Travelling with your bike on the TGV: A hassle-free experience?

The train, that grizzled old timer of transport, is getting a whole new lease of life with the energy transition. It's now a clean means of transport, and, let's face it, the way of the future! Add to that your bicycle, and you've got an almost perfect ecological combo. Yes, "almost", because not everything is rosy when it comes to taking our beloved bicycles on board trains. 🌍

But don't despair! The SNCF has made progress in accommodating cyclists... just as cities have made progress in becoming more cycle-friendly, even if the picture is still far from idyllic. And you wonder why? Well, let's start by saying that not all bikes have equal rights on the tracks. Recumbents, tricycles, tandems and other non-standard bikes have to stay on the platform. 🚳

Then, each type of train has its own rules of the game for transporting bikes. Fear not, we'll guide you through this maze of information.

🎫 TGV INOUI: when your bike travels first class

Let's start with the must for bike travel on a train: the TGV INOUI! (it really is the first 20 times you get on board, yes twenty! (please don't judge my taste in anagrams 😅))

So there you have it, in the TGV INOUI, you have spaces specially designed for bicycles. The little extra that makes all the difference? Your seat is right next to it. That way, there's no need to stress about whether your bike is chatting with an SNCF ticket inspector without you. 😂

Now you're probably wondering how it works. It's simple: when you buy your ticket, opt for a bike seat. If you don't find this option, it's probably because the seats are already taken or the train in question doesn't have any. Don't panic, you can always dismantle your bike and store it in a cover. It's free and requires no additional reservation.

What if you have a folding bike? As long as it doesn't exceed 130 cm x 90 cm when folded, it can travel with you as hand luggage. 🎒

🎉 OUIGO: bike travel without breaking the piggy bank

If the TGV INOUI is the SNCF's grand palace for your bike, OUIGO is the stylish youth hostel where you can meet interesting people without breaking the bank! That said, your bike is welcome on OUIGO trains. You can take it on board and let it enjoy the journey. 🥰

2 options are available to you (and your bike, there's no chef here! 😊):

First option, luxury on a budget: keep your bike in one piece. No need to get out the toolbox or play jigsaw with pedals and handlebars. For the modest sum of 10 euros, your bike travels as it is, without being disassembled. 🚲 You can even transport your child's bike.

Second option, for those who like to fold and dismantle: your bike, once transformed into a compact version and slipped into a cover, can travel with you for just 5 euros. Ideal if you like "how to fit a bike into a bag in under two minutes" challenges. ⏱️

🌍 TGV Internationaux: because we love crossing borders!

You've conquered France with your bike, and now the call of international adventure is titillating your pedals? The good news is that the SNCF's international TGV trains offer just that. But there are a few rules to follow before your bike can take part in such a journey.

Firstly, if you opt for an INOUI TGV heading for destinations like Italy, Belgium or even Luxembourg, you'll have to play mechanic. Your bike has to be dismantled and packed in a special bag (130cm x 90cm max.) before it can be taken to the train's luggage area. Sorry, but here, undismantled bikes don't get a ticket! 😭

If London catches your eye, Eurostar offers a made-to-measure service. You can reserve a dedicated space by sending a sweet note to travelservices@eurostar.com. However, if you're traveling between Paris and London, your bike must be dismantled and housed in a cover or box. Between Brussels and London, it's party time: your bike can travel assembled! (We don't have all the elements to judge the logic... 🤔)

And for a trip to Switzerland on the TGV Lyria, your bike, dismantled and stored in a bag (130cm x 90cm max), is welcome free of charge. Youhooouu! 🥳

🚞 TER: the region by bike, a small revolution

Yes, yes, we know, the title of this article proclaims loud and clear that we're going to talk about TGVs. But frankly, how can we ignore the good old TER when it comes to bicycle travel? 🚞

The TER is a little revolution for cyclists who like to explore the countryside. In most cases, your bike is welcomed with open arms - and free of charge! You can hang it up or place it in a dedicated space. This space is usually self-service, so there's no need to make a reservation. Just turn up, put it down and off you go! Easy as pie. 🫡

However, there are always exceptions that prove the rule. In Brittany, for example, during the summer period (June 1 to September 3), you'll need to reserve a place for your bike. Each region, and therefore each TER, has its own specificities, so you'll need to find out where you are (sorry, there are far too many lines and stations in France... 🙇‍♂️).

