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Whether you're a professional surfer or an avid enthusiast, our surfboard travel bags are built to withstand the rigors of travel while keeping your boards secure and protected. Browse our huge collection now and embark on your next surf adventure with peace of mind and style.  The Surf Station has all different sizes of travel bags from fish to longboard. Our coffin bags with wheels are very popular with traveling surfers. Choose from top brands like Pro-Lite, Channel Islands, Creatures of Leisure, Dakine and FCS.

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In the last two hundred years, surfing has evolved from heavy wooden planks ridden by Hawaiian royalty into lighter and smarter modern quad fin composites with aeroflex technology and GPS positioning. Advances in surf technology enhance the sport and make it better for everyone. But while the surfboard has changed over time, the soft travel bags for transporting the boards have stayed the same. ‘Til now. Crypt Cases™ introduces a new evolution in surfboard travel gear – the first ever, hard travel case with collapsible technology that guarantees your board arrives safely anywhere in the world. Crypt Cases™ patented design combines rigid hard case security with collapsible convenience for easy storage. Too often, surfboards and surf trips have been ruined by unforgiving travel and airport conditions. Crypt Cases is the first hard travel surf case for surf professionals and surf enthusiasts who love their boards and will not settle for anything less to protect them.  Crypt Cases™ is in the initial rounds of development and will be kicking off a crowd-funding campaign in the coming months. Stay up to date with our progress by signing up here .

Crypt Cases™ – the next evolution in surf travel gear. The world’s first collapsing hard case with collapsible design that offers superior protection, transportation and convenient storage.

Drew Boyles, Founder and Inventor

Drew Boyles is an entrepreneur and world traveler. As a surfer for 27 years, Drew understands the limitations and fragility of travel surf bags in the market today. Drew and his oldest son, Ryan, developed and patented Crypt Cases, a collapsible storage case for the action sports industry after Ryan’s surf competition board was cracked and broken after being mishandled by an airline.

Drew Boyles’ entrepreneurial experience spans 25 years of executive leadership with employers such as Brunswick Corp., Starbucks and Andersen Management Consulting, as well as dozens of large and small companies. Drew was the co-chair of Surfrider Foundation, a non-profit environmental organization that works to protect and preserve the world’s oceans. Drew also hopes to travel the world’s top surf destinations with his Crypt Case.

Daniel Martin, Marketing Director

Daniel brings more than 15 years of branding and marketing experience to Crypt Cases. His efforts at Paolucci, Salling & Martin have been directed towards strategizing integrated marketing solutions across various communication platforms. Clients managed by Daniel on behalf of PS&M have include: The New Home Company, Metropolis DTLA, Bay Meadows, Beverly West, Terranea Resort, Torrance Memorial Medical Center, St. Mary Medical Center, Mexico Tourism Board, City of El Segundo, and more. Martin is a member of the Eagle Scouts of America and resides in Hermosa Beach with his fiancée Kerry and their bff labradoodle Pepper.

Kent Maul, VP of Business Development

Kent Maul brings more than five decades of his love for surf and entrepreneurship to Crypt Cases. Kent has worked with the world’s top surf brands in the areas of design, production, and manufacturing.

Kent has been surfing around the world for nearly 55 years. His favorite surf trips spots are Tahiti, Indonesia, and Costa Rica. As a frequent surf traveler, Kent has experienced all the different board bags and airline mistreatments. Kent is the president and owner of Surroundings International Inc., an international company specializing in accessories. Companies Kent works with include some of the top brands in the surf and skate industry including Billabong, Volcom, O’Neill, RipCurl, Nixon, and RVCA.

Neil Gupta, VP Product Development

Neil loves the engineering challenge of creating Crypt Cases and being part of the innovation of a new, innovative product with a low weight and cost. Neil is enjoys everything in the details- from optimizing the layout and functionality to providing surfers and athletes with a convenient, attractive case.

Neil is mechanical engineer who has worked in the aerospace industry for the last 15 years. Currently he runs Kinetic Analytics, a custom design, analysis and manufacturing house. He also co-founded Green Dynamics, a technology manufacturing innovator. Neil holds a master’s degree from MIT and a bachelor’s degree from UC San Diego.

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Home » Gear » The BEST Surfboard Bag for Travel (2024)

The BEST Surfboard Bag for Travel (2024)

Any surfer knows the value of good equipment. The boards you ride, fins you use, and wetsuits you wear have the potential to make or break any session and are one of the most essential factors for anyone who enjoys heading into the ocean to catch some waves.

If you’re a competent surfer and own your own boards, you’ll also know that surfboards are super fragile and are quite literally made with a glass outer layer. Nothing is worse than an unprecedented ding in a new board, and protecting your equipment is paramount. This becomes especially important once you invest hundreds or thousands of dollars into your surfboard quiver and equipment.

Unfortunately, most airline baggage handlers are not surfers, which means they don’t understand the fragility of these pieces of luggage. It’s never fun to watch your boards fall out of airplanes and get thrown onto trolleys from the window of a plane, but trust me when I say that it happens.

Leveling up your travel bag game is the best way to protect your gear. Colloquially called ‘coffins’ in the surf world, surfboard bags are an absolute must if you’re traveling anywhere by plane, boat, bus or even a car. They offer a layer of protection for the most unexpected incidents and can save you a lot of tedious effort fixing dings after a long journey as well as your trip itself.

Most of the best surfboard travel bags are designed for heavy-duty protection, with padded side walls and extra cushions at the nose and tail of the board. They also offer a range of pockets and zippers to stash your surf goodies, like fins, leashes, wetsuits and bathing suits, wax blocks, sunscreen, Gopro and even towels.

Whether you’re backpacking around Hawaii on the surf trip of a lifetime or heading down to the local beach every night down that particularly unmaintained road, you need a decent bag!

In this article, I’ve searched high and low for eight of the best surfboard travel bags, r anging in price, size, and brand depending on your budget and how many boards you intend to travel with.

Quick Answers – The Best Surfboard Bags

#1 dakine john john florence mission surfboard bag, #2 surfica all-rounder hybrid surfboard bag, #3 dakine daylight noserider surfboard bag, #4 dakine recon thruster surfboard bag, #5 fcs day funboard surfboard bag, #6 pro-lite smuggler series travel surfboard bag, #7 creatures of leisure shortboard day use dt 2.0, surfboard bag.

• #8 FCS -Classic All Purpose Day Bag

DAKINE John John Florence Mission Surfboard Bag

• Weight > 5lbs 5oz for a 7ft bag
• Material > Nylon
• Price > Price – $100 – $130

Surfica All-Rounder Hybrid Surfboard Bag

• Material > Tarplin skin, coil zipper
• Price > $100 – $145

DAKINE Daylight Noserider Surfboard Bag

• Weight > 4lb 15oz for a 9ft 6in board
• Material > Tarpaulin outer, coil zipper
• Price > $81 – $165

DAKINE Recon Thruster Surfboard Bag

• Weight > 8lb 6.4oz for a 7ft 6in board
• Material > Nylon outer, foam padding
• Price > $230

FCS Day Funboard Surfboard Bag

• Weight > 2lb 14oz for a 6ft 7in board
• Material > Nylon and padded foam rails
• Price > $140

Pro-Lite Smuggler Series Travel Surfboard Bag

• Weight > 11lbs for a 6ft 10in board
• Material > 600D Polyester
• Price > $270 – $285

Creatures of Leisure Shortboard Day Use DT 2.0, Surfboard Bag

• Material > Diamond tech materials, mesh, foam, corrosion-resistant zipper
• Price > $162

Classic All Purpose Day Bag

• Material > Tarpee material, easy glide zippers, foam padding
• Price > $115 – $120

These Are The Best Surfboard Travel Bags

There are only so many surf brands, and Dakine ranks high as one of the overall best surfboard bag companies in the scene. FCS is another brand that specializes in high-performance fin designs but also creates a mean surfboard bag design. 

So, you’ve searched high and low and you’ve got the best surfboard for your ability and trip … so let’s take a look at some of the best surfboard travel bags on the market today:

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• Weight – 5lbs 5oz for a 7ft bag
• Material – Nylon
• Price – $100 – $130

If you’re familiar with any pro surfers, John John Florence would be one of them! Named after the Hawaiian prodigy, Dakine designed this surfboard bag to hold one single thruster (a board with three fins) surfboard. The board bag is made using nylon and 10mm foam padding to ensure it protects your board on the road. 

My favorite part about the cover is its heat-reflective inner, which works together with well-positioned vents to dry the board, even from the inside of the bag. Pretty neat right? This also helps keep the board cool and protected from direct sunlight, which is necessary when traveling in tropical and humid locations such as a surf trip to Sri Lanka .

Ideal for trekking through airports, the bag has a removable padded shoulder straps and handle that can be taken off when you check your bag into the airplane hold. The board bag also features internal and external pockets to store your fins, wax, leash and even things like your GoPro .

• Material – Tarplin skin, coil zipper
• Price – $100 – $145

Surfica’s All-Rounder truly is just that – the perfect board bag for any occasion. Whether using it to travel from home to the beach or jump on an international flight to a surf destination in the tropics, this is one of the best surfboard travel bags created to transport your board as safely as possible. 

Designed using closed-cell padding technology, you can rest assured you won’t open your bag up at the destination to find unexpected dings and scuffs. The bag itself is pretty resistant, made using a traditional surfboard sock tarpaulin skin material that is hard to scratch or tear. 

Something you won’t realize you want until you need it, this board also has a removable padded shoulder strap so that you can transport the board without hurting your arm, and remove the strap before putting the board on the roof of a car or through an airport conveyer belt.

• Weight – 4lb 15oz for a 9ft 6in board
• Material – Tarpaulin outer, coil zipper
• Price – $81 – $165

There are only so many surf brands that make board bags, and Dakine ranks high as one of the overall best surfboard bag companies in the scene. 

Crafted for longer boards ranging from 7ft 6in to 11ft longboards, the Daylight Noserider Surfboard Bag is made with a water-resistant tarpaulin outer and a thick foam insert to protect your board from dings and dents.

If you are after a lightweight surfboard bag, dont get this one. Since it is destined to carry heavy boards and equipment, the board bag has much-needed heavy-duty zippers that you can trust won’t split while on the road. The padded shoulder strap helps you carry the heavy board from A – B. I recommend this bag more as a daily driver to transport your equipment from home to the beach, and I don’t necessarily recommend it for international travel however.

• Weight – 8lb 6.4oz for a 7ft 6in board
• Material – Nylon outer, foam padding
• Price – $230

Available in both a 7ft and 7ft 6in size, Dakine’s Recon Thruster Surfboard Bag is one of the best surfboard travel bags designed for everything from local road trips to exotic surf trips across the globe. 

