Taking your bike on trains: a practical guide

Traveling by train with your bicycle can sometimes seem complicated. Between the rules that change depending on the type of train, the time of year, or the region, it's easy to get lost. To help you prepare for your trip with peace of mind, La Vélidéale summarizes the applicable regulations.

Sommaire :
1️⃣ Finding train stations along the route
2️⃣ Boarding requirements
3️⃣ Rules depending on the type of train 
4️⃣ Focus: TER Loire à Vélo (Loire by Bike)
5️⃣ Focus: TER in Nouvelle-Aquitaine (New Aquitaine)
6️⃣ In summary: The 4 essential reflexes of the cycle tourist

1️⃣ Finding train stations along the route 🗺️

From each of our route maps, you can display the stations located along the route:
• Click on the “ⓘ” section,
• Select the “Station” icon.

A simple way to plan your arrivals, departures, or alternative routes in case of unforeseen circumstances.

2️⃣ Boarding requirements 📌

• Have your ticket + bike reservation (if required)
• Arrive early to secure a good spot
• Remove panniers from your bike
• Cargo bikes: ❌ not accepted
• Tandem bikes and trailers: ✔️ accepted (folded trailers only)
• ⚠️ Transfers: 1 reservation per journey

3️⃣ Rules depending on the type of train

✔️TER (Regional Express Train): Simple, often free… but beware in the summer!

Generally speaking:
• Bicycles (not disassembled) are accepted free of charge,
• No reservation required,
• Subject to availability.

⚠️ Summer Specials
Every year, some regions require reservations on certain lines, particularly during the tourist season (May–September).
To simplify these procedures, the national platform veloabord.fr, launched by SNCF Voyageurs and the Regions, has allowed users since 2025 to:
• Plan 100% TER journeys throughout France,
• Identify lines requiring bicycle reservations,
• Access dedicated booking areas.

🚄 TGV, Intercités, OUIGO: Reservations required
On these trains:
• Some lines offer paid spaces for non-dismantled bicycles,
• Reservations are always required. The cost varies between €5 and €10 depending on the line and train type.

When the bicycle service is not available, you must:
➡️ dismantle your bicycle,
➡️ place it in a bag (dimensions vary depending on the operator).

4️⃣ Focus: TER Loire à Vélo (Loire by Bike)

For cycle tourists, the Loire à Vélo train makes it easy to transport bicycles between Orléans, Tours, Nantes, and Le Croisic.

🛑 Cities served:
Orléans, Blois, Amboise, Saint-Pierre-des-Corps, Tours, Saumur, Angers, Ancenis, Nantes
• Weekends: Saint-Nazaire, La Baule, Pornichet, Le Croisic.

On board these special trains, a dedicated bike room allows tandem bikes to be transported (not permitted on any other rolling stock).

🚲 Increased bike capacity in summer
From May 1st to September 28th, the train can offer up to 83 bike spaces during the following periods:
• May 1st to June 6th: weekends and public holidays
• June 7th to September 28th: ​​daily

🎫 Reservation required
• From May 1st to September 28th, bike reservations are mandatory for all passengers. 
• Fee: €1 per bike per journey, in addition to the train ticket. 
• Book online at: veloabord.fr 
 

👉 For travel within the Pays de la Loire region, be sure to check:
• TER Pays de la Loire special fares,
• the "Summer with Aléop by TER ☀" section.

5️⃣ Focus: TER in Nouvelle-Aquitaine (New Aquitaine)

Several TER regional train lines serve the towns of Niort, Bressuire, and Limoges, which are located along the La Vélidéale cycle route. See the list of lines here.

In summer, six TER lines offer additional bicycle spaces by reservation only, from May 1st to September 28th.

Lines concerned:
● La Rochelle — Rochefort — Saintes — Bordeaux (15)
● Angoulême — Saintes — Royan (16) NEW
● Libourne — Bordeaux — Arcachon (41 and 41+)
● Le Verdon — Macau — Bordeaux/Pessac (42)
● Bordeaux — Dax — Bayonne — Hendaye (51)
● Bordeaux — Dax — Pau — Tarbes (52) NEW
Reservations: https://naq.ter.veloabord.fr/

🚲 More comfort with the VéloZen service
This service is available on select dates and trains. It allows you to easily bring your bike on board thanks to a dedicated agent who will handle your bicycle.

With VéloZen, your bike is in good hands and you're guaranteed a spot for it! VéloZen service
● Bordeaux ↔ La Rochelle (line 15): daily from July 5th to August 31st
● Libourne ↔ Arcachon (41+): May/June bank holidays + daily from July 5th to August 31st
● Bordeaux ↔ Le Verdon (42): May/June bank holidays + weekends and bank holidays from July 5th to August 31st
● Bordeaux ↔ Hendaye (51): May/June bank holidays + weekends + daily from July 5th to August 31st

6️⃣ In summary: The 4 essential reflexes of the cycle tourist

1. Check if your train accepts assembled bicycles
→ via veloabord.fr
2. Check if a bicycle reservation is required
3. Plan ahead in summer, when it's crowded and the rules are stricter
4. Arrive early and prepare your bicycle (panniers removed, trailer folded, etc.)