First of all a word in support of folders; many cyclists are put off as they think they will be wobbly or inefficient to ride or not able to carry enough of their luggage. Eurotunnel I recently spoke to Eurostars Head of Public Affairs, Pierre Delalande, a keen cyclist himself. As explained on Seat 61, you can save money . Its a fully-equipped bike station. Despite overall tourism numbers to both Paris and Brussels dropping in 2016, Eurostar still transports over 10 million passengers a year. Trains from Amsterdam Centraal to London St Pancras take 4hrs 9minutes. Read Can You Ride an Electric Bike After Drinking? There is two weeks of free storage, so you can drop you bike off any time in the two weeks leading up to your departure. Thats a different story. Theres no rush. You can still bring a folding bike or children's bike on board as long as it does not exceed 85 cm in length and is carried in a protective bag which covers the entire bike. Posted on 17 February 2016 7 January 2018 by Guy Jean. But I have used them on the majority of trips to France via Eurostar as they they are just so convenient; not only do they make your Eurostar embarking and disembarking so much more hassle-free, they are boon if you plan to be moving around on local transport too (for example, I've taken folders on RER trains around Paris several times and even local buses). Eurostar is fairly flexible with its luggage policy, but if youre concerned and perhaps travelling with front panniers too Id suggest taking two large tote bags and putting the panniers in those. By standard bicycles, we refer to non-folding and non-electric bikes. And what if you want to pack a battery motor too? And how about electric bikes? Electric bikes often referred to as e-bikes, have become an enticing option for many riders who want a little help on more strenuous rides. Registered luggage service is available only in specific routes and the costs per item are from 30. Were sorry that its taking us longer than anticipated. Option A, taking your bike on Eurostar to Paris, Brussels or Amsterdam Days booked before departure: 121-180 days 60 days or less Bagged & up to 85cm long Free Free Boxed or bagged, more than 85cm long 30 40 Boxed or bagged, Cycling UK members 25 35 Fully assembled 35 55. Travelling With Your Bike On Eurostar (3) May 31, 2015 March 9, 2016 - by Lily Campbell. From Rotterdam the travel time is only 3.41 hrs. The check-in opens 90 mins before departure. How to travel with your bike on the Eurostar. When travelling domestically by train, a folding bike may not offer any additional cost saving, but it does make it a simpler and more stress-free affair. Whatever size your bike, you should be able to get it from London to Paris/Lille on Eurostar and vice versa. Its all very well writing about these benefits hypothetically, but what is the service like in practice? Prices for checked luggage vary, but a sound estimate is 40-60USD per bicycle. Frequent travellers like Rosemary have noted that booking a place for your bike has become easier. I then turned to the task of dismantling the Rockhopper. Whilst the train journey itself is wonderfully easy and convenient, there are one or two ins and outs you should be aware of if you want to take your bike on this particular service. Adding this item will eliminate the solution you added to the list initial. Slower services usually take assembled bikes. London to Paris: You should call in advance (UK: 03448 225 822) to reserve a space I've always found it best to call just before reserving a Eurostar ticket online (have the actual service you want to travel on in front of you on the screen), then once you've bought the ticket, call back immediately with the ticket details to confirm the reservation. What you can and cannot take on board as luggage. If you decide to use one of Eurostar's bike boxes, the normal charge is still 30. Read Can You Ride an Electric Bike on the Sidewalk? Normally a long and exhausting drive, Francis commented that by using the combination of train and folding bike, he had a 'brilliant and relaxing' journey. Its not just the leisure cyclist who might be put off by having to box their bike, but also the person who uses their bicycle as a mobility aid. A bike ride from Londons Heathrow Airport or Paris Orly would be a suburban nightmare but from downtown St. Pancras train station? For that, I can thank everyone who supported our Zero stars for Eurostar campaign. This is classed as registered luggage and it can goboxed or unboxed. send it in the Eurodespatch boxes provided (Eurostar say there is more space for boxed biked than unboxed bikes). Eurostar In the London, Paris, Lille Europe and Brussels terminals, bicycles must be checked with the checked luggage service. Eurostar