The most important feature of this bag is its impressive foam padding, which is designed to protect your favorite boards from reckless baggage handlers and bumpy car rides. A padded divider separates and protects the two boards from one another. There are also a ton of internal and external pockets to stash your sunscreen, wax, leashes, and fins safely.

The bag is made using a tough nylon outer shell, which protects from scratches and scuffs. The material is also heat-reflecting, which means you won’t have to worry about opening your bag to find all your wax melted and congealed against the side of your bag! Eww!

As a surfer who likes to keep options on hand, the bag can comfortably fit two surfboards so that you can have a backup board in case of an emergency or if you want to mix things up.

Now, you  could spend a fat chunk of $$$ on the WRONG present for someone. Wrong size hiking boots, wrong fit backpack, wrong shape sleeping bag… As any adventurer will tell you, gear is a personal choice.

So give the adventurer in your life the gift of convenience: buy them an REI Co-op gift card!  REI is The Broke Backpacker’s retailer of choice for ALL things outdoors, and an REI gift card is the perfect present you can buy from them. And then you won’t have to keep the receipt. 😉

• Weight – 2lb 14oz for a 6ft 7in board
• Material – Nylon and padded foam rails
• Price – $140

Designed primarily for lugging your boards between home, car, and beach, this board bag is much more robust than it gets credit for. Made using a rigid nylon material that is durable but not overly heavy, I rate this board as one of the better options for airplane travel. 

It’s also one of the lighter board bags on the market, which means you can stash more surf gear in without reaching your overweight limit at the airport.

I really like that our best surfboard travel bag has a stretchy panel that both allows for airflow and creates a secure fit around the rails of the board. Rails are usually the first part of the board to get damaged when traveling, but the foam rail adds further protection for unruly baggage handlers.

Take note that this bag has a broader shape, ideal for wide fish boards and funboards. I often size up with a wide board bag which allows me to fit two small surfboards snugly into a one-board bag.

• Weight – 11lbs for a 6ft 10in board
• Material – 600D Polyester
• Price – $270 – $285

With two options in a 6ft 6in and 6ft 10in length, this board bag is optimal for shortboards. Most airlines will stipulate a strict maximum two-board travel policy. However, three boards are better than two, and sometimes you need to keep all your options on hand on a surf trip. The bag is designed to fit three boards, with one being hidden from airport security under a hidden flap / false bottom. Cheeky!

You can also be sure to keep all your surf equipment in one place using the convenient pockets. The pack features a large external pocket that can fit a wetsuit and an inner pocket designed for smaller items like your fins, leashes, and blocks of wax.

For peace of mind when traveling by plane, the bag is protected with a 600D polyester foam layer and an extra reinforced nose and rail guard around the zipper.

• Material – Diamond tech materials, mesh, foam, corrosion-resistant zipper
• Price – $162

Creatures of Leisure crafted this trendy surfboard bag for those itching to get into the surf every day. It’s their range’s go-to bag for daily use and it’s perfect for any weather, come rain or shine. 

As one of the best surfboard travel bags on the market, the Day Use DT 2.0 is made with durable materials combining mesh, foam, and nylon, providing ultimate protection for bumpy car rides and accidental knocks and bashes.

My favorite thing about this bag is its aero mesh ventilation system, which protects the boards inside the bag from heat and direct sunlight, keeping boards cool and allowing airflow to dry the boards, even from within the bag.

#8 FCS – Classic All Purpose Day Bag

• Material – Tarpee material, easy glide zippers, foam padding
• Price – $115 – $120

FCS is one of the most well-known international fin brands, but this company also knows how to make a good quality board bag. Ranging in size from 5ft 9 to 6ft 3in, the Classic All Purpose Day Bag is designed for precisely that – everyday use. 

With 5mm padding and an ergonomic shoulder strap, the bag will protect your boards just as much as it will protect your shoulder from discomfort while transporting the bag. One of the biggest draws of this bag is its non-corrosive zippers, which can withstand years’ worth of saltwater droplets without getting rusted or stuck.

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Final Thoughts on Choosing the Best Surfboard Bag For Travel

There is nothing worse than arriving at your destination on a long-anticipated surf trip to find that your boards have been damaged along the way. Finding a place to fix a board or doing it yourself is tiring, expensive, and honestly heartbreaking if you have to fix a brand-new board.

Not only are surfboards expensive pieces of equipment, but they are also pretty much covered with a thin layer of fiberglass, which can be quick to break. This is why it is so essential to purchase the best surfboard bag for travel, to protect your fragile gear from dings while traveling via plane, boat, bus or car. It might not be on every backpacking packing list , but as a surfer it’s essential.

There are various board bags designed for traveling, some with space for multiple surfboards and other equipment. Some more technical bags (not featured on this list) even have wheels to make your travels with a large and bulky item a bit easier. It might not sound like a main priority, but be sure to pick a good quality surfboard bag before your next surf adventure to avoid any disappointment or frustration.

Clean Line Surf sells a wide range of board bags and ‘coffins,’ ranging from basic sleeve protectors to high-tech travel bags with wheels and space for up to five surfboards. Browse through this site to check out the reviews on some of the featured products.

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Aiden Freeborn

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Home » Surfing » Top 17 Best Surfboard Travel Bags in 2022

"I hope you love the products I recommend! When you buy through links on Windsurfingmag.com, I may earn an affiliate commission."

Top 17 Best Surfboard Travel Bags in 2023

Last Updated January 26, 2022 By Kevin Millington

Being able to conquer the magnificent ocean waves is indeed a thing to aspire after, and the most essential equipment to fulfill that passion is surfboards. People can either develop a bond with their surfboards or see them as precious belongings of high value.

However, transporting large and inseparable items like surfboards has always been quite troublesome. During your traveling process, especially for long distances, surfboards should be equipped with the safest form of protection to avoid external impacts.

Fortunately, there were brands that acquired this customer insight and came up with an idea to lessen the hassle in moving surfboards from one destination to another. It is known as a surfboard carrier for securing surfboards through their transportation.

Its firm carrying handles and the proper inner construction are definitely useful to protect our boards. A surfboard hard case is one of the most favorite options at present and its appearance is certainly covered in this article of the best surfboard travel bags.

Table of Contents

My Top Picks

Comparison table, 1. pro-lite smuggler, 2. pro-lite rhino, 4. curve new, 5. pro-lite wheeled coffin, 6. dakine world traveler wheeled coffin, 7. dakine regulator triple, 8. pro-lite finless coffin, 9. pro-lite session, 10. wave tribe, 11. dakine surf daylight, 12. dakine shuttle, 13. fcs funboard dayrunner, 14. fcs day all purpose, 15. surfica, 16. abahub premium, 17. sticky bumps single day, 1. padded ends, 2. shoulder strap, 3. air ventilation, frequently asked questions (faqs), windsurfingmag overview.

You should obtain information about the finest surfboard travel bags prior to your shopping time because instant decisions are not suggested in this case. As a consequence, below are some of the best surfboard bags I would like to reveal first.

• Best Overall: Pro-Lite Smuggler “Exterior wetsuit pocket, reinforced bag nose, simple strap stow.”
• Best Budget: Pro-Lite Rhino “Diverse sizing choices, slide-in opening, anti-corrosion zippers.”
• Best With Wheels: Dakine World Traveler Wheeled Coffin “Closed-cell foam, sustainable wheels, throughout foam padded.”
• Best for Air Travel: Curve “Internal tail strap system, firm velcro closure, inexpensive pricing.”
• Best Coffin Surfboard Bag: Pro-Lite Wheeled Coffin “Fits 5 shortboards, air-flow ventilation, large internal volume.”

It is obvious that each surfboard travel bag has its own advantages, which makes it hard for surfers to compare them with each other and eventually filter out the best one. I have chosen a few fundamental criteria in this comparison table to support further personal evaluation.

The 17 Best Surfboard Travel Bags Reviews

I understand how impatient people can get when it comes to the most essential section of comprehensive product reviews. Therefore, without further ado, I hope you can choose the finest surfboard travel bag for yourself from these detailed reviews.

See more related reviews:

• Top 15 Best Surfboards for Beginners in 2023
• Top 15 Best Surfboards for Intermediate Surfers in 2023
• Top 16 Best Foam Surfboards in 2023
• Top 13 Best Funboard Surfboards in 2023
• Top 18 Best Stand Up Paddle Boards in 2023
• Top 17 Best Skimboards in 2023
• Top 15 Best Bodyboards in 2023
• Top 17 Best Wakesurf Boards in 2023

This travel bag from Pro-Lite has a functional two-point system that allows a surfboard entrance from the nose and tail. Its zippers are entirely corrosion-resistant. There is 10mm of inner foam protection to gently embrace 6’0 surfboards inside.

In terms of carrying the bag, it includes a padded shoulder strap for extra comfort and a sustainable rubber handle. The false bottom enables the Pro-Lite travel bag to hold up to 3 surfboards but only shows 2 of them when being checked for air flights.

The surfboard bag is constructed with a surrounding rail guard to provide further protection. Its air-flow ventilation ensures your surfboards are cooled from external heat. An additional storage pocket is meant for including other surfing accessories.

• Its system allows two entries.
• The zippers are non-corrosive.
• It has a 10mm inner foam.
• It has versatile straps and handles.
• The false bottom carries 3 boards.
• It has a rail guard outside.
• There is a vent to allow air-flows.
• No defections recorded so far.

You can fill this travel bag with 1 to 2 surfboards at once. With such a number of surfboards inside, the entire carrier is still ultra-lightweight for airline travel. There is a wide range of sizing for surfboards length below average from 6 to 7 inches.

It is in the form of a soft and collapsible gusset with an outer shell made of premium 600 Denier Poly. The velcro closure is both quick and convenient but the brand Pro-Lite guarantees stuff inside will not stand a chance to fall out of the bag at ease.

Its extra stow pocket on the outside is meant for storing the strap and following aqua accessories when not needed. The highest price of under $250.00 is considered a bargain as this surfboard travel bag from Pro-Lite has great endurance through time.

• It can carry up to 2 boards.
• It is ultra-lightweight.
• There are multiple different sizing.
• Its gusset is collapsible.
• It has a firm velcro closure.
• It has a strap stow pocket.
• Its price is inexpensive.
• No defection recorded so far.

The travel bag from Curve can accommodate one surfboard at a time. It has 20mm padded foam on each of the bag nose and tail to secure these vulnerable areas while transporting. A fin slot is available for bags of size 8’2 and up.

It is made with a minimal round bag nose for some certain sizing. The PK nylon zipper is manufactured in big tooth size and is capable of preventing later corrosion. This Curve travel bag is suitable to handle long and large surfboards up to 10 inches.

