Bikes on Bus Eireann

jrfromafar

Hello I'm wanting to bus/cycle through Eire but this FAQ has me rethinking - sounds like a setup to get my pockets picked - I am not a long distance bike rider - I want to bus (or rail) into vicinity & be able to cycle around, then move on by bus.

what can I expect to pay to transport a bike?


"PASSENGER LUGGAGE/BICYCLES
Each passenger may carry one medium-sized suitcase or equivalent (maximum dimensions 80cms x 70 cms x 20 cms and maximum weight 15 Kgs) on a bus free of charge, which must be placed in the luggage compartment of the vehicle. In addition, each passenger may carry one small item of hand luggage free of charge inside the passenger saloon of the vehicle. Hand luggage carried inside the passenger saloon must not be placed where it could obstruct the gangway or any passenger entrance or emergency exit, but must be placed under a seat or in an overhead rack as appropriate. Any additional luggage may only be carried if, in the opinion of Bus Éireann, there is sufficient accommodation available. Such additional luggage, if carried at the discretion of Bus Éireann, must be placed in the luggage compartment of the vehicle and may be subject to an additional charge as determined by Bus Éireann from time to time.
Folding childrens’ pushchairs will be carried free, subject to accommodation being available and provided they are folded before placing in the luggage compartment. Folding bicycles which are packed and wrapped in a suitable carrier bag/protective covering will be treated as passengers’ accompanied luggage and carried free of charge in the luggage storage area. Folding bicycles which are NOT packed or wrapped as described above will be charged at the full cycle rate.
Bicycles, prams and non-folding childrens’ pushchairs or buggies will be carried only if sufficient accommodation is available; they must be placed in the luggage compartment or other designated area of the vehicle and are subject to a charge as determined by Bus Éireann from time to time."

buffalo

I paid €11.50 about four years ago.

mrbike

I'm pretty sure it's 11 euro per trip. Be careful it's not a Bus Eireann commuter service (the double decker buses). There isn't really room for a bike on those buses. I got caught coming from Cavan to Dublin, I managed to fit my bike on by taking the wheels off. I just happened to get a really nice bus driver. Most wouldn't take the bike, I'd imagine.

I've taken my bike quite a few times on Bus Eireann and a lot of drivers don't charge for the bike. If you're leaving from Busaras (Dublin), they usually do.

petethedrummer

As long as there is room there should be no hassle. Most major bus routes have private competition now and Bus Eireann are a bit more customer friendly.

Last time I was stopped was 1997 and the bus driver was just being an ar5e.

Charles1412

Just to concur with the previous post. I would bring my bike on some Bus Eireann routes from time to time and generally it depends on the driver whether or not the charge for carrying the bike. There are a number of private operators on most major routes so it may be worth emailing a couple of them to ascertain their policy if you know what routes you intend to use

jrfromafar

Thanks for replies.... I do think I might be better off just leaving my bike at home and for (almost) the price of transporting it from place to place I can rent one as needed - unless I invest in a folder. Decisions!

Also, I have no clue what my itinerary will be in order to contact anyone about any particular route in advance - my travel style (for good or for bad) is like the wind...

tomasrojo

If you do use a folder, put it in a bag that conceals it completely, and never refer to it as a bicycle when talking to or near the driver. Bus drivers sometimes decide to treat folders as if they were conventional bikes, and so will charge a fare for carriage, or even refuse to take the bike. Unlike when travelling by train, there is no-one else to appeal to, so it doesn't matter if you're right and they're wrong.

(A large garbage bag is sufficient, but if you're putting it in the hold of the bus, Dahon do a very reasonably priced cloth bike bag that covers my Brompton just fine.)

flowers345

On the train they charge now as well 6 euro but what trains charge it?
And if you go with 2 buseirran busses then how much do they charge?

flowers345

I want to take a normal bike along as well as a folder. Can the driver refuse the normal bike if I pay for it?

eeeee

Sometimes I have been charged and others not. Same on train. Last time I got on the train both ways for free, the tome before it I had to buy it a ticket. Really depends on the driver/ticket checker/ticket seller. €8 return on the train, about a tenner on the bus.

I have thought about taking wheels off and putting it into a massive black bag and calling it luggage. I just need to make me a bag! *This is not a bike…looks around shiftily*

lennymc

if you are bringing it on a bus, bring a small lock and lock it inside the bus as I have heard of people making off with bikes from the bus cargo compartment.

Thargor

I have a bikebag that fits my bike with the front wheel removed, Ive carried it on buses and trains a few times now and never paid, bit of a pain if you dont have anywhere to leave it at your destination though. Worked on Gobus, Citylink and BE.

eeeee

Thargor wrote: »

I have a bikebag that fits my bike with the front wheel removed, Ive carried it on buses and trains a few times now and never paid, bit of a pain if you dont have anywhere to leave it at your destination though. Worked on Gobus, Citylink and BE.

What brand/type of bag is your bike bag? I am looking to make something similar. I could use some 'inspiration' !

Thargor

No brand that I know of, took it from my brothers stuff after he moved to London. Any bag will do the job though.