included in the
train.
Folding
bikes are carried without charge at the discretion of the
guard
Isle
of Man Steam Railway
tel: 01624 663366
web: www.iomguide.com/steamrailway.php
Douglas-Port Erin
3 foot
gauge
A delightful
line. Bicycles are carried free of charge where a guard's van is
present and if there isn't one and the train is 'not too busy' you
can put the bicycle in the carriage anyway. A lesson there for Virgin
et al.
There are no
special restrictions on folding
bikes
Isle
of Wight Steam Railway
tel: 01983 882204
web: www.iwsteamrailway.co.uk
Smallbrook
Junction - Wooton
Standard
gauge - cross-platform connection with Island Line
services
If used in
conjunction with the Ryde to Shanklin Island Line trains, the Isle of
Wight Steam Railway can be quite useful, avoiding hills and/or busy
roads. No charge and no restrictions on bicycles, tricycles and
tandems.
There are no
special restrictions on folding
bikes
Keighley
& Worth Valley Railway
tel: 01535
645214
web: www.kwvr.co.uk
Keighley
- Haworth - Oxenhope
Standard
gauge - This fairly short line is much more useful than it
might appear, avoiding some unpleasant roads and steep gradients
around Keighley.
All trains have a
guard's van, and bicycles are carried free without booking or
restrictions. Larger groups are advised to book in advance for a
second guard's van to be added to the train.
There are no
special restrictions on folding
bikes
Kent
& East Sussex
tel: 01580
765155
Tenterden -
Bodiam
Standard
gauge - useful for cyclists avoiding the busy
A28
All trains have a
guard's van, and up to six bicycles are carried without booking or
restrictions. Larger groups should book in advance.
There are no
special restrictions on folding
bikes
Nene
Valley Railway
tel: 01780
784444
web: www.nvr.org.uk
Peterborough-Wansford
Standard
gauge - there are few minor roads on this part of the
moor, so the railway could be useful
With the
Peterborough 'town' terminus a kilometre from the national station,
and a 'country' end in the middle of nowhere, the practical use for
this line looks limited. But it gets you halfway to Oundle, and into
open country past a network of terrible roads. And, as one of our
correspondents has spotted, the Wansford terminus could be useful for
reaching Stamford by bike when the national rail station in the town
is shut. It is expected to be for most Sundays this summer.
There are no
special restrictions on folding
bikes
North
Yorkshire Moors Railway
tel: 01751
473799
web: www.northyorkshiremoorsrailway.com
Grosmont
- Pickering
Standard
gauge - there are few minor roads on this part of the
moor, so the railway could be useful
All trains have a
guard's van, but space varies, so tandems, tricycles or cycling
groups are advised to book in advance. Individual cyclists can
usually turn up and travel, subject to space being available. The
cycle carriage fee is £2 per day, covering any amount of
travel.
There are no
special restrictions on folding
bikes
Paignton
& Dartmouth Steam Railway
tel: 01803
555872
Paignton
- Kingswear (for Dartmouth ferry)
Standard
gauge - very useful for cyclists, saving a major climb and
some busy roads
According to the
Paignton & Dartmouth Railway, all trains have a converted coach
as a guard's van with a capacity of up to 100 bikes, so tricycles and
tandems are welcome and booking is never required. The cycle carriage
fee is £1 for each single journey.
There are no
special restrictions on folding
bikes
Ravenglass
& Eskdale
web:
www.ravenglas-railway.co.uk
mail:
rer@netcomuk.co.uk
tel: 01229 717171
Ravenglass
- Dalegarth
15 inch
gauge - the good news is that the railway carries you to
the foot of the Hardknot Pass. The bad news? It doesn't carry you
over it.
Bicycles are
carried free, but space is very limited. However, open and closed
wagons are available for the carriage of bicycles and can be
marshalled into a train as required, but it's a good idea to give 24
hours notice, particularly for larger groups. Bicycles are carried at
the owner's risk.
Tandems and
tricycles are not permitted. There are no special restrictions on
folding bikes
Romney,
Hythe & Dymchurch
web:
www.rhdr.demon.co.uk
mail:
rhdr@dels.demon.co.uk
tel: 01797 362353
Hythe - New Romney -
Dungeness
15 inch
gauge - duplicates a Sustrans route, but very useful for
getting too and from leisure rides on the
marshes
Although a
guard's van is available on all trains, space is limited, with
priority being given to passengers luggage, so pre-booking is
essential. If booked in advance, up to four bikes can be carried in a
second guard's van by arrangement at a nominal 50p per bike. Folding
bikes are carried free.
