Bike on the Train - Conditions for taking bikes on trains, TER and TGV

🚨 Need information on carrying a bike on trains?

We've gathered all the information you need on carrying bikes on trains.

Here you will find the conditions for transporting bikes, the steps to follow to book a space for your bike, as well as tips to ensure an enjoyable journey for all passengers.

Our goal is to make your train travel experience as comfortable and pleasant as possible, for you and your bike.

Before buying a train ticket, it's essential to know how to book a train ticket, to know the train timetables, the price of train tickets as well as the departure and arrival stations.

If you still have questions before setting off on your train journey, we certainly have the answers:

• Not sure what luggage to bring on the train?
  Here's the full train luggage policy.
• What train ticket refunds are you entitled to?
  See our page on train ticket refunds.
• Is your train delayed?
  Find out about the refund policy for train delays.
• Want to pay less for your train tickets?
  Discover loyalty and season ticket programmes for trains!.
• Need to cancel your train ticket?
  Check out the page on train ticket cancellations.
• How does travelling work for children on trains?
  Check the fares and conditions on our children's train ticket page.
• Want to travel with your pet?
  Visit the page to find out everything about the conditions for taking pets on trains.

Travelling with a bike on the train can be an excellent way to combine the pleasure of cycling with the convenience of rail travel.

Rail Company Rules

Different rail companies have varying policies regarding bike transport. Here's an overview of the general rules of a few major train companies:

SNCF (France)

• TGV: Bikes must be disassembled and placed in a 120 x 90 cm bag. Some TGVs have specific spaces for non-disassembled bikes, but advance booking is required.
• TER: Bikes are generally accepted without disassembly, and most trains have dedicated spaces.

Eurostar

• Bikes must be disassembled and placed in a bag of 85 cm maximum. It's also possible to book a special transport service for non-disassembled bikes.

Thalys

• Bikes that are disassembled and placed in a 120 x 90 cm bag are accepted at no extra cost. Non-disassembled bikes are not allowed.

Costs and Bookings

Costs and the need to book a space for your bike vary depending on the rail company and type of train:

• SNCF TGV: Around €10 for a bike space booking.
• TER: Free in most cases.
• Eurostar: €30-55 for the special bike transport service.
• Thalys: Free for bikes disassembled and placed in a bag.

It's strongly recommended to check the specific policies and book in advance, especially during busy periods.

Preparing for the Journey

To ensure smooth, hassle-free transport, here are a few practical tips:

Necessary Equipment

• Carrying bag: Mandatory for most long-distance trains.
• Disassembly tools: To remove wheels and pedals if needed.
• Straps and padding: To secure the bike's parts and prevent damage.

Practical Tips

• Packing: Use a sturdy carrying bag and make sure the bike is well protected.
• Labelling: Clearly label your bike with your contact details.
• Securing: Fasten moving parts to prevent any movement during transport.

Routes and Travel Suggestions

Here are a few popular route suggestions combining bike and train:

La Vélodyssée

• Description: A 1,200 km cycling route along the Atlantic coast, from Roscoff to Hendaye.
• Available Trains: TER and Intercités trains serve several access points along the route.

La Loire à Vélo

• Description: An 800 km route following the Loire, from Nevers to Saint-Nazaire.
• Available Trains: TER and Intercités trains offer frequent stops throughout the route.