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.

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

Cycles we accept onto Avanti West Coast trains:

Tandem bikes - only on our Pendolino services (two bike spaces need to be booked for each tandem)

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.

The four car Castle Class HSTs have been used for tandem carriage in recent years but these are being rapidly withdrawn from service.

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)

Checked 11/04/24

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

more information

London North Eastern Railway

LNER

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

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

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.

ScotRail general 

for separable/split policy follow link above then > What types of cycle can be carried > Separable/split tandems

ScotRail Highland Explorer

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.

Split separable tandems can be carried on all ScotRail services. Separate the bike before boarding. Two cycle reservations are needed for the Inter7city HST services.

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.