Bikes on Trains

[haakon]

I'd like to piggy-back a question on to this-- what is it like taking a bike on the train?  Is it easy?  Do you have to get a special bike box or pay extra?  Any suggestions?  It seems like a good way to get you and your bike back to your starting point, especially on the NT route, following the Amtrak empire builder.  

[FredHiltz]

Hello haakon,

I moved your post so people will see it under its own topic. As you might guess, we have a lot of experience with this. A good way to start would be a look at the many posts already here. Go back to the main page that lists the groups. In the search box type box train. Write back if those results trigger more questions, please.

Fred

[Westinghouse]

Just put it in a box and take it to luggage check-in. $20.00 or so just about anywhere. The station might have bike boxes if it is in a good-sized city.

[aggie]

Amtrak sells bike boxes that are big enough for most touring bikes.  All you have to do is remove the pedals and turn/remove the handlebars.  The only place you can get a box or put a boxed bike on a train is at a station that offers baggage service.  I've traveled several times on a train and it is way less hassle than by air.  You can go to the Amtrak website to get a copy of their schedule(s) to see what stations have baggage service.  There have been several posts in this forum so you could do a search on "Amtrak" to see what others have said before.

[haakon]

Thanks everyone-- I didn't search a forum before asking, I just read the previous question and it popped in my mind.  I don't have experience touring but am looking forward to trying this summer.  Thanks for the advice!

[BrianW]

Really depends in which country the train is! :-)

Super easy in Germany and Austria, for example. So-so on Amtrak.

Where are you headed?