offers better rates when you book closer to 6 months in advance but charges full-price under two months. So it's best to call Eurostar's telephone booking service on 03448225822 from within the UK, or 044344822582 from outside the UK as soon as possible, bookings generally . For more information read thiscomprehensive list of ferry destinations. and perhaps the handlebars, methinks) then it travels with you at no extra cost. If you're travelling on by bike, be prepared to abandon the box at your destination. You need a pound or euro coin to unlock them, in the style of supermarket trolleys. Can You Take an Electric Bike on a Train? Facilities for storage vary, but generally involve lashing your bike to a rail on the car deck. Previously, travellers were expected to have booked their train ticket and then hope there would be a bike space on the same train. The technology has come a long way with folding bikes and e-bikes, so expect to find options featuring disc brakes, storage racks, fenders, and more! Photo: Sara Lincoln, Eurostars cycle carriage policy was revamped in the wake of Cycling UKs successful 2015 campaign. A speedy carbon-fiber road bike will probably weigh less than a rugged mountain bike or bulky hybrid, but we can load most bikes onto Eurostar trains, either boxed or unboxed as standard luggage. Airnimal owner, Francis Chalmers, uses his Traveller case fitted with the dedicated trailer kit to travel to the Auvergne. ELECTRICVEHICLESFAQS.COM IS A PARTICIPANT IN THE AMAZON SERVICES LLC ASSOCIATES PROGRAM, AN AFFILIATE ADVERTISING PROGRAM DESIGNED TO PROVIDE A MEANS FOR SITES TO EARN ADVERTISING FEES BY ADVERTISING AND LINKING TO AMAZON.COM, Electrifying a Standard or Folding Bicycle. Put on these clingy black shorts in public. In a few hours, Ill be sipping coffee in Paris. So it's best to call Eurostar's telephone booking service on 03448225822 from within the UK, or 044344822582 from outside the UK as soon as possible, bookings generally open around 180 days of the travel date - and then book the travel ticket and bike reservations over the phone as a single booking. Collection/drop off at Paris Gare du Nord is along the walkway at the extreme left of the Eurostar platforms, following signs Bagages Enregistrs Eurostar/Geoparts. He's also theauthor ofCycling Southern France(UK,US) andCycling Northern France(UK,US). A flat rate of 30 per journey is charged for storing non-folding bikes on board a Eurostar train, but this fee can't be paid on the website when booking your journey tickets. Batteries are also often mounted on the bikes downtube, particularly with mountain bikes. If touring around on a folder, it's likely you'll have panniers and/or handlebar and seatpost bags, so using a station trolley is probably a good idea. On the outbound journey, I was seated in standard class and returned in standard . It would be impossible for me to enjoy touring without this facility. Eurostar International Limited is an Appointed Representative of AWP Assistance UK Limited (trading as Allianz Global Assistance) which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Read What are the Best Brands of Electric Bike? These are the best option on the Eurostar, adhering to all COVID-19 protocols while extremely convenient in non-pandemic times. Bike storage on trains is fairly common, and many commuters opt to simplify with a folding bicycle. This is to protect your bike, other people and their luggage at the station, when going through security, and on board. The short answer to whether you can bring an electric bike on Eurostar trains is a resounding yes, but you now know the various pitfalls to look out for guaranteeing a smooth journey. With COVID-19 rules ever in flux, pairing a folding bike with an external motor is a very practical workaround. Boxing required. I spend many of my weekends traveling to various places all over various cities with my electric vehicle (e-bike and electric car). My Surly Disc Trucker is travelling with me unboxed. Eurostarcant guarantee the carriage of less conventional cycles, but have told us they will "always strive to accommodate specific requests". Bagged or boxed bikes also cost 7 and must not exceed 290cm (length plus girth, i.e. Options for the bike traveling separately in a box are available for reasonable rates. If you decide to use one of Eurostars bike boxes, the normal charge is still 30. A perfect option that makes transportation easy is a folding bicycle! Maria Noyen/Insider. If its larger than this when folded, it needs to go with EuroDespatch as per a normal bike.Ebikes, tandems, trikes and recumbents Eurostar Travelling with a bicycle. Assembled bike: 30 for same train, 25 for next train Never replicate a successful experiment | Guy Jean Bikes. Be