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Cycling Tips - Bikes on Trains
Cycling is fine for local journeys, but what if you want to go further? Taking your bike on the train is one option. Whether you want to commute to an industrial estate that is nowhere near a station, or you are going on a cycling holiday, you will want to know what to do to allow your journey to go smoothly.
Local Journeys
Within Strathclyde, you do not need to book a space on the train for your bike, and bike carriage itself is free. Bikes can be carried on any of the local trains in Strathclyde, except for the Glasgow Subway (Underground). All the local diesel trains (Glasgow to East Kilbride, Kilmarnock, Shotts, Maryhill, Cumbernauld, Croy) have designated spaces for cycles but these vary from two to six per train. Bikes cannot be carried in the doorways of these trains. On the electric services (Glasgow to Ayr, Largs, Wemyss Bay, Gourock, Motherwell, Lanark, Larkhall, Airdrie, Helensburgh, Balloch, Milngavie) there are tip-up seats on some trains, but not others, and bikes can either be carried with the tip-up seats in their upright positions, or (more commonly for shorter journeys) in the doorways. If you are leaving your bike in a doorway, be sure to sit nearby in case someone needs to use the door, since platforms can be on either side of the train.
On busy trains you may find that there is no space left to bring a bike on board, but you may also find that the opposite end of the train is less busy so there may be space there. If you are travelling outside of peak times, or in the opposite direction to peak travel, you will normally have no trouble finding a space. However, trains can be especially busy due to events such as sports events and concerts. If you know of such events in advance you may be better to travel at a different time, or even to cycle if your journey is not too far. When engineering work is being undertaken, you are unlikely to be allowed to take your bike on the replacement bus service, so it may be more convenient to use a different line, or to cycle between stations.
Longer Distance Journeys
Outwith Strathclyde, you will require to book a space on the train for your bike and spaces are limited so book early to get on the train of your choice. Reservations on ScotRail trains are free but other train companies may charge. Cycle spaces are in different places depending on the type of train - ask a member of staff when boarding if you do not know where abouts this will be. Often this will be marked by a cycle symbol on the outside of the train, but not always.
Cycle Parking at Stations
You may only wish to cycle to the station, in which case you can leave your bike at the station before boarding your train. All ScotRail stations have cycle parking stands, although you may wish to make your own assessment as to whether you would leave your bike at some of them! There are also secure lockers at some stations, where your bike will be totally enclosed, and will not be in any danger while you are away. Some lockers are for hire while others are free and only require the user to provide a padlock. See notices at stations for details. The cycle parking stands at main stations such as Glasgow Central and Queen Street are in sufficiently secure surroundings to leave your bike without worries.
Glasgow Stations
There are two main stations in Glasgow city centre, Central Station and Queen Street Station. These are a short distance apart, which can easily be cycled. See this suggested route for cycling between the stations (see also the offically recommended walking route). Bikes cannot be taken on the inter-station bus.
Rail Information
- National Rail Journey Planner
- Live Departure Boards - for any station
- Stations services and facilities - for any station (now includes layout and photos)
- First ScotRail Cycle Facilities - cycle hire, carriage, reservations, breakdowns, lockers