Travelling by train with your bicycle has never been so possible… nor so regulated. TGV INOUI, OUIGO, Intercités, TER, Transilien, RER, Eurostar, TGV Lyria, ICE: each train has its own rules, cover dimensions, fares, exceptions, and limitations. Here is the the most accurate practical guide possible for 2026updated from official sources and completed region by region so that you know, before buying your ticket, If your bicycle is accepted, at what price, and under what conditions?Final source check: 15th July 2026 .
This diagram serves as a visual guide; the exact rules then depend on the train, the operator and, for TER trains, the region.
Yes, travelling by train with your bike in France is becoming easier, but the rules have become much more segmented than before.
By 2026, at least eight cases must be distinguished: TGV INOUI, OUIGO High Speed, OUIGO Classic Train, Daytime Intercités, Night Intercités, Transilien, RER, TER, then add international trains like Eurostar, TGV Lyria and ICE/DBThe good news: operators clarified some of the rules in the spring of 2026, with a SNCF Voyageurs national database updated on May 28th 2026 .
The most important point to remember is this: a folded or disassembled bicycle under a cover is often the simplest solution, as it generally travels like luggage, provided that the dimensions specific to each operator are respected. Conversely, an undisassembled bicycle frequently involves a dedicated reservation, a specific fare, or even a complete impossibility depending on the train or region.
Unusual bicycles — cargo bike, longtail bike, tandem bike, tricycle, recumbent bike, non-folding trailer — remain very often excluded, except for rare local exceptions or those related to disability.
The real novelty for 2026, on the TER (regional express train) side, is the rise of seasonal or structural bookings by regionSome regions now require reservations. all or part of the network at certain times: this is the case ofAuvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Britain, Pays de la Loire, Centre-Val de Loire, Occitanie at certain times, or even from the Nouvelle Aquitaine on 11 specific lines. Other regions remain more flexible, with reservations only on certain strategic routes, particularly towards Paris or on very busy lines.
When a national source and a divergent regional source, priority should be given to the most accurate regional operational pageThis is particularly true in Occitanie The SNCF Connect FAQ remains generic, while the liO page "Peaceful Bike Access" details a mandatory free reservation system on all lines during certain periods, with an additional paid exception on some trains. Nîmes ↔ Clermont-FerrandThis regional version is the one to remember for travelling legally.
Finally, for an article that is truly useful to a cycling readership, three key points must be emphasized: check the precise train rule, reserve the bike at the same time as the ticket each time it is requested, and arrive at the station early with a labeled bike, panniers removed and a plan B in mind if the displayed train is full on the bike side.
En TGV INOUI, an bicycle not folded and not disassembled is only accepted on some trains equipped with a bicycle space, with Reservation required at the time of ticket purchase. The price is €10 per bike and per tripIf no results appear during the booking process, this means either that there are no results available. more space for bicycleseither the train does not offer no dedicated bike space. [source]
Le folding bike or bicycle disassembled and under cover remains the most universal solution. In France, as well as on some international TGV INOUI routes, it is accepted as luggage, provided that a maximum dimensions of 90 × 130 × 50 cmFor a disassembled bicycle, the wheels must be removed. before accessing the platform and the whole thing must be completely stored in a cover. [source]
On TGV INOUI, bicycles Recumbent bikes, tricycles, tandems, cargo bikes, longtails, trailersBicycles transported in cardboard boxes and any bicycle exceeding the dimensions of a standard bicycle are prohibited. The 2026 fare schedule also specifies that in the case of a non-dismantled bicycle with a reservation, the traveler may take 1 bicycle, 1 labeled piece of luggage measuring 70 × 90 × 50 cm, 1 double bicycle pannier and 1 piece of hand luggage measuring 40 × 30 × 15 cm. [source]