aware that there is a restriction on the size of folding bikes on Eurostar (see the size summary below); Freewheeling France has published several reviews of folders that are small enough to be taken as hand luggage with you on Eurostar. Whether youre taking skis or a set of boules, heres all you need to know. Its a more relaxing, eco-friendly, and direct way to travel. Ile-de-France (Paris): Transilien and RER trains (TERs) don't take bicycles Monday-Friday 6.30am-9am and 4.30pm-7pm. "When we changed our policy and asked passengers to put their bikes in a bag or box, we wanted to make it simple for customers to protect their bikes and for us to be able to carry more bikes,"Pierre said. Boxing required. Nord-Pas de Calais: TER-GV trains do not take bikes (check timetable or ask at stations to confirm which services these are). You need only look at the investment that has gone into the boxing service. We can often spot them around cities waterfronts and harbors. At the time of writing, there are limited facilities at Brussels but Eurostar is planning to have a mobile bike station there by the time you read this. Where do you want to look?All France /r/nAlsace /r/nAquitaine /r/nAuvergne /r/nBrittany /r/nBurgundy /r/nChampagne-Ardenne /r/nCorsica /r/nFranche-Comt /r/nLanguedoc-Roussillon /r/nLimousin /r/nLoire Valley-Centre /r/nLorraine /r/nMidi-Pyrnes /r/nNord-Pas-de-Calais /r/nNormandy /r/nParis-le-de-France /r/nPays de la Loire /r/nPicardy /r/nPoitou-Charentes /r/nProvence-Alpes-Cte d'Azur /r/nRhne-Alpes /r/n, 2011-2021 Freewheeling France | Copyright, Cookies, Privacy and Advertiser T&Cs | Created by GEL Studios, Everything you need to know about cycling in France, Brompton (the most portable of all folders), Birdy, BH Emotion, boxed or unboxed. "I am very pleased that I can still take my bike assembled on Eurostar, she said. You then arrive in plenty of time on the day at St Pancras or Lille to put your bike on a EuroDesptach protective case. More details about it later, but dont expect to show up directly before departure and have your trusty bicycle travel-free. (Thanks to Cycling UK member Robin Bevis for these tips. Guide to taking your bike on an aeroplane, Great Rides: Paris to Dieppe along the Avenue Verte. Read Are Electric Bikes Good For Exercise? In the meantime, if youd like to take a fully assembled or boxed bike on your trip, wed recommend booking a courier service. 1. In winter, it will be chilly! That way you know you can get your bike on the same train. Amsterdam to London on the Eurostar. Schedule Eurostar. Those numbers are growing. Options for the bike traveling separately in a box are available for reasonable rates. All you need to know about luggage allowances when travelling on Eurostar. Electric bikes (or e-bikes) are becoming a more and more common option for those who want a little help with those longer or hillier rides, but can you take an electric bike on the Eurostar? I was travelling with a photographer, so we had two bikes to transport: my touring bike, a Surly Disc Trucker; and his mountain bike, a Specialized Rockhopper. Road access is via rue de Maubeuge. Most road bikes, mountain bikes, and hybrids fit these classifications, but the size and weight of some e-bikes can be problematic even before pandemic restrictions. Note these bike services are not available for services going to Ashford, Ebbsfleet, Calais, Disneyland Paris, Avignon or Marseille, though a similar service is in operation between London and Brussels. - Hotels, hostels and B&Bs Collection/drop off at Paris Gare du Nord is along the walkway at the extreme left of the Eurostar platforms, following signs Bagages Enregistrs Eurostar/Geoparts. More information on booking bikes on Eurostar: UK/France: EurostarSNCF (French rail operator): OUI.sncfUS: Rail Europe. Cargo and luggage are easier to transport by train as well, and since youll be going from one city center to another, why not bring along a bicycle? It was all done in less time than it took to walk there. Motors and battery packs on electric bicycles add substantial weight compared to non-motorized bicycles, which can land them overweight on the train. It boasts short travel times between the city centers of several major municipalities, cutting out the transfer and commute times that add up when traveling by air. ), Another great resource for train travel is seat61.com, Other ways to get to the Continent with your bike. Part of the argument for our original campaign was that if a bike is boxed, its no longer a bike but luggage. He was at pains to point out that the now-abandoned mandatory boxing policy wasnt intended to discriminate against cyclists. Thats why I was at St Pancras that morning. Sam Jones gets a ticket to ride, Getting sponsorship