All train companies allow cycles to be conveyed on their services provided they can be accommodated safely.
The following is a summary of each train company’s policy for taking bikes on the train.
General information
- Fees may be charged for conveying cycles. For long distance journeys using several train companies, only one fee is charged. Where companies offer different rates, the higher rate applies.
- Where a reservation is required please make this as far in advance as possible.
- Please label your cycle clearly.
- Cycles are conveyed free of charge unless otherwise stated.
- Please try to arrive at the station at least 10 minutes before the train is due to depart.
- If you are travelling with a cycle you must make yourself known to the station platform staff, and take care to ensure your bicycle is stored safely and securely and away from doorways.
- Fully folded cycles are conveyed free of charge without restriction. Please cover your folded cycle.
- Tandems, tricycles and bicycle trailers are not allowed unless otherwise stated.
- Cycles are not allowed on replacement bus services during engineering work.
- Cycles are carried at owner’s risk.
- Engineering work may affect trains, mainly at weekends. Please check before you travel.
Train companies
For full information contact either the appropriate train company, or National Rail on 08457 48 49 50.
Train company contacts
CrossCountry
Cycles are conveyed free of charge on all CrossCountry services.
All you need to do is make a reservation at the same time as you buy your ticket - for which there may be a charge - to ensure there is dedicated space available for it.
You’ll need to place your standard bicycle in designated storage areas, and for safety reasons they’re not allowed in aisles and vestibules. If you have a folding bicycle, you can carry it on as personal baggage and you don’t have reserve a place.
CrossCountry website
East Coast
East Coast will carry your cycle free of charge if you have a valid ticket. They can carry only one cycle per customer, space allowing. Please be sure to reserve your cycle onto the train of your choice before you travel.
Fully folded cycles are carried free of charge without restriction, provided they can be stowed as luggage within the passenger accommodation.
Please note that certain stations that East Coast call at platforms that are too short for their trains, so bicycles can not be carried in the usual way. In Yorkshire these stations are Skipton; Keighley (southbound); Brough and Horsforth. Please follow the advice of staff at these stations.
East Coast website
East Midlands Trains
Cycles are conveyed free of charge on all East Midlands Trains services.
On East Midlands Mainline (Route 1 - Leeds/Sheffield -Derby - London St. Pancras), cycle reservations are compulsory because space is limited. Please call 08457 125 678. East Midlands Trains website
First TransPennine Express
Cycles are conveyed free of charge on all First TransPennine Express services.
As space is limited, customers are advised to reserve a space at least 24 hours before departure.A maximum of two cycles can be carried per train so reservations are subject to availability.
Fully folded cycles are carried free of charge without restriction.
Northern
Most Northern services have space for two cycles. Reservations are not required, however cycle space allocation is on a first come, first served basis.
On the following routes Mondays to Fridays, cycles cannot be carried during peak hours (0700 - 0900 and 1600 - 1800 hours):
- Hexham - Sunderland.
- Darlington -Saltburn.
- Leeds - Harrogate - York.
- Beverley - Hull.
- Hull - York.
- Hull - Gilberdyke.
Fully folded cycles are carried free of charge without restriction.
To find out more download a copy of Northern's Cycling Strategy (pdf, 636k).
A leaflet produced by National Rail entitled 'The National Rail Guide - Cycling by Train' is produced annually and is available at staffed rail stations.
