- Home /
- Our trains /
- Travelling with your bike
Travelling with your bike
Taking your bike on the train is free, easy and one of the greenest ways to travel. Whether you're commuting, exploring cycle routes or heading out for an adventure, we've got you covered.
Free to bring
No extra charge for bringing your bike on board
Book ahead
You must book a bike space on all LNER services
Greener travel
Trains emit far less CO2 than cars or planes
Plenty of space
Our Azuma trains have more bike storage than ever before
Free to bring
No extra charge for bringing your bike on board
Book ahead
You must book a bike space on all LNER services
Greener travel
Trains emit far less CO2 than cars or planes
Plenty of space
Our Azuma trains have more bike storage than ever before
Cycling can be a great way to start or finish a long distance train journey
LNER is committed to supporting those who wish to cycle as part of their journey, and anyone cycling to or from a local train station.
Read our guide on travelling by train with a bike for advice on reserving a bike space on a train, cycle storage, and cycle hire at or near stations.
Please note: Passengers may not book Passenger Assist to help with bikes onboard.
Find what you need:
Essential information before travelling with your bike
Bike size limits
To make sure your bike fits in our onboard storage, it cannot exceed the following dimensions:
If your bike is bigger or heavier than this, you will not be able to bring it on board. Most stations have bike storage areas where you can leave your bike and pick it up after your journey.
Find your stationAt the station
Arrive at least 10 minutes before your train is due to leave. This gives you plenty of time to find your platform and the right zone to wait in. If you need help, please let a member of staff know.
How to book your bike reservation
Booking a space for your bike is simple and completely free. Here's how:
When booking your ticket on our website or app, tick the box to add a bike reservation.
Complete your booking as usual.
You'll receive a bike reservation confirmation along with your ticket.
On the day, arrive early and head to the designated bike storage area on your train.
To make sure everyone can travel safely, you must reserve a space for your bike before you board our trains.
Things to consider before you travel:
You can make a free bike reservation on our website when booking your ticket or through our reservation tool above. This is currently limited to one bike per customer.
Don't worry, if you have booked your ticket but forgot to book a space for your bike, you can add a bike reservation to your existing booking through My Account
The number of bike spaces on each train is limited. While our team will make every effort to get you on your way, you may be denied boarding if you try to travel with a bike and do not have a bike reservation.
Alternative ways to reserve a bike space
The easiest way to reserve a bike space is by booking directly through our website and adding a bike reservation during the booking or using our easy-to-use reservation tool.
However, if you are not able to make a bike reservation online we recommend using our live chat in the bottom right-hand corner of this page. You can also visit our station travel centres and book a bike space for your train if one is available. You can check the opening times here. Spaces are limited so we advise booking as early as possible.
National Rail information about travelling with your bike can be found here.
Travelling with different kinds of bikes
Electric bikes
You may bring an electric bike weighing less than 25kg onboard and reserve a space as usual. However, you are not permitted to charge an electric bike on the train.
Petrol-powered vehicles such as mopeds are not allowed. This is due to petrol not being allowed to be carried on trains for health and safety reasons.
Please note: We are not able to accommodate bikes that weigh more than 25kg, and staff will not be able to assist in lifting heavy items.
Folding bikes
If you have a Brompton-style folding bike, you can store it along with the luggage in passenger accommodation, so there’s no need to reserve a space for it.
But please fold your bike before boarding and don’t unfold until you (and it) are off the train. Unfortunately, we can’t carry non-folding bikes on any replacement coach services if there's a problem with your train.
E-scooters
E-scooters are NOT permitted on most trains in the UK due to safety concerns. If you try to board an LNER train with an e-scooter, you will not be allowed to travel and will be asked to return without an e-scooter. Petrol-powered scooters and mopeds are also NOT permitted onboard.
Mobility aids are allowed. Visit our accessibility page for more information.
Electric bikes
You may bring an electric bike weighing less than 25kg onboard and reserve a space as usual. However, you are not permitted to charge an electric bike on the train.
