Using the Train with a Bike

This is some advice from Paul Whitehead and Mike Thomas if you want to book to take your bike on a train.

NATIONAL INFORMATION

National Rail have this useful info:  https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/aspx

The Trainline offer useful info on taking bikes on trains on the following site:

https://www.thetrainline.com/trains/great-britain/bikes-on-trains

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INFORMATION FROM SPECIFIC OPERATORS

The most helpful, and comprehensive booking functions for national journeys (not just their own) functions are from Virgin Trains and Cross Country Trains.

In addition Northern Railways and West Midlands Trains can be used without booking

USING VIRGIN TRAINS

Virgin Trains not only have a website but they also have an App which can be useful when away from home on a tour
App from Playstore of Google Play
The app is especially useful for –
Use to check times, book and pay for tickets.
M-Tickets (on mobile) and paper tickets can be generated.
Good telephone help-line 03445565650
Regulations
Bikes must be pre-booked.
Most trains have space for a number of bikes.
Reservation by phone call to 03445565650
A code is given to you over the phone, so pen/paper needed.
Tickets (for reservation) have be collected from ticket collection machine at
any station, with code and any valid credit/debit card.
On the platform:
       Identify yourself to Virgin Staff on platform.
Wait by clearly marked sign at front end of train.
When train arrives, staff will open door at end of Coach A.
Seat normally available in Coach A (Quiet Coach), but there is normal access to whole train.
 
              On the train let the guard know where you are getting off so they are prepared at the arrival station
 
 

USING CROSS COUNTRY TRAINS

Cross Country Trains not only have a website and a mobile phone app but they also allow booking via Twitter and Facebook
App from Playstore of Google Play
The app is especially useful for –
Use to check times, book and pay for tickets.
M-Tickets (on mobile) and paper tickets can be generated.
Reservation by direct Twitter or Facebook message to @crosscountryuk
A voucher will be sent on line, it needs to be printed and some staff
ask for the voucher to be placed on bike when it is on train.
Telephone Helpline for existing bookings – 0371 244 2389
Regulations
Bikes must be pre-booked.
Trains have 2 spaces.
 
On the Platform:
Identify yourself to Staff on platform.
Go to door at front of Coach D
Bike spaces are just inside door.
On the train let the guard know where you are getting off so they are prepared at the arrival station
 

USING NORTHERN RAILWAYS

No booking required, any carriage, stand with bike near to doors.
 

USING WEST MIDLANDS TRAINS

No booking required, any carriage, stand with bike near to doors.
In centre of train there is a carriage with space for pushchairs, wheelchairs
and bikes. Staff on platform will advise.
The timetable contains this guidance
 

Bringing your bike – Bikes (except tandems) are welcome on board our trains in the Midlands, but space can be very limited during peak hours.  Please ensure that your bike does not obstruct doorways or pose a risk to other passengers. For more information go to www.wmr.uk/cycle

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