Bike Bags on UK rail

ddraver

Hi Guys

What is the deal with bike bags on British Rail? Do they count as bikes or is it luggage?

Living in The Netherlands makes you really appreciate proper public transport! :evil:

Thanks
DaveK

sungod

if the wheels are off and it's just like a big suitcase, i doubt the staff would be bothered, the question is whether there's space on the train

on the airport transfer trains, like heathrow express and gatwick express, there's good luggage space in the carriages - i take a big bike box on these, no issues

you may be able to put it in the luggage carriage *if* there is one, on some routes there's a carriage with bike spaces

outside peak hours you may be able to put it in the seating area, or near the doors, but at busy times it could be very difficult

train interiors/facilities vary a lot depending on route/operator, if you know which route(s) you might get some specific advice

declan1

If you're travelling Virgin, basically give up now as there is near to no luggage space on their trains (they were designed by an aircraft designer which explains it).

If you're travelling First or East Coast most of their trains have bike areas and/or fair luggage space. Most DMUs only have space for two bikes so the guard may say you can't get on, in which case you'll have to wait for a quieter train.

You don't pay extra for luggage/bikes anywhere in the British rail network for most operators (if not all), however some may require you to book in advance if you're taking a bike.