Petrol-powered vehicles such as mopeds are not allowed. This is due to petrol not being allowed to be carried on trains for health and safety reasons.
Please note: We are not able to accommodate bikes that weigh more than 25kg, and staff will not be able to assist in lifting heavy items.
Folding bikes
If you have a Brompton-style folding bike, you can store it along with the luggage in passenger accommodation, so there’s no need to reserve a space for it.
But please fold your bike before boarding and don’t unfold until you (and it) are off the train. Unfortunately, we can’t carry non-folding bikes on any replacement coach services if there's a problem with your train.
E-scooters
E-scooters are NOT permitted on most trains in the UK due to safety concerns. If you try to board an LNER train with an e-scooter, you will not be allowed to travel and will be asked to return without an e-scooter. Petrol-powered scooters and mopeds are also NOT permitted onboard.
Mobility aids are allowed. Visit our accessibility page for more information.
Bikes at the station and boarding
Once you've booked your bike reservation, here's what to do on the day:
At the station
Please dismount from your bike before you enter the station.
Arrive at the station at least 10 minutes before departure.
If you’re leaving your bike at the station, please use the racks/cupboards provided. All bikes are left at your own risk and LNER accepts no liability for bikes or contents left at the station.
For security reasons, please don’t leave bags or panniers attached – we reserve the right to inspect the contents of any bike panniers and bags that are left in the cycle park.
Check your platform and find the bike storage area - this is usually marked on platform signs.
Ask station staff if you're not sure where to wait - they're always happy to help.
Boarding
When directed by our station staff, load your bike onto the train, into the dedicated Bike storage space, securing the bike using the brackets provided.
If you wish, you may place a lock and chain around your bike, however, please ensure this is not attached to any equipment within the storage compartment.
Board through the designated bike carriage door.
Secure your bike in the storage area - there are usually straps or hooks to keep it safe.
Before arriving at your destination, walk through the train to the area closest to where your bike is stored and, when directed, remove your bike from the train as quickly as possible.
Bike storage and hire
If you're unable to book a bike space or you only need a bike for part of your journey, there are other options.
Leave your bike at the station
All of the stations we serve (except Sunderland) have bike storage facilities. You can check bike storage facilities for any station on the National Rail website.
Cycle hire schemes
Cycle hire schemes are available near several of our stations, including London, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Stirling and Dundee.
There are also a range of local businesses that provide commercial bike hire services near our stations.
Frequently asked questions about bikes on trains
Are bikes allowed on trains?
Are bikes allowed on trains?
Yes, bikes are welcome on LNER trains and it's completely free. You just need to book a bike reservation before you travel, as spaces are limited and reservations are compulsory on all our services.
Are electric bikes allowed on trains?
Are electric bikes allowed on trains?
Yes, electric bikes (e-bikes) are allowed on LNER trains. The same rules apply as standard bikes - you'll need to book a bike reservation and make sure your e-bike fits within our size limits. Please note: e-scooters, e-unicycles and hoverboards are not permitted on trains.
Can I take my bike with me onboard the train?
Can I take my bike with me onboard the train?
Travelling with LNER?
Yes, we love to be green so you can carry your bike free of charge on LNER trains. You can make a reservation online when you book your ticket. If you booked elsewhere or already have your ticket, you can now make a reservation on our seat and bike reservation tool.
Please note that spaces are limited and subject to availability.
Travelling with another train operator?
If you're travelling with another train operator on your journey you will need to check their policy. You can do this by visiting the National Rail website.
Can I make a bike reservation?
Can I make a bike reservation?
If you have booked your ticket but forgot to book a space for your bike, you can add a bike reservation to your existing booking through My Account.
Alternatively, you can make a free bike reservation for LNER services on our website using our reservation tool.
Steps to reserve a bike space:
Enter your departure and arrival station
Select your travel date and time
Choose the reference your reservation is linked to.