On the security front, the battery recharging Electric bicycles are strictly prohibited on board TGV INOUI trains. Failure to comply with the baggage policy may result in a fine. 50 to 150 € depending on the number of non-compliant items, and the improper occupation of spaces or obstruction of traffic may be penalized 150 €. [source]
Speaking on OUIGO High SpeedThe basic rule is simple: the bicycle must be folded ou disassembled and stored under coverThis option is available on all OUIGO High Speed journeys and costs €5 per person per journeyThe classic bicycle must be disassembled; the cover must not protrude. 130x90x50 cmand the whole thing must not exceed 30 kg. [source]
Folding bikes—including electric models if they are properly folded—are permitted under the same "folded bike/scooter or disassembled bike in a cover" option. However, contrary to what many travelers still believe, OUIGO GV does not, as a general rule, offer standard boarding for a non-disassembled bicycle., except in specific commercial cases. [source]
OUIGO Classic Train is currently the only OUIGO product that allows, in certain cases, travel with a bicycle not disassembledThe option costs €10 per passenger, per journeyIt is only available on some OUIGO Classic Trains, with an explicit exclusion of the Paris–Bordeaux line, and special availability on Paris–Brussels from Tuesday to Thursday. [source]
The bicycle, not disassembled, must be a standard model, weigh less than 30 kg and have tires with a maximum thickness of 5 cmRecumbent bikes, tricycles, tandems, cargo bikes, longtails, trailers, and cardboard bikes are not permitted. Once on board, passengers must store their own bikes in the designated space. [source]
Alternatively, OUIGO Classic Train also accepts bicycles folded ou disassembled and under cover with the option to 5 €exactly like OUIGO GV. [source]
Speaking on Intercity daytime trainsSNCF Voyageurs indicates that a Bicycle space is provided in each train, with mandatory reservation at the same time as purchasing the ticket. The price is 10 € on the lines Paris–Limoges–Toulouse, Paris–Clermont-Ferrand et Bordeaux–MarseilleHe is from 5 € on the lines Toulouse–Hendaye, Nantes–Lyon, Nantes–Bordeaux et Nancy–Lyon. [source]
The folded or disassembled bicycle, when covered, follows the same basic principles as on TGV INOUI: cover or folding in 90x130x50 cmThe bike must be tagged, and the wheels removed for disassembled bikes. Unusual bikes remain excluded, as on TGV INOUI. [source]
On the Night Intercity Trains, the reservation of the bicycle space is also compulsory, with a price of €10 per bike and per trip on relationships Paris–Briançon, Paris–Nice, Paris–Cerberus, Paris–Toulouse-Matabiau et Paris–Tarbes. [source]
Here again, disassembled bicycles under cover or folded remain permitted within national dimensions, and recharging e-bike batteries is prohibited. [source]
On the network Transilien SNCFUnfolded bicycles are permitted for free en off-peak hours : from Monday to Friday before 6:30 a.m., between 9:30 and 16:30then after 19:30 p.m. ; the Saturdays, Sundays and public holidaysThere are no time restrictions. In all cases, admission remains subject to the train capacity and the absence of disruption to passenger traffic. [source]
The folding bikes are accepted on all trains when folded, as they are considered luggage. Several lines have bike racks or spaces visible thanks to the bicycle pictogram, in particular the lines H, K, J, L and some trains on the lines N, P, R as well as RER D and EBicycles must be carried by hand on trains, platforms, and in stations, and must never obstruct doors, ramps, or stairs. Bicycles are not permitted on escalators. [source]
Obstructing traffic can be penalized by 150 €Some line announcements also remind passengers that an unfolded bicycle taken on board during peak hours is punishable by a fine. [source]
For RER trains operated under RATP rulesBicycles are allowed on the RER A, B, C, D and E all day long Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays, and during the week before 6:30 a.m., between 9am and 16:30pmthen after 19 p.m.The bicycle must be placed in one of the compartments marked with a bicycle pictogram and remain under the supervision of the traveler. [source]
The Île-de-France network also reminds everyone that carrying a bicycle is not not a rightbut this option is available as long as visitor numbers allow. However, bicycles are not not allowed metro, bus, tram or Montmartre funicular. [source]
