Introduction
Indian Railways is the best way to transport your motorcycle within the cities of South India, the most economical means of transporting the bike, and also safe and fairly fast compared to full service movers.
You have two clean choices. In case you are travelling in the same train, order the bike as a luggage and receive it at the time of arrival. When you are not travelling, you can book it as a parcel; this is transported in the next available train and will arrive within 1-5days depending on the route.
This guide relies on Indian-English instructions of common users and parcel-office standards: what kind of packing is accepted, what you need to carry with you, how much (approximately) you will pay on typical South routes and how to avoid a delay and a fine.
Where and When to Book
- Booking point: Parcel Office/Luggage Office at your transit station (large counters: Chennai Egmore/Chennai central, Bengaluru City, Secunderabad, Hyderabad Deccan, Kochi Ernakulam Town/Jetty area, Thiruvananthapuram Central, Coimbatore Jn., Madurai Jn., Mangaluru and Vizag etc.).
- Working hours: Standard hours are 8:00 AM-8:00 PM with a lunch break; luggage reservation to the same day trains usually closes 2-4 hours before the departure. Parcels take all day till the rake is full.
- The best time to go there: Morning 9-11 AM during weekdays- there are more staff, less rush and packing vendors.
- Documents: Original ID (Aadhaar/DL/Passport), RC smart card (photocopy is acceptable in most of the offices- carry an original copy of your card to verify), valid insurance copy. To book the luggage, present your confirmed train ticket as well.
Two Ways to Send a Bike: Luggage vs Parcel (Side‑by‑Side)
| Point | Luggage (you travel on the same train) | Parcel (bike travels alone) |
|---|---|---|
| Who it suits | Riders moving with their bike and luggage | When you can’t travel or want flexible dates |
| Booking window | On the day of travel (reach 3–4 hours early) | Any day; dispatch on next available train |
| Documents | ID + RC + insurance + confirmed ticket | ID + RC + insurance |
| Receipt | Luggage Ticket + markings on package | Railway Receipt (RR)/Way Bill |
| Delivery time | Same day—collect after your train arrives | 1–5 days typical in South; depends on route/rake |
| Charges | Slightly higher per km vs parcel | Slightly lower per km |
| Pickup deadline | Immediate (demurrage applies after free time) | Within free hours after unloading (then demurrage) |
| Tracking | Ask luggage office for rake/wagon | Track RR on Parcel site; call destination parcel office |
Quick Planner: Typical Charges and Delivery Time (Popular South Routes)
| Route (South India) | Distance | Luggage (you travel) | Parcel (bike alone) | Typical Delivery Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chennai → Bengaluru | 360 km | ₹1,600–2,300 + packing ₹400–900 | ₹1,300–1,900 + packing | Same day (luggage) / 1–2 days (parcel) |
| Chennai → Hyderabad | 630 km | ₹2,100–2,900 + packing | ₹1,800–2,500 + packing | 1–2 days |
| Bengaluru → Kochi (Ernakulam) | 550 km | ₹1,900–2,700 + packing | ₹1,600–2,300 + packing | 1–2 days |
| Bengaluru → Thiruvananthapuram | 730 km | ₹2,300–3,200 + packing | ₹1,900–2,800 + packing | 2–3 days |
| Chennai → Coimbatore | 500 km | ₹1,800–2,600 + packing | ₹1,500–2,200 + packing | 1–2 days |
| Hyderabad → Visakhapatnam | 620 km | ₹2,000–2,900 + packing | ₹1,700–2,500 + packing | 1–2 days |
| Kochi → Madurai | 310 km | ₹1,500–2,100 + packing | ₹1,300–1,900 + packing | 1–2 days |
Packing Rules and What to Carry
- Fuel: Tank must be emptied — no odour of petrol vapour, no reserve. Staff check strictly. Personal pipe/bottle should be carried to empty out before arriving in the office (outside station premises).
- Battery: There are offices where they request you to take out the battery. Turn off, lock wiring at least; leave bike in neutral with bike handle lock on.
- Mirrors and fussy stuff: Leave mirrors/visors out of sight unless you can leave them in your bags. In case of fixation wrap with additional padding.
- Covering: Gunny/bubble/bassa rope. A good vendor wraps the levers/pegs with cardboard, pads the headlamp and indicators and ties the front wheel. Premium bikes only require wooden crates which are the safest.
- Marking: Using permanent marker write From/To station, your name, and mobile number on the wrapping.
Delivery, Tracking and Handover at Destination
- Parcel: Enter your RR number on parcel site of Indian Railways; dial the destination parcel office when it indicates received/unloaded. Bring original RR, your ID and a small wrench (had to disconnect battery). Make contact during working hours in order to prevent demurrage. Cheque bike prior to signing delivery register.
- Luggage: Once you have got your train, proceed to the luggage office/platform parcel point. Produce the luggage ticket, pay any balance fees indicated and accept delivery. In case office is closed (late night) it can be left in the yard till morning–cheque at origin before you come.
Do’s and Don’ts
| Do | Don’t |
|---|---|
| Reach early—paperwork + packing takes 45–90 minutes | Don’t bring a bike with petrol smell—office will refuse |
| Use a reputed station packer; pad levers and headlamp | Don’t keep side‑boxes unlocked or loose parts dangling |
| Choose Railway’s Risk for premium bikes | Don’t leave the parcel uncollected beyond free time (demurrage) |
| Keep RC/insurance copies + original ID | Don’t argue about train allotment—parcel office decides based on space |
| Photograph the bike before/after wrap and during delivery | Don’t ride inside station premises—push the bike out |
FAQs
Is it possible to dispatch a bike without travelling?
- Yes, book it as a parcel. You will be assigned an RR number and your bike would be loaded onto the next train.
How much fuel can remain?
- Zero. Empty to the last drop; even scent could result to turn-down or penalty.
Do I need PUC?
- Not normally enquired at parcel counters, however it helps to have a copy in soft copy.
What is the duration of delivery of the parcel in South India?
- Usually 1-3 days over 300-700km routes, and 4-5 days over longer or single-rake routes. Maybe 1 day can be added by festivals and monsoon.
Is it possible to ship helmets and saddlebags along the bike?
- The wrap can be tied to the seat by means of small soft bags (declare them). Don’t leave valuables or electronics- Railways will not insure personal belongings.
Does it have door pick up/drop?
- Railways doesn’t. Offering first/last-mile and railway booking by private aggregators: fee-cheque GST invoice and inclusions.
