Standard sedans can't fit a 6'6" surfboard. If you're traveling with oversized sports equipment, here's how to book a transfer that works.
Surfboards (6–9 ft): Require a minivan or SUV with fold-down seats. Some boards fit diagonally in larger sedans but it's risky. Book a minivan to be safe.
Ski/snowboard bags (170–200 cm): Most minivans and SUVs handle these. Standard sedans cannot. Specify your bag length in booking notes.
Golf bags: Fit in most sedan trunks if traveling light otherwise. Two or more golf bags need a minivan.
Bicycles (boxed): Require a minivan or van. Unboxed bikes need a pickup truck or van with a rack.
Always mention your equipment in booking notes. Include exact dimensions if possible. "1 surfboard, 7 feet" gives the driver enough info.
Book a minivan minimum. Don't gamble with a sedan — the driver may refuse your board and you're stranded at the airport.
GetTransfer is best for this. The bidding system lets you specify equipment in your request. Only drivers with suitable vehicles will bid.
Bali: Many drivers are used to surfboards. Book a minivan to Canggu or Uluwatu.
Lisbon: Transfers to Ericeira or Peniche (surf towns) with board storage available.
Cancún: Transfers to Playa del Carmen with board possible in SUVs.
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Surfboards (6–10 ft): Standard sedans cannot fit surfboards. You need a station wagon, SUV, or minivan. Some services offer roof racks on request — always confirm during booking.
Ski equipment: Skis fit in most station wagons and SUVs laid diagonally. Snowboards fit in trunks of larger sedans. For groups with multiple sets of equipment, a minivan is essential.
Golf bags: Most sedans can fit 1–2 golf bags in the trunk. For 3+ bags, request a minivan or SUV. Kiwitaxi lets you filter by vehicle type — select Estate/Station Wagon or SUV.
Bicycles: Disassembled in a bike box, most can fit in a minivan or large SUV. Assembled bikes require a vehicle with a bike rack — mention this explicitly during booking.
Kiwitaxi has the widest vehicle selection with clear photos of each vehicle type. You can choose station wagons, SUVs, and minivans and see exactly what you're getting. This is our top recommendation for oversized gear.
GetTransfer lets you specify luggage requirements in your request, and drivers with appropriate vehicles bid. Prices are typically lower than Kiwitaxi, but you have less control over the exact vehicle.
Welcome Pickups offers MPVs that can handle most oversized items. Contact their support to confirm board/equipment compatibility for your specific route.
Bali: The drive from Ngurah Rai Airport to surf spots (Uluwatu, Canggu, Padang Padang) is 30–60 minutes on sometimes rough roads. Request a vehicle with interior space for boards — roof racks can damage boards on Bali's bumpy roads. → Bali guide
Sydney: Bondi, Manly, and Northern Beaches are 15–35 km from the airport. Many transfer drivers in Sydney are familiar with surfers — mention your board during booking. → Sydney guide
Lisbon: Cascais and Ericeira (40–60 km from the airport) are popular surf destinations. A station wagon transfer handles boards well. → Lisbon guide
Cape Town: Muizenberg, Kalk Bay, and Big Bay are 25–40 km from CPT Airport. Request an SUV or minivan for boards. → Cape Town guide
Auckland: Raglan and Piha are popular day-trip surf spots, but you'd typically rent a car for these. For the airport-to-accommodation transfer with boards, request an SUV. → Auckland guide
Always mention your gear in the booking notes. Don't assume the driver will have a suitable vehicle if you don't specify. Write "1x surfboard 7ft" or "2x ski bags + boots" — the more specific, the better.
Photos help. If your equipment is unusually large or shaped, attach a photo to the booking or send it via the app's chat function. This avoids the driver arriving in a sedan that can't fit your board.
Expect a modest surcharge. Some drivers charge €5–15 extra for oversized items — this is reasonable and covers the extra handling time and vehicle wear. Kiwitaxi is transparent about vehicle capacity; GetTransfer lets drivers include surcharges in their bids.
Protect your gear. Bring a padded board bag (not just a sock). For ski equipment, hard cases protect against trunk damage. Soft-top surfboards are more forgiving than epoxy/glass boards in transit.
Consider local rentals. For destinations like Bali, Sydney, or Lisbon, renting a board locally may be cheaper and easier than transporting yours. Ask your accommodation about rental options before packing your own gear.
Which services handle oversized luggage?
Kiwitaxi has the widest vehicle selection — station wagons, SUVs, and minivans that can handle boards and equipment. GetTransfer lets you specify luggage requirements and drivers bid accordingly. Welcome Pickups offers MPVs on most routes. intui.travel — mention oversized items in the booking notes.