On the TERThe general rule remains the same: standard bicycles or e-bikes are most often permitted in designated areas. Within the limit of available seats, but with increasing amounts of regional reservations in peak season or on busy routes. France Vélo Tourisme and the national platform veloabord.frsupported by SNCF Voyageurs and the regions, have become central tools for verifying these differences. [source]
The general logic remains stable, however: a bicycle folded ou disassembled and stored under cover often travels as luggage; a bicycle not disassembled depends on regional regulations; and bicycles hors gabarit are very frequently refused. Details by region are provided below. [source]
Thalys no longer exists as a separate brand : Since October 2023Thalys is integrated into EurostarFor former Thalys connections to Brussels, Amsterdam, Cologne or Germany, you must now read the Eurostar rules. [source]
On the Eurostar trains in continental Europe (Belgium, France, Netherlands, Germany), the detailed contractual rule provides for a Bicycle disassembled with both wheels removedstored in a soft cover, maximum dimensions 135 × 85 × 30 cmThe traveler can also carry a standard suitcase and a carry-on suitcasemust be able to carry everything himself and present himself no later than 30 minutes before departure on the platformFolding bikes are considered regular luggage if they do not exceed... 75x53x30 cmIn case of non-compliance, Eurostar may charge 30 € additional charges or refusal to allow the bicycle to be taken on board. [source]
For journeys to/from LondonEurostar specifies that the fully assembled bicycles are transported only on certain London-Brussels connections. Sure Paris–Londonthe bicycle must be disassembled and placed in a cover or boxEurostar also specifies that its bike service to/from London only accepts... standard road bikesand refuses tandems, recumbent bikes, cargo bikes and similar items. [source]
Speaking on TGV LyriaThe simple and clear official rule is as follows: bicycles are allowed only if they are folded or if their wheels are removed and then stored in a cover 130 × 90 × 50 cm maximumThe bicycle is then treated as hand luggage. [source]
I did not find, in the official Lyria sources consulted, a page as clear confirming an open and widespread standard service for a bicycle not disassembledFor a reliable article, it is therefore necessary to write that The safe and documented option is the folded or disassembled bicycle under a cover.. [source]
For TGV INOUI and ICE trains to and from Germany as part of the DB SNCF Voyageurs cooperation, the cross-border rule on the SNCF side is that of folded or disassembled bicycle under coverwith the template 130x90x50 cm. [source]
On the other hand, on the DB On the German network, the system is more extensive: you can take a bicycle on most of the regional trains, on the IC/EC, and on some ICE, but for long distances you need a bike ticket and total site reservation in addition to the passenger ticket. Folding bicycles travel free as luggage. DB generally accepts the standard bicycle, the pedelecs up to 25 km/h, and, in certain cases only, tandem, recumbent bicycle or tricycle if the train has sufficient space. [source]
| Train / operator | Bicycle not disassembled | Booking | Price | Folded/disassembled bicycle | VAE | Unusual bicycles | Key points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TGV INOUI | Yes, only on certain equipped trains | Yes, when buying | 10 € | Yes, free if ≤ 90×130×50 cm | Yes, but charging is prohibited. | Mostly rejected | Bike reservations not possible after the fact; luggage strictly controlled. [source] |
| OUIGO GV | In practice, no, except in specific commercial cases. | Yes to the folded/disassembled option | 5 € | Yes, cover ≤ 130×90×50 cm, < 30 kg | Electric folding bike, yes, if it's folded | Refusal of cargo ships, tandems, etc. | Bicycle option required, even if disassembled. [source] |
| OUIGO Classic Train | Yes, on some trains only | Yes | 10 € | Yes | Yes, if standard | Refusal of cargo, tandems, trailers, etc. | Paris–Bordeaux excluded for non-dismantled; Paris–Brussels possible on certain days. [source] |
| Intercity daytime | Yes | Yes, when buying | €5 to €10 depending on the line | Yes, ≤ 90×130×50 cm | Yes, charging is prohibited | Mostly rejected | Bike area provided; 4 lines at €5, other main lines at €10. [source] |
| Intercity night trains | Yes | Yes, when buying | 10 € | Yes, ≤ 90×130×50 cm | Yes, charging is prohibited | Mostly rejected | Paris–Briançon, Nice, Cerbère, Toulouse, Tarbes. [source] |