There is an integrated wax pocket at its tail. Its velcro closure provides a safety measure to protect boards inside. The bag includes a TPSS, which means a built-in strap that tightens around the board tail to keep it from being scratched by the zipper.

• Its ends are foam-padded.
• There is a fin slot.
• The bag nose is round and minimal.
• It has a non-corrosive zipper.
• It is great for longboards.
• It has an inner wax pocket.
• The TPSS is highly protective.
• Its strap clip breaks at ease.

You are sure to capture much attention with its reflective silver skin on both sides, which enables easier recognition at the beach. The Curve travel bag allows longboard entrance of up to 23-inch wide for users to slide them in without a hassle.

The pocket stash can be treated as a board bag for storing wetsuits and other aqua accessories on the go. As usual, the brand Curve provides their surfboard carrier with a big-tooth zipper. It has a great price that does not even cost over $70.00.

=> Check out the Top 10 Best Windsurfing Wetsuits here !

This travel bag from Curve has variable sizing from 7 to over 10 inches. There is a comfortable and long shoulder strap for your convenience in terms of transportation. Its reinforced nose and tail are capable of developing a higher level of protection.

• Its silver skin is attractive.
• It handles 23-inch longboards.
• The pocket stash is convenient.
• It has a big-tooth zipper.
• The bag sizing is diverse.
• Its nose and tail are reinforced.
• The shoulder strap flaps around.

Its gusset is 10-inch long so the inner volume is amazing, which explains why this Pro-Lite coffin travel bag carries up to 5 shortboards without effort. Inside the bag, there are durable seat belt straps with clips to keep the surfboards in place.

On one side, an identification badge like on regular suitcases and two extra pockets are available. The rubble handles are engineered on the top and side bag and underneath it is a set of wheels for convenient carriage. Its 10mm foam interior is highly refined.

This surfboard travel bag from Pro-Lite includes a separate inner pocket to store board fins and other surfing accessories. Its ventilation helps air-flows to gain better entrance and cool down surfboards inside. The shoulder strap is easily adjustable as wish.

• It has a 10-inch gusset.
• The seat belt straps have clips.
• It has an identification badge.
• It has two rubber handles.
• It provides accessories storage.
• Its ventilation allows air-flows.
• It is fairly bigger than expected.

The Dakine surfboard travel bag can contain up to 4 finless surfboards with its 11-inch sidewalls. It is entirely padded with foam interior and there is a total of 3 divided sections inside. Its YKK molded zippers perform brilliantly in heavy duties.

600D diamond ripstop polyester is the prime material of this travel bag with an advanced streamlined fit, which helps to reduce excess weight and promote a longer lifespan. The bag has a closed-cell hull structure to ensure a high level of surfboard guardian.

It includes a premium set of wheels for this travel bag to be treated like a regular suitcase and provide effortless transportation. The compression straps are attached to prevent the surfboards from slipping out. Its safe rail protection is integrated.

• Its sidewalls hold 4 boards.
• There are 3 divided spaces.
• It is made of premium polyester.
• It has a streamlined fit.
• The hull structure is effective.
• It has a set of wheels.
• Its straps block board slips.
• It cannot be delivered abroad.

The Dakine surfboard travel bag offers safe and durable closed-cell foam protection. Your board fins and wax can both be stored in an internal accessories pocket. It has a fine closure with a molded zipper that is ideal for heavy duties and long-distance traveling.

The heat-reflecting bottom of this travel bag from Dakine is practical to prevent overheating that may damage surfboards inside. 3 surfboards can fit into the bag at once with two dividers inside. Its padded shoulder strap is comfortable for frequent carriage.

• It has a closed-cell foam.
• The pocket stores fins and wax.
• Its zipper is sustainable.
• It has a heat-reflecting bottom.
• It carries up to 3 surfboards.
• The shoulder strap is padded.

Wheeled travel bags are known to consist of a lot of storage rooms but in case you are uninterested with them, choose the coffin bag from Pro-Lite instead. Its print panels are custom-made by the brand. The tri-fold design is convenient for storage.

The side pockets are meant for tying down its shoulder straps with a few loops. Its anti-corrosion zippers have been molded to endure external impacts without being damaged. The hang tag of this Pro-Lite surfboard travel bag is in a fixed size.

In order to secure up to 3 surfboards, there are powerful inner seat belt straps to keep them in position. It has great ventilation for uninterrupted air-flows. The empty bag itself is already lightweight. Its velcro closure is guaranteed to be quick and safe.

• It includes large storage rooms.
• The tri-fold design is convenient.
• Its side pockets tie down straps.
• It has non-corrosive zippers.
• The seat belts hold 3 surfboards.
• It is quite lightweight.

The Pro-Lite surfboard travel bag is spacious enough to contain board fins thanks to its expanded tail gusset and does not put any stress on the fins. You can have much convenience as this bag has a slick flip top that allows surfboard entrance and exit with ease.

Its wax and key pocket is equipped on the outside. The ventilation system is indeed useful in allowing more air-flows to the bag interior and cool down surfboards inside. Most boards with their width around 23mm can fit into it, depending on their thickness.

The semi-reflective bottom skin of this surfboard travel bag from Pro-Lite provides fine heat resistance. There is a rail guard available around its non-corrosive molded zipper. Among multiple applications, the bag is said to be most suitable for day use.

• It has an extra fin gusset.
• Surfboards are slidable into it.
• It has a wax and key pocket.
• The vent allows air-flows.
• It fits most 23-mm wide boards.
• Its bottom is heat-resistant.
• It is excellent for day use.
• A wrong size tag is stitched.

There are dense Japanese YKK zippers that are able to resist rusting. Its reflective alloy mesh combined with hemp help promote a high level of heat protection and optimal interior cooling. The design of this surfboard travel bag allows glass-on fins.

Its outer shell includes 25mm rebound foam to shield the boards inside from intense pressure. The grizzly bear brown shade and its natural core material are definitely attractive to eco-friendly surfers. Thick padded foam is equipped at its nose and tail.

The travel bag has integrated pockets to bring along board fins and ankle leashes. It has a wide range of sizing for multiple surfboard styles from mini/retro, shortboard to longboard. This board carrier is replaceable within the product warranty from its brand Wave.

• Its zippers are rust-free.
• It provides effective cooling.
• It allows boards with fins.
• The outer foam is a rebound.
• Its materials are eco-friendly.
• It is ideal for various boards.
• It has a stoked guarantee.
• A stitch error with the velcro.

It is good to know that this surfboard travel bag from Dakin is both heat and water-resistant. The bag is made out of premium polypropylene and nylon with a minimal design. A comfortable padded shoulder strap and solid rubber handle are available.

Together with its durable 0.25-inch interior foam padding, this travel bag includes a corrosion-proof YKK loop zipper. The fin slot also has a zipper closure for the safest storage level. Dakine has provided the board bag with an incredible sizing variation.

• It is heat and water-resistant.
• The material is of high quality.
• It is padded with 0.25” foam.
• Its coil zipper is non-corrosive.
• The fin slot is zipper-closed.
• There are multiple sizing choices.
• The absence of rail protection.

Just like other surfboard travel bags from Dakine, this one is made out of premium tarpaulin material that performs brilliantly to resist both heat and water. Customers who wonder where to find a water-resistant board bag should definitely include it on the list.

This bag tail holds snug around surfboard tails inside to ensure boards will not slip out of it at ease. Its coil zipper can avoid corrosion and stands through heavy duties without breaking apart too soon. There is one strong carrying handle in the middle of the bag.

• It is made of tarpaulin.
• It has a secured tail.
• The zipper is anti-corrosion.
• It has a firm rubber handle.
• The material is quite thin.

It is less than 4 lbs, which is a lightweight travel bag to minimize transportation effort. There is a 3D rail protection that removes redundant seams and offers a non-stop layer of dense foam. This bag delivers a great variety of sizing options from 5’6 to 8’0.

The strip applied to it is called the contoured ‘armadillo’ with excellent ventilation and keeps this bag fit snug to surfboards inside as well. You can make use of a firm rubber handle in the middle along with two small handles for stable bag carriage.

• It is a lightweight bag.
• It has a 3D rail protection.
• It provides different sizing.
• The stretch fitting is contoured.
• It has effective ventilation.
• There are 3 handles in total.
• It cannot be carried straight.

Its largest size is only 6’7 so owners of shortboards would be interested in the FCS surfboard travel bag. The high-density foam padding of 5mm thick is more than an ideal solution to endure continuous daily use without quick and serious degradation.

The rail protection of this surfboard travel bag is built to have a contoured foam to its shape. Its shoulder pad has two ergonomic layers for maximum comfort. The FCS famous ‘armadillo’ strip helps enable ventilation and tightness around surfboards inside.

• It is great for shortboards.
• The 5mm padding is dense.
• It can be applied to daily use.
• It has a contoured rail guard.
• Its shoulder pad has 2 layers.
• Its strip is snug and has a vent.
• Not for round board noses.

As you can see, the Surfica surfboard travel bag is manufactured in large sizing up to 10 inches so it will suit with longboards better. Its tarplin material provides the board with a semi-reflective silver skin for better recognition in crowded locations.

The bag from Surfica is capable of accommodating one surfboard at a time. It has a coil zipper, which is widely known to highly resist rusting. There are two carrying handles on each bag side with a removable shoulder strap. Its padding is of 8mm closed-cell foam.

• It is awesome for longboards.
• It has tarplin silver skin.
• It carries one surfboard.
• Its zipper is anti-corrosion.
• The shoulder strap is detachable.
• It has closed-cell padding.

The Abahub surfboard travel bag has a PE shell that is water-resistant. Its reinforced nose and tail with 600D nylon are for more protection of those vulnerable areas. An external pocket is available to store surfing gears and it has a secured zipper closure.

Its big tooth YKK zipper is sustainable for extended use. The bag tail allows users to put the entire surfboard together with fins inside so there is no need to remove them. If you wish, there is a zippered fin slot inside. The straps of this bag are upgraded to have buckles.

Double stitching is made around this travel bag to enable a longer lifespan. There are two air ventilation holes are at two ends so the boards will not go overheated. The wide padded shoulder strap delivers extra comfort for long-distance carriage.

• The shell is water-resistant.
• Its nose and tail have nylon.
• There is an accessories pocket.
• Boards can come in with fins.
• It has buckled straps.
• It is double-stitched all around.
• It has two ventilation holes.
• Not strong enough for air travel.

This surfboard travel bag from Sticky Bumps has a PE bottom that is heat-shielded in replacement for air-flow ventilation. It is absolutely wonderful to bring along for day trips. Its #10 zipper provides large access for most surfboards to get in without effort.

