Heading South with your bike? Here are the main train services going your way, based on weekday daytime services.

Times & platforms may vary – check with National Rail

xx:05 Nottingham, Northern Rail, no reservations required. Notionally 2 bikes per train but there is usually space for more and guards generally aren’t too bothered. Recommended. Bike space in middle of train. Bike ride opportunities from Chesterfield, Langley Mill & Nottingham with nearby access to traffic-free or quiet  routes.

xx:23 Cross-country train – destinations vary but they all serve Birmingham & usually Reading. Generally very busy. 3 Bike spaces, 1 first come first served, 2 reservable, (generally not enforced)  in the second coach from the end in the second class section. You need to be able to lift your bike and hang it on a hook.

xx:29  London East Midlands fast train service (2 Hours). Reservations required and normally enforced. Bike space (2 bikes) at the end of second class, in the bit where the driving cab is (technically a Driving Van Trailer). You might have to get the guard to come and unlock it.

xx:38   Norwich. East Midlands Trains. Either a two-car or four-car train with bike spaces in the middle of each two-car unit. Reservations required, tend to be enforced and it can be difficult to get on even with a reservation due to over-crowding (not so bad if it’s a four-car). Note that these services tend to empty out after Nottingham, so in the peak it might be an idea to get the Northern train to Nottie and wait for the next EM train (you can always have a quick spin along the canal while you’re waiting)

xx:49   London  East Midlands slow train. Reservations required and normally enforced. Bike space at the end of second class, in the bit where the driving cab is (technically a Driving Van Trailer). You might have to get the guard to come and unlock it.

xx:54   Cross-country train – destinations vary but they all serve Birmingham & usually Bristol. Generally very busy. 3 Bike spaces, 1 first come first served, 2 reservable, (generally not enforced)  in the second coach from the end in the second class section. You need to be able to lift your bike and hang it on a hook.