| transilian | Yes, off-peak | No | Free | Yes, all the time if folded | No separate national rule identified for e-bikes, but caution is advised. | Not specified at the network level; interference prohibited | Off-peak hours only for non-folding bicycles; €150 if obstructed. [ Source] |
| RER | Yes, off-peak | No | Free | Yes, in practice, if folded like luggage. | Unspecified | Unspecified | RER A to E: specific RATP timetables; metro/bus/tram prohibited. [source] |
| TER | Yes, depending on the region and capacity. | Sometimes | €0 to €3 depending on the region | Often yes, as luggage | Often yes | Often refused | Essential verification on the regional website or veloabord.fr. [source] |
| Eurostar Continental Europe | No, except for specific rules of another travel segment. | No "bike space" in the French sense; adherence to the special baggage rule. | €30 if bicycle/special luggage, according to baggage policy | Yes, disassembled, cover 135×85×30; folded 75×53×30 | Separate lithium battery not permitted on some pages | Rejection of atypical bicycles | Arrive 30 minutes early, carry everything yourself. [ Source] |
| TGV Lyria | Not clearly documented as a standard offering | Yes, folded or disassembled into a 130×90×50 cover | Not specifically stated; caution is advised when recharging | Unspecified | The only simple and safe official rule is to keep the bicycle in a cover. [source] | ||
| ICE / DB | Yes, on many IC/EC and some ICE trains | Yes, over long distances. | Bike ticket + DB reservation | Yes, folding luggage is free. | Yes, pedelec up to 25 km/h | Under highly variable conditions | France–Germany with SNCF/DB: rely more on a bicycle in a cover. [source] |
The table below prioritizes the official regional pagesWhen I haven't found precise information on a capacity or a very specific case, I indicate it as such. not specifiedFor border or interregional areas, specific local rules may apply.
| Region | Booking | Price | Period / lines concerned | What is accepted | What is refused / points of vigilance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes | Yes | 1 € | From May 1st to September 27th, 2026 on all TER AURA lines Weekends, public holidays, May 15th, and every day from July 1st to August 31st; season ticket holders are exempt on their season ticket route. Outside of these periods: free and without reservation. [source] | Standard bikes, folding bikes, e-bikes. [source] | Tricycles, fat bikes, cargo bikes, tandems, cargo bikes, and unfolded trailers are prohibited. Léman Express: cross-border surcharge on the Swiss side depending on the route. No reservation: access may be refused, minimum fine of €35. [source] |
| Bourgogne-Franche-Comté | partial | €0 or €1 depending on the axis | Free without reservation on most Mobigo trains. Reservation free and mandatory all year round on Paris–Dijon–Lyon et Paris–Auxerre–MorvanOn the axis Nevers–Parisreservation at 1 € Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays on certain Rémi Express trains. [source] | Classic bicycle, e-bike, folding bicycle without reservation, disassembled bicycle in cover 90×120×50. [source] | Trailers, tandems, cargo bikes, and recumbent bikes are prohibited unless disassembled and covered according to the permitted dimensions. Coaches: bicycles are permitted in the luggage compartment subject to availability. [source] |
| Britain | Yes | 1 € | For leisure travel, May 1 to September 27, 2026On all BreizhGo TER trains, with 1 reservation per bike and per train; subscribers are exempt on their subscription route. Outside of these periods: free and without reservation. [source] | Standard bikes, folding bikes, e-bikes; trailers if folded; panniers removed before mounting. [source] | Tricycles, cargo bikes, tandems, and cargo bikes are prohibited. The region has also shown that it can take targeted measures, for example a Temporary suspension of reservations from July 10th to 14th, 2026 for high temperatures. [source] |
| Centre-Val de Loire | Yes | €1 or €0 for subscribers | Reservation required on all the trains Rémi the Saturdays, Sundays and public holidaysInterregional trains may require reservations on weekdays. Season ticket holders: 0 € on the daily commute from May 1, 2026. [source] | Classic bicycles and e-bikes; folding bicycles, folding scooters, folding trailers if stored in 90×130×50 ; tandem PSH accepted on an exceptional basis with prior application. [source] | Unfolded trailers, long bicycles (>185 cm), cargo bikes, longtails, fat bikes, wide tires, and unfolded scooters are not permitted. Please arrive 20 minutes early and remove your panniers. [source] |
