DB Autozug beats the Autobahn

Give your nerves and your machine a break

Tips and information to help you plan and prepare your motorcycle tour, whether you're travelling with or without a sidecar or trailer.

Motorcyclists appreciate travelling with DB Autozug because it does away with monotonous motorway kilometres on the way to their holiday destinations. Furthermore, they avoid the notorious squared-off tyres phenomenon that comes from long stretches on the motorway and makes driving unpleasant on curvy roads. The two legs on the motorway and the kilometres driven at the destination can actually make it necessary to purchase a completely new set of tyres.   

Unlike travel on the motorway, which is one of the least sociable activities imaginable, a tour with DB Autozug begins with motorcyclists making themselves at home in their compartment and later eating a meal at the on-board restaurant. They also tend to enjoy their biking tour from start to finish.

Flexible tour planning

Many motorcyclists plan their route differently than most motorists do, the focus being more on having fun on the road in the country where they are holidaying. Not surprisingly, they are often interested in "open-jaw" solutions that allow them to travel home by train from the final stop of their tour. With DB Autozug that's no problem.

For instance, you can travel with DB Autozug from Hamburg to Narbonne as a starting-off point for a tour of the Pyrenees. You then bike along the Côte d'Azur and the Italian Riviera to Tuscany, returning with DB Autozug from Verona to Hamburg.

Motorcycles and combinations

When it comes to calculating prices on DB Autozug, a "motorcycle" is taken to mean any motorised two-wheel vehicle as well as motorcycles with sidecars. The overall length – of a motorcycle plus trailer, for instance – must not exceed 2.65 m, otherwise car transport prices apply.

Loading and securing motorcycles

Motorcycles are generally loaded ahead of other types of vehicles because it takes a long time to carefully secure them. The loading deadline for motorcycles thus comes earlier than the one for cars. Please check the loading times indicated on your ticket.

Particularly during the high season, in which a great many motorcyclists travel with DB Autozug, we ask you to arrive early – if possible before the motorcycles are due to be loaded.  

Driving onto the vehicle transporter

Motorcycles are usually parked on the lower level. The height here is nearly 1.58 m, so we kindly ask you to wear your helmet as a safety precaution when driving to your parking spot. The loading staff will secure your motorcycle with straps. Please remain by your machine until the loading staff have started their work.

Securing motorcycles

In order for your motorcycle to be eligible for transport, it needs to have a main or side stand. You are welcome to help the loading staff strap your machine into place. Should you be the owner of a fully-enclosed machine, you can be of assistance to the loading crew by pointing out the securing points specified by your motorcycle's manufacturer.

Luggage

Lockable motorcycle panniers or cases may remain attached to your vehicle. All other forms of luggage must be firmly secured. Be sure to take any luggage you require during your journey on the train with you. For safety reasons, you will not be able to return to the transporter while en route.

Mounted panniers and cases are the ideal choice, but compact luggage rolls that are firmly attached with straps are also feasible. By contrast, it is not enough to fasten luggage with rubber spiders, expanders or the like. If need be, our terminal service will lend you an additional strap to fasten your luggage.

Loose pieces of luggage cannot be left on your motorcycle and have to be removed. We kindly ask you to take these items with you to your compartment.

Your motorcycle travels at speeds of up to 100 mph with DB Autozug – and the train occasionally switches to reverse. What's more, there are lateral gusts of wind, caused for instance when two trains pass each other. This makes it particularly important to securely fasten luggage, windscreens and other add-on components.

Securing large windscreens

High or large windscreens must either be detached prior to the train journey or secured with a windscreen strap. This can be obtained when checking into the terminal.  

Before attaching the strap, the screen may need to be cleaned so the suction cups leave no marks. Where the windscreen is of adjustable height, it must be placed at the lowest setting (flat).

Last modified: 09.07.2012