How to take your bike on Caltrain

Type of bike

First, you’ll want to be able to easily lift your bike several feet off the ground (without assistance) to go up and down the train-car stairs, as conductors are not able to assist. But this doesn’t mean you should bring your carbon fiber racing-bike, as once aboard the train, bikes are stacked and leaned on one another for storage thus posing the chance for scratches or scuffs during transit.

A sturdier bike that won’t be bothered by minor scrapes and dings is highly recommended. For example, a steel or aluminum city bike of a manageable weight should be fine. If you don’t already have a suitable bike that you would feel comfortable bringing aboard the train, consider buying an inexpensive used bike solely for train-use.

Another great option is a folding bike. These bikes (as the name suggests) literally fold and compact, so they can be easily stored and moved. This is especially helpful when taking Caltrain during rush hour, since cyclists may get “bumped” from time to time if the train’s bike-cars are full, which results in riders having to wait for the following train. A folding bike avoids this issue (once folded) by having the ability to be stored in the separate luggage train-car.

Waiting in the right spot

Plan your ride to the station so you arrive at least five minutes before your train departs. Before boarding, be sure to buy a ticket, scan your Clipper card, or have your GoPass on you (note: there’s no extra charge for taking your bike on Caltrain). Then, choose a spot on the platform where you can quickly access a bike car, which are identified by a yellow bike-symbol sign on the outside of the train car(s).

Trains typically have 2-3 bike cars, and the number of bike-cars per train is listed on the engine or cab car which you'll be able to see as it approaches the station. Bike cars are always the cab cars—located on the northernmost end of the train—and 1-2 cars in the middle of the train set. It’s easiest to wait for the train at the northern end of the platform; this ensures a short distance to the cab car once the train arrives.

Boarding and securing your bike

Depending on the type of train you’re riding on, your bike car will either have room to store 80 bikes or 24 bikes―typically enough space for all, but remember that these may get full during peak commute hours.

When your train arrives, the official rule is that passengers with bikes board first on bike cars, so lift your bike and walk into the bike car accordingly. Once inside, you’ll need a yellow plastic bike tag, which lists origin and destination, and helps organize bikes onboard. You can get these from the conductor, inside the bike cars themselves (sometimes), or download a template and make your own.

Bikes are stored four to a rack and stacked on top of one another; use the bike tags so other bikers boarding will know not to stack their bike on top of yours if their destination comes after. An ordered list of stops is affixed to the windows in bike cars, so check there if you’re not sure where your stop is in relation to the other riders’ destinations.

Once you’ve found a rack to store your bike (i.e., where you won’t be blocking a bike getting off before yours), secure your bike by wrapping a provided bungie around the frame. If you're not sure, look at how other bikes on the rack are secured.

There is usually enough room in the bike car for bikes and their riders. Try to sit close to your bike since bike thefts on Caltrain do happen, although they are rare. Please note that bikes are not allowed to be locked to the train, but feel free to lock your tire to your bike frame if you want to further discourage theft.

Bike storage onboard the new electric trains

The new electric trains still have two bike cars, though they are limited to 36 bikes per bike car (72 bikes total per train), meaning they may fill up faster due to the decrease in capacity. Bike storage has remained unchanged and will still follow the existing stacking method, which maximizes capacity and is identical to all other train types.

Exiting the train

As the train approaches your destination, go to the rack where you stored your bike; unlock it (if needed), remove the bungie, and remove it from the rack. While waiting for the train to stop and doors to open, make sure to leave enough room in the aisle for other commuters who need to get by.

Once the train is stopped at the station, lift your bike and disembark carefully being mindful of the steps while descending. Be sure to tag off if you’re using a Clipper Card, and then hit the road!

Note that you must always walk your bike on the platform.

Biking to work

If you’re riding to Stanford Research Park, check out these suggested routes:

From Palo Alto station
From California Ave. station (closest station to SRP)
SRP Bike Route Map

Want more info?

Caltrain’s site has good info, including a Bicycle FAQ.

If you need specific help or would like someone to do your first bike + Caltrain commute with you, email: srpgobikes@stanford.edu. The Stanford Research Park Bicycling Concierge is here to help with most any biking assistance!