Can You Take a Bike on UK Trains?
Imagine this: You’re a bike-riding, adventure-seeking traveller, ready to explore the vibrant cities and picturesque countryside of the UK. But wait, how do you get your trusty steed from point A to B when the journey’s too long for two legs alone? Enter the mighty train, your bike’s chariot to new horizons!
I, a fellow pedal-pushing wanderer, found myself in the same predicament. ‘But where on Earth will they put my bike?’ I pondered, wondering if I’d be separated from my beloved Brompton or if we’d be travelling in style together. Let me share my journey of discovery. Here’s how I travelled from London Paddington to Oxford with my Brompton on a GWR train!
Look up your train company’s guidelines
Many UK train companies allow bikes, and booking a bike spot is usually free. But remember, there are peak-time restrictions and each company has its own rules, so check before you travel.
If your bike folds fully, you don’t need a reservation and there are no restrictions, but it needs to go on the luggage rack. Since I can’t lift my bike very high 💪, I chose to book a bike reservation.
Ticket
Usually, I get a QR code to scan at the gate, but this time I received a “ticket collection code.” By the way, it says “collect using any payment card”, but I was never asked to use one.
Just use the ticket machine to print your physical tickets—it’s really easy! Select “collect prepaid ticket” and follow a few simple steps. I printed both my outbound and return tickets and ended up with 9 cards total, so be sure to collect them all! The “Collection Receipt (one of the nine)” tells you how many “coupons” you should have.
Where on the Train?
My bike booking came with a seat reservation: “Coach B Seat 02” for me and “Coach B 98” for my bike. At first, the bike number didn’t mean much, and if it was too far, I planned to just stand with my bike.
When the train arrived, I stepped into coach B. On my right, there was room for two full-size bikes.
To my left, a door led to the seats in coach B. Seat 2 was an aisle seat right next to the bike area, but since a door separated the bikes from the seats, I didn’t want to leave my Brompton unlocked there.
Fortune smiled on me as I spotted seat 2 was also nestled cosily beside the luggage rack – a folding bike commuter’s dream! The floor space was clear, allowing me to effortlessly place my bike without having to heave its weight. My bike and I settled in with ease, ready to head off to the city of Oxford.
At Oxford station, I had to cross the footbridge to exit, but there was a lift.
For my return trip, I was in coach J, seat 91. The bike ticket just said coach J, which had space for 4 bikes.
On this train, seat 91 mirrored seat 2 from my outward journey. Despite the train’s full capacity and the luggage rack brimming with suitcases, I fortunately discovered space on the floor-level rack.
I hope this blog helps someone out!
With your newfound knowledge and confidence, you’re now ready to conquer the rails with your bike by your side. So, next time you hear that familiar ‘choo-choo’ of the train, remember, it’s not just a mode of transport – it’s your ticket to two-wheeled adventure! Happy pedalling!
Curious about the best backpack for cyclists? Let me share my top pick here.
