On Trains & Buses

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Carrying Bicycles on Buses in Britain and Ireland

Reading time: 5 minutes.

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In other parts of the world like Canada, New Zealand or the U.S.A., it is common to find bicycle racks attached to the fronts of service buses, but this is less common around Europe. As such, it works best with folding bicycles from the likes of Brompton and Dahon unless you encounter a specially outfitted service vehicle in common use on a particular route. Unlike North America or down under, that especially applies to Britain and Ireland, so I created a repository on the carriage of bikes on buses by operator to compile information for cyclists from different sources since the content tends to be well scattered on individual websites. There always will be something to add, yet I hope that the compilation will have its uses.

Aircoach

Can convey bicycles so long as space is available (€15 or £15 charge applies).

Arriva

Generally unable to accept bikes on a bus. However, if your bike folds up so that it will fit within the luggage holder on a bus, and you can lift it in and out on your own, it can be brought on board at the driver’s discretion.

Borders Buses

Permit cycles on board some services.

Brighton & Hove Buses

Bikes are not permitted on board. Folding bikes can be carried provided they can safely be stowed in the luggage area. Bicycles are permitted on routes 78 and 79 subject to space being available.

Bus Éireann

Folding bicycles that are packed and wrapped in a suitable carrier bag/protective covering will be treated as passengers’ accompanied luggage and carried free of charge in the luggage storage area on Public Service Obligation (PSO) routes. Folding bicycles that are NOT packed or wrapped as described above may be charged. Non-folding bicycles will be carried only if sufficient accommodation is available; they must be placed in the luggage compartment or other designated area of the vehicle. On Expressway services, a €5 charge applies for bicycles.

Dublin Bus

Only fold-up bicycles are permitted on board. Fold-up bicycles must be carried by the customer or stored in the luggage area.

Ember

Operates a service from Dundee to Edinburgh using electric buses fitted with two bike spaces which can be booked for free.

First

Folding bicycles are welcome on board buses so long as they are stowed safely and do not block the aisles or access to seats. There are instances when this may not be possible, for example if there is insufficient space on the bus or when a folding bicycle could make the inside of the bus or its seats dirty or could cause discomfort to other customers. Due to space and safety considerations, standard non-folding bicycles cannot be carried.

FlixBus

Most FlixBus services are bike-friendly, with carriers or special covers to keep your bike safe along the trip. Availability varies by route and country. When booking, you can add your bike to see available trips with bike carriers or covers. If you have a folding bike, you can bring it on buses not equipped for regular bikes by adding it as special luggage in the extras section at checkout.

High Peak

Folding bikes are carried on all services with enclosure in carry cases (or bike bags) being favoured. Non-folding bikes cannot be carried.

Irish Citylink

Happy to carry bicycles in the luggage compartment of coaches if there is room available and there is a €10 charge per journey payable to the driver. Unfortunately, it is not possible to prebook bicycles.

JJ Kavanagh

Carries bicycles for free, subject to space.

Lothian Buses

Folding bicycles that are folded and fully enclosed in a suitable carrying bag.

Matthews Coach Travel

Carries bicycles for free, subject to space.

McGill’s Buses

Does not have any facilities to carry or store standard pedal bicycles on buses. Folding bikes that can be stored in the luggage area are carried free of charge. Folding bicycles must be folded and fully enclosed in a suitable carrying bag.

Midland Bluebird

Does not have any facilities to carry or store standard pedal bicycles on buses. Folding bikes that can be stored in the luggage area are carried free of charge. Folding bicycles must be folded and fully enclosed in a suitable carrying bag.

National Express & Eurolines

You may take your bicycle on a journey, as long as it is designed to fold in half using a special link in the frame and is carried in an appropriate padded bag or hard case, suitable for the purpose. On Eurolines services folding bikes are permitted on journeys between London and Amsterdam, Paris and Ireland. Again, they must be appropriately packed in an appropriate padded bag or hard case, suitable for the purpose. Bicycles that are not correctly packed will be refused carriage; for luggage allowance purposes bikes will be considered as being equal to one suitcase.

Plymouth Citybus

Bikes are not permitted on board. Folding bikes can be carried provided they can safely be stowed in the luggage area.

Scottish Citylink

Subject to availability of accommodation, bicycles in a box/bag will be carried.

Stagecoach

Non-folding bicycles are only carried on a very limited number of buses specifically modified for the purpose. Generally, bicycles may be carried at the owner’s risk on coaches, as opposed to buses, where luggage boots are available. Safety notices governing their carriage are posted on the relevant vehicles with further information available from the local Stagecoach operating company. Folding bicycles, safely and securely stowed in the designated luggage area in a suitable bag or box, may be carried on all vehicles.

TM Travel

Folding bicycles are welcome on bus services.

Transport for London (TfL) buses

Folding bikes may be taken onto buses at any time, providing that there is room to accommodate them within the designated luggage area and as long as it does not block the gangway.