Shipping a Bike to Europe or Internationally | Packing Tips

Bike shipping services in Europe and internationally

Sending your bike by post or courier is the best solution for tranasporting your equipment when moving, travelling or selling online. Profit from our knowledge and experience in logistics and find the cheapest way to ship a bike in Europe or internationally with Eurosender. Let us help you organise the safest bike shipping overseas, and check our tips on how to properly pack your bicycle for shipping.

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BEFORE SHIPPING

What to know before shipping a bike internationally

Pack your bike, measure its dimensions and find out which shipping service would be best for it. The cheapest way to ship a bike internationally is by disassembling it since many bicycles can fit the dimensions for the Standard Service.
Verify if you need to print and attach the shipping label to your parcel. Such information will be sent to you via email.
Book your shipment in advance to avoid any inconvenience, and make sure someone is present at delivery and pick-up locations.

SMALLER SHIPMENT

Sending a bicycle via courier in a package

Find the right solution for sending a bicycle abroad via courier, whether it is a mountain, road or electric bike. Discover the available package shipping options below.

Have a different requirement? See all services

PACKING GUIDE

How to pack a bicycle for shipping in a package

Follow the steps below to send a disassembled bicycle safely by post or courier:

1. Disassemble the bike by taking apart the wheels, handlebars, pedals and saddle. You can do this yourself with tools such as spanners and Allen keys or ask for help at your local bike shop. Pack each part separately by wrapping them with bubble wrap and securing them with tape.

2. Protect the bike frame and protruding parts, such as the wheel axel, by covering them in bubble wrap. Line the cardboard box with cushioning materials and carefully arrange the packed bike parts inside. The bolts should be put into plastic pouches, so they do not get lost.

3. Place the bike frame in first, followed by the protectively wrapped wheels, and then the smaller parts. Make sure there is adequate padding between each part.

4. Use a string or cable ties to secure the items together and add more cushioning materials to make them immobile during transport. Close and seal the box and reinforce the corners and edges.

FREE INSURANCE

Shipping insurance when sending a bike overseas

Each shipment booked through Eurosender is covered by basic insurance, included in the price. For the best protection when shipping your bike in Europe or abroad, we have great low prices for additional insurance – available to purchase during booking.

When sending a bicycle by courier, we recommend keeping the original invoice since it serves as proof of the item’s value.

LARGER LOADS

How to ship a bigger load of bikes by courier

Depending on the size and time-sensitivity of your shipment, Eurosender recommends:

Do you have special requirements? Get a personalised quote

PACKING GUIDE

How to pack multiple bikes for shipping on a pallet

When you need to transport multiple bikes, it is advisable to use their original box for shipping on a pallet. Follow these simple instructions to properly pack the bicycles for shipping on pallets.

Choose a pallet in good condition. Place paper liners or cardboard at the base of the pallet.
Pack the bike in its original box, if available, or use a large cardboard box. Lay the bike horizontally for more stability.
Place cardboard liners between each bike for protection.
Stack evenly, do not exceed the pallet dimensions for shipping.
Use pallet cables and plastic wrap to secure the load and tie at the base.

RECOMMENDED

Bike transport in Europe with a dedicated van

Transport bikes and more across Europe with a dedicated van. The Van Delivery Service is perfect if you are looking for a fast and affordable way to transport multiple bikes and other belongings since the transport is direct, with no stopovers. Get an instant price for van delivery to transport your bikes in Europe on our booking tool.

Important: While the packaging is not always required for van shipments, we recommend packing your bikes well and considering using bicycle racks and clips for additional protection during transit.
Book a van delivery

NEED MORE INFORMATION?

FAQ on shipping a bike in Europe and internationally

How much does it cost to ship a bike? What is the cheapest way to ship a bike internationally?

The cost of shipping a bike in Europe or internationally depends on the pick-up and delivery destinations and your item's size. The cheapest way to ship a bike internationally is by disassembling it and packing it in a box. After preparing the package, use our booking engine to discover the prices for shipping a bike internationally with the best courier providers in Europe and worldwide.

Is it possible to ship a bike overseas without disassembling it?

It is not advisable to send a bike by courier or post without disassembling it. The main reason is that a bicycle is a delicate item with a lot of spare parts and, during transport, there is a higher risk of damage if the bike is not adequately protected. Hence, all couriers strongly advise all shippers to disassemble their equipment before collection, leading to a cheaper bike shipping service as the final package is more compact.

What if my disassembled bike is too large for the Standard Service?

Depending on the type of equipment you have, a bicycle frame may be too big for the Standard Service. If this is your case, we also offer shipping services with more flexible dimension limits, such as the Regular Plus or Express Services. To check their availability for your route, choose the countries of pick-up and delivery on our booking engine and insert the dimensions of your shipment.

For international relocations or moving several items, consider booking the Van Delivery Service, where you will have the entire space of the van reserved solely for you. With this service, you will not be required to pack your bicycle for shipping, but we still recommend protecting it with cushioning materials to keep it safe during transit.

If you require further assistance, please send us a message via chat, and one of our logistics experts will help you find the perfect shipping service for your bicycle.

Is it possible to send a bike by post or courier without a box? Can I ship my bike in a bike bag?

A box provides the safest protection when sending your bike abroad by courier or post. If you are using freight-approved bike box, this will have to be packed in a sturdy double-walled cardboard box. Bikes that are only packed in bike boxes will be rejected by the courier.

Sending a bike without a box or sturdy package is not recommended because of the higher risk of damage. Bike bags are not allowed for shipping because they are soft and do not offer the same protection against bumps and collisions as these other packing options.

Please bear in mind that courier companies may refuse to transport your bike if it is not properly packed in a parcel or pallet, depending on the service booked.

Where can I buy a bike box for shipping?

When packing your bicycle, you should use an appropriately-sized box to ensure better protection and the cheapest transport. The best place to find a bike box with the correct dimensions is in a sports shop. When shipping your bike in Europe or internationally with the Standard Service, please make sure that the box is within the shipping dimensions limit.

Read more about how to ship oddly-shaped items.

How does bike shipping to the UK work after Brexit?

International bike shipping to the UK must follow the updated customs rules since Brexit came into effect in January 2021. Some European cycling shops selling bikes online still offer deliveries to the UK; however, the cost may be higher due to import taxes. The delivery time is also longer now, as you need to add the time required for the package to go through customs - check the Brexit updates on customs procedures. If you have found a bike in a UK shop that does not ship to the EU or vice-versa, you can book the delivery of your bicycle with Eurosender.

Is it possible to ship an e-bike internationally?

The regulations for shipping an e-bike internationally are different from those for regular bicycles because electronic ones have batteries, which may fall under the restricted section stipulated by most international couriers. If you need specific information about shipping electric bikes overseas, do not hesitate to contact us using the chatbox at the bottom of the screen. Our specialists will be happy to assist you and discuss all the options available.

Find out how much it costs to ship a bike internationally