Amtrak and Cycling: what you need to know
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 31 มี.ค. 2023
- Amtrak provides an incredible opportunity for bike touring adventures. Let me attempt to remove some of the confusion and encourage you to consider making Amtrak a part of your next cycling experience.
Topics covered include: what types of bike service are offered, where do you put your bike, do you have to take your bike apart, do all stations offer bike service, etc.
In an effort to be as clear as possible, different trains offer different service. For example, on my trip to Florida, the train (Silver Meteor and Silver Star) offered train side checked service whereas the trip across northern NY for the Erie Canal trip (Empire Service) offered carry-on service. The GAP-related train offered (Capital Limited) train side checked while my upcoming trip for the Katy trail (Missouri River Runner) offers carry-on. A call to Amtrak is a good idea.
For more info:
www.amtrak.com
www.amtrak.com/bring-your-bic...
www.amtrak.com/bike-faqs
Join me for trips where I used Amtrak:
A Florida Adventure: th-cam.com/video/Eoh0R0tXPfo/w-d-xo.html
The Erie Canal: th-cam.com/video/Sfe7zMaJVWQ/w-d-xo.html
The GAP C&O: th-cam.com/video/pya_lpuS62A/w-d-xo.html
If you like these videos, please help me by SUBSCRIBING! Much appreciated.
Musical selection: "Two Steps" by The Interstate
#bikepacking #biketouring #adventure #bicycle
This recap of traveling on Amtrak with a bike was fantastic. It addresses every issue and was even better than the Amtrak q&a on TH-cam. Well done! The only additional thing on the Amtrak Q&A was defining all of the different trains that allow you to carry a bike and the type of bike service.
Glad you enjoyed it! Yeah, I found their website confusing as well. But I think they do a great job overall. I’d love to know their employee satisfaction scores because I find most of their employees to be really happy. And helpful.
The thing I got the most value out of was the fact that you were able to leave your handle bar bag, and frame bag on. The frame bag is so hard to remove. I’m glad it will be something I can leave on.
As a retired airline employee..... I couldn't agree more! The basic AMTRAK seat is more comfortable than a First Class airline seat, and as you noted - you can feel free to wander about at any time. Another well done, informative, and pleasant video. Thanks!
Thanks, Randy!
This video was very helpful. Live in Minneapolis and would like to plan a trip from Chicago to back home and want to take Amtrak. Thanks again.
Glad it was helpful! I keep using them for bike trips and they continue to make it super convenient. Friendly people.
We started boxing our bikes. The wheels are slightly over 2" wide, and we generally have a layover in Chicago. You can't make a reservation this way. You need to remove pedals and turn or remove handlebars, but it is much more convenient if you have multiple legs on your trip. You can only stop at stations with checked baggage service.
Good tips. I especially appreciate the final one. I actually raised that in my most recent video because it has been an issue for two different rides. Thanks for watching.
I just did the Great Allegheny Passage from Cumberland to Pittsburgh with the return trip on Amtrak. This video was helpful beforehand in terms of knowing what to expect. The ticket agent in the station gave us our hang tag for the bike and our claim ticket, and where to take it when the train arrived. Retrieving our bikes could not have been easier. As we were headed to the baggage car at the front of the train, an attendant informed us our bikes had been unloaded and were waiting on the platform for us.
Congrats on your adventure! Sounds like excellent service and helpful staff.
Hey, let me know if you’ve got any video to share on TH-cam. Always interested in how others find the trail. I’m also curious if all of the roadblocks/repairs were done.
@@RideAlongAdventures Thank you! I am strictly a "pictures with my phone" guy with no video to show for my trip. As of 4/27/23 the trail was completely open with some of the bridges looking like they had very recently been finished, in some instances construction materials still in the improved area. In Pittsburgh, there was a "trail detour", but it was marked, and mostly easy to follow.
@@jasonrothgeb6071 thanks for the update. I’ve got a video out there about the detours so I’m going to pull it down because it sounds like all is open again which is completely awesome. I sure hope to ride it again this summer.
@@RideAlongAdventures note that the GAP detours (which were only in place for a few recent months) are resolved, but that Paw Paw tunnel detour is still in place on the C&O Canal
@@johndulmes876 thanks, John. Good to know. That Paw-Paw detour is a beast.
