Catching a train

AllezGaz

Fancy hopping on a train with the bike and cycling home from somewhere. Whats the score with taking your bike on a train, especially if there's a few of you?

Gaz

tallmansix

Hi AllezGaz,

I use the train for part of my commute on some days. The provision for cycles varies by train operator, for example lot of spaces on an old Northern train but the First Transpennine have less space for bikes, some have none.

I suggest you check out the train before you turn up with your bikes. Also bear in mind certain times of the day will mean the train is busier and less room for bikes.

markos1963

If you are on East Midlands trains then you need to check on what train is being run. Most will have a capacity of 4 bikes usually on a first come first served basis. You can book ahead for a place.

indysmith

I did this a few weeks ago - got the train to Brighton and cycled back along the South coast to my home near Portsmouth.
Probably the most boring ride of my life, haha. Make sure you plan a good route!

unixnerd

If you do this in Scotland it's a little known fact that ScotRail provide a free "get you home" service if you have a mechanical or an accident as part of your journey that day.

harrydaisy

I did this recently, cycled from Sevenoaks to eastbourne and got train back via Hastings, as long as you don't travel in rush hour network southeast trains have a special carriage that is designed for bikes ( it's usually near toilet). But it is worth checking before you go.

AllezGaz

Cheers guys, will do some research on local trains.

ricklilley

As others have said check with the train operators you want to travel with as there is no national policy for carrying bikes. I work for Northern Rail, and their policy is 2 bikes per train at any time, and you can't prebook. It can depend on the type of trains being used too, as sometimes there will be 2 trains coupled together, therefore doubling the bike racks. Any additional bikes are carried subject to the conductors discretion, and how busy the train is. So there is the risk that a large group may be refused travel, especially if there are other cyclists already on the train.

ducyam

I had a nightmare last year with virgin trains. I phoned up to enquire about travelling to Holyhead on a saturday morning at 6:30 am. I was advised that their were two places available for bikes on this journey but had to book my train tickets first. I was passed to another department to book the passenger tickets and then phoned back ten minutes later to book the bikes only to be told they weren't available! Bearing in mind this was all being booked at 8:30pm on a tuesday night I explained they must be having a laugh!They explained that they must have just been sold. I asked for my money back and was refused. ( You can rightly guess this was virgin trains India call centre) I went to my local station the next day and booked them straight on. I would suggest you do this! My complaint duly went to Virgin trains and they eventually got back to me 2 months later with a s**t apology. Good luck

wayneloveskona

Its hit and miss, Some are really friendly conductors and look after you some tell you you cant get on even if you beg them