Tandems on Trains

Latest information on the carriage of Tandems on trains in the U.K.

The various U.K.Train Operating Companies (TOCs) have differing policies on the carriage of Tandems.

This table provides the information compiled by our Rail Liaison Office. The entries for tandem permissive services are shown in green.

ScotRail have lifted the ban on split separable tandems and from April 2024 welcome them on all services. See details from the links below. They also allow access for other types of tandem on several types of trains on certain useful routes. Because this new policy is based on specific types of rolling stock the new situation demands full engagement by potential passengers to understand which services and rolling stock types are tandem permissive. Scotrail provide excellent specific guidance as linked below.

LNER allows tandem carriage subject to a reasonable size limit (see below). Hitachi-built Class 800 and 801 trains (called Azuma by this company) are used for most service although some older 225 sets have been retained by the company for significant routes including London <=> Leeds and London <=> York.  LNER Azuma routes include London <=> Edinburgh with a once a day service London <=> Inverness.

For general information and advice on taking your tandem on the train look at the advice page.

If you spot any errors or have any new information then please email the Rail Liaison Officer

Link for stations and routes served by each TOC

Each Pendolino train has enough room for two tandem bikes, but you'll need to book two spaces if you bring one. We can't carry tandems on our Evero trains. 

No specific mention of tandems. 

Updated policy leaflet has no details of different types of train and simply says:

Tandems cannot be carried on any of our services.

Greater Anglia

Follow the link, then expand the topic using the +

Ipswich, Clacton, Colchester, Braintree, Chelmsford and Southend to London services plus the branch lines to Harwich Town, Walton-on-the-Naze and Southminster.

Norwich - Cambridge, Ipswich - Peterborough and Ipswich - Cambridge trains (except for the first and last trains of the day between Ipswich - Cambridge and vice versa and the 06.23 Bury St. Edmunds - Ipswich)

Updated 17/4/2025

The link below related to a former franchise holder and much of the rolling stock has been replaced. Some of the advice is still useful

more information

We are unable to carry tandem bicycles or other oversized cycles,

London North Eastern Railway

LNER

See the section Larger Bikes and the related FAQ both on  page linked here.

For Azuma trains (Hitachi built class 800 and 801): Tandems up to 2.5m in length with both wheels removed can also be stored onboard. They must have two bike reservations.

General policy applicable to older trains: Tandems are accepted if they conform to the following specifications and have two reservations: 100cm in height x 60cm in width x 260cm

Updated 19/04/25

Updated 19/04/25

ScotRail general 

follow link above then > Bikes on Trains then >What types of cycle can be carried then> Tandems and larger... or >Separable/split tandems

ScotRail Highland Explorer

follow link above then > FAQs then> Can I take a tandem or larger cycle onboard?

One part, non-separable tandems:

Due to the size of tandems and cargo cycles these can only be carried on a limited number of our services on routes where we can guarantee which type of train will operate on all services. ScotRail operates ten different types of train across the network in Scotland and our safety assessments only allow tandems and larger cycles to be carried on three of our types of train.

Please plan your journey before wishing to board any of our trains with a tandem or larger cycle, like a cargo cycle. Our guide to travelling with a bike on trains will let you know if you able to join our services and check that your cycle is within the permissible maximum length shown.

Please note that for safety reasons 3 wheel cargo cycles or trailers cannot be carried on any ScotRail service.

Please ensure that you remove paniers or other items stored on your cycle before boarding the train. You should stow these items in the luggage racks not on your cycle.

Separable, split tandems including conventional frames with S & S couplers:

Separable or split tandems can be carried on all ScotRail services.

If you are travelling on one of our reservable Inter7City high speed train services you must reserve 2 spaces before boarding the train. If you are using the hanging vertical spaces on the train you may find it easier to deflate the front tyre before boarding. It is easier to stow a separable/split tandem in one of the horizontal roll on roll off spaces.

Please ensure that you remove paniers or other items stored on your cycle before boarding the train. You should stow these items in the luggage racks not on your cycle.

Highland Explorer carriages only (route Glascow <=> Oban)

Yes, there are a limited number of spaces onboard the ScotRail Highland Explorer carriage that can accommodate tandems.

Tandem must be reserved by 18:00 the day before travelling by calling our Customer Relations team on 0344 811 0141 (Option 2) Monday – Sunday between 7am – 10pm. If you are calling at the weekend please choose option 3 for our Customer Relations team who will make the reservation for you.

You must remember to specify when booking that you are travelling with a tandem.

Larger cycles are any two wheeled cycle longer than 182cm and up to the maximum permissible length of 255cm.

Details of cycle capacity for each train class but all say: They can't carry tandem bicycles or trailers.

For Island Line: Please note that tandems and cycles with attachments cannot be carried.