Big Bikes, Shared Space

Caltrain’s bike cars are designed to carry 36 bikes safely and efficiently (four bikes per rack). Oversized bikes are not allowed onboard to maximize the number of riders with bikes on board. In order to avoid over-crowding Caltrain does not allow oversized bikes, which can take up multiple rack positions, preventing other riders from boarding and racking their bikes. Please try to be mindful, especially during peak commute hours and on busy trains.

What Makes a Bike Oversized?

Some bikes take up more space than the racks are designed for, including: 
• Wide or extra‑fat tires (more than 3 inches wide) 
• Extra‑long frames or wheelbases (a bike cannot be longer than 6 feet) 
• Cargo bikes, longtails, and extended e‑bikes 
• Attachments such as baskets, panniers, child seats, or trailers

Help More Riders Board

Choosing an alternative to a large bike onboard helps keep Caltrain accessible for everyone. If your bike doesn’t fit into the racks, consider secure station parking or bike and scooter share programs instead.

Alternatives to Bikes on Board

Caltrain stations offer options that free up space onboard for more riders:

• Standard e‑lockers: 5¢ per hour (ideal for standard bikes) on the BikeLink app  
• XL e‑lockers: 8¢ per hour (designed for larger, heavier, or wider bikes) on the BikeLink app  
• Secure bike rooms are available at select stations. Check the bike parking options by station here.
• Bike/scooter share available at select stations  

Thank You for being Considerate

By taking advantage of our convenient, secure bike parking you help make Caltrain a more pleasant experience for your fellow riders. For complete bike rules, policies and bike parking information review the rest of the bike page.  

Enforcement

• Riders who do not meet bike requirements will not be allowed on board
• All riders are encouraged to be mindful to accommodate those who wish to use Caltrain  

Visual Guide

Bikes that exceed these dimensions may reduce the total number of bikes that can board a train.

 

• Cyclists should prominently display bike destination tags to indicate where they are getting off the train. 

• Bike tags help cyclists stack bikes in an organized manner by destination. 

• Riders can request a tag from the conductor or create one (PDF) and attach it to their bike in a place that can be easily seen by others. 

Bike Destination Tag Example

General

• The conductor, at their discretion, may decline transportation or revise the handling of bicycles/scooters due to crowded trains, or other considerations.
• Bikes/scooters are not allowed to be locked to the train.
• There is no additional charge to bring a bicycle/scooter on board. 

Platform

• For safety reasons, bicycles/scooters cannot be taken on escalators and must not be ridden in station buildings, on platforms or ramps.

Loading/Unloading

• Customers with bicycles must lift and maneuver their own bicycle onboard the train without assistance from conductors.
• Passengers with bicycles board first on bike cars.
• In order to reduce delays, the first cyclists boarding should move in as far as possible so other customers with bicycles have space to board the train.
• Stack bikes by destination so everyone has access when unloading their bike.

Bicycle Types

• Bicycle stalls vary in length. All bicycles must fit in designated space (71”) without protruding into the aisle.
• Gas-powered, tandem or three-wheel bicycles are not allowed.
• Training wheels, detachable or collapsible trailers or large, bulky attachments which expand bicycle width, such as saddlebags, baskets, backpacks or briefcases, are not allowed.
• Bicycles must have no protrusions which could cause injury or damage.
• Bicycles must be kept clean and free of excessive dirt and grease.

Folding Bikes

• Folding bikes are allowed on any train car as long as they are no wider than 32 inches at the widest point.
• Folding bikes must be in the folded position prior to boarding and must remain under the control of the owner while on board.
• Folding bikes must be able to be stored under the seat.
• Folding bikes may not be placed on seats and must not block aisles, stairs or vestibules.
• Folding bikes may not be stored in the space reserved for passengers wheelchairs.
• Folding bikes that are not in the bike rack must remain folded until the passenger has fully left the train.

Note: Caltrain may alter the rules/guidelines at any time, as necessary.

Cyclists are legally responsible for any damage to the train's equipment, other bikes and for any injury to other passengers or train personnel as a result of the cyclist's negligence. 

Caltrain is not responsible for any theft or damage to bicycles while on the train. 

Caltrain currently has two types of trains:

• Electric trains have two bike cars and are limited to 36 bikes per bike car (72 bikes total per train)
• Bombardier trains (South County service) are equipped with one bike car.