manchester to leeds on train

[Soltydog]

If you are traveling with TPE rather than Northern then you should be able to reserve a bike space Northern don't do any bike reservations, but TPE used to allow 1 reservation, in advance, per train

 

[al78]

I've just spent the last week traveling between Manchester and Leeds for a conference.

The earliest I got the train was 7:20am and the train was pretty quiet, no busier than off peak. A train I got at around 7:45am was similarly quiet, so I imagine that 7am would be little different. The former journey was from Piccadilly, the latter was the fast service from Victoria.

Thus at the time you want to travel, based on my (limited) experience there shouldn't be a problem, a bigger issue is likely to be if there are already two or three bikes in the cycle storage space.

If you are coming back in the evening peak, then that WILL be rammed full, no matter what train you get between, say, 5pm and 6:30pm. I wouldn't like to try and get a full size bike on. i would advise traveling back after 7pm when it will be quieter.

One thing to note is that the peak demand seems to be from people traveling between Huddersfield and Leeds, so that is why it is quiet in the morning from Manchester, but really busy from Leeds in the evening.

 

[Mr. Cow]

What time? Before my accident I did the 06.45 warrington -> picaddilly FTPE train, getting into picadilly at about 07.11 before it heads off to Leeds. The train seems to empty at picaddilly and you should have no issues getting on. You may have problems coming back though as I believe leeds -> manc can get a bit busy.

As I understand, TPE services to Leeds/Scarborough are mainly class 185's during the week. Assuming a single 3 car 185 unit, watch the train as it comes into the platform. If at the front you see the yellow coupler/electrical cover, the coach with the bike space will be at the rear of the train. Likewise, if it's the grey coupler the unit will be the other way round and the cycle space will be in the front coach.

Of course, availability of the cycle space is dependent on some numpty not being sat in the flexible seats when the rest of the train is empty

Also the formation will be different where there is a double (6 car) unit coupled together.

Alternatively you can get into the vestibule area between first class and the driver cab (yellow coupler end). If it's not busy I will slot my bike between the grab rails and tip-up chairs. If busy and/or wheelchair users present then I find it best to be polite and stand with the bike out the way

I have found TPE guards to be quite laid back about bikes even during busier periods, as long as you're not causing massive problems and don't mind ocassionally having to stand with your bike they are OK. I have known them to try and squeeze several bikes onto a packed train.

**EDIT** Just found a layout for a 185:
http://help.thetrainline.com/euf/assets/images/Pennine Class 185.png

 

[400bhp]

Thanks for all the help. I may try the manchester airport to stevenage via doncaster route next week, then cycle the 25 miles from stevenage.

 

[400bhp]

I gave the manchester to stevenage a try today, via doncaster. Worked well.

I got on at manchester airport. Teain was pretty dead and no issues with putting the nike on. By stockport the train was pretty busy and it left the station with 3 bikes on board. So it is a bit of a gamble getting on there. However I could have half hour extra in bed getting on at stockport.

Stevenage is a pretty awful place. Had some twonk in a saab convertible pointing towards the cycle path as she drove past. Yeah right

Definitely a good route option though