Paris - Calais TER trains with bike

[TomDW]

Has anyone taken their bike from Paris to Calais to catch the ferry ?
It does seem a bit complicated but the K16 seems to go all the way. Found this handy map. Looks like you can't reserve a bike spot.
The days of bikes & Eurostar appear to be over on that route.

 

[Ajax Bay]

Not me but I float the option to you of the ferry alternative: Dieppe-Newhaven. Fare from Paris way cheaper and Newhaven may be more direct for you than Calais if cycling on or a straight train to Victoria (shorter than from Dover). I have taken the train both ways Dieppe>Paris (no reservations, plenty of space, avoid rush hour obv, changed Rouen iirc) and also ridden the Avenue Verte south from Dieppe. Ferry takes 4 hours and iirc cost me £32 (bike, one way) last September, rolling up no ticket.

 

[Emanresu]

Unassembled bikes on trains in Europe is pretty straightforward. Been on lots.

The SNCF site says no need to book so take straight on. The only issue I have had in Europe (Spain) with an unassembled bike was when a cycling group got on a the same time. We all found spaces but the Train Manager (aka guard) wasn't happy. It will be the TM's decision if you get on but if there is a problem you just wait for the next one.

https://www.sncf-connect.com/en-en/train/bike-onboard

On TER trains, your bike travels free of charge, suspended or placed in a space provided for this purpose. These locations are accessible subject to availability and cannot be reserved.

 

[Richard Fairhurst]

I think that’s out of date, sadly.Each TER region now has its own bike policies and some require reservations for certain trains, particularly in the summer months. Last May I took a TER from Caen to Tours and had to get a (free, online) bike reservation in advance.

 

[mjr]

I think that’s out of date, sadly.Each TER region now has its own bike policies and some require reservations for certain trains, particularly in the summer months. Last May I took a TER from Caen to Tours and had to get a (free, online) bike reservation in advance.

The best summary in English at the moment is probably Taking bikes on French Trains - A Guide for Cyclists - Freewheeling France – https://www.freewheelingfrance.com/planning-a-trip/bikes-and-french-trains.html

 

[Emanresu]

Good catch, Richard. I should have known as I was in France last year and noticed each Region had its own policies.

Just used the SNCF app to see how to get a bike from Paris to the coast. You can do Paris-Dieppe but Paris-Calais seems impossible.

 

[mjr]

Just used the SNCF app to see how to get a bike from Paris to the coast. You can do Paris-Dieppe but Paris-Calais seems impossible.

The SNCF app and website are awful and often give incorrect info about both bikes and TERs, let alone the combination.

 

[TomDW]

Thanks folks, lots of useful info.

 

[briantrumpet]

FWIW, four of us with bikes were refused entry for a train from Die to Gap, as they only had one space. No reservation possible, no refund either. Wouldn't ever bother with a group again, as too risky.

 

[mjr]

FWIW, four of us with bikes were refused entry for a train from Die to Gap, as they only had one space. No reservation possible, no refund either. Wouldn't ever bother with a group again, as too risky.

Always have a backup plan for any transport, if you can. I've been part of a 11 person group using two Dutch intercity trains in a tour and they are surprisingly bad, similar to TER trains, 6 bikes per train, reservations impossible, plus unlike TER, you have to pay for bikes. I think we allowed to miss six trains, if needed, but there was only one we couldn't fit the planned people onto. It felt like a minor miracle it worked as well as it did. I'd use trains again, but try to minimise the number, especially with a large group, and have a backup. Ideally, I'd ride the whole way, but I don't have that much time at once and some people I tour with have less.

 

[TomDW]

Not me but I float the option to you of the ferry alternative: Dieppe-Newhaven. Fare from Paris way cheaper and Newhaven may be more direct for you than Calais if cycling on or a straight train to Victoria (shorter than from Dover). I have taken the train both ways Dieppe>Paris (no reservations, plenty of space, avoid rush hour obv, changed Rouen iirc) and also ridden the Avenue Verte south from Dieppe. Ferry takes 4 hours and iirc cost me £32 (bike, one way) last September, rolling up no ticket.

It's a good idea and nearer but i'm not sure the ferry times work so well. Last time I did it I zipped late from Newhaven to Brighton and only just go the last train.

This site is pretty good on whether you need a TER reservation: https://www.veloabord.fr/

I've seen this discussion on FB group called 'Bicycle Travellers'