| Grand East | partial | €3 or €0 for subscribers | No reservations on most lines. Reservations required on [website/platform name]. Paris–Troyes–Mulhouse et Paris–Châlons-en-Champagne–StrasbourgRegardless of the journey taken on these lines. Season ticket holders: free via My Seat on Board. [source] | Traditional bicycles, e-bikes; folding bicycles, folding scooters, disassembled bicycles in covers 130 × 90 No reservation required; folded trailer can be used as luggage depending on size. [source] | Some trains between Strasbourg and Basel Non-folding bicycles are not accepted. Tricycles, cargo bikes, tandems, and non-folding trailers are prohibited. Fines can reach 150 €Recharging prohibited. [source] |
| Hauts-de-France | partial | €0; €4 to Belgium | Booking Free and mandatory until November 1, 2026 on K12, K13, K14, K16, K21, K70, K71For all travelers, including season ticket holders. Routes to Belgium: bicycle pass 4 €TER GV: bicycle only when folded or covered. [source] | Free traditional bicycle on TER trains, folding bicycle without reservation, cover 130 × 90. [source] | Tricycles, cargo bikes, trailers, tandems, and large vehicles are prohibited. Without a reservation on the relevant line: regularization will be required. 15 €Groups of 10 or more cyclists are not permitted in this system. [source] |
| Ile-de-France | No | Free | Transilien SNCF : unfolded bicycle off-peak (before 6:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m.–16:30 p.m., after 19:30 p.m. on weekdays; weekends and public holidays all day). RER AE side of RATP rules : before 6:30 a.m., 9 a.m.–16:30 p.m., after 19 p.m.; weekends and public holidays all day. [source] | Folding bikes are allowed at all times if they are folded; lines with racks on H, K, J, L and some N, P, R, RER D/E. [source] | Metro, bus, tram, and funicular: bicycles prohibited. Bicycles must be walked and must not obstruct doors or traffic. Fines may be issued. 150 € if hindered. [source] |
| Normandy | partial | €0 or €1 depending on the line | Reservations are required year-round. Krono/Krono+ Paris–Normandy. From May 1st to August 31st, 2026Reservation required on Caen–Granville–Rennes (free) and Caen–Le Mans–Tours (€0 or €1 depending on the train/region) for occasional travelers. Other trains: free without reservation. [source] | Classic bicycle, e-bike, folded trailer as luggage, tandem if accompanied by a visually impaired person, folded/disassembled bicycle in a cover 130 × 90. [source] | Tricycles, cargo bikes, unfolded trailers, tandems (except with special permits), wide-wheeled bicycles, recumbent bicycles, and large vehicles are not permitted. Coaches: Maximum 2 spaces per coach, depending on availability. [source] |
| Nouvelle Aquitaine | Yes, on 11 lines | 3 € | Du May 1 to September 27, 2026, mandatory bicycle ticket on 11 lines 15, 16, 31, 32, 33, 41/41+, 42, 44, 51, 52, 53. Subscribers exempt from fares on their subscription route. Service VéloZEN on certain 4-line trains at the same fare. [source] | Classic bicycle, e-bike; folding, disassembled in cover, trailer disassembled under cover, scooter folded under size without bicycle ticket. [source] | Tricycles, cargo bikes, tandems, unassembled trailers, longtail bikes, fat bikes, and other large vehicles are prohibited. If other lines are crowded, you may be transferred to another train. Charging is prohibited. [source] |
| Occitanie | Yes, at certain times | Free, except in cases where it costs €1 | Device Easy bike access : reservation free mandatory on liO trains for all passengers every day from July 1st to August 31st et Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays the rest of the yearSpecial case: on certain trains Nîmes ↔ Clermont-Ferrand, reservation charging €1 From May 1st to September 27th, depending on the period. [source] | Classic bicycles, e-bikes; folding bikes, folding scooters, disassembled bicycles in covers without reservation. Bicycles adapted for people with reduced mobility may be admitted without reservation within certain limits. [source] | Trailers, tandem/tricycles, longtail cargo bikes, recumbent bikes, cargo tricycles, vintage motorcycles, and Citycoco bikes are prohibited. Access without a reservation may be refused or require a minimum number of reservations. 10 € if checked on board. [source] |
