Planning to travel by train and wondering, “Can I bring a bicycle on Amtrak?” It’s possible, but the rules can be a bit confusing. Traveling with your bike can turn any journey into a full adventure, but the rules around it can feel confusing. Amtrak allows a wide range of bikes, including standard bikes, foldable bikes, electric bikes, and even electric scooters. Amtrak allows bikes on many routes, but what counts as a bike, how heavy it can be, and where you can take it all depend on the train and station you use.
That’s where our guide comes in. It will walk you through everything you need to know from reserving your bike space to preparing it properly and avoiding extra fees. The guide also shows how to check route-specific regulations so you can ride on confidently, knowing you’ve planned right. Whether you have a folding bike, an electric bike, or a standard two‑wheeler, you can travel seamlessly with Amtrak. To know more about the bicycle policies of Amtrak, you can contact the Amtrak official website or customer center.
What is Amtrak’s Bicycle Policy?
Traveling with your bikes on Amtrak is possible, but passengers must follow some specific guidelines. Here are all the important guidelines you need to know before embarking on your journey with your bicycle.
Types of Bikes Allowed
Amtrak accommodates various types of bikes, including standard bikes, foldable bikes, electric bikes, and even electric scooters. But whether they allow or not depends on the train type and services. Here is the breakdown through which you’ll get better guidance.
- Standard Bikes: Most trains allow standard two-wheeled bikes. These bikes must weigh 50 lbs and must fit within the dimensions of 70 inches by 41 inches.
- Folding Bikes: These bikes are allowed on Amtrak trains as carry-on luggage. These bikes must be under 34 inches by 15 inches. Furthermore, you don’t need a bike reservation to carry the folding bikes.
- Electric Bikes: These bikes are allowed if they have pedals and do not weigh more than 50 pounds. The bike motor must be 750 watts or less. You can bring your e-bikes only if they fit Amtrak criteria. Additionally, you can bring your e-bikes as a carry-on or checked, depending on the Amtrak route.
- Electric Scooter: Amtrak also allows electric scooters, but only if they are under 50 pounds. Passengers carrying an electric scooter need to fold the scooter and carry it like a bag.
Size and Weight Limit
The bikes that are being brought on the Amtrak train must not weigh more than 50 pounds. The tire width is typically limited to 2 inches, and if passengers are carrying electrical bikes, then the motor must be 750 watts or less.
Available Transport Service
Amtrak offers carry-on and checked bike service. Carry-on services let passengers bring their bikes on the train and place them in a designated bike rack, which requires reservation.
The checked bike service requires passengers to pack their bike in boxes before being checked-in luggage. Foldable bikes do not need to be boxed and can be carried onboard as carry-on luggage with no extra fee or reservation.
Rules for Bringing Bikes Onboard
If you are looking forward to bringing your bikes on an Amtrak train, you must know about the rules. Before bringing the bikes onboard, passengers must remove all the accessories, including the water bottle, bags, and panniers.
Only the rider is responsible for lifting, loading, or unloading their bikes. As for the electric bikes, the batteries must be certified and turned off during the whole journey. Moreover, the bike must be cleaned and in good condition before boarding the train.
Reservation and Fee
If you are planning on bringing your bicycle along with you on an Amtrak train, then you must have a reservation, and it is required for standard bikes and electric bikes. You must inform Amtrak and book the reservation at the time of booking tickets.
The fee ranges from $5 to $20, depending on the train and its route. If you are carrying a folding bike, you do not have to have a reservation or additional fee, as it can be carried as a carry-on item. It is essential to book early as the bike storage and space are limited.
Which Amtrak Routes allow Bicycles onboard?
Many Amtrak trains allow you to bring your bicycle along with you on board using carry-on bike racks. Space for bikes is usually limited, and it requires a reservation. Below are all the routes that allow passengers to carry their bicycles.
| Amtrak Cascades | Keystone Service |
| Pacific Surfliner | Hartford Line |
| Northeast Regional | Maple Leaf |
| Empire Service | Blue Water |
| Illinois Services | Missouri River Runner |
| Downeaster | Piedmont |
| Vermonter | Wolverine |
Commonly Asked Questions
Yes, Amtrak allows passengers to bring their bicycles on Amtrak with a reservation and preparation. For further information, you can check Amtrak bicycle policy or contact Amtrak customer service at 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245).
No, reservation is not needed for folding bikes if they meet size requirements and are carried as luggage onboard.
Yes, if it weighs less than 50 lbs and is folded. It must be carried onboard like a regular bag.
Yes, standard and electric bikes usually incur a fee ranging from $5 to $20, depending on the route. Folding bikes typically do not have additional fees.
Remove loose accessories, ensure the bike is clean, deflate tires slightly if needed, and have your bike in good working order.
No, charging e-bikes or scooters is not permitted on Amtrak trains.