Rough notes on using European trains for bicycle touring

• Denmark trains:
  • There is a separate region for trains in the northern country with different logistics
    • Usually small.
    • Quite easy to roll your bike on and stand next to it.
    • At some stations you will need to exit the small train and transfer to another one to continue in the direction you want.
  • Stations are relatively small and easy to navigate
  • Buy a ticket in their app or at local kiosks, which take credit cards.
  • Tickets are collected by a conductor
  • In south Denmark, trains are larger.
    • There are designated bike cars. When the train approaches, look for the symbol of a bike on the outside of the car.
    • There are nominal location numbers given for your bike but it does not seem to matter much.
    • You may not realize it at first but the larger trains have electrical outlets over the seats.
    • It is casually acceptable to just find an open seat and sit in it, until someone with a ticket for that seat comes along.
• German trains:
  • These are usually double-decker trains.
  • A conductor will come around on the train and check your ticket.
  • Certain cars are designated for bikes.
    • When the train approaches, look for the symbol of a bike on the outside of the car.
  • German train stations are much busier, often much dirtier and more confusing.
  • You can buy regular tickets at a kiosk but you will need to go to the ticket counter to purchase a ticket for your bike.
  • On the bike cars, the bike goes into the lower deck. Find an open spot and strap your bike in place.
  • The competition for spaces can get pretty intense. People will try and pile their bikes on any which way.
  • To make room you may need to remove your bags.
  • If you have a first class ticket, you can go upstairs to a really nice work area with desks and outlets.
• Germany-to-Netherlands trains:
  • A conductor will come around and ask for your ticket.
  • Certain cars are designated for bikes.
    • When the train approaches, look for the symbol of a bike on the outside of the car.
    • It’s usually the car on the end of the train, but be aware that the train can change direction in the station.
  • You will need to drag your bike up two steps to get it onto the car.
  • This can be a huge pain and you will probably need to remove your bags.
  • Your bike needs to go in a designated numbered holder in the bike car.
    • Refer to your bike transport ticket.
  • To fit the bike in the holder you may need to remove your bags and place them on the shelf above.
  • If there is space you can just hang out in the bike car. Otherwise, find your numbered seat and claim it.
• Netherlands trains:
  • Often a few minutes late.
  • Google Maps has incomplete information for local trains.
    • Use the official app instead.
  • You use your ticket to badge-in and badge-out of the platform area.
    • Nobody will check it on the train.
  • To get your bike through, badge your ticket at the gate for handicapped access. It’s wider than the others.
  • You can buy tickets at kiosks, which accept credit cards, contactless payment (Apple Pay), and euro coins.
  • You need a ticket for yourself and a separate one for your bike.
  • Take care to buy a ticket for your bike that is designated for your entire trip – within the Netherlands or international.
  • If you need an international bike ticket you may need to buy it at a counter.
  • Certain cars are designated for bikes.
    • When the train approaches, look for the symbol of a bike on the outside of the car.
    • It is almost always the last car in the train.
  • Bikes are not allowed on trains at all during commute hours. Confirm when those hours are.
    • This is a huge pain for bike tourists.
    • But it explains why there are hundreds or thousands of bikes locked up outside all the major train stations.
• Belgium trains:
  • Larger stations can be confusing because they will merge unceremoniously with other businesses.