The 5mm-thick foam padding of this bag is in a closed-cell design. It is seen as one of the rare surfboard travel bags that have waterproof padding. There is a PVC layer at the bag nose to secure board noses from impacts. Its detachable shoulder strap is convenient.

• It is ideal for day trips.
• The zipper has large access.
• The bag is waterproof.
• Its nose has PVC protection.
• Its shoulder strap is removable.
• Its color is sent randomly.

How to Choose the Right Surfboard Travel Bag?

I cannot deny that there is a high chance you are not into my list of the finest surfboard travel bags. Therefore, I would like to provide you with a detailed buying guide so you are fully aware of what to concentrate on while shopping for a different one.

An internal foam padding is the basic requirement of a surfboard travel bag, but its ends padding is also relevant to protect expensive boards inside through transportation. The extra foam is often filled both at the nose and tail of a travel bag.

It is necessary for the padded foam to be large enough to wrap around these areas of the carried surfboards. A surfboard travel bag with foam padded ends is ideal for long-distance traveling for the mentioned areas are seen as highly fragile points.

According to my personal experience, the integrated foam for ends padding should be as thick as possible since you cannot foresee the results of a severe collision. The nose and tail of a surfboard can crack up any moment during situations like that.

Therefore, I would recommend you to choose a surfboard travel bag with padded ends to increase the inner board protection level. So far, the thickest foam ends padding from surfboard travel bags being reviewed in this article is around 20mm.

Other than the rubber handle, a lot of users are keen on using the shoulder strap on a surfboard travel bag to move it between close locations. Most shoulder straps available are well-padded to enhance comfort for their customers.

A standard shoulder strap ought to offer length alteration for optimal carriage. There are countless people who use surfboard travel bags and their shoulders are clearly not the same. The strap should be detachable as well considering some people do not require it.

Some surfboard travel bags provide a stow pocket to tie down this shoulder strap without making it separable from them. It is an effective solution though, a strap can cause disturbing flapping sound in the wind if the travel bag is placed on top of a car.

The foam padding in surfboard travel bags is meant for protection but if it comes along with intense external heat, it will influence the overall condition of surfboards inside. Most surfboards are prone to get overheated in unsuitable environments.

In order to prevent board deformation over time, you should take into account a surfboard travel bag with a fine ventilation system. The ventilation would allow better air-flows to cool down its whole interior and makes sure surfboards do not turn too hot.

In fact, it is not difficult to find an air-vented surfboard travel bag but I personally recommend the ones from Pro-Lite. There is a total of 5 Pro-Lite surfboard travel bags that appeared in this article and they are all engineered to have air ventilation.

Here are some frequently asked questions about surfboard travel bags.

Is It Correct That Surfboard Travel Bags Are Waterproof?

This is not entirely true. A few surfboard travel bags can provide water resistance, which means they do prevent water infiltration to some extent but not as impervious as being waterproof. Under all circumstances, it is advised to be careful with aqua environments.

What Is the Maximum Number of Surfboards to Fit Into Them?

The largest board quantity a travel bag can accommodate is 5 depending on their length, width and styles. Since surfboard varieties are almost countless on the market, there is a high likelihood for them to have different width at the same length.

How Do I Store Surfboard Travel Bags When Not Needed?

Most surfboard travel bags are manufactured to have a soft and collapsible gusset so they are covered without hassle, especially the ones with a tri-fold design. Just fold the bag from their top to the bottom and wrap them up to store in air-dried areas.

Concerning the solid coffin surfboard travel bags, users have no other choice but to lean the entire cases against a large wall. Anyways, in both cases, there should be additional storage bags/cases to cover the board carriers from dusting and external impacts.

Is It Alright for the Bags to Have No Internal Seat Belt Straps?

There are still internal strapless surfboard travel bags available on the market at present, but they are proved not to be the safest protection method. During long transportation, the bags would definitely get unwanted dings and be shoved around without straps.

The internal set belt straps are meant for maintaining surfboards in position, even if the travel bag collides with pressure. A lot of bags provide spare rooms for other accessories so they cannot fit snug to the boards. You should not buy a strapless board bag.

When it comes to transporting surfboards through multiple destinations, there is no other measure that is able to defeat the effectiveness of a surfboard travel bag. Most board bags are equipped to provide their users with the highest level of convenience.

Out of 17 premium surfboard travel bags presented here, the best overall is certainly the Pro-Lite Smuggler . Should you require a set of wheels to treat it like a suitcase, it is best to get the Dakine World Traveler Wheeled Coffin .

For the most optimal storage for board fins, most surfers would definitely go for the Pro-Lite Session . The Surfica is approved to be the most ideal for owners of longboards due to its large sizing variation.

I hope you can acknowledge more useful information about the best surfboard travel bags being reviewed in the most comprehensive way in the article. There is also a buying guide from A to Z for new customers with little experience in this field.

If you find this article beneficial for yourself and other people who are intending to buy a surfboard travel bag, the sharing button below to Facebook and Twitter is completely free! I would love to know your personal opinions in the comment section as well. Thank you for reading!

Related Articles:

• How to Choose a Surfboard Size for Beginners?
• 19 Tips for Beginner Surfers

About Kevin Millington

Hi, I am Kevin Millington, the founder of Windsurfmag.com. With my energetic personality and enthusiasm for water sports, I have enjoyed and gained much experience in swimming and surfing. It is with this drive I became an instructor and coach, as well as, creating this website. You can follow me on Twitter at @windsurfingmag . Read more about me .

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The Best Surfboard Bags for Daily Use and Surf Travel in 2024, Reviewed

Anna Gudauskas’ Sagebrush Board Bags bring the style with reclaimed materials. Photo: Sagebrush Board Bags

As surfers, the surfboard is our most prized possession and as such, we want to do everything in our power to keep it in pristine condition. While a ding is inevitable at some point, a solid board bag can help prolong the life of your board, and give you some peace of mind when traveling, whether it’s to your local break, a coastal roadtrip, or flying across the globe.

We took the liberty of acquiring and testing the best surfboard bags on the market, to give you our analysis and top picks for a variety of applications. For more detailed info on the bags and what we looked for in reviewing them, check out our Comparison Table and Buyer’s Guide towards the end of the article.

The Best Surfboard Bags of 2024

Best All-Around Surfboard Bag: Creatures of Leisure Adventure-Ready Shortboard Double Best Surfboard Bag for Air Travel: Wave Tribe Hurricane Chaser Travel Bag Most Protective Surfboard Bag: Db Djärv Surfboard Coffin Best Day-Use Surfboard Bag: Creatures of Leisure Fish Day Use DT2.0 Best Bang for Your Buck Surfboard Bag: Dakine Daylight Surfboard Bag Most Affordable Surfboard Bag: Curve Boost Travel Bag

Best All-Around Surfboard Bag

Creatures of Leisure Adventure-Ready Shortboard Double ($263)

Pros: Internal compression straps, ventilation system, padded straps Cons:  Not super heavy padding

If you’re looking for a rugged bag that will keep your board safe during long-haul trips, look no further than the Creatures of Leisure x Roark Adventure-Ready bag. Designed for lightweight, compact travel the board comes in three size options that securely hold your board in place while offering maximum protection. Featuring Diamond-Tech fabric, 10-mm closed cell foam protection, an expandable sidewall, 20 percent more protection on the nose/tail, marine-grade corrosion resistant zippers, a padded handle and shoulder strap, internal compression straps, an aero mesh ventilation system, and a limited edition cover, the Adventure-Ready bag has everything you could want in a good travel bag and more. With style points to boot, the Adventure Ready bag is the one we’ll be reaching for on our next globe trotting adventure.

Best Surfboard Bag for Air Travel

Wave tribe hurricane chaser travel bag (from $260).

At Wave Tribe, the goal is to offer a bag that is stylish, sustainably made, durable, and offers the maximum protection possible—the brand hit the nail on the head with the Hurricane Chaser travel bag. In an effort to be gentle on the environment, the bag is made from high-density recycled nylon and hemp, which keeps the board about 10 degrees cooler than a traditional bag.

Thoughtful exterior bag features include heavy-duty YKK zippers, a padded shoulder strap, heavy-duty handles, a zippered pocket, wheels, and breathable hemp. Interior features include 25 mm of padding on the nose and tail, a padded board separator to securely separate boards, and an interior pocket for stashing fins/leashes. The bag is available in nine different size options and is designed to comfortably hold two boards, making it perfect for overseas adventures. This bag recently accompanied our tester on a trip to Hawaii and it performed like a dream, with all of her gear arriving intact.

Most Protective Surfboard Bag

Db djärv surfboard coffin ($449).

Pros: Wheels, semi-rigid ribs, pockets, compresses down for storage Cons: Too large for day trips, only offered in one size, pricey

This bag is pretty incredible. It’s designed to hold three to four boards and the protection it offers is as good as it gets with tons of padding, semi-rigid ribs that keep your boards from getting squished, and  strategic pockets to stash your towels and clothing and create even more padding at the nose and tail.

Other features include custom wheels and a handle to make hauling easier. It also has a built-in hook up system, so you can attach it to other Db bags to make your airport endeavor smoother. Additionally, the bag has internal pockets for stashing leashes/wax, dividers to place between your boards, and strategically placed exterior handles to ensure baggage handlers are gentle when lifting your board. When you’re finished traveling, the bag compresses down to 30% of its size to make storage easier.

When it comes to bells and whistles, this one’s a winner. The only downsides to this awesome product is that it may be a little overkill for the casual surf-tripper who only wanted to take a board or two with them, and is certainly too bulky to double as a daybag. And at close to $450, those bells and whistles aren’t coming cheap. Finally, the bag is only offered in one size, that (just barely) fits boards up to 6’6″ in length. That said, if you need a super-protective surf coffin, this is as good as it gets. Read our full review here.

Best Day-Use Surfboard Bag

Creatures of leisure fish day-use dt2.0 ($140).

Pros: Expandable side wall, ventilation system, lightweight yet durable Cons: Not reliable for international travel

If you’re looking for a day-use bag that offers a little extra protection, the Creatures of Leisure Fish Day Use may be the bag for you. The Fish Day Use is specifically designed for day-to-day usage with single board capacity for wider fun boards.

The bag is constructed from Diamond-Tech fabric, which is strong, water-resistant, and lightweight. The bag also contains Diamond-Tech 2.0 fabric on high stress areas for extra protection. Additionally, the Day Use bag includes 5mm closed cell foam protection, an expandable sidewall, marine-grade resistant zippers, a foam padded handle, a padded shoulder strap, a fin slot, and an interior pouch for stashing essentials. The bag also features an aero mesh ventilation system to keep boards cool, which we were big fans of as we tend to spend hours at the beach after a good surf session.  We really liked how lightweight this bag is while remaining durable. With generous zippers, the board slides in and out with ease and the shoulder straps makes it easy to carry on long treks to the beach.

