Travelling by train with your bike

At a glance

Did you know you can easily bring your bike on the train? We explain how, with a few tips.

Cycling is an enjoyable and healthy activity.
Did you know you can easily bring your bike on the train? This gives you the chance to discover more distant regions and landscapes, both in our country and elsewhere.
Would you like to bring your bike on a train trip abroad? That's possible too. Our blogger Alain Dierckx gives us information on the different options and points to watch out for on such a trip.

Travelling by train with your bike in Belgium

SNCB offers this option through a "bike supplement". A modest supplement of €4, on top of the price of your single ticket, lets you bring your bike on the train. This applies to all types of bikes, including electric bikes and even tandems. No supplement is required for folding bikes, which you can therefore bring on board for free. The bike supplement must be paid before boarding the train, so don't forget it. For more information, check out SNCB's Bike Supplement info.

It's important to know that you can't make a reservation to bring your bike on the train. Always ask the train conductor if there are still spaces available for bikes. Specific spaces are provided for bikes, but if they're full, you may be able to leave your bike in the corridor, or... you'll have to wait for the next train!

For logistical reasons, it's unfortunately not possible for a group of cyclists to bring their bikes on the train together.

Travelling by train with your bike abroad

This option is available on SNCB's regional and Intercity trains to Luxembourg, Germany, France and the Netherlands. The fare is generally also increased by €4, as with domestic trips. Check the SNCB website for exact prices.

Eurostar trains offer the "Bikes on board" service. On the day of departure, you'll need to check in at the baggage desk. Folding bikes can be brought for free, provided they're in a bag no longer than 85 cm.

On Thalys and TGV trains, folding bikes and standard bikes (with the front wheel removed) can be brought on board for free. More information, particularly on the regulations for French trains, is available on the SNCF website.

The Trenitalia website provides information on transporting bikes on Italian regional, national and international trains.

For Spanish trains, visit www.renfe.com.

Renting a bike at Belgian stations

There's another way to combine cycling and train travel. More and more stations offer bike rental services. This is possible with Blue-bike, for example. This brand provides comfortable city bikes around the clock at no fewer than 60 stations in Belgium. You pay an annual membership fee of €12 and a maximum of €3.15 per trip (maximum 24 hours). You can also rent bikes from Villo!

If you cycle to the station, you can leave your bike in one of SNCB's bike parking facilities. There are two types of bike parking (free and paid). The free version, found at every station in Belgium, isn't secured.

The paid bike parking, on the other hand, is secured with an access control system. You can buy a subscription from SNCB if you have a train pass. Seven railway stations currently offer paid bike parking: Antwerp-Berchem, Bruges, Brussels-North, Kortrijk, Ghent-Sint-Pieters, Mechelen and Nivelles.

10 tips for bringing your bike on the train

Choose a train connection with as few changes as possible.
Preferably travel outside peak hours to avoid crowds.
If possible, cycle to the station closest to your main route.
Loading and unloading bikes isn't possible at Brussels-Central, Brussels-Congres and Brussels-Capital.
Remember that the number of bike spaces on the train is limited and you may need to take the next train.
Look for the bike symbol, showing where on the train you can put your bike.
Remove any luggage from your bike before loading it onto the train.
Folding bikes must always be folded before boarding and stored under or between the seats.
Don't forget your bike lock in case you need to leave your bike in the corridor or unattended.
For more information and other services (repairs, showers, etc.), you can always visit one of the Bike Points located in stations.