If you booked your ticket with another operator, please select 'My booking is not listed', select 'I booked with another operator' and input your booking reference.
If your original train was delayed or cancelled and you are travelling on a different service, please select 'My booking is not listed', select 'Other' and input your booking reference.
Untick the 'Reserve a seat' button and tick 'Reserve a bike space'.
Click 'Reserve'.
Please note, this is currently limited to one bike per customer.
How to cancel or change your seat or bike reservation?
How to cancel or change your seat or bike reservation?
If you no longer need your reservation or you wish to travel on a different train and your ticket allows it, you can cancel this easily in your account area and reserve a new seat or bike space.
If needed, reserve your new seat or bike space
Go to My bookings in your account
Choose the reservation you no longer need
Click on 'See all reservations under this booking' and tap 'View or cancel'
Can I leave my bike at the station?
Can I leave my bike at the station?
Each station we serve (except Sunderland) already includes at least some facilities for storing privately owned bikes. Customers can check any station’s bike facilities at nationalrail.co.uk.
Do I need to book a space for a folding bike?
Do I need to book a space for a folding bike?
No, Brompton-style folding bikes can be taken onboard and stored in a designated luggage area. They must remain folded at all times and not obstruct any passengers or wheelchair spaces.
What is the bike weight limit?
What is the bike weight limit?
We can accommodate bikes up to 25kg. However, customers should be aware that non-folding cycles are stored vertically, and staff may not be able to assist in lifting heavy items.
Can I charge my eBike onboard?
Can I charge my eBike onboard?
No. The charging of eBikes onboard is not permitted for safety reasons.
Can I travel with a tricycle or a double deck cycle?
Can I travel with a tricycle or a double deck cycle?
Unfortunately we do not have the space to carry tricycles, cycle trailers or double deck cycles. However, tandems are accepted if they conform to the following specifications and have two reservations: 100cm in height x 60cm in width x 260cm.
Are foldable bikes allowed on trains?
Are foldable bikes allowed on trains?
Yes, folding bikes are allowed on all LNER trains at any time without a reservation - as long as they're fully folded and you can carry them onto the train. The folded bike must fit in the luggage rack. This makes folding bikes a brilliant option if you want total flexibility with your travel.
Where should I put my bike on the train?
Where should I put my bike on the train?
Our trains have designated bike storage areas, usually located in specific carriages as follows:
5-coach Azuma: Two spaces in Coach K or D
9-coach Azuma: Four spaces in Coach K
10-coach Azuma: Two spaces in Coach K and two spaces in Coach D
When you book your bike reservation, you'll be told which carriage to use. On the platform, look for signs showing where the bike storage carriage will stop, or ask station staff to point you in the right direction. Once on board, secure your bike using the straps or hooks provided in the storage area.
Can I bring my bike on the train at peak times?
Can I bring my bike on the train at peak times?
Yes, you can bring your bike on LNER services at peak times, as long as you've booked a bike reservation. However, trains can be busier during peak hours, so we'd recommend travelling off-peak if possible for a more comfortable journey.
What if my bike is too big for the train?
What if my bike is too big for the train?
If your bike exceeds our size limits, you will not be able to bring it on board. Most of our stations have bike storage facilities where you can securely leave your bike while you travel. Check your departure and arrival station pages for information about bike storage options.
Can I take a tandem bike on the train?
Can I take a tandem bike on the train?
Yes, our Azuma trains can accommodate tandems up to 2.5m long - you'll just need to remove the wheels first. You'll still need to book a bike reservation as usual.
What happens if I forget to book a bike reservation?
What happens if I forget to book a bike reservation?
Bike reservations are compulsory on all LNER services, so you must book in advance. If you arrive without a reservation, we can't guarantee there'll be space for your bike. To avoid disappointment, always book your bike space when you book your ticket.
Is there a charge for taking my bike on the train?
Is there a charge for taking my bike on the train?
No, bringing your bike on LNER trains is completely free. You just need to book a bike reservation when you buy your ticket.
