Welcome to Translink’s comprehensive guide to getting you and your bike around the Translink Network, to ensure that your journey goes as smoothly as possible…
Pick up a handy ‘Bike It with Translink’ leaflet, which includes cycle route information, at any bus or rail station or e-mail us on feedback@translink.co.uk and we’ll send a copy direct to your home!!!
Our Objectives
Things you need to know...
Translink policy
Translink is one of thefew United Kingdom bus operators to carry bicycles on Express Coach Services. Bicycles accompanying passengers may be carried in the luggage boot of Goldline Express Coaches at the driver's discretion, provided space is available, and onboard trains. It is regretted that bicycles cannot be carried before 09.30 am. Unaccompanied bicycles may be carried as parcels and arrangements should be made with your local Parcellink Office. It is regretted that tandems cannot be carried on Translink services.
Fares for the Carriage of Bicycles
Do I Need to Book?
Whenever possible it is recommended that you phone ahead of your travel date to advise Translink staff of your intention to travel with a bike. In general, a maximum of two bicycles can be carried on Goldline Express coaches and a maximum of four bicycles on a train. Regrettably bicycles cannot be carried on non- Goldliner coaches and seasonal rambler services.
If there are more than two in a party intending to travel with bicycles, it is essential that Translink is informed of your requirements prior to your date of travel to accommodate your needs. It is very difficult to accommodate Touring Groups, especially from outside Northern Ireland, if advance arrangements are not made.
Whilst every effort will be made to carry your bicycle on a departing coach or train, cyclists should arrive at the bus / rail station in plenty of time and should be aware that services on Friday and Sunday evenings may be particularly busy.
Free Cycle Parking
Modern Goldliner coaches and trains have limited capacity for the carriage of bicycles. Translink would encourage cycle-commuters to park and ride so that tourists and recreational cyclists can make maximum use of the available bus space.
Most railway and bus stations are equipped with secure cycle parking facilities. All our main bus and rail stations have good covered cycle parking arrangements and these are being extended to lesser used stations. In 2003 we shall be experimenting with bike lockers at some locations.
Will I receive any assistance?
If you require assistance in the loading and unloading of your bike it is advised that you telephone ahead of your desired date of travel to make Translink staff aware of your needs. Please note customers may be asked to fold handle bars and cover sharp edges where possible.
Tourist Information
The Northern Ireland Tourist Board produces an annual Information Guide to Cycling in Northern Ireland which provides details on cycling holidays, bike hire and cycle route information. You can obtain this information guide by calling the Belfast Welcome Centre on 028 9024 6609, or indeed, any NI Tourist Information Centre. Also, why not check out the NITB website www.discovernorthernireland.com