to cycle for Cycling UK. Bringing a bicycle on board makes even more sense when youre dropped off right in the heart of your city of choice! It can especially become an issue if you recently added a battery pack or motor. Cycling UKs changes are already beginning to have an effect on Eurostars services. You can now reserve your bike space first and then book your train ticket. Watching ones pounds isnt just something humans do. Eurostar takes you from Amsterdam to London St Pancras International in 4.13 hrs, without changing trains. Its nevertheless worth giving yourself plenty of time if youre packing your bike, as I was lucky enough to be the only one boxing a bike that morning. Which train company is doing its bit for cycling? Once on the train, just look for luggage space as normal; it can help if you board early and/or get a quiet train as there is more likely to be plenty of luggage space. I've also taken electric assist versions of the Dahon Curve and Brompton on Eurostar without problems. It involved booking either your train ticket first, and calling Eurodespatch separately to see if there was space on the train you wanted to take, or vice versa. You assemble your bike outside, albeit beneath an overhanging roof. Travelling with your bike on Eurostar We know that many of you are keen for us to relaunch our bike service. I was carrying a bar bag and two panniers, while the photographer had a couple of panniers and a backpack. Whether youre off to a concert or just taking your guitar on your travels, heres everything you need to know. You can now reserve your bike space first and then book your main ticket. Thats believable when you see and use the special areas set up in London and (less so) Paris, plus the extra staff laid on for the peak summer period, and time spent working with partners. Peak cycle carriage is April to August, so for trips then book as early as possible. If there is no space, the bike will go on the first available train within a 24-hour period (typically much less than 24-hours). Ferry Everything you need to know about cycling in France your independent guide. The longest size measurement is the critical one, so I've broken down the services on offer by size. Eurostar tickets are generally more expensive than some low cost flights, however, depending on where you live, if you break it down and weigh-up all the extra costs involved when flying, that higher headline Eurostar ticket price will likely work out to be cheaper than what you end up paying in total if you opt for a Aug 11, 2021. That said, if weight is a concern with your bicycle, you can consider putting one of these portable packs in your checked or carry-on bag too. Folding electric bikes boast all the features of a standard e-bike and offer the convenience of storage options that being foldable can give you. We're working as hard as we can to relaunch it before the end of the year. Eurostar baggage allowance doesn't allow passengers to bring on the train extra luggage or suitcases that exceed 85 cm. My name is Matthew, staying in Seattle, Washington. registered in England no: 25185. Aside from giving you some more practical Eurostar tips, you may also be happy to know that there are motors available that transform any standard or folding bicycle into an e-bike! This lovely cyclist-owned house is looking for a new owner it could be you! Learn how your comment data is processed. My bike has dynamo lights, mudguards and a rack, so we decided that mine would go unboxed. All Tours Sturdiness is harder to uphold, considering most of these bikes have their fold hinge on the frame itself. Let us see what they have to say about bringing different bicycles aboard. Despite my lack of workshop skills, I soon managed to remove the pedals, rack, wheels, and handlebar. How to Travel with a Bike on Eurostar. The Pyrenees offers some of the best cycling in France. Cycle carriage is usually free, and often you can be first to board and disembark. Tons of people are interested in cycling to reduce their carbon footprint and will be happy to know that Eurostar is a green way to travel as well. Eurostar say they have received positive feedback on the boxed option, with passengers applauding this as a special service for cyclists. But it is possible to travel with your bike if it has been disassembled/folded and placed in a bag (max 1.30 m x 0.90 m). How Long Does an Electric Bike Battery Last? Lets find out! That is correct, you heard me. However note that tandems are specifically prohibited from being carried as registered luggage. A folding electric bike is notably heavier than its unplugged companions, although this can be less of a concern with the motor available to assist the pedaling. - Guided London-Lille-London services differ a little from the Paris services. For more information the websiteFreewheeling France has information ontaking bikes on French trains. Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur: TER trains don't take bicycles Monday-Friday 7am-9am and 4.30pm-6.30pm. This is in fact the limit for all hand luggage you take with you on Eurostar. European Bike Express It's a single cycle per buyer, and we've got space for 5 cycles (three on some trains) You are going to need two spaces for a tandem. By Friday 13 November, the controversial policy was dropped. Note maximum weight for services 2 and 3 above is 30kg per item. AWP Assistance UK Limited FCA registration number is 311909. Staff are on hand to give pointers on disassembly if you need them. Advance bike booking + bike drop:Via EuroDespatch: +33 (0)1 55 31 58 33 (Fr)Follow signs for Bagages Enregistrs Eurostar/Geopartseurodespatch@eurostar.comOpen 7am-10pm daily, Advanced bike bookings:Via EuroDespatch: +33 (0)1 55 31 58 33 (Fr)eurodespatch@eurostar.comBike drop and on-the-day bike bookings via:CityOne (EuroDespatch's designated baggage handlers in Lille):Place de la Gare, 59000 Lille,+ 33 (0)3 20 31 2310, Advance bike bookings + bike drop:Via EuroDespatch: 03448 225 822(UK)eurodespatch@eurostar.comOpen 7am-10pm daily. In your own box or bike bag: 25. Leaves from London and Folkestone to a number of Continental destinations, with tickets from as little as 7.90 (De Panne) plus the 7 fee for cycle carriage. If not, your bike will be bumped onto a subsequent train - possibly up to 24 hours later. If youve got a bag and can fit your bike in it at less than 85cm total length (both wheels off, and perhaps the handlebars, methinks) then it travels with you at no extra cost. If youre planning a trip, youve probably already had to spend some money on transportation, lodging, and hospitality. They are Brompton (the most portable of all folders), Birdy, BH Emotion and Tern. Weve had reports that DFDS and Brittany ferries have not allowed booking at peak times during the summer for cyclists and foot passengers, so check well in advance. It's then a matter of taking it through passport and security controls as normal (it will go through the scanner so if it is right on the 85cm limit, take care putting it on the scanner conveyor belt I know from experience it is possible for your bike to jam on the sides of the machine if you don't feed it in straight). You can still bring a folding bike or children's bike on board as long as it is no longer than 85cm in length and it's carried in a protective bag which covers the whole bike. Its quite out of the way, but only a five-minute walk to the check-in once youve handed over your bike. (They wont help with reassembly for liability reasons.). Check out more. These are great for any flight or train journey and are popular enough with boat owners. Putting it into practice. If you are aware of the rules in advance, it should all be plain sailing. One of the main benefits of our campaign, of course, is that you can book your assembled bike on Eurostar. So it's best to call Eurostar's telephone booking service on 03448225822 from within the UK, or 044344822582 from outside the UK as soon as possible, bookings generally open around 180 days of the travel date - and then book the travel ticket and bike reservations over the phone as a single booking. But now you know that there are many methods to get your standard, folding, or specialty electric bike across the Channel in style. Insider's reporter traveled on the Eurostar on a $45 ticket from London to Paris, left, and later returned on a $136 ticket, right. ", Since November 2015, Eurostar has told Cycling UK repeatedly that there is strong commitment and investment to make it easier to carry fully-assembled bikes. In aEurostarbox: 30 normally, 25 for Cycling UK members I removed its luggage and handed it over to the staff at EuroDespatch. It's always worked for me. How much does it cost to take a bicycle on Eurostar? To travel with extra luggage or oversize suitcases, Eurostar offers the Registered luggage service or a delivery service. Trolleys are distributed around St Pancras and Paris Gare du Nord/Lille concourses but aren't always easy to find (though there should be at least one rank of them on the platform when you get off the train). Note the charges below vary depending on how far ahead you book. If you don't fancy having to re-assemble your bike after every journey, you can reserve one of the on-board storage places on-board Eurostar, which costs 30 each way. Touring across Europe or bumbling around the wine regions, weve got you covered. They also feature smaller wheels and frames than traditional bicycles, making handling a little shakier, even with the