Bicycle Information for Rail Travel

In order to help you plan your journey with your bicycle, we have documented this guide to help you. For information on:

• Bicycles on InterCity Trains
• Bicycles on Commuter and DART Trains
• Fold Up Bikes
• Bicycle Parking in Stations
• Bicycle Hire
• Dublin Bike Scheme
• Bike Locker

This page provides information on travelling with bicycles, for information on e-scooters please see our e-scooter policy FAQ. 

Bicycles on InterCity Trains

We welcome bicycles on all of our Intercity services but some restrictions may apply during peak travel times.

• Customers must book bicycle spaces for Intercity services, in advance, online via our Journey Planner 
• The majority of Dublin to Cork services and all of the Dublin to Belfast services have a bicycle storage area which is separate from the passenger area of the train out of line of sight
• On all other InterCity routes the bicycle spaces are within the passenger compartment. Bicycles are only permitted within the passenger compartment if they fit into the dedicated bike space on-board, with the exception of ‘Fold-up’ bikes. The likes of ‘Tricycles’ cannot be accommodated within the passenger compartment. For bike space dimensions, please see below section.
• Customers who are already in possession of a ticket, not purchased online and would like to travel with their bike will be required to book their bike online free of charge using the 'Free Travel Pass or Valid Ticket' option on the Journey Planner 
• Bicycles that are folded and covered can be carried on all services
• For your convenience, please board the train at the door with the bicycle image

Bicycles on DART and Commuter Trains

We welcome bicycles free of charge on off peak DART and Commuter services, subject to available capacity. Bicycles that are folded and covered can be carried on all DART and Commuter services with no time restrictions.

For the safety and comfort of our passengers, bicycles are not permitted on DART and Commuter services between 07:00 and 10:00 and between the hours of 16:00 and 19:00 Monday to Friday. Customers can travel with bikes all day Saturday and Sunday.

• DART services extends from Greystones and Bray via Dublin Connolly to Malahide and Howth
• Dublin Northern Commuter service extends from Dublin's Pearse Station via Dublin Connolly Station to Dundalk
• Dublin Portlaoise Commuter service extends from Dublin’s Heuston Station to stations as far as Portlaoise
• Dublin Longford Commuter service extends from Dublin's Pearse Station via Dublin's Connolly Station to Longford
• Dublin Dunboyne / M3 Parkway services extends from Dublin's Dockland/ Connolly Station via Clonsilla to Dunboyne/ M3 Parkway
• Dublin Southern Commuter service operates from Dublin's Connolly Station to Gorey Station
• Mallow – Cork – Cobh – Midleton Commuter services extends from Mallow to Cork, Cork to Cobh or Midleton

If you are travelling with your bicycle, please note the following:

• Please note that Iarnród Éireann reserve the right to refuse to carry more than two bicycles on an Intercity service where only two bicycles spaces are available, so it is advisable to book online in advance
• The carriage of bicycles on Commuter services is at the discretion of station staff
• At certain times (eg major sporting fixtures and concerts), it may not be possible to permit carriage of bicycles on DART or Commuter services
• Customers should walk with their bicycles when they are in the station. It is not permitted to cycle in stations or on platforms
• Customers should use ramps and lifts rather than stairs within stations to gain access to platforms
• Customers should stay with their bicycles on board trains
• Unaccompanied children cannot bring bicycles onto trains
• No motorised bicycles are allowed on trains
• Always use available bicycle storage spaces provided
• Never obstruct exits or passageways. We reserve the right to remove bicycles if staff feel they are obstructing other customers or if they are a safety hazard
• A bicycle can be carried up to maximum of 1.8 meters in length and up to 0.865m in width

• Bicycles with attached trailers are only allowed on Dublin to Belfast and Dublin to Cork services that have a separate bicycle storage compartment

• Intercity Railcar (ICR) bike spaces can accommodate bicycles with the following dimensions:

  • Overall length – 1800mm

  • Overall width – 865mm

  • Maximum tyre width – 65mm

  • The above dimensions will accommodate all road, mountain, and reasonably loaded touring bike types. Unfortunately, ‘fat-tyre bikes’ with a tyre width greater than that specified cannot be accommodated in our bike rack/s

Bicycle Parking at Iarnród Éireann Stations

Bicycle racks where provided, are free for customers who wish to avail of them.

Alternatively, bicycle lockers are also available to rent at some stations. Two companies operate bike lockers within some of our stations. For further information, see Apcoa - Bike Locker Rental. Go to Station Information section, choose your station and under ''Parking and Transport links'' you will be able to find what bicycle parking facilities are available. 

Fold Up Bikes On-board Trains

Fold up bikes can be carried on-board all services free of charge. Please be sure your bike is folded properly before boarding the train.

Bicycle Hire

Do you want to enjoy the best the Irish Countryside has to offer after stepping off the train? If so the various bicycle hire companies* below can offer you the freedom at your own pace - rent a bicycle. With their extensive local knowledge, they are on hand to help answer any questions you may have regarding cycling in Ireland. Furthermore they will provide you up to 10 percent off bicycle hire for Iarnród Éireann customers whether you are interested in renting for an hour, a day or a week. So what are you waiting for, saddle up!

Dublin Bike Scheme

There are two Dublin Bike scheme docking stations located at Heuston Station. Please visit dublinbikes.ie for further information.

*Bicycle spaces must be booked in advance online

**Please note that Iarnród Éireann and CIÉ have no affiliation with the above companies.

Bike Locker

Interested in renting a Bike Locker?

Please see the below details for more information.
Phone - 0818462899
Email - info@apcoa.ie
Web Link - Lockers2Rent.apcoa.ie

Below information correct as of 05/12/2022