I was a just sitting here thinking about mentioning a few of my favorite bike-related channels in an upcoming video - and of course this pops into my feed of things to watch.. Really enjoy your videos and share similar humor and interest in history... thanks for the info on Amtrak.
Thanks for that! I appreciate it.
Very helpful video! I've done the carry on bike service before heading up to NYC, but I just booked my first trip where I have to do Trainside Checked with my bike (heading from where I live in Baltimore out to Chicago), so this helped alleviate a lot of anxiety. Thanks!
Great. It looks like Amtrak is always upgrading so I may have to do an update on this video at some point. Regardless, I continue to experience that Amtrak employees are very helpful whatever the situation.
Safe travels!
Took a train from NYC to San Francisco back in college (A LOT cheaper than flying at the time.) I had a great time, even though I was riding coach. Spent a lot of time in the club car playing cards with other passengers. Dining car was great. Would recommend trains anytime one has the time to spare.
Very cool! And I totally agree. I really enjoy train travel too.
Great info!
Glad it was helpful!
Most informative video on Amtrak and bikes thank you . Your Florida video has inspired me to start planning for next February or March . Ride safe !
Thanks, Stephen. Enjoy the adventure!
Thank you so much for the video!
You are so welcome!
Helpful and Informative.
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you for sharing, sir! It's super helpful!
Glad it was helpful! I think Amtrak is awesome. If you want to learn more, my buddy, @FollowThomas, does a TON of travel with Amtrak and knows a lot more, especially about longer distances (cross country). Thanks for watching!
Great video. First class content.
Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you. I was just on Amtrak yesterday. Great folks.
Great video. I have used Amtrack for two trips now (Washington DC to Pittsburg, and Albany to Buffalo) and I have found the process to be pretty easy but different in each location. I think that the size of the station and the number of trains and passengers have a lot to do with how easy the process is. The train from Albany was simple and there were lots of people to guide me to the right spots. DC is a much busier station and help was not quite as easy to navigate. One thing that I found frustrating about the online purchase is that it doesn't tell you what type of service you have (carry-on vs. train-side check-in). They could certainly do a lot more to encourage bike riders with some improvements to their website and service options. I do agree though that it can be one of the most pleasant modes of travel for bikepacking adventures.
Agreed all around. 👍🏻
Totally agree that bike touring and Amtrak goes together perfectly. I'm heading to my yearly month-long bike and Amtrak travel next week. Great video, informative 👍
Thanks, Thomas. I’ll be looking forward to your videos!
I agree that bike touring via Amtrak is great. I hope they do increase the types of bikes they accept. I ride with a friend with a 2 wheel recumbent and have to search out an alternative travel method. Also, Amtrak Missouri River Runner can handle very few bikes per train and services several towns along the Katy Trail. Sadly, you have to make reservations well in advance. Thanks for your videos, I enjoy watching and learning from them.
Just made that reservation today for the Missouri River Runner. The agent kept telling me there was only baggage car service. I pressed until she talked to another agent and got it cleared up.
Yeah, not only do they need to open up to more bikes but I really think, at least during bike season, they could be adding more space. The GAP option sells out quickly.
Thanks for watching, Kurt!
@@RideAlongAdventures You will love the KATY. If I can assist with anything please reach out. I live in Lee's Summit less than 2 miles from the Amtrak station. I have gone end to end twice and many shorter rides.
Hey, Kurt, please email me at: bryanwehmeyer@ridealongadventures.com. I'd like to discuss this further in private.
Very informative. I was thinking about taking Amtrack home after my recent trip. Opted against it due to the costly ticket (San Diego to West Palm Beach). Also, I was looking at about 4 days worth of riding the train compared to only a single day with the airlines. I think this is a great option for shorter trips!
Absolutely. Wow, 4 days is a LONG journey. It was a full day from Ft Lauderdale to my home in Delaware. That was about my limit.
Someone needs to do a video on bikes and plane travel.
Great coverage, Bryan! Thanks for the great information.
Gord
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you for this information. Very useful and very timely for me. Can't wait.
Glad it was helpful!
