At EMR, we’re proud to support greener, more sustainable travel options. That’s why we make it as simple and convenient as possible for you to travel with your bike across our network.
Whether you're commuting, touring, or heading out for a leisurely ride, this guide explains everything you need to know about bringing your bicycle on board our trains.
Bringing your Bike on Trains
We welcome cyclists across most of our services, but due to safety regulations and limited space, we can only guarantee space for up to two full-size bikes per train. If the allocated bike spaces are already in use when you board, you may not be able to bring your bike on that service.
To avoid disappointment, we strongly recommend reserving a space in advance where possible.
Rail Travel with Your Bike: How It Works
- Book Your Bike Space
Pre-book your bike space at the same time as your ticket to secure your spot. On certain routes, spaces are limited to two bikes per train, so we recommend reserving in advance for guaranteed travel. - Hop On Board
On the day of your trip, bring your bike to the platform and enjoy a seamless boarding process. Folding bikes can be stored like luggage, while reserved spaces ensure traditional bikes travel securely in designated areas. - Cycle Securely at Stations
Prefer to leave your bike at the station? Take advantage of our cycle hubs, featuring secure storage facilities, changing rooms, and even self-repair stations at selected hubs.
Traveling with a bike on EMR Connect Services
Our EMR Connect trains from Corby to London do not have dedicated cycle storage spaces.
Full-size bikes are not permitted on EMR Connect services arriving into London St Pancras before 10:00 or departing between 16:00 and 19:00 on weekdays. Outside of these times, you may travel with your bike but must store it in the vestibule area and stay with it. Folding bikes are allowed at all times.
How to Reserve a Bike Space
Booking a bike space on the train is simple with EMR. Bike space reservations are free of charge but should be made in advance - reservations cannot be made on the day of travel. We strongly advise that you pre-book your bike space before you travel to avoid disappointment.
- Operate a first come, first served system
- Spaces are limited to 2 bicycles per train
- We recommend arriving early to the station to ensure you get a space on the train with your bike. If you have a folding bike, you don't need a specific space for it, you can store it in the same way you would store luggage.
How to Book:
- Online: Reserve a space at the same time that you are booking your train ticket.
- Phone: Call us on 03457 125 678
- Email: For ticketing reservations: [email protected]
General enquiries: [email protected]
Your booking confirmation will indicate if a reservation is needed for your journey and show availability of remaining bike spaces. You won’t be charged for bringing your bike on board.
Travelling with a Folding Bike or Electric Bike
- Folding Bikes
You can bring a folding bike on any EMR train service, provided it can be stored safely in the luggage racks. They do not require a reservation and can be carried on all EMR services, including EMR Connect and rail replacement services. However, they must be fully folded and safely stored in the luggage racks or under your seat throughout the journey.
- Electric Bikes (E-Bikes)
You may travel with a road legal electric-assist pedal cycle or e-bike on EMR services, provided that they are similar size to a traditional bicycle. Road legal e-bikes are pedal-assisted with a motor that generates a maximum continuous rated power output of 250 watts and do not provide electrical assistance when travelling at more than 15.5 mph.
For the safety of yourself and other passengers:
- Electrically modified or adapted e-bikes are not permitted on trains
- Charging of e-bikes is not permitted on trains or at stations
- The battery must not be removed from the bike, unless designed to do so for folding purposes (e.g. a Brompton folding bike)
- E-bikes with a damaged battery cannot be carried
- Spare batteries cannot be carried
- You must use the normal designated cycle storage areas on trains, ensuring the bike does not block entrances, exits or aisleway access for passengers
- Do not lock your bike to any part of the train, in case of the need to remove the bike quickly from the train in an emergency
Guidance for e-bikes can be found on the National Rail Enquiries ‘Train Travel with Bicycles’ page
Travelling with Personal Mobility Devices & E-Scooters
Unfortunately, e-scooters and some other personal mobility devices are not permitted on EMR trains or within EMR stations due to safety concerns and industry regulations. Learn more about this policy on our website.
Tips for Travelling Safely with your Bicycle
Traveling with your bike can be a convenient and environmentally friendly way to explore new destinations, but ensuring safety and security is essential. Always make sure your bike is securely fastened using robust locks or straps before boarding the train to prevent theft during your journey. When loading or unloading, handle your bike with care, keeping it stable to avoid damage to your bike or other passengers’ belongings.
To protect your bike from theft, store it in designated bike racks or compartments where possible, and remove any accessories or valuables. During boarding and disembarking, be mindful of other passengers and move your bike slowly to avoid accidents. Always follow staff instructions and co-operate with station personnel when securing your bike, for a smooth and safe travel experience. Planning your bike’s security in advance helps ensure a confident journey on EMR trains.
Travel with EMR’s Bike-Friendly Services
Travel more sustainably and enjoy the perfect pairing of cycling and rail. With safety, convenience, and flexibility at the heart of our services, you can explore like never before.
Cycling in the Peak District
Wishing to cycle around the peak district? Find out more about hiring a bike on the Peak District National Park website .
Bikes on Trains: FAQs
No, there is no additional charge for bringing your bike on board EMR services. However, you may need to reserve a space in advance depending on the route. Please note that reservations must be made before the day of travel.
Most EMR services can accommodate bikes, but space is limited to two bikes per train. Reservations are essential on some routes, such as services to and from London (excluding EMR Connect), and between Liverpool and Norwich during the summer months.
Yes, folding bikes are welcome on all EMR services, including EMR Connect and replacement buses, as long as they are fully folded and stored safely.
Full-size bikes are not permitted on EMR Connect services arriving into London St Pancras before 10:00 or departing between 16:00 and 19:00 on weekdays. Outside of these times, you may travel with your bike but must store it in the vestibule area and stay with it. Folding bikes are allowed at all times.
You can reserve a bike space online when booking your train ticket at eastmidlandsrailway.co.uk. Reservations can also be made or amended by calling 03457 125 678 or emailing [email protected] . Please note that reservations must be made before the day of travel.
If all reserved and available bike spaces are booked on a particular train, you may not be able to bring your bike onboard for that journey. To avoid this situation, it's recommended to reserve your bike space in advance, especially during busy periods or on popular routes. If your preferred train is full, consider travelling on an alternative service or at a different time to ensure a smooth trip with your bike. Planning ahead and securing your reservation helps guarantee you and your bicycle can travel comfortably and without disappointment.
Yes, electric-assist pedal cycles are allowed if they are similar in size to a standard bicycle and have traditional pedals. They cannot be charged on board and must not exceed typical bike dimensions.
No, e-scooters and similar personal mobility devices are not permitted on EMR trains or within our stations, due to safety policies in place across the rail industry.
We sometimes have to offer alternative forms of transport during periods of engineering or disruption. Unfortunately, we can’t transport cycles on bus or taxi services due to lack of space. Folding bikes may be allowed on rail replacement services in some instances, at the discretion of the driver.
There’s no charge to leave your bike at our stations and you’ll find cycle storage facilities at almost all EMR stations.
Cycle to the station, store your bike in our secure, sheltered facilities and change out of your cycling gear before you catch your train.
To join, just purchase a key fob for your local cycle hub for unlimited access to the cycle storage and any other facilities on offer. These range from members-only changing rooms to on-site cycle shops, bike hire and cycle repairs run by local cycle businesses.
Find out more about the facilities at your nearest cycle hub and where to buy your fob.