Bikes on Public Transport

Bikes on Public Transport – What you can and can't do

Breaking up your journey with a mix of riding your bike and public transport is a convenient way to get around. It’s healthy, affordable, environmentally friendly and you don’t waste time trying to find a car park.

If you get caught in the rain or it’s too far to cycle the whole way, it is good to know where you can and where you can’t take your bike.

It varies from state to state so we have put together this quick guide to help you plan your journey.

VIC

Bikes can be carried on Metropolitan trains, but you cannot board at the first door of the first carriage as this is a priority area for mobility impaired passengers.

Only foldable bikes are allowed on trams.

Bikes can be carried on a number of metropolitan and regional bus routes across Victoria. Bike racks have been installed on buses operating on the following routes:

510 Essendon Station – Ivanhoe Station via Brunswick & Northcote & Thornbury
512 Strathmore – East Coburg via Pascoe Vale South & Coburg West & Coburg
683 Chirnside Park – Warburton via Lilydale Station & Seville & Yarra Junction
685 Lilydale – Healesville via Lilydale Station & Coldstream & Yarra Glen
686 Healesville – Badger Creek
687 Chum Creek – Healesville Cowes to Anderson to Wonthaggi in South Gippsland
14 local routes in Bendigo and the Bendigo to Heathcote route
6 local routes in Castlemaine

Bikes can be carried for free on V/Line trains, though this will depend on space availability.

VLocity and Sprinter V/Line trains have limited space for bikes, and their carriage will be subject to the conductor’s discretion.

For those travelling on long-distance V/Line trains to or from Albury, Bairnsdale, Shepparton, Swan Hill or Warrnambool, bikes must be checked at a staffed station at least 30 minutes prior to departure.

Only folding bikes that do not exceed the following dimensions can be taken on trams, buses and V/Line coaches: 82 cm long x 69 cm high x 39 cm wide or have wheel rims of more than 51 cm in diameter. Conventional bikes cannot be taken on these services.

For more information, visit PTV website.

Bikes can be taken on some ferry services in Victoria, including the Westgate Punt between Spotswood and Port Melbourne, and Port Phillip Ferries between Geelong, Melbourne and Portarlington, which have bike racks installed.

More information on bikes on ferry services is available here.

Parkiteer

Parkiteer cages are available for bikes at over 100 stations and major transport interchanges in metro and regional Victoria.

They provide undercover, free and secure bike parking. You access a cage with a swipe card once you’re a registered user. Movements in and out of the cages are electronically monitored. Register for Parkiteer now to start riding to the station.

Visit Public Transport Victoria to learn more

NSW

You can travel with a bike on most public transport in NSW when there is space available except for buses (unless it is a folding bike).

Bikes can be taken on metro trains in Sydney (use the multi-purpose space in the first and last carriages), intercity trains, ferries and light rail services.

You can book your bike onto NSW Trainlink services, regional trains and coaches.

Bikes can be taken on Sydney Ferries for free at all times, though the crew may refuse if there are space and or safety concerns.

Visit NSW Transport to learn more

ACT

Over 90% of Transport Canberra buses are equipped with front of bus bike racks which each hold two bikes.

On the light rail there are four bike racks on each train available for customers to use.

Around the city there are numerous rails available to lock up your bike up plus you can get a free car park if you park your car and ride the rest of the way under the ‘Park and Pedal’ scheme.

Watch this video to find out how to use the front of bus bike racks.

Visit Transport ACT to learn more.

NT

Only folding bikes are allowed on buses in the NT however secure bike enclosures are available at these bus interchanges in Darwin:

Casuarina bus interchange
Palmerston bus interchange
Coolalinga Park and Ride
Humpty Doo Park and Ride

Visit NT Gov to learn more

QLD

You can take your bike on trains or ferries anytime, but if you are travelling on a train in peak hour make sure to:

board using the first or last carriages of six-car trains only
ensure only two people with bikes or e-scooters are in the first or last carriage at any time, or wait for another train
keep clear of access to priority seating
keep your bike clear of aisles and doorways
stay with your bike at all times.

If you have a folding bike you can take it on any bus or tram.

Visit Translink to learn more.

SA

Provided there is space available, you can take your bike on a train for free on weekends and public holidays.

From Monday to Friday, you need to pay a separate peak concession fare to take your bike on a train. Peak times are before 9am or between 3pm and 6pm, outside of these times it is free.

Adelaide Metro has also retrofitted five rail carriages along the Belair line to allow more space for bikes during off-peak times.

Only foldable bikes are allowed on buses or trams and you can use this handy interactive map to find out which stations you can store you bike at.

Visit Adelaide Metro to find out more.

WA

On the trains no bikes are allowed in Perth, Perth Underground or Elizabeth Quay stations during peak times. The closest alternative stations are City West, Canning Bridge, Leederville and McIver.

Peak periods are Monday to Friday between:

7.00am and 9.00am (travelling towards the city)
4.30pm and 6.30pm (travelling away from the city).

Bikes are allowed on trains during off peak times and non-peak directional travel only.

You can take your bike on the ferry in one of the four specially designed racks.

Only foldable bikes are allowed on buses.

Visit Trans Perth to learn more.

TAS

Only foldable bikes are allowed when travelling around Tasmania and they must be able to be stored in the luggage racks.

Visit Metro Tas to learn more.

Always Remember

Whenever you do take your bike on public transport please make sure you are following relevant rules, keep control of your bike while travelling and be courteous to other passengers. Bikes cannot obstruct walkways and if the designated area for bikes is full you may need to wait for the next service.