Can you take bikes on trains? UK rules & guidelines explained

Taking the train and cycling are both some of the most popular and eco-friendly ways to get around, whether it’s for commuting or heading out for the weekend. However, many forget these two fast and efficient ways to get around can be used in tandem - or can they? Can you take bikes on trains? And, if so, what are the rules for doing so? What about electric bikes? Or folding bikes?

Well, the answer to these questions can vary depending on the train operator, the type of bike, and the time of travel. Don’t fret! This guide covers everything you’ll need to know about bringing your bike on UK trains, including national rail conditions of travel, bike reservations, and storage options.

Are bikes allowed on trains?

Yes, bikes are generally allowed on trains for free in the UK, but some restrictions exist. Many train operators permit bicycles on board, but during peak hours (pre-10 am and 4-7 pm Monday to Friday, excluding Bank Holidays), non-folding bikes may not be allowed on busy commuter services. Always check with your train company in advance to avoid issues. For instance, these companies have officially specified:

• East Midlands Railway, LNER and South Western Railway: bikes are allowed as long as they can be stowed as luggage, folding bikes can be carried free of charge
• c2c and Stansted Express: a protective carrying case must be used for folding bikes

The use of bikes is slowly becoming more encouraged by train providers, with free and secure bicycle parking becoming more common across stations in the country.

Can you take electric bikes on trains?

Electric bikes (or e-bikes) are allowed on most UK trains, but some operators have restrictions due to battery safety concerns. Fully folding e-bikes are usually accepted without restrictions, while larger models may require reservations or may not be permitted on certain services. Always check the train operator’s specific policies.

However, just because e-bikes are allowed, this does not extend to other electronic means of transportation. All e-scooters, e-unicycles, e-skateboards and hoverboards are not allowed on trains in the UK.