Best Bang for Your Buck

Dakine daylight surfboard bag ($94).

Pros: Zippered fin slots, long zippers Cons: Not enough padding for airplane travel

A hybrid bag designed for storage and transport, the Daylight is advertised as a day-use bag, but we think it’s sturdy enough for gentle travel as well. Created specifically for longboards, the Daylight offers heat and water-resistant coverage and full-length ¼ inch foam-padded ding protection. And, it’s available in both a longboard , and shortboard version.

Additionally, the bag features a heavy duty, YKK coil zipper, a zippered fin slot, a non-slip padded shoulder strap with a stash pocket, and a wax/fin pocket. We thought it was unique that this bag had a zippered fin slot as opposed to traditional Velcro ones—we found it easier to fit the bag snuggly around our fin. We also appreciated the plethora of pockets, and the padded shoulder strap was a nice addition for easy transport. Generously long zippers made it simple to slid the board in and out and a subtle camo design added a little extra flair. The only reason we would hesitate to use this bag for airplane travel is the lack of extra padding in the nose area—but it makes for a great day-use bag.

Longboard Version

Thruster Version

CHECK PRICE ON CLEANLINE CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

Best Budget Surfboard Bag

Curve boost travel bag (from $80).

Upon first examination, Curve’s Boost bag looks more like a day-use bag than a travel bag due to its compact design. However, upon taking a closer look, we noticed 20-mm boosted nose and tail foam zones that provide added protection during transport. Additionally, the bag features a 7 mm foam core, a 600D water-resistant canvas base, heat reflective silver tarpee upper, fin slot with Velcro closer, and a detachable shoulder strap. An especially unique feature of the bag is the Tail Protection Strap System, a built-in strap that allows you to firmly secure the board inside the pack. Although the body of the bag doesn’t provide as intense protection as other travel options, the price is right and the paddling is sufficient — you just may want to wrap some towels around your board for a little extra cushion.

Longboard Version CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON Fish Version CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON Shortboard Version CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

If you’re willing to spend a little more for the extra padding, the Curve Armordillo is an absolute tank with thick foam panels on the rails, nose, and tail. Buy the shortboard version here , and the longboard version here .

Best of the Rest

Runner up: best day-use surfboard bag, fcs dayrunner all purpose cover (from $130).

Pros: High-density padding, 3D rail protection Cons:  Not ideal for airplane travel

Available in five size options and two colorways, the FCS Dayrunner cover is lightweight yet durable, making it ideal for transit to and from the beach. The bag features five-mm high-density padding, noncorrosive zippers paired with Velcro, an ergonomic shoulder pad, and an internal pocket for stashing fins or wax. Standout features include 3D rail protection that contours to the shape of the rail, an expandable fin wing that allows you to transport your board with or without the fin, and a contoured stretch fit that provides ventilation while simultaneously keeping the bag snug around your board. Although this bag is advertised as a day-use bag, it is extremely well made and raises the bar for day-use bags by being ultra padded and secure.

Longboard version CHECK PRICE ON EVO SUP version CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

Sagebrush Surf Bags ($140)

Pros : Stylish, sustainably made Cons: No padding, no place to stash wax

If you have yet to hear of Sagebrush , it’s time to put them on your radar. From the mind of professional freesurfer Anna Gudauskas, Sagebursh offers eye catching bags created with the environment in mind. Available in a wide variety of prints and sizes, all of Sagebrush’s bags are handmade from remnant or vintage fabric and coffee bean sacks from organic, fair trade coffee roasters.

The style of these bags is similar to a sock, but they’re made from thick canvas, so they’re super easy to slide on and off while remaining durable. The material is much thicker than your traditional sock, so we feel confident that our boards will be protected in transit, when stacking it on the car, and during long beach days in the sun. While we wouldn’t use a Sagebrush bag for airplane travel (unless it’s stashed in a travel bag), our tester has been sporting a Sagebrush bag for years and is impressed by the durability. Made from remnant and vintage fabrics, it’s cool to know that each bag is available in extremely limited quantities, ensuring that you will have a unique bag. The only thing missing from this rad bag is a place to stash your wax!

Shred Surf Bag ($56)

Pros: Made from recycled materials, extra fleece on the nose, fins, tail, and side rails, machine washable Cons: Day-use only, not enough padding for airplane travel

Made from 100% recycled materials, Shred’s bags are a mix of 60% recycled cotton and 40% recycled plastics. They are shipped in 100% recycled packaging via carbon neutral shipping (in the U.S.), so they’re gentle on the environment. The bags sport a protective interior design with double layered unbrushed fleece on the nose, fins, tail and side rails, so you can rest easy knowing there’s extra cushion where you need it. The bags also include a stowaway pocket for wax and other essentials, a drawstring closure, and UV protection. Should your bag get a little stinky, it’s machine washable so you can easily run it through a cycle and have it looking as good as new in no time. With a variety of patterns to choose from, we love the aesthetic of this bag and it seems sturdy and well made. When it’s time to travel overseas, our tester plans on stashing her board in her Shred bag before securing it in her travel bag for an added layer of protection. All and all, a super solid day-use option.

The Classic Boardsock (From $30)

Pros: Reinforced nose, velcro pocket Cons: Sometimes difficult to slide board in/out, everything sticks to it

The Ho Stevie! Surfboard Sock is a super simplistic sock design. Available in three different color options, the sock offers an added layer of protection from sunlight and anything that could potentially ding your board. The sock is made from durable knit stretch fabric and has a reinforced nose for an added layer of protection. Additionally, the bag features a drawstring closer as well as a small, Velcro storage pocket for wax, keys, or any other small items you might have.

Like most surfboard socks, we occasionally had some trouble sliding the bag over our boards—we found it easier with shorter boards. Another thing we noticed was if you set your sock down in any sort of debris, like a leaf-covered yard, it acted like Velcro and we’d end up bringing a bunch of leaves and weeds home with us. That said, the Ho Stevie! surfboard sock has everything you’d expect in a solid surfboard sock for lightweight, day-use protection, and the price is right.

Comparison Table

You can’t go wrong with one of these great boardbags from Db, Dakine, Sagebrush, and more. Photo: Rebecca Parsons/The Inertia

How We Tested

Our lead tester, Rebecca Parsons, is a surfer based on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, who has made it her mission to surf as many different waves in the world as she can, both at home in Hawaii, on roadtrips up and down the California coast, and on overseas trips. In 2022, she got her hands on each of the bags featured in this review (as well as some that didn’t make the cut), and since then has been storing and transporting her boards in them to get a feel for how they perform. Some have gone on trips close to home, and those made for air travel, she’s taken overseas to see how they held up, and how well they protected her precious surfboards. As surfers and wave-chasers, other members of The Inertia’s editorial and gear team have done additional testing of products on this list, like the Wave Tribe Hurricane Chaser, which has been a favorite of Senior Editor Alex Haro’s for years now, and the Db Djärv which has accompanied Gear Editor Will Sileo on a number of trips to and from his home in California and the Hawaiian Islands. We continue to test these bags, as well as any new products to hit the market, and will keep this article updated with the latest and greatest based on our experiences with the products.

For each bag, our main considerations were the type and level of protection it offers, how easy it is to transport, and the ease of use. We rated each bag on these three metrics, as well as taking into account additional features, and the various pros and cons related to the design of each bag.

Rating Table

What makes a good board bag.

Protection The most important feature of a board bag is how well it is able to protect your stick. Although there are different types of bags available at different levels of protection, we expect the bag to provide the type the protection advertised. For example, a day bag should provide ample protection for trips around town but we wouldn’t expect it to hold up on an overseas flight. A travel bag, on the other hand, should do its due diligence and keep our board protected on a long haul trip. Before purchasing a bag, we take into consideration what kind of travel we will be doing with it and then consider the features it offers.

Transport Traveling with boards is a challenge and such, features that make the board easier to transport are always appreciated. If it’s a shortboard bag, a padded shoulder strap is a plus. If it’s a longboard bag or a bag for multiple boards, wheels are a game changer.

Ease of Use This may sound like strange criteria as surfboard bags are fairly straightforward in their design, but we want a bag that is easy to slide/off. If you’re anything like us, you’ve found yourself in a parking lot, wrestling with your board bag or sock, banging your board around in the process, and wondering if you would have done better had you left the bag at home. When we’re in the market for a board bag, we consider whether it will slide on and off easily, regardless of if the board is wet or dry. If it’s a more fitted bag, we considered zippers and how far down they go to make sure it’ll be easy to use.

The Wave Tribe Hurricane Chaser has been a long-time favorite at The Inertia. Here’s Senior Editor Alex Haro with one in 2017. Photo: Alex Haro/The Inertia

What Are Some Other Factors to Consider?

Size is super important. You want a bag that fits your board snugly, to ensure maximum protection. But you also don’t want to be wrestling your bag each time you use it to try and get your board to fit. It’s a bit of a Goldilocks scenario. In general, a good rule of thumb is to order a bag that is a little longer than your board. If you’re ordering a board online, check the length, width, and thickness of your board and order accordingly. Length will determine which size bag you order and width and thickness will determine the style (for example, a 6’2” fish isn’t going to fit into a 6’2” shortboard bag).

Like surfboards, a good board bag doesn’t come cheap and as such, we want one that is going to last. For those bags we want to accompany us overseas, bags aren’t always handled with care at the airport, so you’ll want to make sure you’re getting a bag that is made from a durable material. Although it’s possible to find bags at an agreeable price point (see our top picks for value and budget, above), it’s worth spending a few extra bucks to ensure you’re not buying a board bag made of cheap fabric that’s going to quickly fall apart.

Extra Storage Although it’s not essential, it sure is nice when a bag comes with a Velcro or zippered pockets to stash your fins, leash, wax, etc. For travel bags especially, it’s nice to have a generous amount of pockets for organizing all your surf-trip essentials, but for something like a sock, all we need is a little pocket to store some wax or our keys.

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The Best Surfboard Bags for Travel: A Buyer’s Guide

This post contains affiliate links. The Salt Sirens earns from qualifying purchases.

Sun, sand, salt, baggage handlers–plenty of things can ruin a good surfboard. A decent bag is, therefore, an essential piece of kit if you are planning on traveling with your board. Surfboard travel bags are evolving all the time–materials are getting stronger, lighter and more durable, design features are becoming more innovative. Read on for our guide to buying your own surfboard travel bag including what features to look for, and our top pick of the travel bags on the market.

Table of Contents

Surfboard Travel Bag vs Surfboard Day Bag?