added maneuverability of a tinier frame. We're sorry that it's taking us longer than anticipated. Pierre was coy when I asked how much had been spent, saying it had run into several hundreds of thousands of pounds. On a London morning, I escape the jostle of Euston Road and glance up at St Pancras Internationals Victorian clocktower. Its essential.". As a result, two assembled bikes and four Eurostar-boxed bikes can now travel per train. Important: You will receive a receipt and you need this for collection on arrival keep it safe! I can't ever recall not being able to find luggage space on the train itself, however, but it's not always been close to my seat. Any euphoria over Eurostars decision was overshadowed later that day by the dreadful events in Pariss Bataclan concert hall. Bringing your bike along sounds like a great plan, but how much extra cost will this wrack up? But what does it cost? While Eurostar allows these types of bikes on their trains, in one form or another, there are size and weight restrictions like the ones were used to adhering to with standard luggage. We pulled together a coalition of European cycling organisations and galvanised over 10,000 cyclists into writing in protest to Eurostar CEO Nicolas Petrovic. Non-pre-booked: You can actually just turn up on the day and ask for your bike to be put on the same Eurostar service you are taking. You should then be able to relock them on the platform at the other end of your journey. Road access is via rue de Maubeuge. The short answer to whether you can bring an electric bike on Eurostar trains is a resounding "yes", but you now know the various pitfalls to look out for guaranteeing a smooth journey. Read Can You Take an Electric Bike on a Train? This is to protect your bike, other people and their luggage both at the station, on board and going through security. There is a superfast direct Eurostar connection from Amsterdam to London St Pancras International 4 times a day. You will still want to be careful with weight restrictions, especially when considering an electric folding bicycle. Richard Peaceis well-versed in cross-Channel travel with his various bikes. twice the width and twice the depth). This can lead to a wider downtube than standard bicycles and cause your electric bicycle to exceed size requirements specific to their width. Tickets are 20 each way for both you and your bike (no dismantling required), with up to six cyclists carried per service. You will be collected and taken to the terminal and onto the shuttle for a 35 minute journey to Calais. Whilst the train journey itself is wonderfully easy and convenient, there are one or two ins and outs you should be aware of if you want to take your bike on this particular service. Its not bad overall. If you're ready to start saving on travel costs, a Dollar Flight Club Premium Plus+ Lifetime Subscription normally costs . These motorized bicycles fall into three categories, some of which are easier than others to transport by train. TheDeutsche Bahn website is useful for booking tickets for you and your bike, not just in Germany but across Europe. She was glad the campaign was successful. I traveled on the Eurostar between the UK and France on a $45 ticket and a $136 ticket. St Pancras International. Only four products can be compared at once. Ed Lancaster of the European Cyclists Federation told me hed noticed this. It has been encouraging that, since the international campaign led by Cycling UK, Eurostar has been very open to working with cycle user groups, involving them directly in decisions that affect them.. Im not dragging a bagged bike out of the back of a taxi and balancing it on a wobbly-wheeled luggage trolley. IfEurostaris only the first part of your train journey, note that some French services like the fast TGV may only accept bagged or boxed bikes. Dieppe can be reached by TER trains from Paris on which assembled bikes are carried free subject to space, though the Normandy TER website recommends avoiding 6-9 am and 5-7 pm. Having bid goodbye to our bikes, we set off for Customs. Rosemarys not alone in such thoughts, which is one of the reasons we campaigned to ensure fully-assembled bikes would always be allowed on Eurostar. Perhaps that last paragraph just gave away the answer, that yes, you can bring your bike aboard the Eurostar. And there are plenty of speedy folders with stiff frames and fast tyres as well as models that can be loaded up for touring. