It’s that time of the year when we are all off in search of sun and adventure. What better way to do so than by bike? Cycling holidays continue to gain popularity in Europe, with many different ways of going about them. Whether you take your own bike, or use a rental, there may come a time when you need to transport it. While transporting your bike is not always easy, it can be done! We've put together a few key points to get you started.

Train

Travel by train is often the obvious option in Europe where comprehensive networks link all countries. Regional and slower trains are generally very accommodating of bikes which allows you to plan a cycling holiday incorporating local train services. Some may charge a bit extra, or have limited space so it pays to check it out beforehand and if necessary book in advance. To see whether your bike will be welcome on your train journey, don’t go past these very useful websites www.bahn.de and www.sbb.ch. 

It is also possible to transport your bike using some international train carriers. Train carriers such as Eurostar and Thalys accept bikes as part of your luggage allowance on the condition that they aren't too hefty or large. If you are travelling with a big mountain bike or the likes, your options may be more limited and you might have to pay a fee.

Bus

 Another option is buses. Although it has traditionally been more difficult to find vehicles that take bikes, in recent years there have been some encouraging developments. Carriers such as Eurolines now let you transport your bike on certain lines across Europe. As with trains, they are much more receptive if you can either fold it up or pack it away neatly in a bike bag.

Plane

If you are planning a cycling vacation further afield, another way to transport your bike is by air travel. Many airline carriers have increasingly accommodating policies towards bikes. While some may charge a fee for taking your bike, either as an ‘oversized’ item or as a second piece of luggage, many carriers actually allow you to include your bike in your luggage allowance. Either way, be sure to pack your bike away in a bicycle bag, box or one of CTC’s nifty plastic bike bags.

Factors to consider

When planning your cycling vacation, there are a few things worth weighing up. The first is the sustainability of your trip. If you are attracted by the idea of a CO₂-free cycling holiday, then transporting your bike by plane halfway across Europe doesn't make much sense. Better would be to take the train, bus or even start your vacation from your front door. To get some inspiration for cycling holidays, check out ECF’s extensive EuroVelo routes.

Another factor is cost. As bike rentals and bike tours become increasingly popular, accessible and cheap, transporting your bike may end up being more costly and difficult than a rental. Before embarking on holiday, why not check out the options for on the spot bike rental or even tours? This can be a great way of seeing a country free from the hassles of bringing your own transport. On the other hand, depending on the destination and mode of transport, you could pay more for a rental than paying the extra train/plane fee to bring your bike.

With the growth in popularity of cycling holidays across Europe, transport operators are starting to realise the benefits of providing services for cycle carriage. While taking your own bike with you on holiday isn't without its hurdles, there are many train companies, buses and airline carriers that do accommodate travelers with bikes. Nonetheless, it’s always a good idea to look into the local rental options as well, to get a balanced view on your cycling tourism options.