When you start shopping for a board bag, you’ll come across the terms’ day bag’ and ‘travel bag’. While a day bag will protect your board during a trip to your local break, it won’t be padded enough to protect your board inside an aircraft hold. So, if you plan to surf abroad in the future, you’re going to need a travel bag. While it might seem like a costly outlay, a good travel bag should last a lifetime–while a less sturdy day bag might break or fall apart.

In this article we will show you:

• The best surfboard bags for travel: In depth
• How to choose the best surfboard bags for travel
• The benefit of owning a surfboard bag

The Best Surfboard Bags for Travel: In depth

1. Dakine Recon II Thruster Surfboard Bag Black/Charcoal, 7ft

Capacity : 2 boards Materials : 600D diamond ripstop polyester, foam, polyethylene Weight : 8.4lbs (3.8 kg) Best for : Road trips

Made of durable polyester with 10mm padding, this travel bag will protect your boards during road or air travel without ripping or coming apart. The underside is heat-reflecting to protect from delamination in the sun and to stop wax from melting. Other features include cooling vents, mesh pockets for valuables, heavy-duty zippers and a removable strap. Comes in grey with yellow trim. Sizes from 6’3 to 7’6.

Check price: Dakine Recon II Thruster Surfboard Bag Black/Charcoal, 7ft / Surfboards.com

2. Pro-Lite Smuggler Series Surfboard Travel Bag - Maroon

Capacity : 3 boards Materials : 600D polyester, AIR-LITE foam Weight : 9 lbs (4 kg) Best for : avoiding single board charges

Perfect for airport travel, this travel bag has a false bottom, so you can carry three boards onto the aircraft while only seeming to have two. As well as 10mm padding this bag has superb storage including a large outside pocket where you can stow your wetsuit and a key pocket. This bag is also very light, which may help to reduce airline charges. Comes in maroon. Sizes from 6′ to 6’6.

Check price: Pro-Lite Smuggler Series Surfboard Travel Bag - Maroon

3. Ocean & Earth O&E Triple Wheel Shortboard Cover 7'0" Black/Grey - Surfboard Bag Cover

Capacity : 1–4 boards Materials : polyester, armour weave polyester, foam, tarpee Weight : 13.6 lbs (6.2 kg) Best for : Schlepping through large airports

This wheeled travel bag is ideal for carrying your boards easily through the airport. Compression straps restrict the movement of the boards inside the bag, and 20mm padding protects them when they get thrown around. Heavy-duty wheels and zippers ensure this bag won’t fall apart on you. And, a lightweight surfboard sleeve is included for free. Comes in black/red or black/blue. Sizes 6′ up to 7’6.

Check price: Ocean & Earth O&E Triple Wheel Shortboard Cover 7'0" Black/Grey - Surfboard Bag Cover | Shop.Surf

4. Wave Tribe Pioneer Surfboard Bag - Hemp Surf Bag with 5mm Padding, YKK Nickel-Plated Zipper, Fits 1 Board, Day Surfboard Bags Keep Board Safe & Cool, Easy to Carry Straps & Handles (7'6 S...

Capacity : 2 boards Materials : Hemp, alloy-steel mesh weave, recycled nylon Weight : 11 lbs (5 kg) Best for : Planet Earth

Made from biodegradable hemp, the Wave Tribe travel bag is eco-friendly as well as being one of the best-designed bags on the market. With 26mm of padding in the nose and tail, it offers superb protection. The Japanese YKK zippers are the most reliable in the world, and the heat resistant underside ensures your boards won’t be damaged by the sun or melting wax. Comes in blue and brown. Sizes from 6’2 up to 9’6.

Check price: Wave Tribe Pioneer Surfboard Bag - Hemp Surf Bag with 5mm Padding, YKK Nickel-Plated Zipper, Fits 1 Board, Day Surfboard Bags Keep Board Safe & Cool, Easy to Carry Straps & Handles (7'6 S...

5. CIRCLE ONE DOUBLE SURFBOARD TRAVEL BAG

Capacity : 1 board Materials :600D polyester Weight : 5.7 lbs (2.65 kg) Best for : tight budgets

This board is a good choice for a short trip or a tight budget. The 5mm padding offers minimal protection (wrap your boards up in clothes or bubble wrap) and makes this bag extremely light, which could save you money at the airport. Printed with ‘Fragile, top load only’ to reduce the chance of damage during transit. Sizes from 5’6 up to 9’6.

Check price: Circle One

6. DORSAL Board Bag Travel Day Surfboard Cover - Black/Grey 6'6

Capacity : 1 board Materials : 600D polyester, neoprene Weight : 2.6 lbs (1.2 kg) Best for : carrying to surf breaks

For short haul or day trips, this lightweight bag is ideal. The heat-reflective material means you can stow it on a roof rack without worrying about the heat or the sun. With 5mm foam padding, this bag is lighter and therefore easy to carry. The lining material is wax and water resistant. Comes in black and silver. Sizes from 5’10 up to 7’6.

Check price: DORSAL Board Bag Travel Day Surfboard Cover - Black/Grey 6'6

7. StoreYourBoard Quad Surfboard Travel Coffin | 4 Surfboard Cover & Bag | to 8 Foot Long (7'6" Long | 23" Wide | 10.5" Thick)

Capacity : 1–5 boards Materials : polyester, polyethylene, foam, nylon Weight : 11.4 lbs (5.2kg) Best for : transporting multiple boards

Able to store up to 5 boards, this bag is ideal if you are taking a selection of boards with you on a trip. With 20mm padding and 25mm padding for the nose and tail, you can be sure your boards won’t get damaged during the flight. The armour weave fabric is water repellent, and the heavy-duty zips won’t break at that crucial moment. Comes in black with red trim. Sizes from 6’6 to 7’6.

Check price: StoreYourBoard Quad Surfboard Travel Coffin | 4 Surfboard Cover & Bag | to 8 Foot Long (7'6" Long | 23" Wide | 10.5" Thick) | Shop.Surf

8. Dakine World Traveler Surfboard Coffin w/Wheels - Carbon

Capacity : 4 boards or 3 if one is a longboard Materials : 600D diamond ripstop polyester, foam, polyethylene Weight : 19 lbs (8.6 kg) Best for : Long haul travel with multiple boards

Ideal for long haul trips, this wheeled travel bag can store up to four boards. There is plenty of 10mm padding to protect against rough-and-ready treatment, and 20mm padding on the sidewalls. Compression straps ensure the boards don’t move around. The padded handles and shoulder strap make carrying more comfortable. Comes in grey with yellow and black trim. Sizes from 6’6 to 9’6.

Check price: Dakine World Traveler Surfboard Coffin w/Wheels - Carbon | Surfboards.com

9. GLOBAL SYSTEM 10MM TRAVEL BAG

Capacity : 1 board Materials : ripstop polyester, ripstop tarpaulin Weight : 8.4lbs (3.8 kg) Best for : value for money

This bag is made from durable material with 10mm padding and is reinforced at the nose. With a host of other features including reflective underside, detachable padded shoulder strap and outer storage pocket, this bag is excellent value for money. Comes in black, silver and yellow. Sizes from 5’6 up to 10’.

Check price: Boardshop

10. Dakine Recon Double Surfboard Bag Noserider

Capacity : 2 longboards Materials : 600D diamond ripstop polyester, foam, polyethylene Weight : 7.4lbs (3.3 kg) Best for : Longboards This travel bag can transport two longboards with the bottom board hidden from view. With excellent features including a heat-reflective underside, heavy-duty zippers, removable shoulder strap and inside pockets, this bag wants for nothing. Comes in grey with yellow trim. Sizes from 8’ to 9’6.

Check price: Dakine Recon Double Surfboard Bag Noserider / Surfboards.com

What to Look for in a Surfboard Travel Bag

A key feature of any surfboard travel bag is its layer of high-density foam padding. This protects the board from rough treatment in the airport and while you’re getting to the surf break. The padding should be at least 10 mm thick–but can be 20 mm or even 25 mm. Look for extra padding at the nose, tail and sides, as these areas are most likely to be damaged when your surfboard bag collides with something.

Construction

The best surfboard travel bags can withstand being dragged around and should protect boards from heat, UV rays, salt and water. Look for bags made with innovative ripstop and woven fabrics, as these will be the lightest and toughest. You can also find travel bags made from eco-friendly materials such as hemp. Opt for good-quality nylon zips that are resistant to corrosion from salt and sand.

Your surfboard bag should be wider at the bottom to house boards with fixed fins. The best bags also have extra features such as pockets where you can store wax, extra fins and valuables like your phone or keys. Some surfboard bags have large pockets–useful for storing bulky items like your wetsuit and helpful for reducing those baggage fees.

If you’re taking several connecting flights, a surfboard bag with wheels will make the experience a whole lot less exhausting.

Shoulder straps

You’ll be much more comfortable walking through a large airport or trying to reach a remote surf spot if your bag has a padded shoulder strap and sturdy handles.

Airlines often impose weight limits for surfboard bags, and once you’ve stuffed your bag with boards, wetsuits and everything else you’re taking with you, it might be too heavy. Look for bags with lightweight padding and fabrics.

The benefits of owning your own surfboard travel bag

The greatest benefit of owning a surfboard travel bag is financial. You’ll need to repair dings and scratches less often, and you’ll save money. There are some other cool benefits too:

Flexibility : Once you’ve invested in a surfboard travel bag, you’re free to take your board all over the world on planes, trains and road trips for the rest of your surfing life, without worrying about damage.

Protects your board wherever you are : A travel bag protects your board at home too. Even if your board is inside a house, it can be damaged by a family pet or simply by someone knocking into it. Once you have your own travel bag, you won’t need to worry–wherever you’ve left your board.

Acts as an extra suitcase : You can cut down on the amount of baggage you have by using your travel bag to store wetsuits, towels and other related gear.

Disclosure: The Salt Sirens is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We are also an affiliate of Shop.Surf and Surfboards.com. 

Surfboard Protection Options

There are two more types of surf board bags to discuss. One is the minimum protection option and the other is the ultimate protection option. The board sock is the lightweight and cheap option and is ideal for carrying your board to the beach. The hard case offers maximum protection for a surfboard and is the best option to guard against dings or breaks when traveling or storing.

The Board Sock

• Offers the least protection of any board bag.
• Adds light weight for easy carrying.
• Prevents surf wax on your board from covering your best surf t-shirt when carrying your board around.
• Is ideal for short distance transportation.

The Hard Case

• Offers the most protection of any board bag.
• Has considerable weight and is expensive.
• Fly safe in the knowledge that the baggage handler is now powerless!
• Is great for long-term storage.