| Pays de la Loire | Yes | €1; €0 for a 1-way return trip for subscribers on their route | Du May 1 to September 27, 2026Reservation required on the entire Aléop network by TER, except T1 and T2Subscribers: 1 free return trip/day on subscription route, then €1. [source] | Classic bikes, e-bikes, folding tandems, folded/disassembled bikes in covers 130×90×50Folded trailers if space allows, children's bikes < 1m without reservation. Loire à Vélo train: up to 50 seats all year round and up to 100 In high season, tandems and folded trailers are stored in the designated area. [source] | Unfolded trailers, tricycles, unfolded tandems, cargo bikes, longtail bikes, fat bikes, and recumbent bikes are prohibited. No reservation required: fines may be issued and access refused. Battery charging is prohibited. [source] |
| Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur / South | partial | 1 € | Du May 1 to September 27, 2026Reservations are mandatory and subject to a fee during certain periods on 4 lines: Lyon–Marseille, Briançon–Gap–Marseille, Briançon–Gap–Valence, Gap–GrenobleEvery day in July-August, otherwise weekends, public holidays and 15/05. TER/ZOU! or AURA season ticket holders on the relevant route are exempt. [source] | Classic bicycle, e-bike with reservation; folding or disassembled bicycle in a cover 130 × 90 No reservation required. [source] | Trailers, tandems, cargo bikes, and recumbent bikes are prohibited. Without a reservation on the train in question: access may be refused or a fine may be issued. 15 to 85 €. [source] |
| Corsica | Excluding SNCF TER trains | 15 € | The Corsican network falls under the Corsican RailwaysNot SNCF regional trains. The bicycle must be disassembled or foldedin a carrying bag 120 × 90 cm maximum. [source] | Bicycle disassembled/folded under cover. [source] | Bicycle not disassembled, not documented as accepted. For a national article, Corsica must be presented as a special case. [source] |
On trains where bicycle reservations are mandatory, you almost always have to book the bike at the same time as the ticketThis is the case on TGV INOUI, Intercités, many regional TER trains, and some international routes. SNCF Connect even specifies that... cannot add a bicycle space retroactively on its national reservation, except in the case of TER trains managed separately on regional platforms. [source]
On the day of travel, operators often ask forarrive early : about class in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region or the South region, class in the Centre-Val de Loire and Pays de la Loire regions, class on continental Eurostar. We must also consider remove the saddlebags, label the bicycle, locate the bicycle pictogram on the car door and, when required by law, dismantle/cover before accessing the dock.
At the station and on board, the common principle is the same: the bicycle is under your Responsibility Law, must be held in the hand if necessary, installed only in the planned areasand never disturb the portes, emergency exits or spaces PMROn the Paris region's transport networks, escalators with bicycles are prohibited.
To avoid choosing the wrong cover, remember these key points:
In general, it's important to remember that operators penalize the "bike" itself less than the failure to comply with boarding rules. Sure TGV INOUI et IntercitesNon-compliant luggage and bicycles may result 50 to 150 € Obstructing traffic is punishable by 150 € ; recharging batteries is punishable by law 150 €. [source]
On regional networks, the amounts vary: 15 € en Hauts-de-France without a reservation on a line where it is mandatory, minimum €35 en Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, minimum €10 en Occitanie, 15 to 85 € en Southern region. Sure Grand EastThe regional FAQ reminds us that a fine can reach 150 € in case of non-compliance with the rules. On EurostarThe bicycle may be refused and an additional cost of 30 € can be claimed in case of non-compliance / excess.
1. Which specific train? TGV INOUI, OUIGO, Intercités, TER, Eurostar, etc. [source]
2. What type of bicycle? Standard, VAE, folding, cargo, tandem, trailer. [source]
3. Do I need a bike reservation? If so, should it be done at the same time as the ticket? [source]
4. Will my bike fit within the correct dimensions if I put it in a cover? [source]
5. Am I on a regional route with a seasonal rule? [source]
6. Have I removed my panniers and tagged the bike?
7. Did I plan to arrive early enough? [
