Glasgow - Edinburgh train at peak times

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redcard

Guru
Location
Paisley
Anyone take a bike on this journey at peak times?

I'll be going Glasgow - Croy about 8am, and thinking of taking my bike on, as I have a 3-4 mile journey the other end.

Just wondering how practical it is getting a bike on without fuss.

Cheers
 

sabian92

Über Member
A lot of train companies don't let you take bikes on during peak times - I'm not sure about the train you're talking about but it might be worth ringing the operator and seeing what they say. Nothing worse than turning up at the station only to find you have to wait 2 hours!
 

fimm

Veteran
Location
Edinburgh
I get on a train to Livingston North at Haymarket at 7:40am ish. I sometimes see the Glasgow train that leaves before it, and you would not have a problem getting a bike on that. You are allowed to take a bike on those trains at peak hours. What I can't comment on is how busy with bikes a slightly later train would be. There are usually two bike spots per train on those trains and I think you are officially allowed 2 bikes per spot - but it might be 3. You can certainly get 3 bikes into them. Your problem is when you get the odd jobsworth conductor who insists on sticking to the rules and won't let extra bikes on when there is space. It would be worth looking at the Scotrail website for the exact rules. Other than that I guess all you can do is turn up and see what happens...
 
OP
OP
redcard

redcard

Guru
Location
Paisley
Had a look on the website, but there's nothing definitive:

"We won’t charge you to take your bike on our trains. However, availability is subject to space and, in some cases, to a cycle reservation. Reservations can be made by contacting us on 08457 55 00 33 or visiting a staffed station with your valid ticket."
 

Hawk

Veteran
The trains have a dedicated cycle area, usually it's in the front carriage but look for the blue square "cycle" signs. These spaces cannot be used for seating and it's not possible to stand in this area either due to the design of the cycle racks, consisting of a rigid bar extending out from the train's wall with some straps - these can't be moved. Generally the problem is from other cyclists taking up this space.

The trains are every 15mins so I'd suggest you show up 10mins before your train so that you can be the first to get your bike on.

Alternatively, I believe you can make cycle reservations on this route but I have never needed/had the chance to do that.

Cheers :smile:
 

gavintc

Guru
Location
Southsea
I used to catch the 7.12 or 7.27 from Haymarket to Glasgow Queen St on a daily basis with my my bike - no problems at all. At that time of day, there are 4 bike carriage points that can carry up to 8 bikes. The train only got really crowded after the final stop. But bikes were always carried.
 
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