Can I take a boxed bicycle on a German train?
I will be arriving in Munich airport with my bicycle in a box (approx 140cm x 60 cm x 20 cm), can this be taken on the train to the city? (specifically the S1 or S8 trains)
Best Answer
A boxed bicycle is bulky luggage not approved for transportation on the S-Bahn. While you might get away with it you should rather not count on it. Staff will have the final say on each individual case.
The MVG - operating Munich's S-Bahn - states (source, emphasis mine):
Für die Beförderung in unseren Verkehrsmitteln zugelassen
[..]
Übrige Sachen und Sperrgepäck
- Maximal zulässige Länge 90 cm
- Maximal zulässige Breite 80 cm
- Maximal zulässiges Gewicht 25 kg
- Sperrgepäck wird nur befördert, wenn dadurch keine weiteren Fahrgäste zurückgelassen werden müssen.
Roughly translating to:
Approved for transport on our vehicles
[..]
Other things and bulky luggage
- max length 90 cm
- max width 80 cm
- max weight 25 kg
- Bulk luggage is only carried if no other passengers need to be left behind.
So it would seem that a boxed bicycle is bulky luggage outside approved dimensions. By the same rules it would not be allowed to "just carry the empty box with me".
In addition to Tor-Einar Jarnbjo's answer MVG also states (source, emphasis mine):
Fahrräder ab 20 Zoll:
- Mitnahmemöglichkeit: Ja, in S- und U-Bahnen (außerhalb der Sperrzeiten)
Fahrrad-Tageskarte erforderlich: Ja
stets vorbehaltlich der Entscheidung des Fahrers!
or in English:
Bicycles from 20 inches
- Transportation option: Yes, in S-Bahn and U-Bahn (outside the restricted periods)
Bicycle Day Ticket required: Yes
always subject to the driver's decision!
Pictures about "Can I take a boxed bicycle on a German train?"
Can you take bikes on German trains?
Passengers need a bicycle ticket and reservation to take a bike with them on a German ICE International or intercity train. For regional trains, only a bicycle ticket is required. Your bike doesn't need to be disassembled. Regular bikes may also be carried as luggage if they fit under the seat or in the luggage rack.Can I carry my bicycle in train?
Make sure your bike is taken to the right platform and loaded in the train you travel. After you reach the destination station, go the luggage office, submit the luggage receipt and endorsement of your ticket. The office authorities will provide a delivery or dispatch receipt.Can I take my bicycle on the train in Europe?
As on many trains in Europe, you can take it for free if it's in a special bike carry case not exceeding certain dimensions (80 x 110 x 40 cms in this case). Most stations will look after your case for 24 hours for you, while you go off and explore.Can I take a bike on DB?
On long-distance trains operated by Deutsche Bahn, you can take your bicycle on special bicycle parking spaces on all Intercity and Eurocity trains and on an increasing number of ICE trains, but you must make a reservation in advance.Traveling with bicycle on train in Germany | visiting a vegan supermarket :)
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Answer 2
I have heard there are direct buses connecting the Munich airport with the city. These buses might have a luggage compartment in which you could put your boxed bicycle. You can check this: https://www.airportbus-muenchen.de/en/
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