Eurostar charges for bicycles

In order to conform to the new restrictions, both bicycle wheels need to be removed. If that wasn’t hassle enough, with a bike bag it’s a good idea to protect vulnerable components with something like cardboard; a rigmarole that needs repeating on the return journey.

Eurostar charges for bicycles

Eurostar charges for bicycles remain unchanged at £25 each way on the routes between London and Paris/Brussels/Lille. However, cyclists now face the added expense, hassle and time involved in dismantling their bike and packaging it safely within a bike bag or box.

When is a bicycle bag not a bicycle bag?

Carrying a bicycle bag with you for the entire journey is pain. If you can tape some old bits of cardboard packaging to protect the wheels and derailleur, why not place everything in a couple of bins bags? These are far lighter and smaller to carry during the trip and if they tear can be easily replaced before the return journey.

When is a bicycle not a bicycle?

Cyclists have faced problems getting bikes onto trains for decades. Campaigners highlighted the absurdity of blanket bans on cycles by boarding a train with a cardboard bike, which was allowed on board as standard luggage.

Insurance for your bicycle on holiday

Europe with your bicycle

Bicycles worth up to £1,000 – Standard travel insurance

If your bike is worth up to £1,000, it is covered as standard on a travel insurance policy from the ETA. You need to make sure that if you leave the bike in a public place while you are away, you secure it with a silver-rated lock, but, crucially, if your bike is stolen the policy replaces it on a new-for-old basis no matter the age of your bike. Other holiday insurance policies that include bicycles tend to de-value your bike if it is over three years old. If your bike is worth over £1,000, you will need to look at specialist bicycle insurance.

Bicycles worth £1,000 – £5,000 – Specialist bicycle insurance + travel insurance

Bikes worth over £1,000 warrant their own insurance cover and a good annual policy will cover you while you are abroad. The ETA offers a fully comprehensive policy that includes 90 days’ worldwide cover as standard. It’s not intended to replace the need for travel insurance – you will need that for medical cover in any case – but the list of benefits included as standard is impressive. Every policy includes cover against theft, accidental damage and vandalism. Crucially, the company does not devalue bikes no matter how old they are and damaged carbon frames are replaced rather than repaired.

This level of cover also covers against theft, accidental damage and vandalism while you are racing. In the case of triathlon, your bike is covered against theft when it is left in transition as long as the area is supervised by a marshal (which is usually the case). You are not covered against third party claims, personal accident cover or cycle rescue while racing. Third party liability is usually the responsibility of the race organiser or may be included as part of your race licence if you have one.
If you are camping, you must ensure that your bike is locked to an immovable object (a sizeable tree would do) and is not left unattended for more than 12 hours.

I’m staying in a holiday apartment – how should I lock my bike?

If your bike is inside your holiday apartment, and it’s not in a public area, you don’t need to lock it, but you must ensure that it isn’t visible from the outside. If you don’t plan to leave your bike unattended in a public place while you are away you don’t need to take a lock with you – only claims for theft are subject to using a lock. Make sure that the lock you are using is of the correct rating for your policy. If in doubt, call our cycle team on 0333 000 1234.

Travel insurance for you…and your bicycle

Every annual travel insurance covers children, and bicycles up to £1,000 for free.

Why choose us?

• • Generous cover for medical expenses, baggage, lost passports
  • Emergency helpline based in Britain on standby 24/7
  • Rated by Ethical Consumer as a Best Buy.
  • We are 100% carbon neutral
  • Every policy you buy supports sustainable transport charity the ETA Trust

Get a quote for ETA travel insurance