Public transport and bikes

Transporting your bike

Want to squeeze your mountain bike on the tube at rush hour? Forget it. But there are times and ways you can get most bicycles round London by public transport.

There are times where you want to combine cycling with another type of transport and you can take bikes on trains, the DLR, some tubes as well as river boat services and the Emirates Airline.

TfL has handily gathered information on cycle carriage on the public transport network here and we recommend checking that before travel. In summary:

• Folded bicycles can be taken free of charge on the tube at all times. Non-folding bicycles can be taken free of charge on some sections of the tube outside peak times. Peak times are 07.30 – 09.30 and 16.00 – 19.00, Monday to Friday, except for public holidays. In certain cases, as listed, non-folding bicycles may also be taken during rush hour in the opposite direction to the majority of travellers.
• The same rules apply for DLR (but don’t expect to be allowed off at Bank due to safety concerns), most Overground services and TfL Rail. River services take bikes as does the Emirates Air Line, but buses and trams are out for all but folding cycles.

Note – you cannot take bicycles onto moving escalators anywhere on the TfL network so do leave enough time to use lifts and step-free routes.

For non-TfL trains check any restrictions with the operator – you may need to book a place for your bike on any intercity or long distance services. Peak time services may be different to TfL’s so again, please check before you travel.

If you cannot take your bike on the route that you want there are cycle hire services across London so this might be an option worth considering.

Elizabeth Line Update

The new Elizabeth Line will accept passengers with non-folding bikes from approximately 9.30am – 4pm with no additional fare for the cycle. Lifts will provide access to the train platforms at Tottenham Court Road, and Bond Street when it opens. Lift access is already provided at remaining Elizabeth Line stations.

As a general guide, overground sections of the Underground, Overground Rail and the DLR permit off-peak cycle carriage as well as the new Elizabeth Line. There are some specific restrictions as well as a few peak time exceptions.

For full details, click here.

What LCC wants to see improved

Public transport is often used in tandem with cycling, sometimes called ‘multi modal transport.’ This can be especially important for Disabled cyclists, for whom walking can be difficult and uncomfortable.

LCC wants to see transport providers provide accessible cycle storage both on the transport itself, and secure parking at transport premises. It’s also important to us that transport facilities and carriages themselves are accessible on a step-free basis.

Join LCC today and help us make it happen.

See below for all routes where a bike is permitted (on some lines, this is off-peak only)