Tandems and
tricycles are not permitted. There are no special restrictions on
folding bikes
Severn
Valley Railway
tel: 01299
403816
Kidderminster
Town - Bridgnorth
Standard
gauge - a great way of getting clear of the Birmingham
conurbation into open country
All trains have
guard's vans, but space varies and other luggage is given priority,
so cycle space cannot be guaranteed. There are no booking
arrangements - just turn up and enquire. Cycle carriage costs £1
per journey. Groups of up to three or more cyclists can be catered
for, but tandems and tricycles are not carried.
There are no
special restrictions on folding
bikes
Swanage
Railway
tel: 01929
425800
web: www.swanagerailway.co.uk
Norden (park &
ride) - Corfe Castle - Swanage
Standard
gauge - a scenic ride, but not yet very useful
strategically
When the railway
reopens through to Wareham (as intended), this line will be extremely
helpful, bypassing a busy and dangerous stretch of the A351. As it
stands, the line only avoids the quieter and more scenic easterly
stretch. All trains have a guard's van and bicycles and tandems are
carried free of charge, although very large groups are advised to
book space in advance. Tricycles are carried, provided they are able
to pass through standard double guard's van doors.
There are no
special restrictions on folding
bikes
Talyllyn
Railway
tel: 01654 710472
web: www.talyllyn.co.uk
Tywyn
- Abergynolwyn
2 foot
gauge - no strategic value, but a pleasant enough
ride
The Talyllyn aims
to provide space for up to two bicycles, but it's a good idea to
inform the railway of your intentions in advance, so that a suitable
van can be provided. The fare is £1.50 per single journey.
Tandems and tricycles are not specifically banned, but space is very
limited.
There are no
special restrictions on folding
bikes
Watercress
Line
tel: 01962 733810
web: www.watercressline.co.uk
Alton
- Alresford
Standard
gauge - cross-platform interchange at
Alton
All trains have
guard's vans (of various sizes!), so bikes, trikes and tandems are
carried free and without restriction. Large parties are advised to
book
There are no
special restrictions on folding
bikes
Welsh
Highland Railway (Caernarfon)
web:
www.festrail.co.uk/whr_fares.htm
tel: 01643 704996
Caernarfon-Waunfawr
and beyond
2 foot
gauge - the start of something big: destined to link
Caernarfon with Porthmadog.
As the first half
of the journey to Dinas runs beside an excellent cycle path, the line
is not yet as useful as it might seem. Limited accomodation for
bicycles is available on trains, but the company is in the processing
of converting wagons to provide more space - please enquire before
travelling. Bicycles are carried for a flat fare of £2.50 per
bike.
There are no
special restrictions on folding bikes
West
Somerset Railway
web:
www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk
mail:
info@west-somerset-railway.co.uk
tel: 01643 704996
Bishop's Lydeard -
Minehead
Standard
gauge - this line would be much more useful were services
restored over the last five miles from Bishop's Lydeard to Taunton on
the National Rail network. These are the busiest roads,
unfortunately.
Bicycles are not
carried on the Taunton - Bishop's Lydeard bus link. The West Somerset
Railway carries bicycles, tricycles and tandems for a set fare of
£1.00. There are no booking requirements, except for large
parties.
There are no
special restrictions on folding
bikes
Ferries,
Coaches & Rail-link buses:
Borders
Rail Link Coach
Carlisle
- Borders - Berwick
Bicycles are
not permitted. Covered folding bikes and other luggage are carried at
the driver's discretion.
Brittany
Ferries
reservations:
0990 360360
Southern England -
France & Spain
Brittany
Ferries have recently introduced peak-time cycle fares on all routes.
Cycles travel free from October to March, then at £5 per single
crossing on the following routes: Portsmouth-Caen or St Malo; Poole -
Cherbourg; Plymouth - Roscoff. On the UK - Spain routes, the company
charge £7.50 per single crossing, rising to £10 in peak
season. There are no special restrictions on folding
bikes.
Condor
Ferries
reservations:
01202 207215
Poole & Weymouth
- Channel Islands
Bicycles are
subject to a fee of £8 per single journey and must be clearly
labeled. Folding bicycles travel free, but are subject to a 15kg
personal luggage allowance.
