Taking cycles on the train

All train companies allow cycles as long as they can be accommodated safely.

Cycles are conveyed free of charge unless otherwise stated.
Fees may be charged. 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.
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 free of charge. 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 times of rail engineering work.
Cycles are carried at owner's risk.
Train conductors have responsibility for the safety of their train and have the right to refuse entry if the train is busy.

Train companies

For full information contact either the appropriate train company or National Rail on 03457 48 49 50.

Cycle storage areas are clearly marked on the outside of the train. Please ensure your cycle is placed in this area only – do not use other areas of the train such as doorways or the designated wheelchair spaces as this will inconvenience other users of the train.

Folding bicycles are carried as personal baggage and you don't have to reserve a place, but prior to boarding the train please ensure that it is folded down.

CrossCountry

Cycles can be taken 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.

East Midlands Trains

Cycles are free of charge on all East Midlands Trains services
On services to and from London St. Pancras International, cycle reservations are compulsory as space is limited.

First TransPennine Express

Cycles are free of charge on all First TransPennine Express services
As space is limited, please reserve a space up to 15 minutes before travelling. A maximum of two cycles can be carried per train so reservations are subject to availability.

Grand Central

Cycles are free of charge on all Grand Central services
Three cycle spaces are available on each train but six can be carried by arrangement. Cycles are to be stored within the luggage compartment which can be entered via the adjacent train crew door. This door will be locked prior to station departure
Please note that some platforms that Grand Central call at are too short for the length of train - in these cases you will not be able to store your bike in the designated area until such time the train calls at station with a long platform to allow transfer. In Yorkshire these stations are Mirfield and Pontefract Monkhill. Please follow the advice of staff at these stations.

Northern

Northern services have space for two cycles.
Reservations are not required, however cycle space allocation is on a first-come-first-served basis.

London North Eastern Railway

London North Eastern Railway will carry your cycle free of charge if you have a valid travel ticket for that service
Only one cycle per customer, space allowing. Please be sure to reserve your cycle on the train of your choice before you travel
Tandems can be conveyed on London North Eastern Railway services subject to length restrictions but will require two reservations
Please note that some platforms that London North Eastern Railway call at are too short for the length of train - in these cases you will not be able to store your bike in the designated area until such time the train calls at station with a long platform to allow transfer. In Yorkshire these stations are Skipton; Keighley (southbound); Brough and Horsforth. Please follow the advice of staff at these stations.

A leaflet produced by National Rail entitled 'The National Rail Guide - Cycling by Train' is produced annually and is available at staffed rail stations.

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