Instructions for traveling by train by bike

The SNCF is still lagging behind and struggling to accommodate cyclists, who are increasingly taking the train. Although the Mobility Orientation Act (LOM) imposed by decree 4 to 8 spaces for undismantled bicycles in new regional train carriages (TER) and 8 places in new or renovated national trains, it is still not enough.

Between reservation constraints, limited spaces and fluctuating rules depending on the type of train, taking the train with your bike is a headache. And the situation can quickly become tense when you see the behavior of other passengers, some of whom invade the bike spaces with their suitcases. By opening X (formerly Twitter) – or the SNCF’s Pandora’s box – you can read many testimonies from users who are lost, or who have received a more or less hefty fine, or even a more or less justified one.

As it is not always clear, we are taking stock to help you organize your next trip to France.

How to prepare your bike for train travel?

• Before leaving, clean your bike, especially if you plan to put it in a cover. It is better to transport and disassemble a clean bike than a dirty one. This will save you from getting your hands covered in black grease on the train platform, and from dirtying the rest of your belongings. Clean and degrease the chain well and lubricate it. A few drops are enough. Take the opportunity to inspect your bike. Check that everything works.
• Remember to disassemble your bike if necessary. Buy a carrying case, whose dimensions are adapted to your bike and authorized on the train. The compact and lightweight bikepacking cover from Decathlon has the advantage of folding into a small bag to hang on your handlebars. On the train, the cover must always be closed.
• Do you have an e-bike or a bike with disc brakes? Use brake pad spacers. This will prevent your pads from sticking together once the disc is off. A piece of stiff cardboard will do. To remove the rear wheel more easily, position the chain on the smallest sprockets (those on the right).
• Label your bike.
• Remove the saddlebags once on board.

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The rules for taking your bike depending on the type of train (OUIGO, TER, TGV, etc.)

Currently, recumbents, tandems, tricycles, cargo bikes and longtails are not accepted on most trains.

For the summer of 2024, special Train + Bike services have been set up. Their aim is to “simplify” the transport of bicycles by train. Nothing revolutionary since the initiatives carried out generally consist of reviewing upwards the number of bicycle spaces and systematizing the reservation via a “bicycle coupon”. The reservation is free or paid depending on the region (from €1 to €10). Be careful with the calendar which is not the same everywhere, it would be too simple… The France Vélo Tourisme website has brought together on a single page the Train + Bike initiatives for the summer of 2024.

How do I reserve my undismantled bike space on the SNCF Connect app?

On the SNCF Connect application, Please indicate the type of bike when booking (undisassembled, disassembled) and follow the information.

Although booking was initially difficult, improvements have been made and you can quickly find regional and national information to help you plan your trip.

As the fleet of trains equipped with bicycle spaces is limited, it is essential to book as soon as possible.. Otherwise, plan B is to dismantle your bike and put it in a cover. This is also what the SNCF suggests on its application.

Another important information: if you change trains, the reservation of a non-dismantled bike may be cancelled. This is the case if you are travelling with a non-dismantled bike and you are changing from a classic OUIGO to an OUIGO Grande Vitesse. So always check before boarding.

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5 tips for traveling by train with your bike with (almost) peace of mind

1. Always arrive at the station early to disassemble your bike quietly, or to load it on board and find the location. If you have to disassemble your bike, stand aside and not in front of doors or in passageways. Have a small cloth ready to remove any dirt.
2. Once on board, Make sure your bike does not obstruct traffic on the train. If your bike is in a cover, approach a controller to check that your bike can stay there. Avoid passageways or doors.
3. Bring a bike carrying case and a multitool to remove the wheels. The folded cover does not take up much space. Decathlon offers a cover for less than 20 euros. Once folded in its storage pouch, it measures 25 x 15 cm. It is often less restrictive (and free!) to travel with a dismantled bike. The MacGyver-style garbage bag option is not always accepted by controllers.
4. Bring a small anti-theft device to secure your bike. Some journeys and train configurations don’t allow you to always keep an eye on it. When the train has several stops, it can quickly become stressful. The Combiflex from Abus is really practical for this type of use. No need for an additional key, because it works with a code. Take the version with the 120 cm cable, more practical than the versions with a shorter cable.