How much does it cost to ship a bike? Ultimate Guide
If you’re planning on shipping your bike, you might be wondering how much it’s going to cost. The cost of shipping a bike depends on a few factors, including the size and weight of the bike, the distance it’s being shipped, and the shipping method. In general, you can expect to pay anywhere from $80 to $220 to ship a bike.
In this blog post, we’re going to walk you through each of the common shipping methods for bikes and how to calculate the shipping cost for a bike using each one of them. We also have some tips for shipping a bike safely so that it arrives in good condition. So don’t wait any longer – get packing!
What are the common shipping methods for bikes?
- FedEx
- UPS
- BikeFlights
- ShipBikes
- Sport Express
Shipping Cost For a bike Interactive Table
| Company | Box size & weight | New York – Chicago | New York – Los Angeles |
| Bike Flights | 51” x 15” x 32” 65lbs | $141.95 | $160.95 |
| Ship Bikes | 51” x 15” x 32” 65lbs | $119.54 | $134.85 |
| FedEx | 51” x 15” x 32” 65lbs | $348.13 | $416.23 |
| UPS | 51” x 15” x 32” 65lbs | $318.95 | $373.49 |
How much does it cost to ship a bike using each method?
You’re going to pay the most for shipping a bike via FedEx, but you’ll also get your bike delivered quickly and in good condition. You can expect to pay anywhere from $75 to $175, depending on the size and weight of the bike.
If you need your bike delivered within two days, UPS is probably your best option. You’ll likely pay between $100 and $145 per shipment, plus an additional fee for insurance. The downside to using UPS is that it can be more expensive than other methods if you need your bike shipped overseas .
If you’re looking to ship your bike domestically, BikeFlights is a great option. You’ll pay between $55 and $85 per shipment, plus applicable taxes. BikeFlights also offers free delivery within metro areas in the U.S. (check out the full list of cities here).
If you’re shipping your bike long distances, ShipBikes may be a better option for you. Shipping prices start at just $65 per bike and there’s no additional charge for insurance or expedited shipping. Plus, you can be sure that your bike will arrive in great condition.
Sport Express is a great option if you need to ship your bike overseas. You’ll pay a minimum of $174, plus applicable taxes and shipping fees. You can also opt for free 2-day delivery in select cities in the U.S., as well as secure online tracking so that you always know where your bike is.
Airline Fees For Bikes
There is no one right answer when it comes to airline fees for shipping a bike. Every situation is different and will require specific research into the costs associated with various methods of transportation. However, some general tips include:
- Compare rates and find an airline that offers the best deal for your needs.
- Ship bikes using a shipping method that minimizes damage caused during transport.
- Prepare for possible delays by packing necessary items such as food, water, sunscreen and insect repellent in case you are delayed en route.
| Company | Max Dimensions/weight | Bike Fee |
| Air Canada | 115″ / 70lbs | $50 |
| Air France | Not specified / 70lbs | $75- $150 |
| Alaska Airlines | Not specified / Not specified | $30 |
| Allegiant Airlines | 80″ / 40lbs | $30-$50 |
| American Airlines | 126″ / 50lbs | $30 |
| Delta Airlines | 115″ / 50lbs | $30 |
| Frontier | 109″ / 109lbs | $75 |
| Hawaiian Airlines | 115″ / 50lbs | $35-$150 |
| Jet Blue | 80″ / 99lbs | $100 |
| Lufthansa | 110″ / 70lbs | $146-$287 |
| Southwest | 80″ / 100lbs | $75 |
| Spirit Airlines | Not specified / Not specified | $75 |
| WestJet | 115″ / 100lbs | $50 |
| British Airways | 138″ / 50lbs | part of checked bag allowance |
| Qantas | 99″ / 70lbs | part of checked bag allowance |
| United Airlines | 115″ / 100lbs | part of checked bag allowance |
| Virgin Atlantic | 81″ / 50lbs | part of checked bag allowance |
USPS domestic bike shipping cost by distance
| Distance in miles | Cost |
| up to 50 | $84 |
| 51-150 | $84 |
| 151-300 | $106.80 |
| 301-600 | $129.60 |
| 601-1000 | $152.15 |
| 1001-1400 | $174.95 |
| 1401-1800 | $197.65 |
| over 1800 | $220.50 |
| freely associated states | $220.50 |
What You Need To Ship a Bike?
