Booking trains more than 12 weeks in advance
Posted: 10 May 2010, 3:50pm
I want to take 2 bikes on the train from the North of England to London, thence via Eurostar/Eurotunnel to mainland Europe, in the autumn.
In view of the chaotic and limited availability of bike space on trains in the UK, I want to book as early as possible. Indeed, National Rail recommend booking bike places "as far in advance as posssible", a reflection perhaps of the small number of places on offer.
I've tried before, and have failed, because the system does not seem to allow booking more than 12 weeks in advance.
I have in past years given up, choosing instead to drive to an airport with the bikes on the rack, leaving the car at the airport and flying to Europe with our bikes, having booked months in advance. Hardly a green alternative.
We would prefer to use the more environmentally friendly option, but are not keen to defer trying to book when so few bike spaces are available: I'm not going to leave the transport of the bikes to chance.
It was so much easier when there was only one train company and we piled our bikes and the kids' bikes in the guard's van and secured them with a bungee or two . . . .
Any ideas, please?
In view of the chaotic and limited availability of bike space on trains in the UK, I want to book as early as possible. Indeed, National Rail recommend booking bike places "as far in advance as posssible", a reflection perhaps of the small number of places on offer.
I've tried before, and have failed, because the system does not seem to allow booking more than 12 weeks in advance.
I have in past years given up, choosing instead to drive to an airport with the bikes on the rack, leaving the car at the airport and flying to Europe with our bikes, having booked months in advance. Hardly a green alternative.
We would prefer to use the more environmentally friendly option, but are not keen to defer trying to book when so few bike spaces are available: I'm not going to leave the transport of the bikes to chance.
It was so much easier when there was only one train company and we piled our bikes and the kids' bikes in the guard's van and secured them with a bungee or two . . . .
Any ideas, please?