Amtrak’s bike program is now available on the Coast Starlight (Seattle – Los Angeles). This long distance train is the most recent to offer customers trainside checked bicycle service. This new amenity gives customers the opportunity to travel with their bicycles along the west coast and to different regions throughout the U.S. The new amenity is also available on the Cardinal, Sunset Limited, California Zephyr, Empire Builder,Southwest Chief, City of New Orleans, Lake Shore Limited, Texas Eagle and Northeast Regional trains with baggage service for travel between select cities.
Customers will be able to hand their standard full-size bicycle to an Amtrak crew member, who will then hang the item on a rack in the baggage car. This enhanced service is available at staffed stations that offer checked baggage.
America’s Railroad launched trainside checked bicycle service in 2015 and is available on other Amtrak long-distance and regional routes. During June, July and August, Amtrak carried more than 15,000 bikes.
Customers traveling with their bikes should arrive at the station 45 minutes before the train’s scheduled departure to allow time to check in with the customer service representative, obtain a baggage tag and prepare for boarding. If equipped with large seat/saddle bags or panniers the items must be removed from the bike, consolidated, and checked or carried on the train. Reservations are required and customers must have a travel document (ticket) for their bike.
A bike service fee will be applied and the cost varies depending on the route. Customers may reserve their bikes by selecting “add bike” when they book their train travel on Amtrak.com, by calling 800-USA-RAIL, or by visiting any staffed ticket office.
Amtrak stations with ticketing and baggage service that currently provide boxed bike service will continue to offer this amenity. Standard bike policy and charges apply on trains where applicable.
