A Quick Guide on How to Transport Bike by Train

Bike transportation can be a huge liability. However, there are multiple ways to do so. In general, people prefer trains for transporting bikes. This method is convenient and cost-effective. In addition, railroads are faster in reaching the destination and cheaper than roadways.

Are you wondering how to transport a bike by train? This piece will give you a comprehensive guide.

Indian Railways offer two forms of bike transportation. You can do these through either luggage transportation or parcel transportation. The former refers to a process whereby you carry your item while travelling. On the other hand, the latter refers to transporting your item as a parcel to your desired city.

Luggage Transportation

This is often considered one of the fastest modes of transporting a bike by train. It would help if you had your bike with you when the train arrived at the station. However, this option can be slightly expensive since you have to pay for your ticket and the transportation charges. You need to maintain the following steps if you plan to transport your bike as luggage.

Step 1: Visit the luggage booking office about a couple of days before your travel date. Inquire about the possibilities of carrying a bike as luggage on a particular train.

Step 2: Fill out the form and pay the required charges. After booking your bike as luggage, carry about 1-2 copies of the mandatory documents related to your bike.

Step 3: You will receive an endorsed luggage ticket on payment of the charges.

Step 4: Visit the station at least half an hour before the train’s time. Dispatch your two-wheeler on the decided train after checking the accommodation.

Step 5: Show your original ticket and luggage endorsement to the rail authorities for taking delivery of your bike at the destination.

Parcel Transportation

Another way of bike transportation is a parcel of a bike in train. It is a more cost-effective method, but its delivery can be late. Therefore, you have to book a parcel system in advance. The following steps can guide them through this process.

Step 1: Visit the parcel office about 1-2 days before you intend to send your parcel. Carry all the relevant documents related to your bike.

Step 2: Contact expert packers to pack your bike effectively.

Step 3: Fill out the parcel booking form with all the details regarding your bike, and pay the charges for a bike parcel on a train.

Step 4: Create an identification mark on your two-wheeler for easy identification during the delivery. Then, wait for the courier service to deliver your bike.

Step 5: You can track the progress and transition from the parcel company’s website to determine the delivery schedule, date and time.

Step 6: Carry the parcel booking receipt while getting your bike’s delivery.

Now that you know how to parcel a bike on a train, you should be aware of certain rules regarding this process. The timing for booking bike transportation as luggage is lenient. You can visit the railways and book a slot for luggage anytime across the year. However, when it comes to booking a parcel, parcel companies have strict timings. Generally, you should do it between 10 AM and 5 PM. You must complete your booking at least two days before your plan to transport the two-wheeler.

For bike transportation, you must know the documents required for bike parcels on a train and keep them handy during this process. The following documents will be mandatory in this regard.

• Registration Certificate of your bike
• Insurance Details of your bike
• Government-issued ID proof 

You need to produce photocopies of these documents for transporting a bike by train in India. Moreover, you will have to fill up a form for transporting bikes. This should contain the accurate details of your name, address, destination details, contact number, etc. Moreover, you will have to produce your reservation ticket to transport a bike through luggage.

Now that you know how to send bikes on the train, you should know some additional instructions and rules. These will guide you through this process. The following rules are currently mandated by the Indian Rail.

• You must vacate your bike's petrol engine. For example, a two-wheeler cannot be transported by train with petrol in it. This will prevent any criminal activity with your item.
• You must have bike insurance and produce its certificate and details while transporting it by train. Usually, such insurance might cover the expenses of transporting a bike.
• The authorities will mention a particular amount in your bike transportation application’s receipt. It will be paid to you if your two-wheeler undergoes damages.

When transporting your two-wheeler by train, you must be worried about its condition and safety during this process. The following tips can help you maintain its quality and avoid damage.

• Invest in an expert packing facility for your bike before transporting it. Include professional packers to avoid making any mistakes.
• If you are transporting it as luggage, make sure that the train has enough room for accommodation. Avoid the train if it is crowded.
• If you are transporting a bike as a parcel, constantly look for updates and track your bike's movement on the parcel company’s website.
• To avoid any potential hassles, make sure to make early bookings and reach early.
• Follow all the rules and guidelines to avoid fines and penalties.
• Keep the insurance papers and transport receipts handy to cover the expenses of any damages caused to your bike during the transportation.

Hopefully, now you know how to transport bikes by train. As this article discussed, one can do it as luggage or as a parcel. If you plan to take a cost-effective approach, parcelling your two-wheeler can be the right option. However, if you are in a hurry, it is advisable to stick to the luggage option.