Do you want a lovely cycling holiday? In many of our international trains it's possible to bring your own bicycle. That's handy! We recommend you travel during off-peak periods with your bicycle, but this is not mandatory when travelling internationally. Before you leave, check which rules apply for your train journey.
For some trains you'll need to make a reservation in advance or to buy a ticket if you want to bring your bicycle on board. For journeys to and from Belgium and Luxembourg you can book a bicycle ticket online. For other destinations you can book your train trip with bike at the you can book your rain trip with bike at the NS International Customer Service or the NS International counter at one of the Tickets & Service offices at the larger train stations. If you have any questions, you can contact NS International Customer Service at +31 (0)30 230 0023.
| Train with space for bikes* | Bikes packed in bike case** | Header | Header | Header |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intercity Berlin (16 bikes) | Thalys and Eurostar | Content | Content | Content |
| Nightjet to Zürich (6 bikes) | ICE and TGV | Content | Content | Content |
| Intercity Brussel (4 bikes) | Nightjet to Vienna | Content | Content | Content |
*These numbers apply to the trains at unchanged train composition. In case of disruptions and calamities, the number may change.
**The size of the bike case varies per carrier and can be read below.
Every train has its own rules for transporting your bike. Below you can read the possibilities to take your bike with you with each carrier:
To take your bicycle, you need an international bicycle ticket for the price of € 12 per single journey. Here you find the conditions for taking your bicycle on the Intercity Brussels:
Please note: you can book your bike ticket to and from Belgium online. For certain stations and routes in Belgium, it is not possible to take a bicycle: to/from Brussels Central, Brussels Congres and Brussel Kapellekerk.
Bicycles on board Thalys are only permitted if they are packed in a bicycle case (135 x 85 x 30 cm). In order for it to fit, you'll need to dismantle the front and back wheel.
Folded folding bicycles are considered carry-on luggage as long as they are no larger than the size of a suitcase, namely 75 x 53 x 30 cm.
On board TGV, a bicycle is only allowed if its front wheel has been removed and if the bicycle is packed in a special bicycle slipcover (maximum dimensions: 120 x 90 cm). A tandem is not allowed on board.
Regular bicycles are only allowed if they are packed as luggage. The packed bike must fit under the seat or in the luggage rack. If you take your bicycle with you, disassembled and packed, you don't need a ticket for your bike. Maximum packaging dimensions: 120 x 90 cm (lxw). For safety reasons, the aisles must be kept clear. Please make sure that your packaged bike has a luggage label with your first and last name.
Folding bicycles can be carried as luggage when folded, when they are placed in the luggage rack or under the seat. Folding bikes that are placed in the luggage rack must be packed in a cover, bag or suitcase for safety reasons. If the folding bike can be placed under the seat, packaging is not necessary.
Within Germany, there are many intercity and regional trains with special bicycle places. In a limited number of German ICE International trains, it's possible to reserve bicycle places. Passengers need a bicycle ticket and reservation to take a bike with them on a German ICE International or intercity train. For regional trains, only a bicycle ticket is required. Your bike doesn't need to be disassembled.
Regular bikes may also be carried as luggage if they fit under the seat or in the luggage rack. It's important to ensure safety on the train. The maximum dimensions for the packaging are 120 x 90 cm (lxw). A ticket is not required for a packaged bicycle. Folding bicycles can be carried as luggage when folded and they can be placed in the luggage rack or under the seat.
Folding bikes that are placed in the luggage rack must be packed in a cover, bag or suitcase for safety reasons. If the folding bike can be placed under the seat, packaging is not necessary.
Intercity Berlin has a bicycle carriage, with room for 16 bicycles. You can take your bike with you and place it in this carriage. Tandems (two bicycle spaces are needed for them) and tricycles (for people with reduced mobility) are also allowed.
You'll need an international bike ticket for your bike, which costs € 12 one-way. In addition, a reservation for your bike is required. You pay € 4 per one-way ticket. You can reserve a bicycle place by telephone, via the NS International Customer Service or at the international desk.
Bicycles packed as luggage are also allowed if they fit under the seat or in the luggage rack. It’s important that safety on the train is guaranteed. Maximum dimensions for the packaging are 120 x 90 cm (lxw). A ticket is not required for a packaged bicycle.
Folding bicycles may be carried as luggage when folded, if they can be placed in the luggage rack or under the seat. Folding bikes that are placed in the luggage rack must be packed in a cover, bag or suitcase for safety reasons. If the folding bike can be placed under the seat, packaging is not necessary.
Would you like to bring your bicycle only on board the Dutch stretch of Intercity Berlin? This is only possible with a domestic bicycle ticket. During peak hours and in the summer months, due to the crowds, bicycle transport is only possible for passengers with an international bicycle ticket and reservation.
Cycling is the ideal mode of transportation to get to and from the train station. That is why we offer you various bicycle services at all NS International stations.