Hallelujah! We’ve put together a handy guide for travelling to and from our city stops.
We’ve gone into quite a bit of detail, but this information is not exhaustive and only meant as a starting point for your own research.
We’ve written this from the point of view of travelling out from the UK, but for most of the journeys you can simply reverse the instructions to get back. If you’re not coming from the UK, you might still be able to cannibalise some of the info!
We’ve gone into quite a bit of detail, but this information is not exhaustive and only meant as a starting point for your own research.
We’ve written this from the point of view of travelling out from the UK, but for most of the journeys you can simply reverse the instructions to get back. If you’re not coming from the UK, you might still be able to cannibalise some of the info!
Overlanding with your bike is easy and a lot more fun than flying - when you know how!
One note: Train and coach stations tend to be very central, but they aren't very van friendly! If you arrive by train or coach, we ask that you make your own way to where we are staying, where someone will be on hand to welcome you.
Get a small, light bike bag
High speed trains and most coaches in Europe won’t let you take your bike unless it’s in a bike bag.
There are exceptions to this rule, such as dedicated Flixbus cycle spaces, but they are rare and get booked up quickly.
Make sure you know how to get your bike into your bike bag - and that you have all the tools you need close to hand.
Allow plenty of time for connections and, if you’re changing stations and your bike is in a bag, then allow time to construct and deconstruct your bike.
Top Tip: Wheel your bike all the way to your train's platform, then dismantle and bag it there. Saves having to lug 15kg of bike around the station!
Proven bike bags include:
There are exceptions to this rule, such as dedicated Flixbus cycle spaces, but they are rare and get booked up quickly.
Make sure you know how to get your bike into your bike bag - and that you have all the tools you need close to hand.
Allow plenty of time for connections and, if you’re changing stations and your bike is in a bag, then allow time to construct and deconstruct your bike.
Top Tip: Wheel your bike all the way to your train's platform, then dismantle and bag it there. Saves having to lug 15kg of bike around the station!
Proven bike bags include:
- Decathlon's Bike Transport Cover
- Hapo G Housse Transport Velo (GoSport is a popular French sports shop)
or send your bike ahead with a courier
Last time we did our ride to Athens, a clever band of Thighsers used a specialised bike shipping company to send their bikes direct to the start city. That meant they could relax on the train and enjoy the view without worrying about logistics!
They used a courier called Sherpr, who sent them a cardboard packing box a few days before the adventure and their bike was ready and waiting for them at the hostel where we were staying. Easy!
It's not cheap, but does save a lot of stress for both overlanders and flyers. Other companies are available and might be cheaper, but Sherpr is the one we've had a good experience with.
They used a courier called Sherpr, who sent them a cardboard packing box a few days before the adventure and their bike was ready and waiting for them at the hostel where we were staying. Easy!
It's not cheap, but does save a lot of stress for both overlanders and flyers. Other companies are available and might be cheaper, but Sherpr is the one we've had a good experience with.
consider coaches
Most of our overlanding recommendations focus on trains, rather than coaches - but don’t dismiss the possibility that Flixbus or Eurolines might be able to make a connection where trains don’t dare!
Long distance coaches are comfortable and can be both cheaper and more convenient than trains, especially if you’re travelling with a bike.
The downside of coaches is that they are more susceptible to traffic delays and occasionally breakdowns.
Some coaches come with dedicated cycle spaces (which you must book in advance). If there aren’t bike spaces on your coach, don’t worry - you can pre-book extra luggage allowance and pop your bike into a bag.
Although it’s technically possible that the driver could tell you there’s no space, it’s never happened to us. Be nice to the driver.
Long distance coaches are comfortable and can be both cheaper and more convenient than trains, especially if you’re travelling with a bike.
The downside of coaches is that they are more susceptible to traffic delays and occasionally breakdowns.
Some coaches come with dedicated cycle spaces (which you must book in advance). If there aren’t bike spaces on your coach, don’t worry - you can pre-book extra luggage allowance and pop your bike into a bag.
Although it’s technically possible that the driver could tell you there’s no space, it’s never happened to us. Be nice to the driver.
OVERLAND RESOURCES
Big THANK YOU to Flight Free UK for putting together all this overlanding information. Head over to their website for loads more adventure inspiration 💚
- Rome2Rio: You can punch in two places and Rome2Rio will spit back both flying and overlanding options. Superb for an overview of your options
- The Man In Seat 61: Sensational train advice, including a dedicated bike page
- Flixbus: Book long distance coaches, some with dedicated cycle spaces. Flixbus baggage rules
Big THANK YOU to Flight Free UK for putting together all this overlanding information. Head over to their website for loads more adventure inspiration 💚
Too complicated?
Hire one of our spare bikes for £70. Just let us know when you signup
Easy peasy!
Hire one of our spare bikes for £70. Just let us know when you signup
Easy peasy!
GLASGOW, UK
Week 1 cyclists arrive on 15 July
Avanti West Coast goes to Glasgow from London and takes bikes for no charge when booked in advance. You can book your bike onto a train using Twitter these days!
