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One popular method of getting from point to point along the Katy Trail is to ride Amtrak.
"Roll on" bikes are allowed on the Missouri route, making it easy for you (and your bike) to ride Amtrak to some point on the trail, and then pedal back from there.
For example, St. Louis-based riders and their bikes could board Amtrak in Kirkwood,
ride the train to Sedalia, and then pedal the Katy Trail back to St Charles.
In general, Amtrak will not accomodate tandems.
Trailers are also a problem, unless your trailer
can be broken down to the rather compact carry-on size limit of 28x22x14.
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Amtrak offers this service to the following towns (see the Trail Connections section below for details
about station locations relative to the Katy Trail):
On a daily basis, Amtrak operates two trains in each direction - a morning train headed each way, and an afternoon/evening
train each way.
Here is Amtrak's timetable for the Missouri route.
Trail Connections
Kirkwood, in St Louis County, is not on the Katy Trail (not even close).
It’s approximately 15 miles away from the eastern end of the trail.
It can be reached by bike, but only by riders who are comfortable cycling on busy streets.
Follow this link for details on how to get from the
Kirkwood (St Louis County) Amtrak station to the Katy Trail by bike.
Shuttles are a great alternative for getting from Kirkwood Station to the Katy Trail (see The Shuttle Option section below),
for those who'd rather do their pedaling on the trail.
If you park a car near the Kirkwood station during a trip, be sure to ask a station employee for an overnight parking
permit to place on your dashboard.
Washington is about five miles from the Dutzow trailhead,
Hermann is about three miles from the McKittrick trailhead, and Jefferson City
is just a mile or so from the North Jefferson trailhead.
Regarding taking the train to Washington, Hermann, or Jefferson City, see The Bridge Problem below.
The Sedalia Amtrak station is not directly on the Katy Trail; you'll need to travel about 3/4 mile to get there.
From the train station, you'll head south on Ohio (750) about 1/4 mile to 3rd Street. Then head east on 3rd Street;
after about 1/2 mile you'll see the old Katy Depot, which is where the trail is located.
Amtrak does not serve Clinton, the western-most point on the Katy Trail.
Riders who really want to take the train and want to ride the entire trail will have to take the train to Sedalia,
then ride out-and-back to Clinton.
The trail distance between Sedalia and Clinton is 35 miles.
To avoid double-travelling the Sedalia-Clinton section, some riders may opt to take the train to Warrensburg
and then ride on the country roads and highways to Clinton.
Here's a discussion of cycling routes from Warrensburg to Clinton.
Crossing The River
To get from Jefferson City, Hermann, or Washington to the Katy Trail, you'll need to cross the Missouri River.
Jefferson City has a bike lane on one side of the bridge (on the "outbound" side).
This is fine for all cyclists, except those who get nervous riding close to high-speed traffic.
Hermann has a new bike-friendly bridge that cyclists will appreciate.
The Washington bridge is only wide enough for one car in either direction, and is not
recommended for cyclists, unless you are very comfortable with the idea of "taking the lane" and possibly
dealing with impatient motorists who get backed up behind you.
Many of the B&Bs and inns in Jefferson City, Hermann, and Washington offer shuttle service for their guests
to and from the nearest Katy Trail trailhead.
Also, some of the Washington B&Bs may offer an escort across the bridge, meaning they follow you in the car
to protect you from other cars.
The Hermann page has a list
of Hermann lodging options.
For Washington and Jefferson City, here are links to hotel/motel listings:
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Click photo for larger view (large file over 1MB)
Photo: Chuck Morlock
How it used to be: Cyclists on the old bridge to Hermann,
which has been replaced by a new bridge with a separate bike lane
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Bike Spaces Are Limited
Amtrak allows only a limited number of "roll-on" bikes, so reservations are
necessary (1-800-USA-RAIL).
You will also be charged a small surcharge for bringing a bike.
MAKE SURE you tell the agent that you are bringing a roll-on bicycle, when making the reservation!!
For more details on taking your bike on the train, here is a link to
Amtrak's official baggage policy.
