Travelling with a bike box

[silvermoon]

Hi, I wonder if anyone can help me with some information?
I will be travelling from Canada, arriving in Heathrow airport and taking a train to Swansea in June and doing a return journey in July. Not sure of the exact dates yet.
I'm a triathlete, and am planning to bring my bike, packed in a proper bike box with me. I can't seem to find any information on whether this would be an acceptable piece of luggage, or if there's any special place on the train for it. The box dimensions are approx 120 cm x 30 x 75.
Also, I don't seem to be able to get any information on prices, train times etc for these dates? The First Great Western website only allows me to look at ticket information up until May.
Many thanks!

 

[hairyhandedfool]

The National Rail Conditions of Carriage (Condition 47) notes that an article of that size may have a charge to pay and that you should contact the train Company, whose services you are using, in advance.

First Great Western should have space on board their High Speed Train services from Paddington, but you may wish to check with Heathrow Express about their policies if you wish to use those services from the airport. Whilst it would not be impossible to use LUL services, you would have to move the item yourself (including any stairs that may need to be used) and staff can refuse entry for large items.

Generally speaking, tickets go on sale 12 weeks before the train departs and reservations can only be made at that point, though some tickets can be bought, at stations, one year ahead if you really want to pay for them (there really is no point in doing that). This is to allow Network Rail and the train companies to plan for engineering work.

 

[Emyr]

You could book it in as a bike reservation, although the variation in facilities between different rolling stock preclude any prediction of practicality.

 

[MarlowDonkey]

First Great Western should have space on board their High Speed Train services from Paddington, but you may wish to check with Heathrow Express about their policies if you wish to use those services from the airport.

There's a coach service (RailAir) from Heathrow to Reading station at which almost all trains to Wales will call.

The website is www.railair.com which has this statement

http://www.railair.com/faqs.php?show=9

A. We advise that the luggage you carry should not exceed normal airline allowances. Any item that cannot be lifted easily in and out of the coach's under-floor compartment by our member of staff may be refused on grounds of safety. Sharp objects should be covered and bicycles will be accepted so long as they are suitably packaged (wrapped or boxed) to prevent damage to other passenger property.

 

[30907]

Also, I don't seem to be able to get any information on prices, train times etc for these dates? The First Great Western website only allows me to look at ticket information up until May.
Many thanks!

The times and fares for May will be a good enough guide.
However, (1) Advance (specific train only) tickets will vary depending on demand and (2) weekend trains may be altered because of engineering work.

 

[silvermoon]

Thanks very much for taking the time to reply! Really appreciate the information.
I think it looks like it may be easier to take a bus to Reading and get a train from there.

 

[Bletchleyite]

You might actually find it easier to unpack the bicycle before then carrying it as a bicycle (rather than a box) on the train. However I suppose the question then arises of what to do with the box.

Neil