Yes, you can bring a bicycle on most Amtrak routes, but you must reserve a bike space in advance and pay a fee

Amtrak allows bicycles on the majority of its routes, but the process is not the same as checking a suitcase. You need to book a dedicated bike space when you purchase your ticket, not after. Most routes charge between $15 and $20 per bicycle, though a few routes do not allow bikes at all. The bike must be disassembled and packed in a hard case, cardboard box, or bike bag — you cannot roll it on as-is.

Not every train accepts bicycles. The Northeast Regional, the Acela, and several other high-traffic routes do not permit them. Before you book, check the specific route on Amtrak's website or call 1-800-USA-RAIL to confirm that your train allows bikes and that space is still open. Bike spaces fill up, especially on popular routes during summer months.

Key Takeaways

  • You must reserve a bike space when you book your ticket, not separately or at the station.
  • Your bicycle must be packed in a hard case, cardboard box, or bike bag — not rolled on as a carry-on.
  • The fee is typically $15 to $20 per bike, depending on the route and distance.
  • Some routes, including the Acela and Northeast Regional, do not allow bicycles at all.
  • Bike spaces are limited and can sell out, so book early if you are traveling during peak season.

Which Amtrak routes accept bicycles

Most long-distance Amtrak routes allow bicycles, including the Empire Builder, the Coast Starlight, the Southwest Chief, and the Lake Shore Limited. Regional routes vary — some accept bikes, others do not. The Northeast Corridor routes (Acela, Northeast Regional, and Keystone Service) prohibit bicycles entirely. The Downeaster in Maine and the Vermonter also do not allow them.

The easiest way to check is to visit Amtrak.com, select your route, and look for the bike icon or a note about bicycle service. If you do not see it listed, assume the route does not allow bikes. You can also call Amtrak directly at 1-800-USA-RAIL and provide your route number — they will tell you when ready whether bikes are permitted and whether space is open.

How to pack and prepare your bicycle

Amtrak requires that your bicycle be fully disassembled and packed in one of three ways: a hard bike case, a cardboard bike box, or a bike travel bag. The bike cannot be rolled onto the train in its normal riding state, even if you fold the handlebars or remove the pedals. Amtrak staff need to be able to store it safely in the designated bike car without it taking up extra space or shifting during travel.

A hard case offers the most protection but is expensive and bulky to carry. Cardboard boxes are free or cheap at bike shops and work well for one trip, though they are not reusable. Bike travel bags are the middle ground — they cost $50 to $150 upfront but last for years and are easier to transport than a hard case. Whatever you choose, make sure the bike fits inside with minimal extra space; Amtrak staff may refuse to load it if it is not properly contained.

Before you pack, remove the pedals or fold them inward, turn the handlebars parallel to the frame, and deflate the tires slightly to reduce pressure during transport. Take a photo of your bike before packing it — if damage occurs, you will have proof of its condition beforehand.

Booking a bike space and paying the fee

When you purchase your Amtrak ticket online, on the phone, or at a station, you must add a bicycle to your reservation at the same time. On Amtrak.com, after you select your route and date, you will see an option to add a bike. The fee appears when ready, and you pay it as part of your ticket purchase. You cannot add a bike after you have already booked your ticket.

If you book by phone (1-800-USA-RAIL), tell the agent you are traveling with a bicycle. They will confirm that the route allows bikes, check that space is open, and add the bike fee to your total. If you book at a station, do the same — mention the bike when you purchase your ticket. The fee is typically $15 to $20 per bike, though some longer routes may charge more. Check your confirmation email or ticket to verify the bike fee was included.

What happens when you board with your bicycle

Arrive at the station at least 30 minutes before departure, as you did with your packed bike. When you check in, tell the agent that you have a bicycle. They will direct you to the baggage area, where Amtrak staff will take your packed bike and load it into the bike car. You will not see it again until you reach your destination. Do not try to bring it onto the passenger car or store it yourself.

At your destination, go to the baggage claim area and ask for your bicycle. Amtrak staff will retrieve it from the bike car. Inspect it briefly to make sure it arrived intact. If you notice damage, report it to the agent on the spot and ask for a damage report form. Keep your ticket stub and any photos you took before packing — you will need them if you file a claim.

Fees, restrictions, and what Amtrak does not cover

Amtrak charges $15 to $20 per bicycle on most routes, though the exact fee depends on the route length and distance. This fee is in addition to your passenger ticket and is non-refundable if you cancel your trip. If you cancel your ticket but want to keep the bike fee as a credit toward a future trip, contact Amtrak to ask — policies vary.

Amtrak does not insure bicycles against damage or loss. The company transports bikes as a courtesy, not as a may provide service. If your bike is damaged during transport, Amtrak may deny your claim if they determine the damage was caused by improper packing. This is why packing correctly and taking photos beforehand matter. Amtrak also does not cover theft, so do not pack anything valuable inside your bike bag.

Bike spaces are limited — most trains have room for only 4 to 6 bicycles. During summer and on popular routes like the Coast Starlight, spaces sell out weeks in advance. If the bike space is full when you try to book, you cannot travel with your bicycle on that train. You will have to choose a different date or route.

Alternatives if your route does not allow bicycles

If you are traveling on a route that does not permit bikes — such as the Acela or Northeast Regional — you have a few options. You can ship your bike to your destination using a bike-specific shipping service like BikeFlights or FedEx. These services pack your bike, insure it, and deliver it to an address you choose. The cost is usually $50 to $100 depending on distance, and delivery takes 3 to 7 days.

You can also rent a bicycle at your destination. Most cities with Amtrak stations have bike rental shops or bike-share programs. Renting costs $15 to $50 per day, depending on the bike quality and location. This option works well if you only need a bike for a day or two and do not want to deal with packing and transport.

A third option is to travel on a different Amtrak route that does allow bikes. For example, if you are going from New York to Boston, the Acela does not allow bicycles, but you could take the Northeast Regional instead — though it takes longer and does not allow bikes either. In this case, shipping or renting at your destination is your best bet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring my bike on the Acela?

No. The Acela and all Northeast Corridor routes (Northeast Regional, Keystone Service) prohibit bicycles. If you need to travel with a bike on the Northeast Corridor, ship it ahead using a service like BikeFlights, or rent a bike at your destination.

What if my bike does not fit in a cardboard box?

You will need a hard case or a larger bike travel bag. Amtrak requires the bike to be fully contained and packed compactly. If your bike is oversized or a tandem, contact Amtrak before you book to ask whether it can be accommodated — some routes may refuse it.

Can I bring my bike as a carry-on instead of checking it?

No. Amtrak does not allow bicycles in the passenger car under any circumstances, even if it is packed. The bike must be stored in the dedicated bike car and retrieved at baggage claim when you arrive.

What if my bike is damaged during transport?

Report the damage to Amtrak staff at baggage claim when ready and ask for a damage report form. Take photos of the damage and keep your ticket. Amtrak may deny your claim if they believe the damage was caused by improper packing, so pack carefully and document your bike's condition beforehand.

Can I add a bike to my reservation after I have already booked my ticket?

No. You must add the bike when you purchase your ticket. If you forgot to add it, you will need to cancel your ticket and rebook with the bike included, or contact Amtrak to see if they can add it — though this depends on whether space is still open on your route.