Cycling and trains

The following information has been taken directly from National Rail's Cycling by train leaflet (2010).

General Advice

Cycles are carried free on National Rail services

National Rail encourages the integrated use of cycles and trains - two convenient and environmentally friendly forms of transport.

To plan your cycle-rail journey, please check the terms and conditions for taking your cycle on the train detailed below.

Full size cycles may be excluded from trains at peak times, generally morning (0700-1000 and evening (1600-1900) commuter services to and from London and some local services as listed below. On most other rail journeys a full size cycle can be carried for free.

Reservations

Some operations have no seat or cycle reservations on some or all of their services. On such trains a common-sense approach may apply where passengers with full size cycles may be asked by station staff not to board busy trains and wait for a later service.

Where a seat reservation system is available the reservation of cycle space is also normally provided, and this is strongly recommended to guarantee your journey. Online cycle reservations are offered by East Coast for all tickets purchased on their website. For all other combined ticket purchases and cycle reservations please use the phone numbers listed in this guide or visit a station ticket office.

Compact, fully folding cycles (wheels under 20” in diameter) are carried without restriction on all trains (when folded down) however you may be required to cover the cycle and place it in luggage racks. You may also be required to fold the cycle before passing through the ticket barrier.

When planning a journey on www.nationalrail.co.uk the blue cycle logo indicates when cycle reservations are required or where restrictions apply.

Full size cycles may not be carried on replacement bus services during engineering work or service disruption but it should be possible to carry folding cycles on replacement bus services provided that are folded and covered.

All cycles are carried subject to the National Rail Conditions of Carriage - www.nationalrail.co.uk/nrcc

Cycle storage and hire: A large number of National Rail stations have good quality cycle parking and cycle hire is sometimes available. For more information see the Station information section of www.nationalrail.co.uk

Tandems and special cycle: some operators can accommodate a wider range of cycles. The Tandem Club has details of current arrangements.

Folding Cycles

Compact, fully folding cycles (wheels under 20” in diameter) are carried without restriction on all trains (when folded down) however you may be required to cover the cycle and place it in luggage racks. You may also be required to fold the cycle before passing through the ticket barrier.

First Great Western

Tel: 08457 000125
Website: www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk
High Speed Train services between London, South Wales and the West Country

Cycles carried free of charge. Reservations compulsory weekends on services arriving at London Paddington 0700 to 1000 or departing London Paddington 1500 to 1900

Six cycle spaces per train. Tandems can be carried on most services.

Please visit website for details of restrictions.

South West Trains

Tel: 0845 6000650
Website: www.southwesttrains.co.uk
London Waterloo - South West, London and South West England

Cycles carried free of charge. Reservations are required between London Waterloo to Salisbury, Exeter and Bristol.

Restrictions apply Monday to Friday:

• Cycles are not permitted on trains arriving in London Waterloo between 0715 to 1000 inclusive and departing London Waterloo between 1645 to 1900 inclusive from and to the suburban area bounded by Hook, Alton, Guildford, Reading and Dorking.
• 0745 to 0900 on services from Clapham junction to the area bounded by Clapham junction, Feltham and Strawberry Hill. Cycles may be conveyed on services between Ascot, Aldershot and Guildford at any time

Further information

For more information on rail travel, including train times and fares contact:

• Website: www.nationalrail.co.uk
• Contact centre: 08457 484950
• Train tracker: 0871 200 49 50
• Train tracker Text - text station name to: 8 49 50
• Textphone: 0845 60 50 600