Bicycle on Northeast Corridor Amtrak?

July 11, 2008 10:29 AM

Has anyone successfully traveled with a bicycle on an Amtrak Northeast Corridor train? (Specifically Boston to New London ferry terminal)

I am getting all sorts of conflicting information. Some sites just say "no bicycles on NE Corridor." Some say you have to pack it. (How?) I'm looking for someone that has done this recently on this particular route who can give me advice/tips.

posted by neustile to travel & transportation (4 comments total)

this MeFite has
posted by milestogo at 11:00 AM on July 11, 2008

milestogo, thanks but that's the regional, not the main line that goes from boston->nyc->dc.
posted by neustile at 11:04 AM on July 11, 2008

According to the Amtrak website:

"We offer several options for transporting your bicycle with you on your Amtrak journey.

Bicycles stored onboard in bike racks.
Bicycles as checked baggage in a box or other secure container.
Bicycles as checked baggage secured by tie-down equipment, not in a box.
Folding bicycles brought onboard as carry-on baggage. Availability varies.

Note: Onboard bike space is limited and is not available on all trains. Not all stations or trains have checked baggage service.

Availability of this service varies widely from train to train, and station to station. Please call 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800- 872-7245) to determine whether bicycle rack space is available on a particular train and route."

posted by ericb at 11:19 AM on July 11, 2008

I know that you can wheel a bike on board the NE extension from Boston to Portland but I don't think you can on the NE Corridor south of Boston. If you go to amtrak.com and click the "View upgrade options" on a train from Boston to Portland, it offers a $5 bicycle option; if you click that button next to a Boston to New London train it does not.
posted by nicwolff at 1:40 PM on July 11, 2008