Taking my bike on overland transport
I am planning on going on a long distance cycle tour, but for some sections, I will put my bike on public transport. Does anyone have any general advice for putting bikes on public transport in Europe and beyond. I have limited experience with this and I am worried about possible charges, or being refused.
Best Answer
Normally buses are very crowded in most European cities and while might be allowed would not be practical. Maybe long distance buses where the luggage goes beneath would allow it since it could be considered luggage. Netherlands is the most bike friendly place in te world and a lot of people there take bike vacations in Europe. You might want to check with the ANWB Dutch travel organization for suggestions of routes and trips.
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Can you take bikes on overland?
How much does it cost to take a bike on The Overland? Passengers get a 40kg baggage allowance. Provided the bike and other luggage is under 40kg you will pay no extra. If you exceed this allowance, the cost is $25.Can I take a bike on the overland train?
It's no problem to take bicycles along in the cargo car. Theoretically there's a charge (A$15/boxed and A$40/unpacked) but our bikes were checked in for free. You also get a checked luggage allowance of 2 bags (20kg each) per person.Can you take bikes on the Metropolitan Line?
You can take folded cycles anywhere, at any time on all our transport services. However, on buses the driver can decide not to let you travel if it's too busy. Electric scooters - folded or not - are not allowed.Can you bring a bike on a commuter train?
Bicycles on Commuter TrainsBicycles that are folded and covered can be carried on all Commuter services with no time restrictions.A JOURNEY BEYOND II (Full Length Documentary)
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Answer 2
A little bit of additional advice: Have a back-up plan or check ahead if there is any irregular operation on your specific route.
A few friends of mine were stuck somewhere in Poland because of some maintenance work. The train was OK for bikes and they had all necessary tickets but it stopped before its final destination and the buses that replaced it could not accommodate them. They had to ride to the next large station on their bikes, in the middle of the night, and sleep there waiting for the next train.
The next train ride wasn't too comfortable either, bikes were allowed but there was basically no space for them. So it would seem that official information on where and when you can take your bike is not entirely reliable, at least for Poland (they had a great time on the bike there, though).
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