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Getting around: cars, transfers and passes

Bicycles and large luggage on trains, coaches, ferries and flights

I want to take a bicycle or oversized luggage — what am I entitled to and what must I check?

Applies to: European Union · National law variesRules last checked:

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In short

Only rail has an EU-level right to bring a bicycle, and it is conditional: you are entitled to take bicycles on board subject to limits, and where appropriate for a reasonable fee. For coaches, ferries and flights the EU passenger-rights regulations say nothing about bicycles, so the carrier’s own conditions decide — and they can and do differ.

There is no EU rule on large luggage either. What matters is the carrier’s size and weight limit, whether it can be carried at all on your route, and whether you have to reserve. Ask before you buy.

Trains: the EU bicycle entitlement

Regulation (EU) 2021/782 entitles you to take bicycles on board the train, subject to its limits and, where appropriate, for a reasonable fee. Where a reservation is required, it must be possible to reserve a place for a bicycle.

Railways may restrict carriage for safety or operational reasons — in particular capacity limits at peak hours, or where the rolling stock does not permit it — and may set limits on the weight and dimensions of the bicycle. They must publish their conditions, including up-to-date information on availability.

You should use the designated places where the train has them; otherwise keep the bicycle under supervision and make all reasonable efforts not to cause harm to others.

What the rail regulation says about bicycle places
SituationWhat is required
A reserved bicycle is refused without a justified reasonYou are entitled to re-routing or reimbursement, to compensation and to assistance under the regulation’s general rules.
New or majorly upgraded rolling stock (applies from 7 June 2025)An adequate number of bicycle places; where no plan sets a number, at least four places for bicycles on each train composition. Restaurant, sleeping and couchette cars do not count.
Any trainThe railway may restrict bicycles for safety or operational reasons and by weight and dimensions, if it publishes the conditions.

Coaches, ferries and flights

The EU regulations on coach, ferry and air passengers’ rights contain no provision on bicycles. That means there is no EU right, and no EU limit either: the carrier’s conditions of carriage decide whether a bicycle is accepted, whether it must be boxed or reserved, and what it costs.

The same holds for large luggage, sports equipment and musical instruments: check the operator’s baggage conditions for size, weight and reservation before you book, and keep the conditions as they read on the day you bought.

When it does not fit

  • If the bicycle or luggage is refused, ask what the carrier offers and get the refusal in writing; for a refused reserved bicycle on a train, the rail rules on re-routing and compensation apply.
  • Sending luggage ahead or using storage at the destination can replace carrying it: see the guides on luggage delivery and luggage storage, which say what to check and make no offer.
  • Mobility equipment is not ‘large luggage’: wheelchairs and assistive devices carry their own rights, described in the guide on reduced mobility.

Check before you buy

  • Read the operator’s bicycle conditions for your exact train, coach or sailing before buying.
  • Reserve the bicycle place if a reservation is required.
  • Note the weight and dimension limits and check your bicycle against them.
  • Photograph the bicycle or luggage before handing it over, and report damage before you leave.
  • For flights, coaches and ferries, get the carrier’s written baggage conditions on the day you buy.

Sources

General information to help you understand your options — not legal advice, and not a promise that any payment or refund is due to you. Your rights depend on the facts of your journey and the law that applies; check the official sources above and the carrier’s own terms.