Sometimes you don’t want to bike the whole way, and that’s ok! Transit is a great way to get to a fun ride, get out of the rain, get your bike home if you have a flat tire, or just trim some miles off of your trip. Below are the directions for taking your bike on transit in the DC region:
Metrorail
Bikes are now allowed at all times on Metrorail. Some basic guidelines:
- Bikes must be smaller than 80″ long x 48″ tall x 22″ wide, which should fit most standard bikes. If you have a cargo bike, a tandem, or a tall bike, it’s probably a good idea to grab a tape measure.
- Use elevators and the wide fare gates.
- Only board trains by the front or rear doors on each car.
- Don’t board a crowded railcar.
- Senior citizens and individuals with disabilities have priority in designated seating areas.
- If your bike is really muddy, give it a wipedown with a rag before entering a Metro station.
Metrobus
All Metrobuses and most of the connected bus networks (Rideon, The Bus, Fairfax Connector, etc) are equipped with bike racks on the front of the bus. WMATA has a handy video on how to use them.
A few extra tips:
- If you have fenders, baskets, or racks on your bike, keep a bungee cord on your bike to help keep the support arm in place.
- Bikes with fat tires, small wheels (like a folding bike), or long wheelbases (some cargo bikes), may not fit on the rack.
- Make sure to let the driver know you’re using the rack, both when you put your bike on, and when you’re getting off the bus.
Regional Rail
All MARC and VRE trains can now accommodate standard bicycles.
- Check with the conductor about which railcar you should board on, and where you should put your bike.
- Make sure to have a couple of bungee cords with you to secure your bike in place (this is required).
- Be prepared to lift your bike up some steps onto the train.
Amtrak
Several Amtrak routes that serve the region have a limited number of spots for bikes.
- You will need to purchase a ticket for your bike. On routes like the Capitol Limited (C&O and G.A.P. destinations, Chicago), and the Vermonter (NYC, Central Mass, Vermont), these often sell out months in advance.
- Be prepared to lift your bike up some steps onto the train, and in some cases remove your front wheel to hang your bike in a luggage rack.
- Some routes offer Roll-on bicycle service (where you put your bike on the train yourself, others offer trainside checked service (where your bike is secured in the luggage car by Amtrak staff).
Airplanes
Air travel is not public transit, but this seems like a good spot to remind you that WABA has several hardshell cases for checking bicycles as airplane luggage. Members can reserve them free of charge.