There are many possibilities to travel in France by train : here is an overview of them to see clearlier !
Getting to France cycle routes by train
Map of trains accepting bicycles transport in France (in French)
- Only the main "long-distance" lines are listed - not all TER lines are shown
- Click on the lines to access the information (in French).
- Use the legend to show/hide stations
Bicycle transport on European trains
- From Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands: by Thalys
- From Great Britain: by Eurostar
- From Switzerland: by Lyria
- From other countries: by TGV (high-speed train) : see Rail Europe’s website
Getting around France by train
It’s not always that simple to transport a bike by train in France. Apart from the facilities provided along the Loire à Vélo route, elsewhere provision is variable and is generally not suited to dealing with groups.
Travelling with your bike on a High-speed train (TGV)
In France, some high-speed train routes allow bikes on board in designated spaces. This service is subject to a charge (€10) and is available by reservation only. Our map above shows the high-speed train routes offering this service.
On routes without dedicated bike racks, you must pack your bike in a bag measuring no more than 90x120 cm (at no extra cost).
Taking your bike on an Intercités train (InterCity)
The cost varies between €5 and €10 depending on the route. A direct journey without a change will be cheaper.
See our map above for the different routes and fares (blue/yellow for night Intercités services).
In France, there are a few night-time Intercités routes where space is provided for bikes. Booking is compulsory (€10 per bike)
OUIGO: The ‘low-cost’ option for French rail travel
Low-cost high-speed trains and ‘slow trains’ under the OUIGO brand also allow you to take a bicycle on board.
- The ‘OUIGO Train Classique’ (Slow Train): Slower and using regional lines, it is the only one that accepts your bicycle in one piece (without dismantling). Simply place it in the space provided. This peace of mind will cost you €10 and requires a compulsory booking.
- The ‘OUIGO Grande Vitesse’ (High-Speed): This is the blue and pink TGV. Here, space is limited, just like in an aeroplane cabin. You cannot board with a whole bike. Your only option is to dismantle it and pack it into a carry bag (max 90x130 cm). This “special luggage” option costs €5.
TER (regional services)
Free bike transport: on most TER trains, you can take your bike on board without dismantling it, free of charge, in designated areas (subject to availability), with no booking required!
Practical tips: Avoid peak times where possible
Plan your alighting in advance to make it easier for other passengers
⚠️ Buying your ticket online: barring seasonal and regional exceptions*, you do not need to specify that you are travelling with a bike on TER trains.
⚠️ Special cases:
- Paris > Dijon > Mâcon > Lyon line: booking a free bike space is compulsory via the “Accès Vélo Garanti” service: book my bike space here
- Grand Est: In Alsace, certain TER 200 services are not accessible to bicycles: the Strasbourg–Mulhouse–Basel line, Monday to Friday between 6.00 am and 8.30 am and between 4.00 pm and 6.30 pm
- Île-de-France: Bicycles are permitted on the SNCF and RATP networks except Monday to Friday from 6.30 am to 9.30 am and from 4.30 pm to 7 pm
Special TER + bike services for the summer
During the summer months, the regions are introducing booking systems, including for TER services.
Conseils pratiques pour transporter son vélo dans un train
Conseils pratiques pour transporter son vélo dans un train
Special equipment: trailers, tandems & other items
Only standard bicycles (including e-bikes, provided they are the same size as conventional bicycles) are permitted on board trains. Recumbent bicycles, tricycles, tandems and trailers of any kind are not permitted.
Some exceptions apply depending on the region and certain routes during the summer:
the Train Loire à Vélo – service available in summer only
trailers on trains in the Brittany region – service available in summer only (booking required)
