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Travelling with bikes and surfboards

You can travel with a bike or a board on most public transport in NSW when there is space available.

Your bike or board must not prevent other passengers from getting a seat. Ensure that it does not cause inconvenience or risk to other passengers. Keep it secure so it is not a safety concern for other passengers and staff. It must be clear of the aisle, doorways and emergency exits. It is best to avoid peak hour services.

You can take your bicycle or surfboard on metro services for free at any time. You can use the multi-purpose areas in the first and last carriages for space to stand with your bike or board. Find out about bike parking facilities at metro stations. 

You can take your bicycle or a surfboard on a Sydney or Intercity train for free at any time.

You will need to book bikes, surfboards, snowboards and skis in advance. These items are classed as checked luggage. Luggage allowance restrictions and charges apply.

Bicycles cannot be taken on buses because they are difficult to stow without inconveniencing or potentially endangering other passengers, this includes Southwest Link bus services between Sydenham and Bankstown.

Surfboards can be taken on board, although the driver may refuse if the service is at capacity.

Bicycles and surfboards are permitted on Sydney Ferries for free at all times. However, the crew can refuse to allow a bike on board if there is a safety concern or not enough room for it to be safely stowed on board.

Some private ferry services charge an additional fee to travel with a bicycle and may require you to check for space prior to travelling.

Manly ferry vessels and the Stockton Ferry have special storage areas for bicycles. Ask the crew where they are located. For all other vessels, ask the crew to guide you to the most appropriate area to stow or sit with your bike. For safety reasons you must remain with or near your bike during the journey.

Sydney light rail

You can take bikes, wheeled devices (skateboards, scooters, roller blades or similar) and surfboards free of charge when there is enough room for other passengers to board and seat or stand comfortably and safely.

For safety reasons:

Bike, wheeled device and surfboard owners must allow other passengers to hop on and off first.

Light rail staff reserve the right to restrict the number of bicycles or refuse access when services are full or close to capacity. They may also request a passenger to remove their bicycle from a light rail service if they believe a passenger is interfering with the comfort or safety of others.

Bike, wheeled device and surfboard owners have the responsibility to ensure their belongings do not represent a safety hazard for other passengers, employees and self as follows:

Always keep a safe distance from light rail vehicles:

  • Ride your bike or wheeled device directly across the tracks at a right angle to avoid wheels getting stuck in the groove.
  • Do not ride along a light rail track.
  • Always cross tracks at designated crossings.
  • Never cross directly in front of, or behind a light rail vehicle even if it appears stationary. Light rail vehicles are quiet and may take off or brake at any time.
  • Avoid braking on the light rail track.

Taking your bike or wheeled device onboard a light rail service:

  • Always dismount before you approach the platform and when boarding and leaving a light rail vehicle.
  • Belongings (including bikes or wheeled devices) are not permitted to be locked or chained onto light rail platform structures. All locked or chained items will be removed and discarded.
  • Board and leave the service with your bike or wheeled device through the double doors near the middle of the light rail vehicle.
  • When waiting on a platform and onboard, keep the doors clear at all times. This includes staying away from the door of the driver’s cabin to allow staff to move in and out of the cabin easily and safely.
  • When onboard, always keep the aisles clear.

Parramatta Light Rail

Starting Tuesday 3 October, asphalt infill is being removed from the light rail tracks ahead of on-track testing and commissioning of light rail vehicles, which will take place later this year.

Cyclists will need to cross tracks at a 90-degree angle to avoid wheels getting stuck and to only cross the tracks at designated crossings.

It is illegal for cyclists to ride within the light rail corridor, which includes the Church Street dining and entertainment precinct. Fines apply.

Newcastle light rail

Standard bicycles are not allowed on Newcastle light rail for safety reasons, however fold up bicycles are permitted. You can also take surfboards free of charge at any time and you can place them in the dedicated surfboard racks available in each carriage.

Bikes and surfboards can be taken in a taxi if the vehicle is suitable and with the permission of the driver. Bikes need to be boxed.

When cycling as part of your trip, find out where you can securely store your bicycle in a bike shed or locker. Secure bike sheds and lockers are located at train stations, wharves and interchanges across NSW.