Bike Permit Regulations

Travel Green and Safe for All Customers

All bicycles carried on board must be clean and free of excessive dirt and grease at all times
Cyclists may board trains only after all other customers have boarded
Watch the gap while entering and exiting the train with bicycles
Cyclists must remain in the immediate proximity and in full control of their bicycles at all times

Types of Bicycles

Single-seat, human-powered, two-wheeled vehicles, with a wheel diameter not in excess of 27 inches and maximum dimensions of 80"x 48". These bicycles require a Metro-North/Long Island Rail Road permit.
Not permitted: Bicycles in excess of the above dimensions, as well as tandem, motorized, or training-wheeled bicycles, tricycles, or bicycles with any protrusions that could cause injury or damage.
True folding bicycles do not require a permit, but must remain folded at all times.

Bicycle Access Permits

An application for a bicycle permit under this part shall be made in person at Window 27 in Grand Central Terminal, or at any outlying staffed ticket office. A bicycle permit shall be issued by Metro-North upon the completion of the application and payment of a $5.00 fee to cover administration expenses. Permits are issued immediately at Window 27 in Grand Central Terminal, or at any outlying staffed ticket office.

Conditions on use of Bicycle Access Permit

Customers who wish to bring their bicycles onto Metro-North trains shall display a valid permit. Permit holders shall be governed by the following conditions:

a. Weekdays

i. Outbound from Grand Central Terminal

Bicycles will not be permitted on trains scheduled to depart from Grand Central Terminal between 4:00 PM and 8:00 PM, and connecting trains. Bicycles are also prohibited on specific trains departing Grand Central Terminal between 5:30 AM and 9:00 AM, 3:00 PM and 3:59 PM, 8:01 PM and 8:15 PM, as identified in Metro-North timetables. On the Friday after Thanksgiving and the week between Christmas and New Year's Day, bicycles will not be permitted on trains scheduled to depart from Grand Central Terminal between 5:30 AM and 12 Noon; 3:00 PM and 8:30 PM, and connecting trains.

ii. Inbound to Grand Central Terminal

Bicycles will not be permitted on trains scheduled to arrive in Grand Central Terminal between 5:00 AM and 10:00 AM, including connecting trains, and on other trains identified in Metro-North timetables. On the Friday after Thanksgiving and the week between Christmas and New Year's Day, bicycles will not be permitted on trains scheduled to arrive in Grand Central Terminal between 5:00 AM and 12 Noon, 4:00 PM and 8:00 PM, and connecting trains.

b. Holidays and Holiday Eves

No bicycles will be carried on New Year's Eve, New Year's Day, St. Patrick's Day, Mother's Day, Eve of Rosh Hashanah, Eve of Yom Kippur, Eve of Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day. In addition, no bicycles will be permitted on trains scheduled to depart Grand Central Terminal between 12 Noon and 8:30 PM on the Friday before Memorial Day weekend; the weekday before the observed Independence Day holiday or the Friday before Independence Day weekend; and the Friday before Labor Day Weekend; including connecting trains.

c. Crew Discretion

Metro-North reserves the right to designate additional trains where bicycles will not be permitted. In addition, train crews may bar bicycles from trains if the bicycles cannot be carried because of conditions which interfere with the safety and comfort of other customers, including occasions of heavy ridership or equipment shortages. Consequently, the carriage of bicycles on a given train or for a continuous journey on connecting trains cannot be guaranteed.

d. Number of Bicycles Allowed Aboard Trains

i. On weekdays, two (2) bicycles will be permitted per car with a maximum of four (4) bicycles per train. Bicycles shall be placed in the two rear cars of inbound trains or the two front cars of outbound trains, unless otherwise directed by train crew. Groups of more than four (4) bicyclists traveling together must make advance arrangements with Metro-North for carriage.

ii. On weekends, the maximum number of bicycles permitted on trains is eight (8). In addition, certain weekend trains are designated as "Bicycle Trains" and noted in the timetable with a bicycle symbol. These trains may carry more than the permitted number of bicycles.

e. Bicycle Storage Aboard Trains

Bicycles will be secured in areas designated by the train crew. Bicycles will remain in the custody of the bicyclists, who will be responsible for their safekeeping, and will secure the bicycles so that they do not pose a hazard to other customers.

f. Additional Rules for Bicyclists:

i. Bicycle riding on platforms or in other station areas is prohibited.

ii. Bicycles are not to be taken on escalators.

iii. All protruding objects or sharp edges must be removed from bicycles.

iv. Bicyclists must stay with their bicycles and move them, if necessary, to permit mobility of other customers.

v. Bicyclists may board trains only after all other customers have boarded.

vi. Bicyclists must comply with instructions from train crew members, Metro-North supervisors, and police.

g. Folding Bicycles

Folding bicycles may be brought on board train cars as carry-on baggage at all times. Only true folding bicycles (bicycles specifically designed to fold up into a compact assembly, not exceeding 32 inches in width) are acceptable. Generally, these bicycles have frame latches that allow the frame to be collapsed, and small wheels. Regular bicycles of any size, with or without wheels, are not considered folding bicycles, and may not be stored as folding bicycles on board trains. The bicycle must be folded in the most compact position before boarding the train. Bicycles must be clean and free of excessive dirt and grease at all times. Folding bicycles may not be placed on seats and must not block aisles or vestibules and should be placed in the overhead luggage racks. Folding bicycles do not require a permit.

h. Permit Revocation

The issuance of a bicycle permit by Metro-North is a public service to allow bicyclists the use of Metro-North transportation services. Failure to comply with the regulations will result in the revocation of the permit.

i. Liability

A permit holder will assume all liability for any damage or injury to persons or property resulting from or in connection, with the carriage of the permit holder's bicycle on Metro-North trains, or at or near any facility used in connection with Metro-North rail services.

j. For West of Hudson service, New Jersey Transit (NJT) permit rules apply; and a separate NJT permit is required.

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