- Bike box
- Bike tools
- Cushioning, such as foam tubing or padding, bubble wrap, or air pillows
- Cable ties
- Extra cardboard
- Zip-top bags or small box for parts and hardware
- Packing tape at least 2″ wide
You’ll need a sturdy bike box to pack your bike securely. The best boxes are made from heavy-duty cardboard and come with padding, foam insulation, and a shipping container. You can find pre-made bike boxes at most bicycle shops or online retailers. If you’re DIYing, be sure to read our guide on how to build your own bike box .
It’s important to include some basic cycling tools in your shipment–such as multitool blades, adjustable wrench sets, rubber gloves, and extra cables–just in case something goes wrong while your bike is in transit.
Add some extra padding to your bike’s frame and wheels to help avoid damage during shipping. This can be done with foam tubing or air pillows, which you can buy at most sporting goods stores or online retailers.
It’s a good idea to use cable ties to secure any loose parts on your bike while it’s in transit. Cable ties are inexpensive, easy to use, and won’t leave behind any marks or residues when they’re removed later on.
Pack some extra cardboard in your bike box to protect delicate parts, such as the frame or wheels. Use packing tape to secure the cardboard in place.
If you have any spare parts or hardware that you don’t want to lose during shipping, pack them into a zip-top bag or small box and seal it shut with packing tape.
The cost of shipping a bike depends on the weight and size of the bike, as well as the destination country. You can find ballpark estimates online or at your local bicycle shop.
Packaging tape is important for protecting delicate parts on your bike during shipping. At least 2″ wide of tape will be enough to cover the entire box and all of the packaging material.
How to ship a bike?
- Disassemble the bike
- Pack the bike and parts
- Seal the bike box
This is the most time-consuming part of shipping a bike. Before you can pack and ship the bike, you’ll need to take it apart so that it can fit into its box.
Once your bike is disassembled, begin packing each component into its own separate bag or box. Make sure to include all of the spare parts and hardware that you’ll need in case something goes wrong while your bike is in transit.
Finally, seal up all of the packaging material with packing tape . Make sure to wrap the entire box tightly in order to protect your bike from damage.
What To Do Receiving the Bike After Shipping?
After you have paid for shipping and handling, you will be able to track the progress of your bike as it is being shipped. The tracking number will be emailed to you once the bike has been shipped. You can also find the tracking number on the order confirmation page.
When the bike arrives, please inspect it carefully for any damage that may have occurred during shipping. If there is any damage, please contact us immediately so that we can file a claim with the shipping company. Please do not attempt to ride the bike until it has been fully assembled by a qualified bicycle mechanic.
Here are some tips :
- Assemble the bike as soon as it arrives.
- Inspect the bike for any damage that may have occurred during shipping. If there is any, please contact us immediately so that we can file a claim with the shipping company.
- Do not ride the bike until it has been fully assembled by a qualified bicycle mechanic .
Who can ship a bike?
- Local bike shop
- Shipping company
- Third-party logistics company
- Individual Pro Cyclist
There are a number of shipping companies that offer bike shipping. They will typically pack the bike well and use a tracking system to keep you updated on the progress of your bike.
Third-party logistics companies specialize in handling large shipments of goods. They can often find lower cost options for shipping bikes than either local bike shops or shipping companies.
If you are an individual cyclist, then you may be able to ship the bike yourself using special packing techniques .
Common bike shipping mistakes?
- Improper packing
- Incorrect measurements
- Incorrect assembly
- Unforeseen delays
- Damage to the bike during shipping
1. Improper packing:
One of the most common shipping mistakes is packing the bike incorrectly. Make sure to pack everything securely so that there is no chance of damage occurring during transport. This includes padding the bike with bubble wrap and Styrofoam blocks, as well as using a proper shipping box.
2. Incorrect measurements:
Another mistake that riders make is measuring their bike improperly. Be sure to take accurate measurements before packing up your ride. This will ensure that your bike arrives safely at its destination without any issues!
3. Incorrect assembly:
Make sure you assemble your bike correctly before sending it off. Incorrect assembly can lead to a number of problems, including damage to the bike during transport. If you are unsure how to put your bike together, please contact an experienced bicycle mechanic before shipping it off!