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Monitor the COVID-19 rules as they are constantly changing dynamically. Eurostar With Eurostar, you have three options: fold your bike and store it in a carrying case; use our registered luggage service on the day of departure; or book a space for your bike aboard the train. The mayors of London, Paris and Brussels shared our outrage. The prices on Eurostar also change often, and COVID measures caused inflation but Brexit considerations do their own to fluctuate prices even more. But ever since November 2015, Cycling UK has been working with Eurostar on its cycle carriage policy. Long-distance coach with a trailer for cycles (no dismantling required), with drop-off points throughout France through to northern Spain. If youre making a return trip to Paris, Eurostar will look after your bike box or bag for you so long as you arrange this before the date you travel. In the photo below, his Joey is packed in the case, with all . The risk is that there will be no space. Find out more. Dec 28, 2022, 3:30 AM. But check your bicycles weight before bringing it to the train station! Note the charges below vary depending on how far ahead you book. Why spend two paragraphs discussing standard non-electric bikes? A pleasant train journey later, we arrived at Gard du Nord. Eurostar is a train service running from England to Belgium, France, and the Netherlands. There is the benefit of more space to move about, and you have the same facilities (tools, stands, etc) as London, but no instructional guidance. Pre-booked: You buy your Eurostar ticket and then contact EuroDespatch to book your bike. Not guaranteed the bike will be on the same train in all instances, but within 24 hours. While this is a relatively fail-safe option for Eurostar train travel, the caveats of folding bicycles include their weight and ride quality. On arrival at St Pancras with a bike, you follow the luggage and bike symbols until you see signs for EuroDespatch towards the rear of the station. There are two options:pre-booked and non-pre-booked. However note that tandems are specifically prohibited from being carried as registered luggage. Eurostar Owen Franken/Getty Images once things are back to normal. The EuroDespatch luggage service is no longer available. The advantage of bike boxes is that Eurostar can fit more on per train, so you've got a higher chance of getting it on the train you're travelling on. Cycling UK is a trading name of Cyclists Touring Club (CTC) a company limited by guarantee, We're working as hard as we can to relaunch it before the end of the year. There are weight restrictions, and if the bike exceeds the allowed limit, you cannot check a bike with the luggage. Eurostar to Paris and Brussels There are three options for travelling on Eurostar with your own bicycle. Firstly, you can take it in a bike bag as described at the bottom of this article, free of charge. We know that many of you are keen for us to relaunch our bike service. Everyone has their preference based on their riding needs, but most standard bicycles fit the same criteria on Eurostar. Registered as a charity in England and Wales charity no: 1147607 and in Scotland We're sorry that it's taking us longer than anticipated. They build these to be light and quiet, so as not to ruin the smooth ride youre used to. I stuffed folded business cards between the disc brake pads to keep them in place. Registered office: Parklands, Railton Road, Guildford, Surrey GU2 9JX. Despite Eurostars best intentions with mandatory boxing, the policy which was presented as a fait accompli didnt suit many cyclists. Eurostar does not permit larger specialty bikes such as tandems or quadricycles. There is an option to leave the bike fully assembled on this service. If you have an extra long bike it may need to book it on as registered baggage/pre-booked baggage, as above. Thalys (travelling to Belgium, the Netherlands or Germany) It took about 25 minutes all told, whereupon the boxed bike was taken off to the train. This direct service makes use of the tunnels beneath the English Channel that were built in the early 1990s and is a quicker and smoother alternative to the ferries that were once the only way across the channel. There are two options: With this advanced option there is two weeks of free storage, so you can drop you bike off any time in the two weeks leading up to your departure. Were working hard to relaunch the service before the end of January. Put on that becoming tank prime to show off . If the largest dimension when folded is less than 85cm, a folding bike can travel on any service provided it has a protective case covering the whole bike. And theres the rub of the problem: space constraints. For boxed, you can use your own orsend it in the Eurodespatch boxes provided (Eurostar say there is more space for boxed biked than unboxed bikes). Cycling UK members receive 8 discount for a return trip, and theres an additional 10 off for online bookings on European Bike Express. Many commuters for business and leisure alike