FAQ Night Train: Can I take my bike with me?
Author: Niklas Jäggi
Many night trains offer a limited number of spaces for bikes.
As the spaces are (very) limited, a separate ticket and a reservation are required. So book early. With most ticket vendors, you can book a space for your bike online.
On some night trains, you need a bike bag. Note: During the day, depending on the train operator, you can transport your bike in a bike bag free of charge and without a reservation. You should not try this on night trains unless the train operator explicitly allows it. In the worst case, you may have to leave your bike at the station.
Your bike is usually stowed in a separate luggage compartment or carriage. Take at least one good bike lock with you, or even better two. Make sure you chain it so that nobody can simply carry it away.
If there is no (more) space for bikes or your bike is very expensive, you can also book a private compartment. This allows you to take your bike into your compartment (in a bike bag). This solution has worked several times for the author of this article, but there is no guarantee.
Depending on the train operator, folding bikes up to a specific size (and in a bike bag) can be taken along free of charge and without a reservation. Tandems cannot be taken on almost all night trains.
Find out more about how much luggage you can take with you.
Policies of some railway operators regarding bicycle transport
(as of August 2024)
- ÖBB Nightjet / Austria: Possible depending on the route, wisit https://www.nightjet.com/en/angebote/fahrradmitnahme
- DB / Germany: See ÖBB Nightjet
- SBB / Switzerland: See ÖBB Nightjet
- Trenitalia / Italy: Possible on domestic routes, select when booking. International
- SNCF / France: Select when booking.
- SJ / Sweden: Possible in a bike bag and with the front wheel removed - however, the train crew may refuse to take the bike on board. https://www.sj.se/en/about-sj/terms-and-conditions/luggage-rules#Special_luggage
- VY / Norway: you need a bike bag and you must book a private compartment. https://www.vy.se/en/customer-service/frequently-asked-questions/frequently-asked-questions-about-trains/on-board
- Snälltåget / Sweden: Possible depending on the route: https://www.snalltaget.se/en/faq.
Want to know what the bike spaces look like on a particular night train?
The vagonWEB website has detailed information and pictures: Enter the train number in the appropriate search box and select the train in question.
For example, the train number is NJ 402, which you can find in the search results on nightride.com or on your ticket.
Please note: The actual carriages used may differ from those listed on the website.
This blog post is part of our «FAQ Night Train» series. Here, you'll find all the valuable tips and tricks we've collected on many night train journeys.
Do you have feedback or an idea for another blog post? Write us an e-mail at info@nightride.com.