Eurostar charges for bicycles

Eurostar charges for bicycles now come with the stipulation that a bike bag or box is used.

The change in policy means that bikes need to be dismantled and has angered cycling organisations who argue that it will dissuade casual cyclists from using the service.

In order to conform to the new restrictions, both bicycle wheels need to be removed. If that wasn’t hassle enough, with a bike bag it’s a good idea to protect vulnerable components with something like cardboard; a rigmarole that needs repeating on the return journey.

Eurostar charges for bicycles

Eurostar charges for bicycles remain unchanged at £25 each way on the routes between London and Paris/Brussels/Lille. However, cyclists now face the added expense, hassle and time involved in dismantling their bike and packaging it safely within a bike bag or box.

When is a bicycle bag not a bicycle bag?

Carrying a bicycle bag with you for the entire journey is pain. If you can tape some old bits of cardboard packaging to protect the wheels and derailleur, why not place everything in a couple of bins bags? These are far lighter and smaller to carry during the trip and if they tear can be easily replaced before the return journey.

When is a bicycle not a bicycle?

Cyclists have faced problems getting bikes onto trains for decades. Campaigners highlighted the absurdity of blanket bans on cycles by boarding a train with a cardboard bike, which was allowed on board as standard luggage.

The ethical choice

The ETA was established in 1990 as an ethical provider of green, reliable travel services. Over 30 years on, we continue to offer cycle insurance , breakdown cover and mobility scooter insurance while putting concern for the environment at the heart of all we do.

The Good Shopping Guide judges us to be the UK’s most ethical provider.