Options for transporting your bicycle
By public transport
You can travel with a bike on most forms of public transport in NSW when there is space available.
However, it is not possible to roll bikes onto all services. Only fold-up bikes can travel on buses and the Newcastle Light Rail. NSW TrainLink regional trains and coaches require bikes to be boxes and checked in as luggage.
Scroll down to see maps of the different train networks and more information about the rules that apply to each.
Also check out Transport for NSW's guidelines for travelling with bikes on Sydney Metro, Sydney suburban and Intercity trains, NSW TrainLink regional trains and coaches, buses, ferries and light rail.
By car
There are many bike racks available to attach to a car tow hitch or bar. It is important to note that you must order an auxiliary number plate if the bike rack obscures your rear plate. You can also buy special attachments for roof racks.
Some commercial rental businesses rent out bike trailers (which may also be suitable for trail bikes and motor bikes). Try searching online for 'bike trailer for hire'.
The NSW train network
There are three overlapping train networks in NSW:
- Suburban Sydney trains covering the metropolitan area as far as Berowra, Richmond, Emu Plains, Macarthur and Waterfall
- Intercity trains which link the Blue Mountains, the Central Coast, Newcastle and the Hunter, the Southern Highlands and the Illawarra to Sydney. The network extends to Dungog and Scone, Bathurst, Goulburn and Bomaderry.
- NSW TrainLink regional trains and coaches reach every corner of the state. Regional and rural communities not on the main rail lines are served by connecting coach buses.
The suburban Sydney and Intercity network
The suburban Sydney and Intercity trains are in the Opal zone. Fares can be paid by tapping on and of with an Opal card or bank card. There are daily and weekly fare caps. There are no reservations.
You can roll your bike on and off these trains. There is no fee for the bike, no need to book a space and no time-of-day restrictions. However, at peak hour, it may be too crowded to get on a train with a bike.
Note that not all stations are accessible and the use of stairs may be required.
There are many types of train sets used on metropolitan and intercity routes, and each is set up differently for bike carriage. Our friend Jed has written a very useful write-up of the varied facilities in his Unofficial Guide to taking your bike on the train in NSW.
***Advocacy update***
The NSW Government has backtracked from a July 2025 proposal to ban e-bikes from train and metro services. Bicycle NSW helped secure a decision to continue to allow most e-bikes on suburban Sydney and Intercity trains. Only DIY kits that convert regular bikes to e-bikes will be banned, starting from 1st November 2025.
NSW TrainLink regional network
The purple lines on the map indicate the train lines. Orange lines show the routes of the coach buses which connect with each train.
Tickets for TrainLink services must be purchased in advanced via the NSW TrainLink website or over the phone. The trains get very busy and advance reservations are recommended.
Bike can be carried on both trains and coaches but they are classed as checked luggage. They need to be partially dismantled and placed in a box with defined maximum dimensions of 135 x 80 x 24cm and a maximum weight of 20kg. E-bikes cannot be checked in for regional travel (and usually weigh too much anyway). See the TrainLink luggage page for all packing requirements.
A fee of $12.10 applies per bike and reservations are essential. Bike bookings can only be made over the phone by calling 132 232.
***Advocacy update***
Bicycle NSW and our advocacy partners have campaigned over many years for bikes to be rolled onto regional trains and coaches.
There has been progress. The second roll-on bikes trial on the Sydney to Dubbo XPT is running from August to November 2025. There are two bike spots available on each train. Passengers will need to purchase a first-class ticket so they can sit opposite the bike space. For info and updates, head to the Transport for NSW roll-on bikes trial page.
Important note:
Many destinations - such as Bowral, Goulburn, Lithgow, Newcastle and Dungog - are on both the Intercity and NSW TrainLink networks.
When planning a journey by train using a trip planning app, be aware that you will be presented with both Intercity and NSW TrainLink options. The TrainLink options are often prioritised by the apps as these services are usually faster. If you want to roll-on a bike, make sure you choose an Intercity train.
Bike parking at stations
Transport for NSW provides sheltered bike parking at many train and metro stations. These consist of
- bike sheds
- bike lockers (rare-ish)
- general bike racks
To access undercover bike sheds, you'll need to setup swipe access by registering an account and linking an Opal card. This may take 15-30 mins to process so many sure you set it up before you need it.
For more information and a map showing the location of different facilities, head to the Bike and Ride website.
FAQs
Yes, you can take your bicycle for free on most trains in New South Wales, including suburban Sydney trains and Intercity services. NSW Regional TrainLink services requires boxing your bike and checking it in as luggage.
Full-sized bikes aren't allowed on buses in NSW, but folded bikes are often permitted if safely stowed. Policies may vary by bus operator, so it's advisable to check with the specific company before traveling.
TrainLink and regional bus operators often use coaches and may allow bicycles to be stowed underneath in the cargo area if there is space, but riders are encouraged to check when booking.
Yes, bicycles are permitted on Sydney Ferries free of charge at all times. However, crew members may refuse boarding if there's a safety concern or insufficient space. Some ferries, like the Manly and Stockton vessels, offer designated bicycle storage areas. Ask the crew for guidance on where to stow your bike.
When distances are too far or infrastructure isn't connected, the best bicycle transport in Sydney is combining Sydney trains and ferries with your bike. Bikes are allowed on public transport for free, and most stations are accessible for wheels, making it a very cost effective form of transport.
Yes, bike share is a great alternative to worrying about transporting or parking your bike.
Sydney offers bike share services operated by private companies like Lime, Ario, and Hello Bike. Users can access these bikes through each company's smartphone app. The companies are still growing their service area so check the maps to ensure that they have coverage for your start and finish points.
Councils including the City of Sydney have started introducing designated share bike parking zones to manage bike parking and reduce footpath obstructions and impacts on people walking.