bring folding bikes, but how big can these be? Were sorry for the inconvenience. With this advanced option there is two weeks of free storage, so you can drop you bike off any time in the two weeks leading up to your departure. - Campsites Whether youre on business, on a family vacation, or taking an exciting multi-city adventure, trains like the Eurostar are an excellent way to get from the British Isles to mainland Europe and back. You need to arrive at Amsterdam Centraal 60-75minutes before departure time to go through security and passport control. Learn more Photo credits: Thalys Thalys Your bicycle is welcome if you fold it and pack it in a carrying case. Against this backdrop, cyclists and their bikes account for 0.09% of Eurostar passengers; around 9,000 bikes were carried in 2016. With this in mind, we can still investigate the usual operating procedures for bringing bikes on board, so you can hit the ground running (or should I say, rolling?) Particularly useful from the north of England: it leaves from Stokesley, near Middlesbrough, and has 15 more pick-up points down the country on its way to Dover. "We saw, however, that this concerned some passengers and we always listen carefully to feedback. Electric Vehicles (Electric Cars & Electric bikes) caught my attention for the last few years and my love for electric cars and bikes is everlasting. At the NS gate you scan your ticket and follow signs for platform 15b, the Eurostar departure area. charity no: SC042541. Are Pedego Electric Bikes Worth the Money. Not guaranteed the bike will be on the same train in all instances, but within . How to Install Electric Vehicle Charging Station At Home. Plus, unlike the trains we use in the United States, it travels at high enough speeds to be an alternative to air travel. FCA authorisation can be checked on the FCA register at https://register.fca.org.uk/s/, E-mail: Insurance@allianz-assistance.co.uk, 2021 Eurostar International Ltd. All Rights Reserved. I left my penknife and other objects that might not have made it through security in the box. What are the Best Brands of Electric Bike? Our cycle service operates between the Holiday Inn Express, Folkestone and the CIFFCO building opposite Cite Europe in Calais, carrying cycles and cyclists on a specially adapted and spacious minibus. UK rail strikes in January. Here I am sharing my expertise, experience, and invaluable information about electric cars and electric bikes. The folder should be bagged. If you have an extra long bike it may need to book it on as registered baggage/pre-booked baggage, as above. Thats 30 if it travels with you or 25 if it goes on the next train. After careful thought and planning, we took the decision to continue to allow assembled bikes on board, limited in numbers because of the space constraints we face.". Pariss set-up feels at bit more ad hoc than Londons. Travelling With Your Bike On Eurostar (4) February 23, 2015 March 9, 2016 - by Lily Campbell. Riding the train from London to Paris emits 93 percent less CO2 per passenger compared to flying, and Eurostar uses all-electric trains powered by wind turbines in the Netherlands! Rosemary began cycle touring in 2011 at the age of 63. Accordingly, if you travel on Eurostar and use your own bike box or bag, youll pay the rate for oversized luggage (25 per item) rather than the bicycle rate (30). Bike reservations still have to be booked separately via EuroDespatch, which is contracted by Eurostar to handle the oversized luggage, but the process is becoming simpler. Eurotunnel opens for cyclists while Eurostar remains closed. While were on the subject of two-wheeled transport, you wont be able to travel on Eurostar with an electric scooter (e-scooter) or hoverboard. Soon, you'll be staring at that view you've always wanted to see. Fees for this vary. He is theco-author of the official guidebook to the Avenue Verte, the London to Paris bike path (see his article here for us). You can still bring a folding bike or children's bike on board as long as it's no longer than 85 cm in length and it's carried in a protective bag which covers the whole bike. - Self-catering What are you looking for?All Accommodation The EuroDespatch office in Lille is run through the 'CityOne' office at the Lille Europe station. Read How Easy Is It to Ride an Electric Bike. Call EuroDespatch (03448 225 822) with your bikes dimensions to hand. Many people use this option, but it requires more structured packing because of limited carry-on space. Folders are slighty more twitchy to handle than full-size bikes (though most new folder riders soon adapt and don't notice this characteristic), but are easier to manoeuvre, making them ideal for city traffic.
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