BEFORE TAKING A BIKE BYE UR OSTAR

Kate Andrews, creator of train ticket comparison and booking site Loco2 ( loco2.com) explains

PLAN AHEAD

Places can be limited so book at least three months in advance to secure a space.

BOOK BIKE SPACE

Bike reservations involve a separate booking process. Eurostars carry a limited number of bikes across London, Paris, Amsterdam, Brussels and Lille for £30 each way. Call the Eurodespatch to book your bike on the same train as yourself.

SECURE YOUR BIKE

Most trains let you take a bike into the luggage or cycling compartment but you may have to store it in a zip-up bag with the pedals and wheels removed. Safeguard any valuables too.

ON THE DROPS

On the day of travel, report to the Eurodespatch baggage drop at least an hour before your train leaves. Once at your destination leave enough time to get off the train, collect your bike from the luggage transfer area, and for transfers between stations.

RIDE ROUTES

Research some of the great routes in mainland Europe; from Brittany to the border with Spain along the Atlantic Coast, La Vélodyssée - France’s longest waymarked cycle route - is fantastically varied, and if you want to skip a section, load your bike for free onto local trains.