Bicycle transport on public transport - Austria

VELLO bike Rocky Titan - Faltrad Mitnahme Klimaticket

Austria makes sustainable transport much easier for us by allowing us to take our bikes with us on public transport. But with so many different companies, it's easy to lose track of which rules and regulations have to be followed on buses, trains and trams.

Did you know that:

  • Folding bikes can be taken on any public transport as free hand luggage, even during peak times, whether train, bus or tram.
  • The folded dimensions of a VELLO bike (except VELLO Gravel and VELLO Speedster) are only H: 57 cm x L: 79 cm x W: 29 cm? This corresponds to the ÖBB/Westbahn requirements for taking a piece of hand luggage and does not need to be registered in advance.

Overview of bicycle and folding bike transport rules in Austria:

  • ÖBB: If you fold up your folding bike (maximum dimensions 90 cm wide x 60 cm high x 40 cm deep), you can take it with you as hand luggage free of charge. This of course also applies in combination with the climate ticket. Source: ÖBB (VELLO folding dimensions: 79x57x29 cm)
  • Verkehrsverbund Ost-Region (VOR): "Folded folding bikes and scooters can be taken on all public transport." Source: VOR
  • Wiener Linien: "Folding bikes are an exception. These count as luggage and can also be taken on buses and trams when folded up." Source: Wiener Linien company blog
  • WESTbahn: "Folding bikes in packaging can be taken on the train without a reservation." Source: WESTbahn §13.1. We asked WESTbahn again for you and received the following answer: "If the folding bike is folded up, it can be taken along as free hand luggage.
  • OÖVV: "If the folding bike or scooter can be safely stowed away or if the passenger can hold it between their legs or in their hand, the folding bike (folded up) counts as hand luggage (under 25 kg) depending on its size." Source: OÖVV
  • Postbus: "In principle, folding bikes can be taken along if there is enough space on the bus and the bike can be safely stored. Taking them along also depends on the number of passengers. The decision as to whether they can be taken along is made by the driver on site." Source: Email to Postbus customer service (service@postbus.at)

    Once unfolded, you can reach your destination quickly and easily!

    Legal guidelines for transporting bicycles in the various transport sectors

    We have researched and asked for you - below is an overview of the folding bike transport conditions of the various public transport providers in Austria:

    Taking bicycles on ÖBB trains

    In general, bicycles and folding bikes can be taken on most ÖBB trains. This is also free for folding bikes with a maximum folded size of 90 x 60 x 40 cm. For all other folding bikes or normal bikes, a bike ticket must be purchased. In the WESTbahn, folding bikes must also be stowed in a cover.

    More information on bicycle transport in the ÖBB and at the Westbahn can be found here.

    Folding bikes allowed on all Viennese public transport

    The individual federal states make it more difficult to see through. Vienna, for example, allows bicycles to be taken on the subway free of charge, but only at certain times during the week. Transport is possible from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and from 6:30 p.m. - on weekends and public holidays it is permitted all day. However, only folding bikes are permitted on trams and buses. Normal bicycles may not be transported here. For owners of an annual ticket for the Vienna core zone, transport on ÖBB trains within Vienna is free.

    You can find more information here.

    What is the situation around the federal capital?

    In other federal states, things are a little different. Owners of a six-month or annual public transport ticket can usually take their bicycles with them free of charge. Otherwise, you will have to buy a ticket for your faithful companion almost everywhere. Folding bikes are an exception here, however! These count as hand luggage almost everywhere and are therefore free.

    Here you can find information on transporting bicycles at VOR.

    You can find information about the different rules in Styria here. 

    Regulations for bicycle transport in Carinthia.

    Taking bicycles on board the Salzburg transport network.

    Information on taking bicycles on board in Upper Austria. 

    More information on transporting bicycles in Tyrol. 

    Taking a bicycle in Vorarlberg.