Do not bring: Non folding bicycles

July 25, 2006 1:43 PM

How do I get to Stansted Airport with a boxed bicycle?!!?!

I'm coming from Bristol and flying from Stansted to Malmo (Sweden!). I'm taking a bike (two actually) in a box.

I can get to central London by rail, but the train to Stansted doesn't accept bicycles (apparently there is no room), National Express Busses don't accept bikes, and a taxi seems to cost 80 pounds (more than my flight.......)

Do I have any other options?

posted by beerbajay to Travel & Transportation (12 answers total)

How much would it cost to ship out the bikes ahead of time?
posted by necessitas at 1:58 PM on July 25, 2006

Response by poster: Looks like 120 pounds to ship it. (box is 75x30x120cm)
posted by beerbajay at 2:12 PM on July 25, 2006

Do they take large packages? What's to stop you from making the two bikes into two packages that look nothing like bicycles?
posted by dance at 2:26 PM on July 25, 2006

Ride it there? It's only 150 miles or so -- it could be a little adventure. You might make it in 3-4 days. Although, since you have two, I guess a friend would have to ride with you.
posted by reklaw at 2:35 PM on July 25, 2006

You can take bikes if they're boxed: see here (search for 'Stansted') But best to give them a call to make sure.

I've done it, but even with one (quite light) bike, its a nasty, sweaty business hauling it around the place. Give yourself lots of time, esp. in this weather.
posted by Kiwi at 3:07 PM on July 25, 2006

Best answer: the train to Stansted doesn't accept bicycles

Uh, are you sure? Their web site says that they do, if you have packed it in a box like it says that you have. If that won't work, you can take a train to Bishop's Stortford or Stansted Mountfitchet and get a taxi from there. I have personally taken unfolded unboxed bicycles on the London Liverpool Street–Cambridge service many a time without incident. There is frequently even a carriage with a bike pictogram on the side to show you where the bikes should go (different seating arrangement there).
posted by grouse at 3:10 PM on July 25, 2006

I forgot, happy holiday!
posted by Kiwi at 3:10 PM on July 25, 2006

We saw a couple with boxed bikes on the train into London from Stanstead in May.
posted by ersatzkat at 6:02 PM on July 25, 2006

I think most trains do not accept bicycles during peak times (usually 7am-10am, 4pm-7pm). But as they're boxed, then if challenged you could say "um no sir, these are art installations".

Are you intending to take these things on the tube ?!
posted by randomination at 6:08 PM on July 25, 2006

Last summer I took a boxed bike on a National Express coach from Manchester Airport to Birmingham. If I recall correctly, they're not obliged to take it but I didn't have any problems. The driver didn't ask any questions or look the slightest bit disapproving.
posted by lumiere at 6:28 PM on July 25, 2006

I just took a lot of luggage on the Stansted Express - I can't see why a a boxed bike would be a problem.

Get there early, though. Stansted is grim at the moment. It's waaay too small for the number of people going through it. The RyanAir queues are special.
posted by DangerIsMyMiddleName at 8:54 AM on July 26, 2006

Response by poster: I, of course, had no trouble on the Stansted Express. As an added bonus, I paid only 13 pounds for my full trip from Bristol to Stansted. Thank you, Leisure Class C.
posted by beerbajay at 12:51 PM on August 16, 2006