Bikes on Trains

With over 47% of people aged over 5 having access to a bicycle, pedal power is rapidly growing in popularity. Wanting to experience the UK without damaging the environment is one reason for this growth, but other cyclists cite the increasing cost of petrol, exercise, and looking after their mental health. 

Many stations have bike storage facilities, allowing you to cycle to the station and leave your bike securely locked until you return from your train journey. Whether you use the train to commute, for day-to-day travel, or to explore the country, including a bike on your journey makes perfect sense.   

Are bikes allowed on trains?

Yes, bikes are allowed on Northern trains. Northern encourages bike use and provides limited space, free of charge, on our trains for cycle storage. Keen to promote cycle rail users, we have worked closely with CyclingUK to develop our Cycle Promise. 

We have a small number trains that do not have dedicated bike space, including 

• Class 170 trains, operating on the Hull to Bridlington, York and Harrogate lines
• Class 323 trains operating Manchester to Blackpool North, Crewe, Stoke, Hadfield and Liverpool to Wigan

There is a legal requirement for wheelchair spaces to be kept clear at all times, therefore bikes must not be stored in these spaces. Please ensure the wheelchair space is kept clear.

You can identify the train type by looking at the front of the train as it arrives on a platform by the first 3 numbers. Please look at our website for more information about our different train types. 

How to book your bike space on trains

Our cycle spaces operate on a first-come, first-served basis. There is no need to book in advance. Our trains can only carry a maximum of two bikes per train, but we are exploring how to increase each train’s capacity, making cycle-train usage a more viable option.   

What are the bike policies of major train companies?

Most major train companies have policies in place for the transportation of bikes.

LNER have a booking policy for bike users and will carry bikes for free. However, spaces are limited and only one bike per passenger is permitted. Folding bikes, provided they are folded before boarding, can fit in the passenger luggage space, eliminating the need to book. Electric bikes are allowed, but they cannot be charged on the train.  

Grand Central Rail trains have space for three bikes, one of which is first-come, first-served; the other two can be reserved. Bikes travel for free, and folding bikes can be carried in the hand luggage space, negating the need to book in advance. 

Chiltern Railways can take folding bikes, provided they don’t cause obstructions. However, regular bikes are subject to space availability, and cannot be carried during their busiest peak weekday services. 

Transport for Wales has limited free spaces on its services, and is looking to increase this. They request that cycle spaces be reserved on some routes, and on routes that don’t require reservations, the spaces are first-come, first-served. 

What about when my train is replaced by a bus?

For rail replacement services, it is at the discretion of the transport provider. If you have questions about travelling with your bike on a scheduled rail replacement service. Please contact our customer experience centre for advice. 

How much does it cost to take a bike on the train?

It is free to take your bike on a Northern train, and you don’t need to book in advance, although we operate on a first-come, first-served basis.