Bike Boxes on Renfe / Alfa Pendular (or bus?)

[ctmalone]

I see that on Renfe website they very cleary state that bikes must be in a BAG but what about a bike box? I am working through logistics and after the end of my ride I plan to take Renfe from Santiago De Compostela to Libson via Renfe or Alfa Pendular. The easiest option would be for us to have them in bike boxes (see photo) these are aprox 9.5in x 57in x 30in (24cm x 145cm x 76cm) on the big end. I think i can get smaller from local bike shops when we finish the camino. We want to do boxes as we need to fly with the bikes from Lisbon.

Where I am looking for calcification is can it be in a carboard box or does it need to be in a bag?
If we decide to switch to bus instead I am wondering the same thing, can it be in a cardboard box?


We have to keep our bikes and can not sell them at the end. The logistics of getting them from Santiago to Lisbon has been one of the hardest parts. If there is any advice for that.

Thanks!

 

[Skinnybiker]

Oh dear, this has been covered so many times in other posts. Bikes can be taken on cercanías and MD trains, bagged on AVE. If a box will fit in the bus then ok. However if you use Correos Paq Bici you can have you bike sent to Lisbon for around €50, so you're not struggling with a heavy bike box en route.

 

[ctmalone]

Oh dear, this has been covered so many times in other posts. Bikes can be taken on cercanías and MD trains, bagged on AVE. If a box will fit in the bus then ok. However if you use Correos Paq Bici you can have you bike sent to Lisbon for around €50, so you're not struggling with a heavy bike box en route.

My only worry about sending the bike to Lisbon is timing. We plan to finish the ride on August 27th. We then will be flying out of Lisbon on August 31st. I could not find any information about how long it would take to ship the bike to Lisbon so I was worried it would not arrive by the 30th.
That is a great idea though and would be preferred!

I also had seen all over that bikes could be taken but I was only able to find people who had said that they put them in a bag or wrapped them. I have had experience traveling where bags are ok but boxes are not or visa versa so I wasn't sure if that was going to be an issue.

 

[Jesnat]

I think the problem is that there is no luggage or storage space for a bulky bike box on the train. Whilst a bag is a bit smaller and a bit more flexible. I’ve taken my bike on the coach within Spain several times but always wrapped in plastic bin bags. Maybe a solution and then source the box in Lisbon for the flight home. Sorry I’m not familiar with coach to Lisbon so maybe check their website for info

 

[Corned Beef]

If we decide to switch to bus instead I am wondering the same thing, can it be in a cardboard box?

ALSA do the route SDC to Lisbon so you can ask them. Usually it's a plastic bag you buy from them but is this a S-Works? If it is can understand the box.

 

[JCLima]

I would take the bus.

The train requires respecting the rules of two different entities (Renfe and CP) and changing trains more than once.

 

[Skinnybiker]

And then there's the issue of peak holiday season, you may be able to buy a bus ticket / book a seat but if the luggage compartment is full the driver could well say no. Consequently I stumbled upon two websites; conalforjas.com (with saddlebags) with some useful advice and Correosexpress.com who seem to be a joint Spain + Portugal delivery service. So if your bike needs a guaranteed delivery service try a courier service (MRW, Seur, DHL, GLS, UPS) or Correos Express.

PS: within mainland Spain Correos have always delivered my bike within 48 hours.

 

[MikeC]

ALSA used to refuse bikes on international services so best to check with them.

 

[ctmalone]

Oh dear, this has been covered so many times in other posts. Bikes can be taken on cercanías and MD trains, bagged on AVE. If a box will fit in the bus then ok. However if you use Correos Paq Bici you can have you bike sent to Lisbon for around €50, so you're not struggling with a heavy bike box en route.

I am seeing Tren Celta Renfe routes from Vigo-Porto and also AP/R between Porto-Lisbon. I found lots of information on MD trains. Santiago-Vigo is MD or Regional, so I am not as worried on that.