Croydon
Tramlink
tel: 020
8681 8300
web: www.tramlink.net
Croydon
- Elmers
End, Beckenham
Junction, New Addington
A vital
interchange with other public transport operators in south London.
Bicycles are not carried, but folding bikes are
unrestricted.
Hovertravel
Portsmouth -
Ryde,
Isle of Wight
Bicycles have
been banned in the past, but we're told they are now carried free of
charge in the hovercraft's 'pannier', whatever that might be, subject
to space being available, so groups are advised to book in advance.
Report to a membver of staff on arrival for assistance with loading.
Covered folding bikes travel without as hand luggage without
restriction.
Isle
of Man Steam Packet Co
reservations:
01624 661661
Heysham/Liverpool
- Douglas, Isle of Man
No known
restrictions.
Manchester
Metrolink
tel: 0161
205 2000
Manchester
- Altrincham,
Bury
and Eccles
Bicycles are
not permitted, but the Brompton, Birdy and Brilliant Micro may be
carried without restriction if 'fully-folded' and 'fully encased'. A
victory for common sense.
Midland
Metro
tel: 0121
200 2700
Birmingham
Snow Hill - Wednesbury- Wolverhampton
Bicycles are
not permitted. Following a number of test-cases, Centro has confirmed
that 'fully-folded' folding bikes will be accepted without
restriction.
National
Express, Silver Choice & Megabus Coaches
Wide-ranging
national coach operator
Bicycles must
be packed flat and wrapped up.
There are no
special restrictions on folding bikes, but we would always
recommend keeping the bike well covered and treating as normal
luggage
Oxford Express
& Oxford Tube Coaches
London-Oxford
Most buses
carry up to three bikes in the luggage hold.
There are no
special restrictions on folding bikes, but we would always
recommend keeping the bike well covered and treating as normal
luggage
Rail-Air
Coaches
Reading
and Woking
- Heathrow Airport
Luton
Airport Station - Luton Airport
Bicycles are
not permitted. Covered folding bikes and other luggage are carried at
the driver's discretion. Luton Airport is only a short ride
from the new dedicated railway station. For Heathrow, we
suggest taking a local Thames train to Hayes & Harlington (from
Reading), or a South West Trains service to Feltham (from Woking or
Reading) - see individual entries above for restrictions. Feltham is
a short distance from Terminal 4. Hayes & Harlington is
convenient for Terminals 1,2 & 3 via the cycle
tunnel.
Red
Funnel Ferry Co
tel: 01703
334010
Southampton - Cowes,
Isle of Wight
Bicycles are
carried free on the ship services to East Cowes, but the Red Jet
Catamaran carries only covered folding bikes as hand
luggage.
South
Yorkshire Supertram
Local services
around Sheffield
Bicycles are
not permitted. Folding bikes and other luggage are carried at the
driver's discretion. Technically folders should be covered, but you
can expect to get on with an uncovered Brompton or similar
micro-folder.
Stagecoach
Express Coaches
Wide-ranging
national coach operator
Bicycles are
carried in the boot if there is room.
There are no
special restrictions on folding bikes and some interurban
services have interior luggage space for two folded Bromptons, but we
would always recommend keeping the bike well covered and treating as
normal luggage
Stena
Line
tel: 01233
647047 reservations: 0990 455455
www: www.stenaline.com
Fishguard -
Rosslare, Republic of Ireland
There is no
charge for bicycles, but it is advisable to confirm that space is
available in advance. Folding bikes travel without restriction, but
you are advised to carry the bike as hand luggage. As with an
airline, luggage is thrown into the hold. Strangely, you could be
better off NOT folding the bike and just riding aboard.
Harwich - Hoek van
Holland
Stena now
seems to carry bicycles on all ferries on the Harwich-Hoek van
Holland route, subject to a fee of £7, bookable via the website
where you'll find a tick-box for 'bicycle'.
Other Routes
Unless you
can tell us otherwise, we know of no charge for bicycles and no
booking requirements.
Tyne
& Wear Metro (Nexus)
tel: 0870
608 2608
www: www.tyneandwearmetro.co.uk/
Local services
around Newcastle
Bicycles are
not permitted. Approved folding bikes (currently Brilliant Micro,
Brompton and Moulton APB) travel without restriction on all
services.
All other
operators
UK - Republic of
Ireland
Unless you
can tell us otherwise, we know of no charge for bicycles and no
booking requirements on ferries to the Republic of Ireland.
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