If you are traveling with your bike, you don’t have to miss out on the comfort of the train. ÖBB allows bicycle transport on local and long-distance trains - with the right ticket, it works easily. However, demand is high and the number of spaces for bicycles on ÖBB trains is limited. It is therefore advisable to book early and, on popular routes such as the Danube Cycle Path through the Wachau or the Lake Neusiedl Cycle Path, to consider hiring a bike at your destination. If you are traveling by train and bike in the Alpe-Adria region, it is also worth taking a look at the information on Rail & Bike in Carinthia.
Here you will find an overview of all the important information.
Taking your bike on the train: what you need to know
Whether and how you can take your bike with you depends on whether your journey is on a local or long-distance service. Here are the main differences:
Taking your bike on local trains: regional trains & S-Bahn
On local trains, passengers can travel with a bicycle; however, each train has only a limited number of bicycle parking spaces in the multi-purpose areas. It is not possible to reserve spaces, which means: If the multi-purpose area is already full when you board, the train crew may unfortunately have to deny you boarding - in which case you’ll have to wait for the next train. You will need a bicycle ticket as well as your train ticket.
Long-distance services: book a bicycle ticket and reservation
On long-distance trains - for example on Railjet or ICE - travelling with your bike is possible with a bicycle ticket and mandatory reservation. The reservation guarantees your bike a fixed space and costs €3 when bought online, or €3.50 at an ÖBB ticket counter. Bicycle transport on Nightjet services is also possible on selected routes with a bicycle ticket and reservation.
Bicycles on Railjet: the ÖBB Bicycle Zone
Railjet trains offer a dedicated bicycle zone in 2nd class, with a bicycle compartment and eight specially designated seats close by, meaning your bike is always in sight. To take your bike with you, you will need a valid travel ticket, a bicycle ticket, and a reservation for your bike.
Passengers in 1st class must sit away from their bicycle, as the bicycle zone is located in 2nd class.
How much does it cost to take a bike on the train? Prices & Tickets
The ÖBB bicycle ticket is distance-based and amounts to around 10% of the standard fare for 2nd class - and will not cost less than €1.40. For long-distance travel, a mandatory reservation is also required (€3 online, €3.50 at a ticket counter).
For international journeys, the fare is also distance-based and minimum prices vary depending on the country.
Please be aware that the bicycle ticket is always based on the standard fare for the route - regardless of whether a Sparschiene ticket or a ticket with a Vorteilscard has been purchased.
Bicycle tickets can be booked up to 6 months in advance - online or via the ÖBB app are both cheaper than at a ticket counter.
Tips for traveling by train with a bicycle
Here are some useful tips to ensure your journey with your bike goes smoothly:
- Arrive at the platform early: allow for a gap of 5 to 10 minutes before departure - this gives you time to find your seat and load your bike calmly.
- Find the correct coach: your reservation confirmation shows which coach the bicycle parking spaces are located in. The train formation display on the platform shows where the train will stop. You can also check the train formation display online at live.oebb.at.
- Remove panniers in advance: remove luggage from your bike before the train arrives - this saves time and stress when boarding.
Arrive relaxed at your destination: hire a bike when you arrive
On particularly popular routes or during peak times, the bicycle parking spaces on the trains are often fully booked. If you want to travel without stress, you will find a practical alternative near many stations: simply hire a bike via wegfinder or directly fromlocal providers at your destination. This way, you save yourself the effort of carrying your bike on the train and can start or continue your cycling tour with flexibility.