What train ticket do I need to buy to take a bicycle with me on the train to Belgium?
I want to take the train from Haarlem (The Netherlands) to Antwerpen (Belgium) and would like to take my non-folding bike with me. It is unclear to me where I can buy a ticket and what the special periods/routes are when this is not allowed at all.
What I've found so far
I know that the Dutch railroad provider (NS) allows to travel with a bicycle:
- during off-peak hours
- for €7.50 one way
I found that the Belgian railroad provider (SNCB) allows to take a bicycle with you:
- whenever, but after asking the conductor
- for €4 one way
However, according to the NS International website (where I intend to buy my ticket) one can take the bike:
- only on the Intercity Brussels
- for €12 one way, and if travelling in July/August an extra €4 reservation fee
I am confused on what kind of ticket I should buy and if I should choose a specific route. I can e.g. take an intercity + regional train or two intercity trains (or the Thalys, but that's very expensive, so I don't consider that). Can I take a bike on both options?
Should I buy separate bike tickets from NS and SNCB on-line or should I buy the NS International ticket?
Question
Which train ticket do I need to buy and what train lines can I choose to be able to take my bicycle with me?
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Can you bring bikes on trains Belgium?
Long story short, in Belgium you are allowed to take your bike on any domestic train, regardless of its composition, for an extra fare. The SNCB offers two distinctive formulas: a bike ticket for one trip and a bike day pass. It's always good to first find the conductor on the platform.Do you have to pay for a bike on the train?
In the UK, there's no charge for taking your bike on the train, but depending on which train company you're travelling with, you might need to reserve a space for your bike. Jump to our reservation section for more on this.Can I take bicycle with me in train?
You can take your bike there. If you can dismantle and pack the bicycle, do it and then mostly you should be able to take it as part of your carry on luggage. This ensures that the bike travels with you and is safe from bad handling that is all too possible. Bike can't be carried with you.Can you take bikes on German trains?
Passengers need a bicycle ticket and reservation to take a bike with them on a German ICE International or intercity train. For regional trains, only a bicycle ticket is required. Your bike doesn't need to be disassembled. Regular bikes may also be carried as luggage if they fit under the seat or in the luggage rack.How to buy train tickets for bicycle in Italy
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