If your two-wheeler is of the foldable type, it's easier. You can carry it in a bag (130x90 cm max), and it will be considered as hand luggage. On the other hand, if you have a non-folding tandem or trailer, these will unfortunately have to stay at the SNCF station. 😔

So there you are, you've planned your itinerary, you've made the rounds of the cycle paths you're going to use, you've booked your train ticket, but horror! No more room for your bike. Before you cry foul against the SNCF, relax 🧘! There are emergency solutions that could even make your journey more exciting. 🎉

One idea? Rent a bike at your destination! And if you think renting a bike is complicated, think again. With Lokki, it's as easy as pedaling downhill. You arrive, pick up your bike (not even disassembled 😅 ), and you're ready to explore. 🚴‍♀️

Okay, we know, it's not like having your own bike, but it's a pretty cool alternative, isn't it? And who knows, you might fall in love with a new model and expand your bike collection. 😍

In short, a full train isn't the end of the world, or the end of your bike trip. Alternatives do exist, and Lokki is here to make bike rental as easy as pie. So, ready for an equally exciting Plan B? 🚀

France boasts an impressive network of high-speed trains, the TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse), which allow you to cross the country from east to west in just half a day. Travelling at 300 km/h in exceptional comfort, with unrivalled punctuality and reliability, makes for an unforgettable experience. However, the situation becomes more complicated when you want to take your bike with you, especially if you don't want to or can't dismantle it.

It's virtually impossible to take an unassembled bike on board a TGV. Some TGVs do have a bike compartment for up to 5 bikes, but these special cars are as hard to find as a needle in a haystack.

Fortunately, there's an alternative with the slower but still efficient regional trains: TER (Trains Express Régionaux). These trains provide dedicated bicycle compartments, allowing passengers to take their whole bike with them at no extra cost, provided there's enough room. So getting around France's 13 regions with your bike is generally straightforward.

Tips for a successful trip with your TER bike

Check availability: Before your journey, make sure there's a bike compartment on your TER line, and that there's still room.

Arrive Early: To increase your chances of getting a place for your bike, it's a good idea to arrive at the station a little early.

Be prepared: Even if you don't need to dismantle your bike, make sure it doesn't get in the way and is ready to be loaded quickly.

The choice between TGV and TER will therefore depend on your specific needs in terms of speed and the need to take your bike with you. If crossing the country quickly is your priority, and you can dismantle your bike, the TGV will be perfect. But for regional travel with a whole bike, the TER is the best option.

What about transporting my bike on TER trains during strikes?

During strikes, the SNCF may reduce the number of trains, which also affects the space available for bicycles. In this case, it would be wise to check availability and, if possible, make a reservation for your bike, even if the TER generally allows bikes to be transported without a reservation.

My bike is oversized. Can I still take it on an OUIGO?

Unfortunately, oversized bikes are not welcome on OUIGO trains. If your bike doesn't fit into a standard-sized bag (130 cm x 90 cm), it will unfortunately have to stay on the platform in France.

How do I transport my bike on TGV lines in France, especially between Paris and regions such as Brittany or the Loire?

To transport your bike on TGV lines in France, including popular routes such as Paris-Brittany or Paris-Loire, you have several options. INOUI TGVs offer special bike racks that can be reserved when you buy your ticket. It is advisable to reserve these spaces in advance, especially during busy periods such as elections or summer vacations.

Consult the cycling guide on the SNCF website or use the interactive station map to plan your journey. In some cases, special offers may be available to reduce the cost of transporting your bike.

Is it possible to transport dismantled bikes on Intercités trains, and are there any restrictions or specific codes to follow?

Yes, you can transport your dismantled bike as hand luggage on Intercités trains, as long as it is placed in a bag no larger than 120 x 90 cm. There is no specific code to follow, but it is recommended to dismantle the bike before arriving at the station to facilitate the boarding process.

This solution is ideal if the bike slots are full or if you're looking for an option at no extra cost. Bear in mind that space for dismantled luggage is limited, so arrive early to ensure a place for your bike.

I forgot to reserve a place for my bike on the TGV INOUI. What should I do?

If all the bike spaces are taken, don't panic! You can dismantle your bike and store it in a bag. This option is free of charge and requires no additional reservation. Just make sure that the cover does not exceed the maximum dimensions of 130 cm x 90 cm.