At a glance
- Reservation
- Recommended. Mandatory on the Night Riviera sleeper (bikes go in Coach A).
- How to book
- Online, by phone on 0345 7000 125 (08:00–20:00) or at a ticket office. Booked via Trainline? Call 0333 202 2222.
- Spaces
- At least 2 full-size bike spaces per train
- Peak restriction
- Unreserved bikes not carried on trains arriving at London Paddington 07:30–09:30 or departing 16:00–19:00
- Folding bikes
- Wheels up to 20 inches, folded: unrestricted
- E-bikes
- Road-legal only (250 W, 15.5 mph). No charging, no spare or damaged batteries, no modified bikes.
- E-scooters
- Not allowed
Not clear from the source
- The GWR web page doesn't say whether the Paddington peak restriction applies on weekdays only. A search summary of the PDF policy suggested weekdays, but Wader couldn't read the PDF directly to confirm – assume it applies every day until you've checked.
Reserve if you can
GWR recommends reserving a bike space. You can do it online, by phone on 0345 7000 125 (08:00 to 20:00), or at a ticket office. If you bought your ticket through Trainline, call 0333 202 2222 to add the bike.
Every GWR train has at least two full-size bike spaces. Without a reservation, it's first come, first served – except at the busiest times into and out of London.
The Paddington peak rule
Unreserved bikes aren't carried on trains:
- arriving at London Paddington between 07:30 and 09:30
- departing London Paddington between 16:00 and 19:00
If you're commuting with a full-size bike at those times, a reservation is effectively essential.
The Night Riviera
On the overnight Night Riviera sleeper, a reservation is mandatory, and bikes travel in Coach A.
Folding bikes, e-bikes and scooters
- Folding bikes with wheels up to 20 inches travel without restriction when folded.
- E-bikes must be road-legal – motor no more than 250 W, assistance up to 15.5 mph. You can't charge them on board, carry spare or damaged batteries, or bring a modified bike.
- E-scooters are banned.
On the day
- Be on the platform at least 5 minutes before departure.
- Don't cycle in stations.
- Don't leave your bike by the doors, and don't lock it to the train.
- Bikes aren't carried on replacement buses.