Budapest to Besançon train with a bike

Hi! I’d like to cycle from Basel to Budapest in August and then take the train back to Besançon. Which website should I use to book, and how far in advance do I need to reserve my tickets?

Thanks for your help!

Taking a bike on trains can be tricky.

The best option is to use a folding bike, which, contrary to popular belief, works perfectly for hiking trips. If needed, you can buy a second-hand one (it might need new brakes and a drivetrain).

Otherwise, practice taking it apart and use a large, lightweight bag (plastic or nylon) as a cover.

Another option is to combine trains with long-distance coaches, some of which have a rear bike rack.

see here

https://voyageforum.com/forum/france-trouver-itineraire-en-train-avec-son-velo-rappel-nouveau-d10700881/

On the Deutsche Bahn website, I found 4 train routes for today with 4 to 6 changes, lasting between 17 h 30 and 21 h

https://int.bahn.de/fr/buchung/fahrplan/suche#sts=true&so=BUDAPEST&zo=Besan%C3%A7on-Viotte&kl=2&r=13:16:KLASSENLOS:1&soid=A%3D1%40O%3DBUDAPEST%40X%3D19054084%40Y%3D47519551%40U%3D80%40L%3D5596001%40B%3D1%40p%3D1738178088%40i%3DU%C3%97005510009%40&zoid=A%3D1%40O%3DBesan%C3%A7on-Viotte%40X%3D6022000%40Y%3D47247330%40U%3D80%40L%3D8700044%40B%3D1%40p%3D1740599313%40i%3DU%C3%97008771800%40&sot=ST&zot=ST&soei=5596001&zoei=8700044&hd=2025-03-23T08:29:45&hza=D&hz=%5B%5D&ar=false&s=true&d=false&vm=00,01,02,03,04,05,06,07,08,09&fm=true&bp=false&dlt=false&dltv=false