Other train providers include Cross Country (from west country), LNER (east coast) and Scotrail (within Scotland) – you must also book your bike on these in advance.
Caledonian sleeper goes between London and Glasgow overnight and takes bikes booked in advance. Basically: make sure you check the various train company bicycle policies.
It’s not permitted to take bikes on National Express and Megabus coaches, but you might be able to sweet-talk the driver if it’s dismantled and bagged.
We strongly recommend not flying domestically with your bike – it’s a logistical nightmare, not to mention the emissions!
London to Glasgow CO2 Emissions
Avanti West Coast goes to Glasgow from London and takes bikes for no charge when booked in advance. You can book your bike onto a train using Twitter these days!
Other train providers include Cross Country (from west country), LNER (east coast) and Scotrail (within Scotland) – you must also book your bike on these in advance.
Caledonian sleeper goes between London and Glasgow overnight and takes bikes booked in advance. Basically: make sure you check the various train company bicycle policies.
It’s not permitted to take bikes on National Express and Megabus coaches, but you might be able to sweet-talk the driver if it’s dismantled and bagged.
We strongly recommend not flying domestically with your bike – it’s a logistical nightmare, not to mention the emissions!
London to Glasgow CO2 Emissions
- By plane: 143.5kg CO2
- By train: 22.76kg CO2
- = 84% saving!
BRISTOL, UK
Week 1 ends and Week 2 cyclists arrive on 23 July
Bristol is well connected with most major UK cities using providers including GWR and Cross Country. Both of these providers require advanced bookings for bikes. You can even book your bike onto a train using Twitter these days!
London to Bristol CO2 Emissions
Bristol is well connected with most major UK cities using providers including GWR and Cross Country. Both of these providers require advanced bookings for bikes. You can even book your bike onto a train using Twitter these days!
London to Bristol CO2 Emissions
- By plane: 43.28kg CO2
- By train: 6.87kg CO2
- = 84% saving!
PARIS, FRANCE
Week 2 ends and Week 3 cyclists arrive on 30 July
Eurostar from London is currently NOT taking bikes. This is a Covid measure and therefore could change. In normal times, Eurostar takes a limited number of fully-assembled bikes which are looked after by Euro dispatch (separate to the train company). You therefore need to check your bike in separately and go to collect it afterwards – you can’t load it on and off the train yourself.
Eurostar accepts luggage up to 85cm wide, with no weight limit, so if you can get your disassembled bicycle into a bag no wider than 85cm, you can take it on as hand luggage.
Other options include any number of ferries:
Trains run to all of these locations from Paris (apart from St Malo which doesn’t have a train station) by TGV/Train Nomad/TER.
Check the bicycle policy for the train you want, but as a rule:
London to Paris CO2 Emissions
Eurostar from London is currently NOT taking bikes. This is a Covid measure and therefore could change. In normal times, Eurostar takes a limited number of fully-assembled bikes which are looked after by Euro dispatch (separate to the train company). You therefore need to check your bike in separately and go to collect it afterwards – you can’t load it on and off the train yourself.
Eurostar accepts luggage up to 85cm wide, with no weight limit, so if you can get your disassembled bicycle into a bag no wider than 85cm, you can take it on as hand luggage.
Other options include any number of ferries:
- Dieppe to Newhaven
- Calais/Dunkirk to Dover
- Roscoff to Plymouth
- St Malo/Caen/Cherbourg/Le Havre to Portsmouth
- Cherbourg to Poole
Trains run to all of these locations from Paris (apart from St Malo which doesn’t have a train station) by TGV/Train Nomad/TER.
Check the bicycle policy for the train you want, but as a rule:
- High speed TGV intercity trains do not accept bikes unless they are dismantled and bagged
- TGV local trains, TER and Train Nomad do take bikes but they need a ticket, which you buy at the train station
- TGV INOUI: book in advance. €10 charge
- Ouigo accept disassembled, bagged bikes only. Nominal charge of €5, which they often forget about
- TER regional trains: no fee, no booking - but they are slower
London to Paris CO2 Emissions
- By plane: 54.44kg CO2
- By train: 2.67kg CO2
- = 95% saving
- By ferry (Dieppe route): 6.81kg CO2
- = 87% saving
LYON, FRANCE
Week 3 ends and Week 4 cyclists arrive on 6 August
You've got a couple of options.
The quickest route is:
Alternatively:
See the PARIS section for the rules for putting your bike onto the trains.
London to Lyon CO2 Emissions
You've got a couple of options.
The quickest route is:
- Eurostar to Lille
- TGV train to Lyon
Alternatively:
- Eurostar or ferry to Paris
- TGV train to Lyon
See the PARIS section for the rules for putting your bike onto the trains.
London to Lyon CO2 Emissions
- By plane: 117.03kg CO2
- By train: 4.8kg CO2
- Saving = 96%
mILAN, iTALY
Week 4 ends on 13 August // Week 5 cyclists arrive on 20 August
Italian trains bicycle policy are similar to most countries: bicycles must be disassembled and bagged if on the high speed intercity trains. Bags should be no larger than 80cm x 110cm x 40cm.
