If you are planning an extensive bike tour, possibly crossing different borders or countries, it is likely at some point that you will need to box your bike for travel to get it from point A to point B via train, bus or plane. There are some general rules associated with traveling with your bike and they may vary with each carrier.

As a rule, carriers will require that your bicycle is boxed and packaged for transport just like any other piece of luggage. For this reason, you may find that large bicycles, tandems or recumbents cannot be transported via plane, bus or train. Before traveling with a non standard bicycle, check each carrier’s individual policy regarding bike packaging and transportation.

Many of air and rail carriers offer boxes for sale at the terminal. To be sure that there are some available when you arrive, call the carrier a couple of days in advance to be sure that you won’t be disappointed when you arrive. If there are available when you call, ask for one to be reserved. Bus companies don’t usually provide boxes for your bike. The advantage to using boxes supplied by the carrier is that they cannot claim that the box is too weak for your bike.

Most of the boxes are designed so that minimal amount of dissembling is required. Usually you will need only to turn the handle bars and remove the pedals. Note that tools are not available at the terminals which means that you should carry the correct wrench you need for doing this.

Traveling with your bike by air will mean that you incur an extra charge for excess over the limit baggage. This sum can be substantial, as much as $120 depending on who you are traveling with and to what destination. The excess baggage charge does usually apply to international flights. Smaller commuter planes do no have the capacity for transporting bikes and often you bicycle will be shipping off on a different flight.

If traveling by train, your bike will be transported in the baggage section, assuming that you are not traveling with a folding bicycle. Not all stations will have baggage facilities so double check that both the station at which you are disembarking has baggage facilities or you may be left chasing your bike to another station.

Traveling by bus with your bicycle poses some problems. Bus carries do not keep bike boxes in stock. Often you will have to call the bus company well in advance of your planned trip to organize your bike to be transported by box. You will then need to provide your own box, either buying a box in a bicycle store, buying one at a rail terminal or airport or making your own.

Some final tips when boxing your bike.

Allow some extra time at the terminal or station to box your box. An hour should be sufficient.

Take photos or your bike before boxing it (without the panniers) and also take photos of the content of the panniers. This is a precaution should your bike suffer any damage in transit.