Bicycles on public transport
Bicycles are one of the best ways to travel around Britain, but sometimes your route might need you to take public transport, or you might just want a break. There are a few guidelines to follow when travelling with your bike on public transport.
London underground
London Underground allows bikes onto trains free of charge from 'open stations' (those above ground level). Bicycles can't be taken into central London as all the stations are below ground level. You can't travel with a bike between 07:30-09:30, and 16:00-19:00, Monday-Friday (except Public Holidays). After these times, bikes must not be taken on moving escalators, the Victoria Line (light blue) the Waterloo & City Line (light green), the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) or trams.
Bicycles are allowed on the following parts of London Underground:
Bakerloo line
Between Queens Park and Harrow and Wealdstone 09:30-16:00, and after 19:00 Monday-Friday, and all day Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays.
Central line
Between White City and West Ruislip, White City and Ealing Broadway, Leyton and Epping, Leyton and Newbury Park, Leyton and Woodford, Leyton and Hainault, 09:30-16:00, and after 19:00 Monday-Friday, and all day Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays.
Jubilee line
Between Finchley Road and Stanmore, and Canning town and Stratford 09:30-16:00, and after 19:00 Monday-Friday, and all day Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays.
Northern line
Between Edgware and Colindale, Hendon Central and Golders Green, East Finchley and High Barnet, and East Finchley and Mill Hill East 09:30-16:00, and after 19:00 Monday-Friday, and all day Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays.
Buses
Some bus companies allow folded compact bicycles on board, but only if there is enough room. London buses will take folded bicycles at the discretion of the driver. Where bicycles are allowed on board buses, you won't be charged.
National Rail network
Most train companies allow bikes but only a limited number can be carried. On some services bikes are carried on a first-come first-served basis. On others, spaces must be reserved in advance. Check with your rail operator to find out if you can take a bike on board, or ask when booking your ticket.
For a list of the rail network's main operators, visit our rail and train travel section.
Many train companies allow bikes to travel for free, others, mainly over long distances, may charge you. If your journey involves using more than 1 train operator, you'll only be charged once.
Tips when taking your bike on trains:
- Bicycles are usually stored in a carriage at the back of the train, and you're responsible for it at all times
- Fully folded bicycles are usually carried free of charge on all trains
- Please label your bicycle clearly
- Tandems, tricycles and bicycle trailers are not usually carried
- Bicycles will not be carried on rail replacement bus services during engineering work