Travelling with bikes
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Essential information
We offer secure storage space in our seated coach for 6 bicycles in racks and 2 bicycles in bags per service.
All bikes require a reservation to travel on our services. Due to high demand, we strongly advise reserving a space for your bike at your time of booking.
All bike reservations must be confirmed 3 hours before the service departs its first station. (For example, if you are travelling from Aviemore the bike reservation must be confirmed 3 hours before the service departs Inverness).
You can only book a maximum of one bicycle per guest.
If you are travelling on our Fort William service, you will be required to move your bike during a coach changeover at Edinburgh Waverley.
We cannot take bike reservations for services to/from:
- Blair Atholl
- Carlisle
- Corrour
- Crewe
- Dalwhinnie
- Preston
- Watford Junction
This is because our train is longer than the platform at these stations.
Bikes are carried at your own risk in line with National Rail Conditions of Travel.
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Bike reservation types
On the “review your order” page before you confirm your booking there are two possible bike reservation categories.
- Bike on rack reservation – This requires you to fix the handlebars of your bike sideways
- Bike in bag reservation - This requires you to dismantle your bike and store it in a bike storage bag
The booking system allocates bike reservation types on a first come first served basis.
You will be allocated a coach and bike space letter for your bike reservation.
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Bike on rack reservation
When you make your booking, the "Review your order" page will show you "Bike on rack" before you confirm your booking. This type of reservation requires you to fix your bike’s handlebars sideways.
The maximum sizes accepted for Bike on rack Reservations are:
- Maximum Bike Length: 1.8 metres
- Maximum Tyre Width: 2.5 inches
We request that you fix your handlebars sideways and have the appropriate tools to do so.
You will be allocated a bike in rack letter, which corresponds to the rack space on the train for your bike.
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Bike in bag reservation
When you book, you will see "Bike in Bag" on the "Review your order" page before confirming. This type of reservation requires you to dismantle your bike and store it in a bike bag.
The maximum sizes accepted for Bike in Bag reservations are:
- Bike in Bag Maximum Volume: 285 litres / 138x39x85cm
- Bike in Bag Maximum Wheelbase: 126cm
Purpose made soft, protective storage bags containing dismantled bike accepted only. We cannot accept “makeshift bags” or bikes fully assembled in larger bags/wrapping.
You will be allocated a bike in bag letter on your reservation. This corresponds to the space on the train where your bike in bag reservation will be allocated.
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Bike reservations for Fort William guests who have booked a room
When you make your booking, the "Review your order" page will show you two bike reservations before you confirm your booking. These could be either bike on rack or bike in bag reservations as shown above.
There are two reservations because you are required to move your bike between coaches at Edinburgh on both northbound and southbound journeys.
You will be allocated a bike in rack letter or bike in bag letter for both legs of your journey, which corresponds to the rack space or bike in bag space on the train.
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Bike reservations for Fort William guests who have booked a seat
When you make your booking, the "Review your order" page will show you two bike reservations before you confirm your booking. These could be either bike on rack or bike in bag reservations as shown above.
There are two seat reservations and two bike reservations because you are required to move coach and move your your bike between coaches at Edinburgh on both northbound and southbound journeys.
You will be allocated a bike in rack letter or bike in bag letter for both legs of your journey, which corresponds to the rack space or bike in bag space on the train.
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E-bike Safety Requirements
When booking your E-bike on Caledonian Sleeper services, it is your responsibility to ensure that:
- The battery can and has to be switched off when on the train without removing it from the bike.
- The battery should not be removed from the bike.
- You are not permitted to use the train’s power supply to charge your battery.
- Your e-bike has to conform to EN15194 and/or displays the CE mark, and has to meet the criteria of an “Electrically assisted pedal cycle”(EAPC).
- The maximum permitted weight of your bike including battery should not exceed 25Kg.
Failure to comply with the above requirements may result in a refusal to board the train or your removal from the train.
Unfortunately, we are not able to carry bike boxes, tandems, tricycles, electric scooters or electric unicycles.
Like many other train operators, we have taken the decision to place a temporary ban all lithium-ion powered micro devices on all Caledonian Sleeper trains and in all stations with effect from Thursday, 1 June 2023.
This includes:
- e-scooters.
- e-unicycles.
- e-hoverboards.
- e-skateboards.
Having reviewed our position in the banning of these items, we have decided this ban will remain in place for the foreseeable future.
This policy does not apply to personal mobility devices, powered wheelchairs and power assisted bicycles or e-bikes, which are regulated by UK legislation and British Standards.
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Boarding and Arrival
We advise you to arrive 20 minutes before departure to give you time to store your bike properly.
When you check in our hosts will direct you to the bike storage area. Unfortunately, our hosts cannot assist you moving your bike.
When loading your bike, please make sure to fix your handlebars sideways or place them in a bag, depending on your reservation type. Please remember to bring appropriate tools.
On arrival please be ready to remove your bike from the storage area.
Disruption
Sometimes we are subjected to disruption issues that are outwith our control, meaning that you may not be able to compete your journey by train.
We get advance notice of any planned disruptions 6-12 weeks ahead. You can find more information here.
If you are affected, our team at the Guest Service Centre will be in touch with you to organise your bike reservation needs with our road transport partners.
Should there be any unplanned disruption on your departure day, we will contact you as soon as possible. We will try to make arrangement with our road transport partners to accommodate your bike.
If you decide that you do not wish to travel you will be eligible for a refund.
During disruption when we use rail replacement services, we may not be able to accommodate/make arrangements for your bike.