Has anyone taken a bicycle with them on the trains? I'd like to buy a bike locally and drag it around with me in benelux. Thanks!
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23626 posts
Sure. you are limited to certain trains - not all. Often checked as baggage in the baggage car. Sometimes carried on. If bicycles are permitted a small picture of a bicycle will appear on the big schedules posted in the stations.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
33848 posts
On regional trains - the vast majority - in Belgium and the Netherlands you take the bike with you. It needs a ticket, a day ticket for bicycles. Don't know about bikes on trains in Luxembourg. In Germany its the same story, there are even whole carriages where the bikes go in racks along the walls and benches are provided for the riders right behind a glass window behind the driver.
Posted by
OP
McHenry, Il, USA
5 posts
Thank you!
I found something online as well, looks like the fee is £30, to bringmit along with me. Probably cheaper to rent one. Thanks again!
Posted by
Houten, Utrecht, Netherlands
73 posts
I assume you mean €?
Perhaps a folding bike would do the trick? At least in Dutch regional trains you don't need a day ticket for those.
Posted by
OP
McHenry, Il, USA
5 posts
No, actually I was referring to my time in London. Thanks for the info othe Dutch trains though, that's great! It looks like this idea will be cost prohibitive though. Now I need to find a cheap bike rental. Thanks again to all for your help. Scott
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
33848 posts
I've never seen a £30 fee to put a bike on a British train. Its usually free or a very small reservation fee. Most trains you just bring it with you, free. No standard bikes at rush hour in London though. (Didn't you say BeNeLux in your OP?)
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
33848 posts
If you are in London, and actually in central London, with a chip and pin credit card, you can hire a Boris' Bike from self service stands for £1 a day as long as you dock it every 30 minutes or less.
Posted by
OP
McHenry, Il, USA
5 posts
Hmmm mm, that's not a bad idea, dock every 30 minutes and it's no more than a €1 a day! That might be difficult if I take the bike to the beaches, lol.
Posted by
OP
McHenry, Il, USA
5 posts
Sorry, I did not mention London, but I am starting the trip there. I've looked around some more, because of all of your comments, and it looks like this idea will actually work! There are fees on some trains but not all. Now to find a bike!
Thanks again all. If you have anything further to offer, I would appreciate your input! Thanks Scott
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23626 posts
The idea behind Boris bikes, and similar programs in Paris, Denver, etc. is that the bike is immediate transportation from point A to point B. Hence no charge for the first 30 minutes. Not designed for all day rental. Just get a Bike Friday and bring it with you. That will solve all your problems