UK Train Travel Advices

Many train operators allow bikes onboard. On some trains, you need to reserve a space for your bike before you travel. Make sure you check the specific cycle policies for each train company you travel with.

There are some general policies for your reference:

Label your bike clearly

Cover folded bikes

Motorcycles, tricycles and bicycle trailers are not permitted

Unaccompanied bikes are not permitted

Bikes must be kept in designated areas and must not obstruct doors or aisles

Bikes are carried at the owner’s risk

Reserve a space for your bike if your train company requires it

Stow your folding bike as luggage

Don’t obstruct doors or aisles

Don’t bring your motorcycle

Don’t forget your helmet

The actual time varies between train companies, but peak hours are usually not allowed. Peak hours are typically Monday to Friday, before 10:00 in the morning and between 16:00-19:00 in the evenings. (Fold-up bikes are permitted on all trains at any time of day.

Different train companies have different policies, such as:

Southeastern Railway: “You can take an electrically-assisted pedal cycle as long as it's similar in size to a normal cycle.”

London Northwestern Railway: “Due to safety reasons, we are unable to accept tandems, tricycles, bike trailers, motorbikes, mopeds, cargo bikes, petrol scooters, hoverboards, e-skateboards and e-scooters on any of our trains or stations.”

Southern Railway: “Yes, e-bikes and mobility scooters are permitted on trains."

So, please check with the train operator before you travel.

Yes, but please note, children under 5 who are travelling without a ticket may only occupy a seat that is not required by a fare-paying passenger. To have a reserved seat for a child under 5 you will need to purchase a child rate ticket. And there is also a 50% discount on most tickets.

1. Avoid rush hour whenever you can.

Time your journey around your child’s routine

If can, reserve a seat.

Leave giant prams at home.

Where to sit, keep quiet.

Most importantly, enjoy it.

Yes. But the pushchairs and prams need to be folded and stored safely in the luggage compartments on board. We recommend bringing one that is easy to fold and doing so before you board the train. You may want to consider bringing a sling or baby carrier on board for the little ones to make this easier.

Yes. Bringing up to 2 animals with you is free, there is no extra charge. If you want to travel with more animals than that, there may be an additional fee. And please note that animals are not allowed on seats, please keep your dog on a lead or in a pet carrier.

No. Bringing up to 2 animals with you is free, there is no extra charge. If you want to travel with more animals than that, there may be an additional fee.

Yes. You can take dogs, cats and other small animals free of charge on all British trains, up to a maximum of two per passenger, as long as they don't endanger or inconvenience passengers or staff. Dogs must be kept on a lead unless inside a carrier.

You’re welcome to bring dogs, cats and other small animals on the train. The following animals are not permitted:

Livestock (for example, pigs, sheep and goats)

Any animal which may cause inconvenience to passengers due to its size or behaviour.

On-train staff are authorised to have animals removed from the train.

You’re generally welcome to bring up to 3 pieces of luggage onboard, at no extra cost.

These items may include satchels, backpacks, suitcases and the like. And the following luggage items are not permitted on trains:

Items larger than 1 metre in any dimension that you cannot carry without assistance.

Surfboards

Motorcycles, mopeds, motor scooters, e-Scooters and motorised cycles

Any animal or article which may cause inconvenience to passengers due to its size or behaviour.

Yes, You’re generally welcome to bring up to 3 pieces of luggage onboard, at no extra cost.

You’re generally welcome to bring up to 3 pieces of luggage onboard, at no extra cost. There may be additional luggage charges if any of the following conditions apply:

You’re bringing more than 3 items

Your luggage occupies seats which are needed for passenger use

Your luggage is larger than 1 metre in any dimension.

The following luggage items are not permitted on trains:

Items larger than 1 metre in any dimension that you cannot carry without assistance. This includes canoes, hang-gliders, large furniture and large musical instruments

Surfboards

Motorcycles, mopeds, motor scooters and motorised cycles

e-Scooters may not be permitted by a train company on their own services. Check their Cycle Policy before you travel

Any animal or article which may cause inconvenience to passengers due to its size or behaviour. For more information on travelling with animals.

If you miss your train because a previous connecting train service was delayed, you will be able to travel on the next train provided by the train operator (if the entire journey is booked under one ticket). We recommend speaking to a member of staff on the delayed train or at the connecting station to confirm this or any other options that may be available to you.

It depends on your ticket type. If it’s a flexible ticket, you can usually continue your journey on the next train. If not, you will need to purchase new train tickets.

The National Rail Timetable is changed twice a year. The current timetable started on Sunday 10 December 2023 and operates until Saturday 1 June 2024.