Thinking about taking your bike on a train journey? We’ve got you covered! This guide provides all the details you need to ensure a smooth and enjoyable ride for both you and your bicycle.
Booking Your Bike Ticket
It’s important to know that not all trains allow bikes, and some require advance booking. For trips to and from Belgium and Luxembourg, you can easily purchase a bicycle ticket online. However, for other destinations, you’ll need to visit an NS International counter or contact NS International Customer Service to book your bike reservation.
Remember, the cost of your bike ticket depends on the route and train operator. Some routes might be more affordable than others.
Bike Rules & Regulations
Every train has its own rules regarding bikes. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:
Traveling to and from Belgium, France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and England
- Belgium: Intercity Brussels, TGV, Eurostar to Antwerp and Brussels, and regional trains all welcome bikes.
- France: Eurostar and TGV trains allow bikes.
- Germany: ICE International, Intercity Berlin, and regional trains allow bikes.
- Austria, Switzerland: Nightjet trains allow bikes.
- England: Eurostar to London allows bikes (with some restrictions, see below).
You can also take your bike on regional trains via Roosendaal and Visé (near Maastricht) by purchasing your ticket online.
Allowed and Prohibited Bikes
Here’s a detailed list of what you can and can’t bring:
- Allowed: (Recumbent) bikes, electric bikes (battery must stay attached), and folding bikes (free when folded).
- Allowed with Disability Card: Tandems, tricycles, segways, and recumbent bikes used as mobility aids by travelers with disabilities.
- Not Allowed: Cargo bikes, bicycle trailers, handcarts, mopeds, and similar bikes.
Remember, you are responsible for loading, unloading, and transferring your bike. It’s also not allowed to leave luggage on your bike during the journey.
Special Notes for Eurostar & ICE International
Eurostar:
- Amsterdam to London: No bikes are allowed, except for folding bikes or children’s bikes under 85 cm, packed in a protective cover.
- Brussels to London: You can bring a bicycle by emailing [email protected].
- Regular Bikes: Can be brought as luggage if they are packed and fit under the seat or in the luggage rack. Disassembled and packed bikes don’t require a ticket.
- Folding Bikes: Can be carried as luggage when folded and placed in the luggage rack or under the seat. Luggage rack placement requires packing in a cover, bag, or suitcase.
ICE International:
- New ICE 3neo trains (Amsterdam to Frankfurt): Offer eight bike spaces that must be reserved in advance. The reservation is free, and the bike ticket price depends on the route.
- General Rules:
- Bikes must be placed in the designated bicycle racks.
- Racks accommodate tire widths from 40 to 60 mm.
- Regular two-wheelers, fat bikes, and electric bikes are allowed under certain conditions.
- Luggage must be removed from the bike during the journey.
- Special rules apply for bikes used as mobility aids by travelers with disabilities.
Your Journey to and from the Station
We encourage cycling to and from the train station! All NS International stations offer a variety of bicycle services to make your journey easier.
Now that you’re equipped with this information, you can confidently plan your bike trip with ease and enjoy a smooth ride, whether you’re venturing into the countryside or exploring new city streets!