Bryan, another GREAT and informative video. I've been contemplating using Amtrak instead of driving to some trails this year.
Glad it was helpful! Yeah, I’m a fan.
@Ride Along Adventures you're the only one Ive seen doing good Informative videos. It helps all of us.
@@RideAlongAdventures. I bought you a coffee ☕️.
Aw, man…thanks! Cheers. ☕️
@@RideAlongAdventures You're welcome Bryan. Email coming soon.
thanks for the great content. how to you handle finding long term parking for your car when the train?
That is an excellent question. I was actually thinking of doing a whole separate video on parking. For me, that seems to be the main problem of trail riding. Example: yesterday I was looking at a new trail, managed to find camping, etc. then I ran into a total roadblock on parking. I call the local contacts listed on the trail website and was told overnight parking was forbidden. WTH??!! Anyway…to your specific question related to Amtrak: the Amtrak website usually has parking info by station. And I’ve found most stations have a convenient solution either onsite or nearby. And usually it’s fairly inexpensive. The other option is use is to google the area around the station for free public lots. I use several different apps to find parking as well. I guess it all depends on the specific ride. Cumberland, MD has free parking just a stone’s throw from the station. The Erie Canal has parking lots at both ends at Amtrak. Again, I think the best source of data is the website. One of the reasons I personally use Amtrak is that i have a station nearby that I can ride to and not worry about parking at all.
Thank you. A question about Amtrak just showed up on Reddit and I linked to you.
Oh, thanks. Glad it was helpful.
Thanks. Considering train travel to biking destination. Very helpful.
Thanks for the video! Perhaps you might know, during the circumstance of me rolling the bike onto the train, and I have to check in one or two panniers, how does that work? Where do I check in the bags I'm not going to carry on. For example, I might carry on three of the panniers but I might want to check in one or two of them. Do I just hand them to a conductor that might be on the train? Or do I go to a baggage car first?
yeah, it's a good question. I've always just carried my panniers onto the train but you can definitely check them. Depending on the train, it might be a different car than the bike. On a recent trip from Pittsburgh to Cumberland (MD), I traveled next to a few ladies who did just what you're suggesting and the bike car and baggage car were right next to one another. So, one of the women was coordinating getting the bikes and the others were dealing with the bags. The concern is the short time frame to retrieve everything--seconds count.
The best bit of advice is to ask the gate agent. Again, they are super helpful and once they understand your situation, they are really happy to help. And one "pro tip", a $5 tip to the baggage handler usually gets you a bit of special care. and one "super pro tip"...look for the baggage guy in the dining car during the trip. I bought the guy a coffee and we talked about cycling for about an hour (I guess I should say he was interested in the subject otherwise, this might have gone wrong). When we arrived at my stop, he was already handing my stuff to me as I walked down the station platform. Overall, I find Amtrak folks really friendly and helpful. They don't want the train to be delayed or for your bags to be lost or left behind. Sorry to say but that's another big contrast with the airline industry.
Good to know! ☮ (peace sign) Cheers
✌️ back at ya.
Thanks for all the tips but could you tell me where you can park long term while you do the ride and take a return train back to the car.
If you have a specific trail in mind, I’d be glad to share details. Many Amtrak stations have onsite parking that is very affordable. OR there are garages nearby. The Amtrak website also has details about parking at each station.
Thanks! Very helpful. Do you happen to know if there are multiple trains/transfers - is each leg a separate trip and you have to bring your bike to the next train, etc - OR is it like air travel - you check your luggage and it gets to the final destination?
I hate to give you the dreaded “it depends” answer but it does. I’ve had both experiences. I’d check with the agents to make sure.
These links might help:
www.amtraktrains.com/threads/luggage-transfer.4889/
www.bikeforums.net/touring/1119627-changing-trains-amtrak-bicycle.html
Ah, yes - it depends. :). THANKS! @@RideAlongAdventures
Excellent Information!! I have an ebike, however with the batteries removed I'm not sure If I'll make the weight limit :) Thanks again for this useful video!!!
Glad it was useful. You may want to call because I bet they are going to open up those requirements.
Do you have any other info on how to go by bus as well? I’m trying to get to Maine and it’s being a travel after Boston.