4. Unforeseen delays:
Sometimes things happen that we cannot control, such as traffic or weather conditions on the way. This means that our bikes may experience unexpected delays in their journey. When this happens, be sure to keep track of the shipment’s progress and plan adequately for when you might not receive your bike.
5. Damage to the bike during shipping:
Even with the best of intentions, sometimes accidents happen and bikes get damaged in transit. If you suspect that your bike has been damaged in any way, please contact a bicycle mechanic as soon as possible. They can inspect the bike for damage and take any necessary measures to ensure its safe arrival at its final destination!
Airline vs Road Vs Ship Bike Shipping
The cost of shipping a bike by air, road or ship can vary dramatically depending on the size and weight of the bike. Additionally, the specific shipping company you use will also affect your overall costs.
1. Airline:
Airlines typically charge a flat fee for shipping a bike, regardless of the weight or size of the bike. However, some airlines have special rates for bikes that are oversized or overweight. Airfreight can be expensive, so it is important to compare rates and find an airline that offers the best deal for your needs.
2. Road:
Bicycles can be shipped via road using several different methods. The most common way to ship a bike by road is to take it into your own vehicle and drive it to its final destination. This type of shipping can be convenient if you are able to transport the bike in your own vehicle, but it can be costly if you have to hire a truck.
3. Ship:
Bicycles can also be shipped by boat or ship. This is the most expensive option, but it allows for faster shipping times and avoids potential damage caused by road transportation. There are several factors to consider when selecting a shipping method:
- The size and weight of the bike.
- The location of the final destination.
- How quickly you need the bike delivered.
- The cost of shipping.
- The availability of the chosen shipping method.
The difference between shipping an electric bike vs. a classic bike
The biggest difference between shipping an electric bike vs. a classic bike is the storage and handling of the lithium battery. Because lithium batteries are flammable, e-bikes may be subject to additional shipping regulations. Check out our electric bike shipping guide for more information on how to safely and cheaply ship an e-bike
Electric bikes are different from classic bikes in a few ways.
What are some tips for shipping a bike safely?
Here are a few tips for safely shipping bikes:
1. Pack the bike as carefully as possible. Make sure everything is secure and nothing is going to fall off during transport.
2. Use bubble wrap or other packing material to cushion the bike and avoid any damage to the frame or components while in transit.
3. Transport the bike via a carrier that specializes in transporting bikes, if possible – this will ensure that it arrives without any damage!
4. Take pictures of the bike as it arrives so you can track its progress and ensure that it arrived without any issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does weight affect shipping costs?
Shipping bikes can be expensive, depending on the weight of the bike and the shipping carrier. For example, it can cost up to $200 to ship a bike internationally. Additionally, bike shipping can take up to six weeks, which is why it’s important to choose a shipping carrier that offers free shipping.
What is the average cost to ship a bike?
There is no one definitive answer to this question since price ranges can be quite substantial, depending on the weight and size of the bike being shipped. However, a ballpark estimate for shipping a bike typically runs around $80-$220.
What are some of the most common methods for shipping bikes?
The most common way of shipping bikes is through UPS, FedEx, or USPS. Shipping a bike is usually more expensive than sending other items since there’s additional packing/handling involved.
Is it worth it to have my bike shipped in pieces instead of as a whole unit?
Whether it’s worth it to have your bike shipped in pieces or as a whole unit is up to you. There are pros and cons to each option, so it all comes down to what you’re specifically looking for. For the most part, shipping a bike in smaller parts can cost you anywhere from $50-$200. On the other hand, shipping a bike as a whole unit can take up more space in transit, incurring additional fees along the way. So, it really comes down to what you’re hoping to gain from shipping your bike in pieces vs. shipping it as a whole unit.
What are the benefits of using a bike carrier when shipping your bike?
Bike carriers can save you a lot of money on shipping costs. Not only will they help to reduce the weight of your bike, but bike carriers also help to protect it from damage during transit. This is because bike carriers can hold the bike in place so that it doesn’t move around or get scratched. In addition, bike carriers can help to reduce damage caused to the bike during transit by keeping it secure and stationary. This way, the bike isn’t subjected to bumps, jolts, or other abnormal movement that may cause damage.
Conclusion
Bike shipping can be a daunting task, but our interactive table can help you figure out the shipping cost for a bike using each method. By knowing the common shipping methods and tips for shipping a bike safely, you can make the process easier. Make sure to check out our website for more bike shipping tips and advice!
