Train, traveling with your bicycle.
There are are several options when travelling by train in France, from the high speed TGV to regional TER .
Depending on the route your cycle can travel with you assembled, folded or in a travel case / box / bag.
When booking be aware the all services are not the same depending on which line you take.
We have used the TER Trains, with the advantage that you do not have to book your bike in advance.
Eurostar Group
Eurostar / Page update Jan 2025
You can book a space for your boxed bike by emailing travelservices@eurostar.com.
We can only transport fully assembled bikes on trains travelling between London and Brussels. If you’re travelling between London and Paris, your bike must be disassembled and in a box or bag when you drop it off.
You will need to drop your bike off at our luggage area before heading to departures. When you arrive at your destination, your boxed bike will be handed back to you on the platform so make sure you only bring what you can carry safely. Trolleys will not be provided.
You can also bring a folding bike or children's bike on board with you if it's no longer than 85 cm in length and it's carried in a protective bag which covers the whole bike. This is to protect your bike, other people and their luggage both at the station, on board and going through security.
Unfortunately, we will not be able to transport your fully assembled bike for the moment.
In other news....
New route to Bordeaux ?
Eurostar have said there was a "clear demand" for a direct train route from London to Bordeaux, and said they were aiming to begin in 2026, while admitting that timeline was "tight"..
Eurostar Group Expanded Routes.
TGV + Intercity
TGV + Intercity
We have not travelled on TGV or Intercity Trains, but others have said since COVID, making a journey on France's High Speed Trains is difficult.
Bicycle storage spaces can be booked on some TGV INOUI and INTERCITES trains.
After you buy your ticket with a bicycle seat, your bicycle will be stored in a designated spot and you will be given a seat next to your bicycle. You must book the space for your bicycle when purchasing your train ticket.
When your search shows no results, the TGV INOUI trains you are looking to book either does not have a designated bicycle area, or said area is already full.
You can still bring your bicycle on board with you if it is disassembled and stored in a bag 120 cm x 90 cm, for free and without booking. Disassembled bicycles must be stored in the regular luggage area.
If you have a folding bicycle it can travel as hand luggage as long as it is no larger than 120 x 90 cm when folded up.
Fully assembled bicycles are not allowed on international TGV trains. But can be taken as luggage no larger than 120 x 90 cm.
For up to date information, routes and bookings please use the
SNCF Connect
website.
TER - Trains Express Régionaux and Bus Service
TER - Trains Express Régionaux and Bus Service
TER is the local train and coach service is operated by SNCF and the 11 regional governments across France.
Most of these trains offer free places for your cycle without booking, there are some exceptions in the rush hour period and in popular areas in the summer months. We have traveled by TER on several occasional there has always been space for our assembled cycles.
Booking tickets can be done at the station or online via SNCF Connect and Trainline.
When booking be aware that it is not sometimes possible to find / book journeys between regions. I have always found in better to book individual legs within each region. This is normally faster and cheaper.
Travel Tip - Do not forget to validate your ticket before boarding (composter) in the little yellow machines on the platform. Some guards can be a little jobs worth if you have not done this. Being a stupid Brit normally avoids a fine.
Known Restrictions.
Paris - RER Trains do not allow cycles between Monday-Friday during rush hours of 06:30 – 09:00 and 16:30 – 19:30
Brittany - Summer bike service
After its success in 2021 and 2022, the Brittany Region and SNCF have decided to renew the bicycle reservation system and increase the number of bicycle spaces on trains this summer.
You can make your reservation for €1 to board your bike on board the TER from June 1 to September 3, 2025.
Below are the links to the 11 Regions. To plan your route click on the region you wish to visit.
This page is being updated please use the following link for
TER trains
For up to date information, routes and bookings please use the website links above.
Paris RER
The Paris RER is 5 express train lines connecting Paris city centre to surrounding suburbs. In Paris the RER acts as an express underground or subway train. Beyond Paris city centre, the Paris RER is a ground level commuter train connecting outlying suburbs and popular destinations such as CDG Airport , Disneyland Paris and Versailles
For up to date information, routes and bookings please use the RER Website
Night Trains
Night Train lines were abandoned fifteen years ago in France. Now the night train is making a comeback. This offers a great option for cyclists as most trains will take cycles for a small charge and will be transported in the voiture service in the centre of the train.
In France several lines have resumed service since 2021
For more information about night train please read the latest information included how to book your tickets in our blog.
We hope you find this information useful ? Below there are links to other types of transport which maybe useful.
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Copyright © 2025 Jenni and Martin Clarke. All Rights Reserved