Sorry, that's something I've never done. Probably best to call them directly. I'd be interested in what you find out.
I'm planning on riding the GAP and C&O this October. I will be riding a recumbent. My recumbent meets the size specifications of a standard bike. Will I have any problems?
I'd call ahead just to be sure. If it's a standard size, I'm betting you'll be fine. Amtrak is very accommodating unless there's an obvious discrepancy. I think the key issue will be the racking configuration of the train. One time I took this route, there were no racks. We literally just put our bikes on the floor of the car. But another time, there were hooks on the wall and a person had a fatbike that just didn't fit. Hope you enjoy your trip!
THANK YOU!! So here’s a thought- I’ve been wondering why Amtrak only Allows a minimal amount of bikes - can you imagine how long it would take to load/unload a train full of bicyclists?!?!? It would cause a huge delay- I think they would make more $$, but to them, apparently the time schedule is more important- sad.
HEY - I pick up my new LIV gravel bike tomorrow! So excited, I could scream ; wait, I AM screaming 😂😂
Agreed! During bike touring season, they could fill two cars on the GAP trail (for example).
Congrats on the new bike!!!! 👍🏻
I just got a folding touring bike so I can take Amtrak last minute when the weather allows. I do not want to spend a week in the rain because I booked a spot on the train months in advance and got stuck with the date during a bad weather streak. I live close enough to DC to make it possible for many routes.
I already had to skip a trip this past fall because there were no spots available. Though I probably could have boxed it.
Smart move. I saw two people carry on foldies on the way to Florida. Even easier.
I live in Calif. My mtb and bikepacking bikes all have tires slightly wider than 2”… most 2.4. Has anyone else in CA reading this been able to bring their bikes on without using bike box?
Hi, Ray. I'll chime in although I'm not in CA. I just took the train down to Florida and I happened to ask both the manager at the station as well as the conductor on the train itself and both said Amtrak is working on extending the types of bikes they can manage. I have a fat bike with 4.5" tires and I really wanted to take it to Florida in the future. At this point, they don't allow this. Maybe others in CA have had other experiences.
@@RideAlongAdventuresthanks !
Great and informative video. I was hoping to use Amtrak for a future bike adventure but I might have to rethink it as my E-Bike is >50# (maybe I will remove the battery to get it under) and my tires are 2.5”. Do you know how particular they are on the tires or is it their “storage” is maxed out at at 2”?
Good question. I noticed my bike didn’t go into an official rack (like pictured) but rather strapped to a wall. I have to imagine they are fairly lenient. 2.5 won’t raise eyebrows but my Farley fat tires will (4”) 😂
Thanks for watching, Tom!
Good to know. I ride 2.3's and was wondering this. Those luggage racks and hooks look very generous though.
I know this will be a subjective question, but how much motion is there on a train? Never been on one and would like to try but a little anxious when it comes to motion sickness.
it's a pretty gentle rocking motion. nothing extreme. it actually puts me to sleep pretty quickly. :)
Great informative video! I'm a NYer with only one tour in which I used Amtrak. It looks like things have improved!
I took it from NYC to Buffalo for a west to east Erie Canal ride. I had to leave my house at around 1pm on commuter rail to get to NYC in time for the ONE train a day (at 4pm) which accepted bikes, back in the day when the bike had to be boxed, and only a limited number of stations had baggage service. The trip itself was interesting.......I was seated next to a gentleman on his way to Buffalo because he "had reason to believe" his daughter (specific address unknown) had had a child. That mission accomplished, he was next going to turn himself in to the law as there was a warrant out for his arrest in Florida. The trip south to justice would be at government expense. He did not reveal the nature of his offense, but when I told him I was a bike tourer he got up and changed seats (just kidding).
At that time only the Depew NY station, east of Buffalo proper, had baggage service, so upon getting off the train at 1am I reassembled the bike and tried to nap on the epically uncomfortable plastic chairs in the station until it was light enough to ride. It was a great trip!
Wow. Yeah…it’s changed. 😂 although the characters you can meet on Amtrak might be the same.
We rode the amtrak once it was so injoyable. We can relate tho the process is a bit confusing slightly challenging.
Sounds like it has gotten better even in the past few years. Also sounds like they could be doing A LOT more business.