Taking my bike to Austria (and onwards) by train

[Pulse]

I'd like to take my bike with me to Austria (and potentially further) by train. How possible is this? Or are there better options?

While I could rent a bike there, I'll potentially be there for a month, so would save a lot taking my own bike, and also be on a bike I know.

Would welcome any views.

[numtumfutunch]

Bit out of touch however I tried to take a bike to the Alps 4-5y ago by train and failed.

I cant remember the exact frustration, but one or the other of Eurostar and SNCF demanded the bike in a box and the other demanded it loose. To make it work I needed a bike box which Id either have had to take as hand luggage or leave in storage at Gare du Nord which ever way round it was.

Google is your friend.

Cheers

[Pulse]

Thanks for the input! You’ve raised a good point...

I have a (soft) bike bag. I wonder if I could take that as ‘luggage’ on the train? Or might that be a bit risky I wonder? (Also, bloody heavy!)

[rastapasta]

Pulse said:

Thanks for the input! You’ve raised a good point...

I have a (soft) bike bag. I wonder if I could take that as ‘luggage’ on the train? Or might that be a bit risky I wonder? (Also, bloody heavy!)

I live in Switzerland and so if you are going via here you can of course bring the bike but you must book in advance. Even the bigger inter regio trains have limited space to actually hang the bike. Otherwise the small bike back should work. The issue you will find is with people who just show up with their bikes rather than clearing in advance with the train company in question. In Switzerland and Austria however bring the bike is NOT an issue. These countries are well set up for cycling so it would not make very good business sense to block people in this regard. If you travel via zurich you will see tens of people at any one time travelling with bikes. No one seems to to use bike bags, they just bring as is and hang the bike up. The only real restriction here is on regional trains at peak time. otherwise none. And Austria wouldnt be any different. PM me if you need anything as regards routes around here if visiting Switzerland.

[RizzoTheRat]

You can take bikes on Eurostar, but not at all stations. There's a list on their website. London to Rotterdam is ok but didn't check any others.

[Barchettaman]

I travel extensively in Germany, France and Switzerland by car and train.

I use a 26” folder (a Dahon Espresso) and never get charged for bringing a bike.

If you can get something similar I would strongly recommend it.

Dunno why the image is 90 degs out.