Bikes on Trains

Trains in Elmbridge

We are fortunate in the Elmbridge area compared with some parts of the country, in that we have ample bike space on most trains for most of the time. Bicycles are carried free of charge and without need for booking at off-peak times during the week and throughout the weekend. There is normally space for up to six bikes on trains stopping in Elmbridge. It is rare for the bike space to be full, but bear in mind that this could happen if too many people have the same idea at the same time, and be prepared to have to wait for the next train if necessary.

Where to put your bike

We now have two types of train regularly stopping in Elmbridge; ; the older sliding-door trains, which are gradually being painted in a red livery to denote their inner-suburban use; and the new sliding-door trains, all painted in blue livery to denote outer-suburban. The older slam-door trains are now no longer with us.

The older sliding-door trains run in sets of 4, 8 or 12, and each coach has two sets of double doors opened by pressing a button on the coach side. They have enough space by each set of doors to take one or two cycles, if stowed with care. Make sure that the bikes don't block the doors or gangway, and stay nearby to keep an eye on them. Some stations have the platform on the opposite side to normal; watch for this, and be ready to move your bike if necessary to let someone in or out. And do it with a smile; we don't want cycles to be thought of as a nuisance by other passengers.

The newer sliding-door trains also run in sets of 4, 8 or 12 coaches. Each set of 4 has one door marked with a cycle symbol, which leads to a compartment with space for 2 cycles. If this space is taken, there is ample space by the doors, providing you do not block the doors or gangway.  However there are notices to say this is not permitted, and you may have to wait for the next train if asked to do so by the guard.

Further information

For more details about the train operator, or train time information, visit the Southwest Trains web site.

Last updated 09/08/06