Regional trains take bikes for a fee – around €3.50.
London to Milan CO2 Emissions
- Eurostar to Paris (see PARIS section for details)
- Either TGV (French high speed) or Frecciarossa (Italian high speed) to Milan
Italian trains bicycle policy are similar to most countries: bicycles must be disassembled and bagged if on the high speed intercity trains. Bags should be no larger than 80cm x 110cm x 40cm.
Regional trains take bikes for a fee – around €3.50.
London to Milan CO2 Emissions
- By plane: 152.01kg CO2
- By train: 5.85kg CO2
- Saving = 96%
TRIESTE, ITALY
Week 5 ends and Week 6 cyclists arrive on 3 September
See PARIS and MILAN sections for information on taking your bike on French and Italian trains. You need to book in advance on all of them apart from the last local train to Trieste.
London to Trieste CO2 Emissions
- Eurostar to Paris
- TGV to Turin
- Frecciarossa to Venice
- Local train from Venice to Trieste
See PARIS and MILAN sections for information on taking your bike on French and Italian trains. You need to book in advance on all of them apart from the last local train to Trieste.
London to Trieste CO2 Emissions
- By plane: 192kg CO2
- By train: 8.3kg CO2
- = 96% saving (are you seeing a pattern here?!)
DUBROVNIK, CROATIA
Week 6 ends and Week 7 cyclists arrive on 3 September
Final leg notes: The bus may or may not take your bike, so check with the operator. You can’t take your bike on the high-speed catamaran, but you can take it on the ferry.
- Eurostar to Paris (See PARIS section for more info)
- TGV Lyria to Zurich
- Sleeper to Zagreb
- Daytime or overnight train to Split (takes bikes for a charge of 15 Kuna)
- Bus or ferry to Dubrovnik - or cycle!
Final leg notes: The bus may or may not take your bike, so check with the operator. You can’t take your bike on the high-speed catamaran, but you can take it on the ferry.
THESSALONIKI, GREECE
Week 7 ends and Week 8 cyclists arrive on 11 September
London-Paris-Milan-Brindisi-Igoumenitsa-Thessaloniki
Feel free to mix and remix these ideas with other transport possibilities, like ferries and coaches - or even cycling!
London-Paris-Milan-Brindisi-Igoumenitsa-Thessaloniki
- Eurostar to Paris (See PARIS section)
- TGV to Milan (See Milan section)
- High speed TrenItalia Frecciarossa train to Brindisi
- Overnight ferry Brindisi-Igoumenitsa
- Coach to Thessaloniki
- This journey will be two nights, or three if you want to take it casual
- You will need to put your bike into a suitable bike bag for some legs of this journey
- Most of this journey is covered in this blog post by Thighs alumnus David Charles
Feel free to mix and remix these ideas with other transport possibilities, like ferries and coaches - or even cycling!
ATHENS, Greece
Week 8 ends on 18 September
Athens-Patras-Brindisi-Milan-Paris-London
Feel free to mix and remix this idea with other transport possibilities, like ferries and coaches - or even cycling!
Athens-Patras-Brindisi-Milan-Paris-London
- Coach to Patras. If you’ve got a few days, the cycle from Patras to Athens along the gulf of Corinth is lovely!
- Overnight ferry Patras-Brindisi.
- High speed TrenItalia Frecciarossa train to Milan.
- TGV to Paris.
- Eurostar to London. You’ll need to prebook your bike onto the Eurostar (£35-45 unboxed, £30 boxed).
- This journey will be two nights, or three if you want to take it casual.
- You will need to put your bike into a suitable bike bag for some legs of this journey.
- Most of this journey is covered in this blog post by Thighs alumnus David Charles.
Feel free to mix and remix this idea with other transport possibilities, like ferries and coaches - or even cycling!
Useful things to know
Booking & Cost
- If you let us know your flight details, we’ll do our best to pick you up / drop you off at the airport
- We can only give lifts between 9am and 6pm on your arrival and departure day. We know arrival times are sometimes not very easy to choose, so do what you can and we'll do what we can to make things work!
- You’ll need to dismantle and pack your bike very carefully. Youtube will be your best source of advice. Our advice- protect the derailleur! For that, you’ll need a box and some packing materials. See this guide here
- It doesn’t have to cost a bomb: a cardboard box and lots of clothes for padding in the right places will do the trick
- Allow plenty of time for lugging your bike around the airport
Booking & Cost
- Ryanair: Book in advance, £60 More info here
- British Airways: Included in your baggage allowance, but let them know in advance More info here
- Easyjet: Book in advance, charges apply More info here
- Wizz: Book in advance, €60 More info here
- Jet2: Book in advance, charges apply More info here
- Aegean: Book in advance, €50 More info here
- Eurowings: Book in advance, charges apply More info here
Remember: If this sounds like too much hassle, hire one of our spare bikes for just £70
Book when you signup or contact us direct. Nice one!
Book when you signup or contact us direct. Nice one!
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