Whether you're preparing for a cross-country bike trip with train stops, or you're a daily commuter , this guide will help you choose the right train cover for your needs.
Bicycle trains are becoming increasingly popular
As part of a responsible mobility approach, bicycles and trains complement each other perfectly. In just a few years, taking the train with your bike has become extremely commonplace. Regular train users are well aware of this. Whether for leisure or business, bikes and trains complement each other, provided, as we shall see, that certain administrative and material rules are respected.
Instructions to know and respect
You need to know the instructions, which vary from company to company, to ensure that your bike is accepted on board the train.
In this article, we'll be concentrating on the conditions of travel with the SNCF, but you should be aware that each company posts its own conditions of travel with a bicycle on its website. You'll find useful links throughout this article.
Bikes disassembled or not
Whichever train you take, the SNCF offers you the possibility of travelling with your bike (disassembled or not), for everyday journeys, weekend getaways or vacations:
- By TGV INOUI
- With OUIGO
- On TER, Transilien and Intercités trains
- In Europe
Travelling with the bike disassembled is by far the most common practice, and since we make and sell Bike bags:-), we're going to show you the different solutions that exist for this option.
If you transport your bike folded or disassembled in a bag, it counts as hand luggage and must be placed in the baggage compartment. The bag must measure a maximum of 120x90cm.
Special train bike bag TRAINBag Original - 120 x 90 cm
TGV INOUI
All INOUI TGV trains offer the possibility of travelling free of charge and without reservation with one's bicycle folded or dismantled and stored in a bag measuring 120 x 90 cm, such as the TRAINBag Original.
OUIGO
If you travel with OUIGO, the SNCF's low-cost TGV offer, your bike must be stored in a 120 x 90 cm bag, but unlike the INOUI TGVs, you will be charged €5 for transporting your bike.
It also specifies that its weight must be less than 30 kg, which leaves you plenty of room for manoeuvre!
When booking your ticket, you will need to add an"extra or bulky baggage" item:
Please note: SNCF specifies that not all bicycles are accepted on board INOUI and OUIGO TGVs: recumbent bicycles, tandems, tricycles and all types of trailers are not authorized.
TER, Transilien and Intercités
TER, Transiliens and Intercités are special cases, as bicycles do not have to be dismantled to board.
Some carriages have dedicated spaces for bicycles, easily identified by pictograms on the doors and windows.
All types of bikes are accepted, with the exception of tandems, three-wheelers and tricycles. Panniers must be removed and trailers folded.
Please note: the transport of bicycles is forbidden on certain lines and at certain times on TER trains.
For further information, contact the SNCF.
Please consult your regional TER website for full boarding details.
On Transiliens trains, you can take your bike on board free of charge from Monday to Friday before 6:30 a.m., between 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. and after 7:30 p.m., as well as on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays too.
However, whatever the day or time, you won't be able to access the train with your bike if it's very busy.
You can find all the practical details on the dedicated website : Travelling with your bike on Transilien
As for Intercités, it's worth noting that some lines offer space for unassembled bikes, subject to availability. In this case, you'll need to install your bike in a dedicated space, clearly marked with a pictogram.
Fares vary from €5 to €10 per bike, depending on the connection.
Here too you will find all the information you need on the SNCF website: https: //www.oui.sncf/train/velo-a-bord
In Europe
Eurostar
Bicycles are accepted on board Eurostar trains provided they are stored in a bag no larger than 120 x 90 cm. The service costs €15. For more information, visit the official Eurostar website.
Thalys
On board Thalys trains, only folded or dismantled bicycles are accepted, always in a bag with maximum dimensions of 130 x 85 x 30 cm. There is no charge for transporting bicycles. Please consult the Thalys website to prepare your journey.
TGV Lyria
On board TGV Lyria trains, you can reserve a place for your bike for €10 when you book your ticket, at any SNCF or CFF sales point.
More information on the TGV Lyria website.
Our tips for transporting a bicycle on a train
If there was only one thing to remember, it would be this :-) 120 x 90 cm, that's the key to taking your bike with you on any SNCF train.
And it's just the thing, because we've developed the TRAINBAG range of bike bags, specially designed for the SNCF, perfectly suited to road and MTB bikes up to 29 inches! There are 4 TRAINBags, and we present them in detail below.
Anticipate!
If possible, make sure you get to the dock early, so you can prepare your bikes at your leisure, remove panniers if necessary, and finalize any details.
Try out your new bike train cover at least once at home, to get used to disassembling the bike and see what tools you may need for this.
Not all bicycles are allowed
Unfortunately, as we saw in this article, the SNCF does not accept all types of bikes on its trains. Recumbents, tandems, tricycles and scooters are not allowed. The same applies to trailers.
Opening hours and practical information
On the oui.sncf and sncf.com websites, you'll find all the information you need to organize your train journey with your bike.
TRAINBAG covers from Buds
Here at Buds we love cycling and we've had to deal with it, as I'm sure you have since you're reading this article,
TRAINBAG LIGHT
The TRAINBAG LIGHT is the ultra-light (810 g) and compact (barely larger than a water bottle) bag ideal for bikepacking. It will easily find its place on your bike or in a backpack when you're on the move.
TRAINBAG CLASSIC
The classic model, with integrated wheel storage pockets. The TRAINBAG CLASSIC is made from PE600D, an extremely resistant material.
ORIGINAL TRAINBAG
Identical to TRAINBAG CLASSIC, the TRAINBAG ORIGINAL features padded wheel pockets for superior protection. A best seller!
TRAINBAG TRAVEL
The TRAINBAG TRAVEL is the padded cover of the range. Designed to withstand the toughest treatment, you can rely on it to keep your bike in perfect condition all the way to the end of the world. It has two interior pockets, also padded, for wheels.
ACCESSORIES FOR BIKE COVERS
All covers from the TRAINBAG range come with clever, universal accessories for optimum protection of your bike. These include the Fork Bike Protectfork protection Universal SupportUniversal Support Rear Bike Protect, the Pedals Protectand Frame Protectand Frame Protect MaxiHandlebar Handlebar Protectand Saddle Protect and wheel covers WHEELBAG and DOUBLE WHEELBAG.