Look for the Special Items and Bicycles section.
Occasionally the conductors will ask riders to loosen their handlebars, so be sure to bring a tool for this.
I've heard of Amtrak not allowing tandems, and possibly recumbents, on this route.
The Shuttle Option
One of the most convenient ways to get from point to point along the trail is by using a shuttle service.
These "taxi cabs of the trail" transport riders and bikes from one spot to another along the trail, and beyond.
You might consider combining a shuttle with the train help get exactly where you need to go.
For example, a shuttle is an ideal way to get from the Kirkwood train station to the eastern end of the trail.
Always call ahead to check prices and availability.
Here's a list of Katy Trail shuttle services, in alphabetical order:
Useful/Related Resources
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Comments
about Amtrak Along the Katy Trail
from other
riders
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Share your comments about Amtrak Along the Katy Trail with other Katy Trail
riders!
Add your comment/question, or
view all comments.
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Subject: Amtrak Mistake!
Started: Jun 6 2008 1:29PM
by Kim
, Independence, MO
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We biked from Sedalia to Hermann at the end of May. We decided we would give Amtrak a shot, and purchased tickets and bike tickets to return to Sedalia. We purchased them about a month ahead of time. We were told that there were no available spots for bikes on the Sat. evening train (all 4 were reserved), so we had to stay another night in Hermann, and reserved spots on the Sun. morning train.
We boarded with our bikes and were told to take them to the back of the car. At that point we discovered that there were NOT bike racks, but an empty spot on each side for bikes. Unfortunately, there were two bikes on one side, and three dirty mountain bikes piled on the other side. No place for our two bikes, although we pre-purchased reserved spots for them. We had to dig out a bungee cord, take the bikes to the rear of the car and bungee them together and to the handle of one of the restroom doors (this is where the conductor told us to put them). We asked what happened to our reserved spots and were told that three guys with bikes got on at a previous stop and they were given to them. But if it made us feel any better, they had to pay alot more for them, since they hadn't reserved....
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Replies: 2
(Last reply: Jun 8 2008 2:28PM
by Pat, Fort Worth:
"Call Amtrak and complain! I did when our train was..."
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Subject: warrensburg route
Started: Feb 25 2005 2:02PM
by Steve Kaufman
, Seattle, WA
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I'm planning to ride the entire KATY from west to east late this April, and not wishing to backtrack from Sedalia to Clinton, am wondering if anyone has a good route from Warrensburg (I can catch a train from St. Louis to here)to Clinton?
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Replies: 11
(Last reply: Jun 4 2008 3:16PM
by Pat, Fort Worth:
"In mid-May, we rode from Warrensburg to Clinton on..."
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Subject: Bridge at Jefferson City
Started: Jul 20 2004 10:06AM
by R
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What's the best route if one wanted to cross the bridge from north to south en route from the trailhead to the train station?
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Replies: 13
(Last reply: May 30 2008 6:19PM)
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Subject: Amtrak Along the Katy Trail
Started: Feb 8 2008 10:48AM
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I would like to ride the entire Katy Trail. Does anyone know, is Washington the closest Amtrak stop to the east side of the trail? I understand Warrensburg is the closest to Clinton.
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Replies: 3
(Last reply: Mar 5 2008 11:17PM
by , clinton:
"It is hard to get to the Katy Trail from Warrensbu..."
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Subject: Hermann highway 19 Bridge.
Started: May 28 2005 1:42PM
by Ranj
, KC
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If by ill luck you get into the McKittrick trailhead after dark and you have not arrainged a shuttle across the Mo19 bridge into Hermann, I recommend you consider camping out on the McKittrick side.
I have been riding a long time on streets, roads, and highways and never had a more harrowing, less enjoyable experience....
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Replies: 3
(Last reply: Oct 15 2007 6:14PM
by BoatnBiker, Rhineland:
"The new bridge is open with a lit bike path. I hav..."
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Subject: Amtrak Along the Katy Trail
Started: Oct 1 2007 5:52PM
by Canyoncamper
, Grand Junction, CO
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We biked from Sedalia to Washington in September of 2007. The train ride back was a much fun and headache free as the bike trip! the staff was helpful and friendly and the scenery of course is great.
