Bikes on trains

A guide for cyclists​

As part of our commitment to sustainability, EMR is committed to making it as easy as possible for you to take your bike on our train services. Learn all about our cycling facilities, from storing your bike in our cycle hubs, to travelling on board with your bike.

Safety is a priority, so we can only guarantee to carry a maximum of two bikes on each service. If these bike spaces are already full, you may not be able to bring your bike on board.

Traveling with a bike on EMR Connect Services

Our EMR Connect trains from Corby to London do not have dedicated cycle storage spaces. Full-size bikes are not permitted on EMR Connect trains arriving into London St Pancras International before 10:00 or departing between 16:00 and 19:00 on weekdays. You can travel with your full-size bike, outside of these times, but it must be stored in the vestibule area and you should stay with it throughout your journey. Folding bikes are welcomed at any time, but must stay folded and stowed safely throughout your journey.

Booking a bike space on the train

We strongly advise that you pre-book your bike space before you travel to avoid disappointment. Bike spaces must be booked before the day you travel – they can’t be reserved on the day.

Cycle reservations are essential for the following EMR routes:

  • Services to and from London (except on Connect trains from Corby - London St Pancras)
  • Services between Liverpool and Norwich​ (During summer months, June - September, between Peterborough and Norwich there is limited availability)
  • On all other routes we operate a first come, first served system for bikes and cannot make reservations. Spaces are limited to 2 per train so it's a good idea to get to the station early so you can make sure you get a space on the train. If you have a folding bike, you don't need a specific space for it, you can store it in the same way you would store luggage.
  • You can now reserve a space at the same time that you are booking your train ticket on the EMR website. We will show if a reservation is required on the route you are travelling on, along with details of how many spaces are still available (or if they are fully booked). Reservations can also be amended or cancelled by calling 0345 712 5678 (2,1) or emailing [email protected] .

Alternatively, call us on 03457 125 678, or email [email protected]

You won’t be charged for bringing your bike on board.

Travelling with a folding bike and electric bike

You can bring a folding bike on any EMR train service, provided it can be stored safely in the luggage racks.​

Electric assist pedal cycles may be carried on EMR train services, provided that they are similar in size to a traditional cycle. However they must not be charged onboard. Power assisted cycles without traditional cycle-style pedals, or with oversized dimensions cannot be carried.

Travelling with e-scooters is not permitted

E-scooters and certain other forms of personal mobility transport are not permitted on East Midlands Railway’s trains or within our stations. Find out more.

Rail replacement services

We sometimes have to offer alternative forms of transport during periods of engineering or disruption. Unfortunately we can’t transport cycles on bus or taxi services due to lack of space. Folding bikes may be allowed on rail replacement services in some instances.

There’s no charge to leave your bike at our stations and you’ll find cycle storage facilities at almost all EMR stations.

Cycle to the station, store your bike in our secure, sheltered facilities and change out of your cycling gear before you catch your train.

To join, just purchase a key fob for your local cycle hub for unlimited access to the cycle storage and any other facilities on offer. These range from members-only changing rooms to on-site cycle shops, bike hire and cycle repairs run by local cycle businesses.

Find out more about the facilities at your nearest cycle hub and where to buy your fob.

Sheffield Cycle Hub is open 24/7, with 400 cycle storage spaces right next to the pick-up and drop-off point outside the station.

For a one-off fee of £10 you’ll get access to the hub’s storage facilities, exclusive changing rooms and toilets.

To purchase a fob, please visit our ticket office in the concourse at Sheffield. If you lose your fob you will need to buy a new one at full price.

Find out more about Sheffield Station facilities

Leicester Cycle Hub has 222 secure cycle spaces and is open daily from 04:00 - 02:00. Find it on the station’s lower floor (access via the lift to the left of the customer information desk).

For a one-off fee of £10 you’ll get unlimited, lifetime access to the hub’s storage facilities and members-only changing rooms.

To join, visit the ticket office at Leicester Station and complete the form to buy your key fob. If you lose your fob you will need to buy a new one at full price.

Find out more about Leicester Station facilities

Nottingham Cycle Hub is open 24/7, with 140 secure cycle storage spaces on the ground floor of the station’s multi-storey car park.

For a one-off fee of £10 you’ll get unlimited, lifetime access to the hub’s storage facilities, exclusive changing rooms and toilets.

To join, visit the ticket office at Nottingham Station and complete the form to buy your key fob. If you lose your fob you will need to buy a new one at full price.

Find out more about Nottingham Station facilities

Loughborough Cycle Hub is open 24/7, with 130 secure cycle spaces behind the bus shelters at the front of the station.

For a one-off fee of £10 you’ll get unlimited, lifetime access to the hub’s storage facilities and self-repair unit.

To join, visit the ticket office at Loughborough Station and complete the form to buy your key fob. If you lose your fob you will need to buy a new one at full price.

Find out more about Loughborough Station facilities

Lincoln Cycle Hub is open 24/7, with 198 secure cycle spaces. Find it between the station front and St Mary’s Church.

For a one-off fee of £10 you’ll get unlimited, lifetime access to the hub’s storage facilities, members-only changing rooms, toilets and self-repair unit.

To join, visit the ticket office at Lincoln Station and complete the form to buy your key fob. If you lose your fob you will need to buy a new one at full price.

Find out more about Lincoln Station facilities

Kettering Cycle Hub is open 24/7, with 170 two tier cycle spaces, 2 accessible spaces, and electric bicycle charging points.

For a one-off fee of £10 you’ll get unlimited, lifetime access to the hub’s storage facilities and self-repair unit.

To join, visit the ticket office at Kettering Station and complete the form to buy your key fob. If you lose your fob you will need to buy a new one at full price.

Find out more about Kettering Station facilities

Derby Cycle Hub is open 24/7, with 144 secure cycle spaces. Find it on Platform 1 in the station.

For a one-off fee of £10 you’ll get unlimited, lifetime access to the hub’s storage facilities and self-repair unit.

To join, visit the ticket office at Derby Station and complete the form to buy your key fob. If you lose your fob you will need to buy a new one at full price.

Find out more about Derby Station facilities

Market Harborough Cycle Hub is open 24/7, with 140 secure cycle spaces and is situated at the front of Market Harborough Station.

For a one-off fee of £10 you’ll get unlimited, lifetime access to the hub’s storage facilities and self-repair unit.

To join, visit the ticket office at Market Harborough Station and complete the form to buy your key fob. If you lose your fob you will need to buy a new one at full price.

Find out more about Market Harborough Station facilities