Roll into spring with your bike onboard the Sydney-Dubbo XPT service
NSW TrainLink is rolling into spring with the launch of a second roll-on bikes trial for western region bike users.
The first trial gave cyclists the option to roll their bicycles onto the Dubbo to Sydney and return XPT services without having to box their bikes which is the current policy. The aim was to explore the feasibility of transporting bikes onboard long-distance regional trains.
After working with representatives from bike groups, NSW TrainLink is launching an expanded trial from 4 August 2025 for up to three months with added stops at Bathurst and Orange.
Following feedback from riders, other improvements for phase two include:
- allowing bigger bikes up to 1870 mm in length
- opening up the trial to seven-days a week availability
With safety remaining our top priority, the trial will be assessing:
- ease of bike loading and unloading
- any impact on boarding times and service punctuality
- crew logistics for managing luggage and mid-journey bike boarding
- passenger experience and behaviour with increased bike usage.
We welcome your involvement and feedback to help shape the future of bike-friendly regional travel.
NSW TrainLink will keep interested stakeholders informed as we move forward. Updated information on the trial will be posted on this page.
For Terms and Conditions and information on how to participate in the trial, please read the below FAQs.
NSW TrainLink roll-on bike travel guidelines
- Size and weight check: If your bike doesn’t meet size/weight limits at check-in, you’ll need to box it. NSW TrainLink will provide the box.
- less than 20 kg
- no more than 1870 mm in length, 1270 mm in height, 400 mm pedal width and up to 720 mm handlebar width. Handlebar widths up to 765 mm are allowed if they can be loosened and turned – this will be checked at validation
- maximum tyre size thickness 3” / 75mm
- have no obtrusive features including flags, saddlebags and baskets, etc.
- Roll-on bikes: These are treated as unchecked luggage and carried at your own risk. NSW TrainLink isn’t liable for any items stored in racks or elsewhere on the train.
- Seating: You’ll be seated diagonally across from the bike rack.
- Arrival time: Arrive one hour before departure time and go to the luggage room to have your bike weighed and measured.
- Service disruptions:
- If a train is cancelled before departure, you’ll be advised to box your bike.
- If a train is replaced by a coach mid-journey, your bike will be boxed and placed in the cargo hold if possible.
- Bike tools: Bring tools in case you need to box your bike unexpectedly.
- Handling your bike:
- You must load, unload, and secure your bike yourself.
- Do not use extra locks.
- Boarding: Wait for crew to escort you onto the train and follow their instructions.
- During travel: You may need to move and resecure your bike if another bike is disembarking before your stop.
- As per NSW TrainLink luggage policy, e-bikes are not permitted.
FAQs
Passengers must book tickets by calling NSW TrainLink on 13 22 32 between 7am and 10pm daily. Bookings must be made between 21 days and 24 hours prior to travel.
To safely fit within the bike rack, bikes must be:
- less than 20 kg
- no more than 1870 mm in length, 1270 mm in height, 400 mm pedal width and up to 720 mm handlebar width. Handlebar widths up to 765 mm are allowed if they can be loosened and turned – this will be checked at validation
- maximum tyre size thickness 3” / 75mm
- have no obtrusive features including flags, saddlebags and baskets, etc.
Passengers will need to purchase a first-class ticket. An additional charge of $12.10 applies to either bikes boxed or rolled on. There are no further fees to participate in the trial.
Two roll-on bike rack spaces are available per service as part of the trial in addition to space or up to four boxed bikes. There are two services per day between Dubbo and Sydney. Passengers still need to pre-book for a roll-on or a boxed bike space.
The trial is available on the XPT Sydney to Dubbo service
The trial is only available to passengers travelling to and from Dubbo, Bathurst, Orange or Sydney. As part of the trial, passengers will not be able to get on or off with their unboxed bike at any other stations during their travel.
If a train is cancelled before it begins its journey passengers will be advised to box their bike. If a train service is disrupted mid-journey and replaced by a coach, a passenger’s bike will be placed in the cargo hold in a box where available and feasible.
Passengers should carry bike tools with them in case of any unforeseen circumstances where you bike will need to be boxed.
E-bikes are not allowed on NSW TrainLink regional train or coach services.
No, passengers who wish to travel with their bike on NSW TrainLink regional coach service need to pre-book and box their bike.
Passengers can provide feedback about the trial in a survey issued to them at the time of booking their train ticket.