That's it for board bags, socks, and hard cases. Now let's learn how to pack your surfboard properly!

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where should I buy a hard case for traveling with two surfboards?

The only place I know to get a hard case at is surfcase.com - they have several different options. This article was written a while ago, and since then there is a new offering on the market which is well worth considering. A company called Soma are producing an inflatable board bag which provides excellent protection. I can't find details on the Soma website but you can see them here

Hi Mike & Surf Patrol. Surfcase.com is back in business and accepting orders for their hard shell surfboard case. It can actually fit up to three shortboards.

were can i find a surf board sock for a 5'6 board for like $30

Check out Nautilus Surf. Their website is www.nautilussurf.com. Very cool product and tremendously durable.

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Our Surfboard Bags are available in a range of sizes and shapes to fit just about every surfboard. Designed to protect your surf equipment whether in storage or in transit they are made with high-quality materials and designed to balance functionality and performance, all at an affordable price.

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Plus we have a selection from all the leading brands, so there’s no better time to shop. Check out our quality range to protect your gear today.

Ultimate Protection with our Surfboard Cases and Bags

Our surfboard bags are made with durable materials, with 8mm foam padding for ultimate protection against scratches, dings, and other damages during transit. The foam padding provides ample cushioning to keep your board secure while also minimizing the risk of damage from impacts or pressure.

Additionally, our bags are equipped with a heat-resistant tarpaulin layer that reflects the sun's heat and keeps your board cool while in transit. This feature is particularly important if you're traveling in hot and sunny climates where the sun's heat can cause damage to your board.

Complete Range of Handy Features

Our surfboard cases and bags come with convenient grab handles and shoulder straps for easy carrying. The grab handles are strategically placed on the top and sides of the bag, making it easy to lift and maneuver. The shoulder straps are adjustable and padded, providing maximum comfort while carrying your board over long distances.

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Whether you're looking for a surf bag for a shortboard, fish, or longboard, we have all sizes – from 5’8 to 9’8 in Surfboards and 9’6 to 11’6 in SUPs .

Our surf bags are designed to fit most standard board shapes and sizes, ensuring a snug and secure fit. We offer a wide range of surfboard bags for sale, along with surfboard travel bags for those who like to explore new surf spots without breaking the bank.

Our board bags are available in various colors and designs, so you can choose the one that best fits your style and personality. Check out our selection now.

Protect Your Gear with Our Accessories Today

If you’re looking to protect your gear for your next surf trip, look no further. Here at Global Surf Industries, we’ve got you covered with everything you need for ultimate peace of mind.

We offer a wide range of bags for surfboards, including single, double, and triple board bags, as well as surfboard travel bags. These come with innovative features such as 8mm foam padding, heat-resistant tarpaulin layer, grab handles, and shoulder straps, making them the perfect choice for any surf traveler.

So, whether you're traveling to your local beach or exploring new surf spots, we have the perfect surfboard bag for you. Shop now and keep your board safe and secure during transit with the complete range of quality solutions available from Global Surf Industries .

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Surfboard Bags called Travel Bags are perfect for protecting your traveling boards during a trip. These offer great protection and come in many different shapes and a variety of sizes.

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How to Pack a Surfboard for Travel

Imagine it, you think you know how to pack a surfboard for travel, right? Now envisage yourself planning your ultimate surf trip , rocking up at the picture-perfect location, warm blue waters, the tropical sun beating down, 3-4ft a-frames peeling down the reef in front of your room. It’s the stuff of dreams, right? You scramble to get your stuff together for the first session, slapping on sunscreen and pulling on your boardies. Only you get to your board bag, open it and pull out your two brand-new sticks to find both noses crunched. It’s a nightmare.  

Unfortunately, this situation is all too common for the avid surf traveler. Whether it’s down to lousy board bag packing or, more likely, mishandling from airport workers, our boards get put through it when we travel. It’s always nerve-racking when you open a board bag, and the further you travel, the bigger the worry. 

While nothing can guarantee a damage-free trip, there are many ways you can pack your beloved surfboards and equipment to reduce the chances of rocking up in paradise with broken sticks. Here, we dive into everything you need to know about packing surfboards for travel, from choosing the right board bag , how to pack them correctly, and how to protect your nose and tail. We have a bit to get through, so let’s get down to it. 

Table of Contents

Choosing The Right Surfboard Bag 

First, choose a board bag appropriate to your surf travel needs. This will come down to how much travel you plan to do, where you’re going, and how many boards you want to bring. Whatever board bag you choose, you want to avoid having excess space in your bag. Extra room creates space where things can slide around, meaning boards are more likely to get damaged. Instead, you want a compact, tightly packed bag to ensure everything is snug and protected. 

If you’re only traveling to the beach and back, a day bag will be perfect, which gives you a little protection for carrying one board to the beach and back. If you’re going on an overseas trip and traveling by air, you’ll want a proper board bag with great padding and pockets to keep fins and other surf accessories stashed away nicely. If you plan to travel long-term or want to take 3-4 boards or more, you’ll need a coffin board bag. These are heavy-duty surfboard bags, fit 4+ boards, and have room to carry other things such as clothes and surf accessories. 

How to Pack Your Surfboard Bag? 

Packing your surfboard bag is an art form. You can’t simply chuck your boards in with a bundle of clothes and hope for the best. Instead, you need to prepare and pack to ensure your boards are packed in one solid, ding-proof package. 

Preparing Your Surfboard for Air Travel 

First, you’ll need to prep your boards. I always like to de-wax and clean up my boards before I travel so that I can arrive with a clean board and new wax job before the first session . A clean board when you pack can mean you don’t get your board socks and bag all waxy. However, this is just an added luxury and not essential. What is essential is protecting your board in a board sock , which provides some extra padding from scratches and dings within the bag. 

Surfboard Protection 

I use clothes and towels as a layer of padding for my boards, but if you’ve got the room, you can also use bubble wrap. Bubble wrap or cutting the long pool floats in half can protect the rails. The most critical areas of your boards to protect are the nose and tail. I usually stuff a towel or large jacket around the nose and tail. I then pack clothes down the rails to protect them. Anything you can do to protect the essential parts of the board serves as protection. 

Surfboard Layout/Order

When packing your boards, always pack them in hierarchical order. This means always pack your largest board at the bottom and stack pyramid style from your largest to the smallest. This prevents noses from being crushed. 

Packing & Padding 

Ensure your boards are packed neatly; use towels and clothes to add cushion between each one while making sure the nose and tails have even more padding, using thicker clothing items or bubble wrap. Essentially, you want to ensure the bag is packed as tightly as possible, so the weight is spread evenly throughout the bag. 

Making sure the weight even helps protect your boards, as when the (usually careless) baggage handlers throw your board around, it won’t land with all the weight at the nose or tail. While we all hope our boards get treated well on flights, it’s unfortunately not always the case. Trust me, I’ve seen my boards thrown on a pile of bags before! 

Alternative Surfboard Transport Options 

Without a bag .

If you’re just traveling to the beach for a beach day, you won’t need the faff of lugging a huge board bag around, so just purchase a board sock or day bag. These still give some protection and can also prevent the board from getting discolored from being left in direct sunlight. Oh, and from your wax melting. 

Shipping a Surfboard 

Sometimes shipping a surfboard is a good idea. For instance, if you’re going to Hawaii and ordering boards specifically for North Shore waves or have a custom board order from a different country, there would be no point in ordering your boards home, then flying out with them. 

Instead, you can order them to your accommodation in your planned destination. You can ship surfboards with all the most renowned shipping companies in the world. I’ve never done this personally, and although it will cost more than flying boards out yourself, it will save you the hassle of traveling with boards, oh, and any unexpected surfboard baggage fees at the airport. 

Final Thoughts 

So there, we have everything you need to know about successfully and safely packing your surfboards for your next trip. The main takeaway from this article should be to ensure you have your boards packed in size order, padded at the nose and tail with any loose bits packed so they won’t come loose. You must also ensure the bag is packed tightly and compact, with the weight spread evenly across the load. This has helped you understand how to pack your board bag, and good luck on your next trip! 

Dan Harmon is a content writer and full-time surf travel enthusiast. He travels the world full-time while creating surf content, traveling to the world’s best surf destinations , and hunting out some lesser-known corners. You can follow more of Dan’s travels over on his YouTube Channel , website , and Instagram.

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In Transit: Notes from the Underground

Jun 06 2018.

Spend some time in one of Moscow’s finest museums.

Subterranean commuting might not be anyone’s idea of a good time, but even in a city packing the war-games treasures and priceless bejeweled eggs of the Kremlin Armoury and the colossal Soviet pavilions of the VDNKh , the Metro holds up as one of Moscow’s finest museums. Just avoid rush hour.

The Metro is stunning and provides an unrivaled insight into the city’s psyche, past and present, but it also happens to be the best way to get around. Moscow has Uber, and the Russian version called Yandex Taxi , but also some nasty traffic. Metro trains come around every 90 seconds or so, at a more than 99 percent on-time rate. It’s also reasonably priced, with a single ride at 55 cents (and cheaper in bulk). From history to tickets to rules — official and not — here’s what you need to know to get started.

A Brief Introduction Buying Tickets Know Before You Go (Down) Rules An Easy Tour

A Brief Introduction

Moscow’s Metro was a long time coming. Plans for rapid transit to relieve the city’s beleaguered tram system date back to the Imperial era, but a couple of wars and a revolution held up its development. Stalin revived it as part of his grand plan to modernize the Soviet Union in the 1920s and 30s. The first lines and tunnels were constructed with help from engineers from the London Underground, although Stalin’s secret police decided that they had learned too much about Moscow’s layout and had them arrested on espionage charges and deported.

The beauty of its stations (if not its trains) is well-documented, and certainly no accident. In its illustrious first phases and particularly after the Second World War, the greatest architects of Soviet era were recruited to create gleaming temples celebrating the Revolution, the USSR, and the war triumph. No two stations are exactly alike, and each of the classic showpieces has a theme. There are world-famous shrines to Futurist architecture, a celebration of electricity, tributes to individuals and regions of the former Soviet Union. Each marble slab, mosaic tile, or light fixture was placed with intent, all in service to a station’s aesthetic; each element, f rom the smallest brass ear of corn to a large blood-spattered sword on a World War II mural, is an essential part of the whole.

The Metro is a monument to the Soviet propaganda project it was intended to be when it opened in 1935 with the slogan “Building a Palace for the People”. It brought the grand interiors of Imperial Russia to ordinary Muscovites, celebrated the Soviet Union’s past achievements while promising its citizens a bright Soviet future, and of course, it was a show-piece for the world to witness the might and sophistication of life in the Soviet Union.