Specific rules about bikes from train operators

• Avanti West Coast
• Reservations are compulsory with racks for up to four cycles. Please ask at the station for the location of the cycle space onboard.
• c2c
• Reservations are unavailable but bicycles are allowed subject to space, except for services arriving into London Fenchurch during morning peak times, and leaving London Fenchurch during afternoon/evening peak times.
• Caledonian Sleeper
• Reservations are recommended, with 3-6 spaces typically available. Please book by 12:00 on the day prior to travelling.
• Chiltern Railways
• Reservations are unavailable but bicycles are allowed subject to space, except for services arriving into London Marylebone or Birmingham Moor Street during morning peak times, and leaving London Marylebone or Birmingham Moor Street during afternoon/evening peak times.
• CrossCountry
• Reservations are recommended, with two cycle spaces for reserving and one spaced for unreserved cycles.
• East Midlands Railway
• Reservations are compulsory on some yet unavailable on certain times. Please check for your specific route here.
• Gatwick Express
• Reservations are unavailable for bikes, though they are allowed on Gatwick Express services. Restrictions apply for trains arriving into London Victoria during morning peak times, and leaving London Victoria during afternoon/evening peak times.
• Grand Central
• Reservations are unavailable. Newer trains have three cycle spaces subject to availability in Coach B, with older trains having two each at the front and final carriages.
• Great Northern
• Reservations are not available but bikes are allowed subject to availability. Note that non-folding cycles are not permitted at any time between Drayton Park and Moorgate.
• Great Western Railway
• Reservations are compulsory for some services and bikes are restricted at peak times to and from London Paddington in the morning and evening respectively.
• Greater Anglia and Stansted Express
• Reservations are occasionally compulsory, including intercity services. Restrictions apply to services arriving at Stratford or Liverpool Street in morning peak times or departing from these stations during afternoon/eveing peak times.
• Heathrow Express
• Reservations are unavailable though bikes are allowed, except trains leaving Heathrow Central between 6:30-10 am, and London Paddington between 4:40 - 7 pm.
• Hull Trains
• Reservations are recommended, with two cycle spaces per train.
• LNER
• Reservations are compulsory, with bike storage typically found towards the centre of the train.
• London Northwestern Railway
• Reservations are unavailable but bikes are allowed on board subject to availability with two cycle spaces per train. Note that restrictions apply for London Euston routes, specifically those arriving into the station during morning peak times, and those leaving the station during afternoon/evening peak times.
• London Overground
• Reservations are unavailable, but folded bikes are allowed onboard. Unfolded bikes cannot be carried on any London Overground train between 7:30-09:30 am and 4-7 Mondays to Fridays (except on Bank Holidays).
• Lumo
• Non-foldable bikes are not allowed on Lumo services, and reservations are unavailable for foldable bikes - however, you can use their service FIRSTSERVICE which will transport your bike wherever you need it.
• Merseyrail
• Reservations are unavailable but bikes are allowed onboard. Storage space is subject to availability. Discover more here.
• Northern
• Reservations are unavailable but bikes are allowed on board subject to availability with two cycle spaces per train.
• ScotRail
• Reservations are compulsory on some services, including Glasgow/Edinburgh and Aberdeen; Glasgow/Edinburgh and Inverness; Glasgow/Oban/Fort William and Mallaig; Aberdeen and Inverness; Inverness/Wick/Thurso and Kyle of Lochalsh; and cycle reservations are also available (but not compulsory) between Glasgow and Stranraer.
• South Western Railway
• Reservations are compulsory on services between London Waterloo and Salisbury, Exeter and Bristol, with two spaces available per train. Reservations are unavailable on other routes. Note that restrictions apply on peak times for routes including London Waterloo, Clapham Junction and more. Discover more here.
• Southeastern
• Reservations are unavailable but bikes are allowed onboard. Non-folding cycles are not permitted on peak time services arriving into London from Monday to Friday.
• Southern
• Reservations are unavailable but bikes are allowed on board subject to availability with two cycle spaces per train.
• ThamesLink
• Reservations are unavailable but bikes are allowed on board subject to availability.
• TransPennine Express
• Reservations are compulsory, with up to four cycles allowed per train.
• Transport for Wales
• Reservations are recommended, but bikes on board are restricted on morning peak times into Cardiff, and afternoon/evening times leaving Cardiff.
• West Midlands Railway
• Reservations are unavailable but bikes are allowed on board subject to availability with two cycle spaces per train. Restrictions apply for trains arriving into London Euston during morning peak times, and services leaving London Euston during afternoon/evening peak times.

Taking a bike on London trains

For those travelling within London, policies vary between the London Overground, the Underground, and National Rail services. While fully folding bikes are allowed on all services at any time, non-folding bikes are prohibited during peak hours on the Tube, certain Overground routes, and busy train stations. Santander Cycles and Limed Bikes offer an alternative for short city trips.

National Rail conditions of travel for bikes

The National Rail Conditions of Travel outline general guidelines for taking bikes on trains, including:

• Folding bikes are accepted on all trains if fully folded.
• Non-folding bikes may be restricted during peak hours.
• Some routes require a bike reservation, especially long-distance services.
• Bikes must be stored in designated bike spaces or luggage areas.
• Train companies may refuse access if the train is too crowded.

Of course, these are all subject to each respective train operating company, so be sure to check for your specific provider.

Our tips for taking your bike on a train

1. Check train operator policies: Each train company has different rules, so visit their website before travelling.
2. Make a bike reservation: Some services require booking for non-folding bikes.
3. Use designated bike spaces: Look for bike storage areas near luggage racks.
4. Avoid peak hours: Travel outside commuter times for a smoother experience.
5. Aim to arrive early: This will allow you to ask about and/or identify the carriages with dedicated bike space.
6. Consider folding bikes: A fully folding bike offers the most flexibility and access to all trains.

Further useful resources

For more details on cycling and train travel, check out:

• National Rail
• TfL Cycle Policies
• Trainline Bike Guide