Hi. I need to get from Angoulême to Caen by train with a non-collapsible bike at the end of May. I see I need to go to Montparnasse and then cycle across to Gare St Lazare for the Paris to Caen step. I cannot find any info on line about the train times and how to secure a bike passage.
I would also like to know if Montparnasse eSt Lazare are easily accessible with a bike between the various platforms. Thanks
1 answer
Hi there,
Unfortunately Metro 13, the most direct train route between Montparnasse and Gare St. Lazare doesn't allow bikes on it at all (only RER trains allow bikes and Metro line 1, no others). Could I suggest biking from Montparnasse to Saint Lazare station? It's about 24 minutes and all downhill or flat according to Google.
There's a specific page on SNCF re: bikes aboard intercity trains here: https://www.sncf-connect.com/aide/transport-de-votre-velo (French only I assume, but Google Translate should be able to help). It looks like some high speed trains (INOUI brand) have a few special trains dedicated to non-foldable bike transport, where you take your bike right to your special "bike accompanied" seat. And OUIGO branded SNCF regular speed trains apparently all or mostly all can take bikes for an extra 10€ fee, parked at the space dedicated for bikes (likely at head or tail car of train, at the dedicated bike parking spots in those cars).