It may be a museum, but it’s no relic. U p to nine million people use it daily, more than the London Underground and New York Subway combined. (Along with, at one time, about 20 stray dogs that learned to commute on the Metro.)

In its 80+ year history, the Metro has expanded in phases and fits and starts, in step with the fortunes of Moscow and Russia. Now, partly in preparation for the World Cup 2018, it’s also modernizing. New trains allow passengers to walk the entire length of the train without having to change carriages. The system is becoming more visitor-friendly. (There are helpful stickers on the floor marking out the best selfie spots .) But there’s a price to modernity: it’s phasing out one of its beloved institutions, the escalator attendants. Often they are middle-aged or elderly women—“ escalator grandmas ” in news accounts—who have held the post for decades, sitting in their tiny kiosks, scolding commuters for bad escalator etiquette or even bad posture, or telling jokes . They are slated to be replaced, when at all, by members of the escalator maintenance staff.

For all its achievements, the Metro lags behind Moscow’s above-ground growth, as Russia’s capital sprawls ever outwards, generating some of the world’s worst traffic jams . But since 2011, the Metro has been in the middle of an ambitious and long-overdue enlargement; 60 new stations are opening by 2020. If all goes to plan, the 2011-2020 period will have brought 125 miles of new tracks and over 100 new stations — a 40 percent increase — the fastest and largest expansion phase in any period in the Metro’s history.

Facts: 14 lines Opening hours: 5 a.m-1 a.m. Rush hour(s): 8-10 a.m, 4-8 p.m. Single ride: 55₽ (about 85 cents) Wi-Fi network-wide

Buying Tickets

• Ticket machines have a button to switch to English.
• You can buy specific numbers of rides: 1, 2, 5, 11, 20, or 60. Hold up fingers to show how many rides you want to buy.
• There is also a 90-minute ticket , which gets you 1 trip on the metro plus an unlimited number of transfers on other transport (bus, tram, etc) within 90 minutes.
• Or, you can buy day tickets with unlimited rides: one day (218₽/ US$4), three days (415₽/US$7) or seven days (830₽/US$15). Check the rates here to stay up-to-date.
• If you’re going to be using the Metro regularly over a few days, it’s worth getting a Troika card , a contactless, refillable card you can use on all public transport. Using the Metro is cheaper with one of these: a single ride is 36₽, not 55₽. Buy them and refill them in the Metro stations, and they’re valid for 5 years, so you can keep it for next time. Or, if you have a lot of cash left on it when you leave, you can get it refunded at the Metro Service Centers at Ulitsa 1905 Goda, 25 or at Staraya Basmannaya 20, Building 1.
• You can also buy silicone bracelets and keychains with built-in transport chips that you can use as a Troika card. (A Moscow Metro Fitbit!) So far, you can only get these at the Pushkinskaya metro station Live Helpdesk and souvenir shops in the Mayakovskaya and Trubnaya metro stations. The fare is the same as for the Troika card.
• You can also use Apple Pay and Samsung Pay.

Rules, spoken and unspoken

No smoking, no drinking, no filming, no littering. Photography is allowed, although it used to be banned.

Stand to the right on the escalator. Break this rule and you risk the wrath of the legendary escalator attendants. (No shenanigans on the escalators in general.)

Get out of the way. Find an empty corner to hide in when you get off a train and need to stare at your phone. Watch out getting out of the train in general; when your train doors open, people tend to appear from nowhere or from behind ornate marble columns, walking full-speed.

Always offer your seat to elderly ladies (what are you, a monster?).

An Easy Tour

This is no Metro Marathon ( 199 stations in 20 hours ). It’s an easy tour, taking in most—though not all—of the notable stations, the bulk of it going clockwise along the Circle line, with a couple of short detours. These stations are within minutes of one another, and the whole tour should take about 1-2 hours.

Start at Mayakovskaya Metro station , at the corner of Tverskaya and Garden Ring,  Triumfalnaya Square, Moskva, Russia, 125047.

1. Mayakovskaya.  Named for Russian Futurist Movement poet Vladimir Mayakovsky and an attempt to bring to life the future he imagined in his poems. (The Futurist Movement, natch, was all about a rejecting the past and celebrating all things speed, industry, modern machines, youth, modernity.) The result: an Art Deco masterpiece that won the National Grand Prix for architecture at the New York World’s Fair in 1939. It’s all smooth, rounded shine and light, and gentle arches supported by columns of dark pink marble and stainless aircraft steel. Each of its 34 ceiling niches has a mosaic. During World War II, the station was used as an air-raid shelter and, at one point, a bunker for Stalin. He gave a subdued but rousing speech here in Nov. 6, 1941 as the Nazis bombed the city above.

Take the 3/Green line one station to:

2. Belorusskaya. Opened in 1952, named after the connected Belarussky Rail Terminal, which runs trains between Moscow and Belarus. This is a light marble affair with a white, cake-like ceiling, lined with Belorussian patterns and 12 Florentine ceiling mosaics depicting life in Belarussia when it was built.

Transfer onto the 1/Brown line. Then, one stop (clockwise) t o:

3. Novoslobodskaya.  This station was designed around the stained-glass panels, which were made in Latvia, because Alexey Dushkin, the Soviet starchitect who dreamed it up (and also designed Mayakovskaya station) couldn’t find the glass and craft locally. The stained glass is the same used for Riga’s Cathedral, and the panels feature plants, flowers, members of the Soviet intelligentsia (musician, artist, architect) and geometric shapes.

Go two stops east on the 1/Circle line to:

4. Komsomolskaya. Named after the Komsomol, or the Young Communist League, this might just be peak Stalin Metro style. Underneath the hub for three regional railways, it was intended to be a grand gateway to Moscow and is today its busiest station. It has chandeliers; a yellow ceiling with Baroque embellishments; and in the main hall, a colossal red star overlaid on golden, shimmering tiles. Designer Alexey Shchusev designed it as an homage to the speech Stalin gave at Red Square on Nov. 7, 1941, in which he invoked Russia’s illustrious military leaders as a pep talk to Soviet soldiers through the first catastrophic year of the war.   The station’s eight large mosaics are of the leaders referenced in the speech, such as Alexander Nevsky, a 13th-century prince and military commander who bested German and Swedish invading armies.

One more stop clockwise to Kurskaya station,  and change onto the 3/Blue  line, and go one stop to:

5. Baumanskaya.   Opened in 1944. Named for the Bolshevik Revolutionary Nikolai Bauman , whose monument and namesake district are aboveground here. Though he seemed like a nasty piece of work (he apparently once publicly mocked a woman he had impregnated, who later hung herself), he became a Revolutionary martyr when he was killed in 1905 in a skirmish with a monarchist, who hit him on the head with part of a steel pipe. The station is in Art Deco style with atmospherically dim lighting, and a series of bronze sculptures of soldiers and homefront heroes during the War. At one end, there is a large mosaic portrait of Lenin.

Stay on that train direction one more east to:

6. Elektrozavodskaya. As you may have guessed from the name, this station is the Metro’s tribute to all thing electrical, built in 1944 and named after a nearby lightbulb factory. It has marble bas-relief sculptures of important figures in electrical engineering, and others illustrating the Soviet Union’s war-time struggles at home. The ceiling’s recurring rows of circular lamps give the station’s main tunnel a comforting glow, and a pleasing visual effect.

Double back two stops to Kurskaya station , and change back to the 1/Circle line. Sit tight for six stations to:

7. Kiyevskaya. This was the last station on the Circle line to be built, in 1954, completed under Nikita Khrushchev’ s guidance, as a tribute to his homeland, Ukraine. Its three large station halls feature images celebrating Ukraine’s contributions to the Soviet Union and Russo-Ukrainian unity, depicting musicians, textile-working, soldiers, farmers. (One hall has frescoes, one mosaics, and the third murals.) Shortly after it was completed, Khrushchev condemned the architectural excesses and unnecessary luxury of the Stalin era, which ushered in an epoch of more austere Metro stations. According to the legend at least, he timed the policy in part to ensure no Metro station built after could outshine Kiyevskaya.

Change to the 3/Blue line and go one stop west.

8. Park Pobedy. This is the deepest station on the Metro, with one of the world’s longest escalators, at 413 feet. If you stand still, the escalator ride to the surface takes about three minutes .) Opened in 2003 at Victory Park, the station celebrates two of Russia’s great military victories. Each end has a mural by Georgian artist Zurab Tsereteli, who also designed the “ Good Defeats Evil ” statue at the UN headquarters in New York. One mural depicts the Russian generals’ victory over the French in 1812 and the other, the German surrender of 1945. The latter is particularly striking; equal parts dramatic, triumphant, and gruesome. To the side, Red Army soldiers trample Nazi flags, and if you look closely there’s some blood spatter among the detail. Still, the biggest impressions here are the marble shine of the chessboard floor pattern and the pleasingly geometric effect if you view from one end to the other.

Keep going one more stop west to:

9. Slavyansky Bulvar.  One of the Metro’s youngest stations, it opened in 2008. With far higher ceilings than many other stations—which tend to have covered central tunnels on the platforms—it has an “open-air” feel (or as close to it as you can get, one hundred feet under). It’s an homage to French architect Hector Guimard, he of the Art Nouveau entrances for the Paris M é tro, and that’s precisely what this looks like: A Moscow homage to the Paris M é tro, with an additional forest theme. A Cyrillic twist on Guimard’s Metro-style lettering over the benches, furnished with t rees and branch motifs, including creeping vines as towering lamp-posts.

Stay on the 3/Blue line and double back four stations to:

10. Arbatskaya. Its first iteration, Arbatskaya-Smolenskaya station, was damaged by German bombs in 1941. It was rebuilt in 1953, and designed to double as a bomb shelter in the event of nuclear war, although unusually for stations built in the post-war phase, this one doesn’t have a war theme. It may also be one of the system’s most elegant: Baroque, but toned down a little, with red marble floors and white ceilings with gilded bronze c handeliers.

Jump back on the 3/Blue line  in the same direction and take it one more stop:

11. Ploshchad Revolyutsii (Revolution Square). Opened in 1938, and serving Red Square and the Kremlin . Its renowned central hall has marble columns flanked by 76 bronze statues of Soviet heroes: soldiers, students, farmers, athletes, writers, parents. Some of these statues’ appendages have a yellow sheen from decades of Moscow’s commuters rubbing them for good luck. Among the most popular for a superstitious walk-by rub: the snout of a frontier guard’s dog, a soldier’s gun (where the touch of millions of human hands have tapered the gun barrel into a fine, pointy blade), a baby’s foot, and a woman’s knee. (A brass rooster also sports the telltale gold sheen, though I am told that rubbing the rooster is thought to bring bad luck. )

Now take the escalator up, and get some fresh air.

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