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Replies: 0
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Reply to This Topic
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Subject: shuttle cost
Started: Dec 3 2006 9:15PM
by Trek Biker
, St. Joseph, MO
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There is an AP article in the morning (12-3-06) St. Joseph NewsPress titled.....Amtrak will off discounts. That report states....."Amtrak will will begin offering passengers discounted rates through April in an attempt to lure riders back to its Missouri line. Company spokesman Marc Magliari said a 50 percent discount on a second adult fare for each ticket purchased is intended to boost ridership after the biggest decline in ridership of any short-distance route in the country. The drop in passengers is blamed on track construction between Kansas City, MO and St. Louis, which resulted in the use of tour buses for part of the trip."
If an early Spring ride is in order....it may be prudent to check with Amtrak about this discount....
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Replies: 11
(Last reply: Jan 4 2007 6:36AM
by Nails:
"You could stay on the train to Warrensburg. From t..."
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Subject: Amtrak Along the Katy Trail
Started: Nov 24 2006 11:59AM
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The link above to the Amtrak timetable is two years out of date. The correct link to the current timetable is:
http://www.amtrak.com/timetable/oct06/W21.pdf
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Replies: 1
(Last reply: Nov 25 2006 9:08AM
by Ray (Webmaster):
"Thank you - I always appreciate any help keeping u..."
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Subject: Amtrak Question ???
Started: Sep 28 2006 7:40AM
by Paulie
, Knoxville TN
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I have purchased my Amtrak ticket and paid the extra 10 bucks for my bike. How is Amtrak about overbooking? Is there a chance I'll show up and they say "sorry all bike racks are taken"? I've been jerked around by the airlines so much over the last few years I don't know what to expect.
Thanks, Paulie
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Replies: 16
(Last reply: Nov 11 2006 1:14PM
by Nails,:
"I know someone that got a long wheelbase recumbent..."
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Subject: Access to trail from Amtrak Stations
Started: Oct 21 2006 3:38PM
by karen
, farmington MO
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We are planning a ride from Jefferson City to Washington. Are there any trails from the stations to the trailheads? I am a trail rider and not fond of 2 lane roads with vehicles in both directions! Also, does anyone have any 'have to see' spots along that section?
thanks, karen
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Replies: 1
(Last reply: Oct 23 2006 5:59AM
by Ray (Webmaster) :
"Getting from the N. ......"
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Subject: BOB Trailer - Amtrak
Started: Aug 23 2005 2:18PM
by VI
, Kansas City, MO
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A friend & I are planning to ride from Clinton to St. Charles Sept.19-23 we will be camping. My friend has panniers which are not a problem for Amtrak but they will not accommodate my trailer. Any suggestions? I found a UPS store a few blocks from the train station but wondered if anyone had other ideas?
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Replies: 31
(Last reply: Aug 9 2006 12:55PM
by jvs, chicagoland:
"My husband and I were advised that Amtrak would no..."
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Subject: Amtrak' s bike policy
Started: Mar 20 2006 9:39AM
by Patti
, Kansas City
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Amtrak who is operating with near empty trains will only allow four bikes per train and no trailers even though it has an open area in every car that can well accomadate them. Please email Amtrak (it's easy) at WWW.AMTRAK.COM and click on "Contact Us" and request that Amtrak start allowing more than four bikes per train and also trailers, particularly along the Kansas City/St.Louis route. If Amtrak becomes more bike friendly it would be beneficial to cyclists, Katy Trail towns, and Amtrak alike. If enough people contact Amtrak, it can make a difference
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Replies: 11
(Last reply: Jul 2 2006 11:43AM
by WR, Saint Louis, MO:
"Comment to mborofix:
That was my bike in there..."
)
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Subject: McKittrick Trailhead (McKittrick)
Started: Oct 16 2005 9:32PM
by Judy Maier
, Centralia IL.
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I'm trying to check how to go on amtrak from centralia IL. to what stops it makes on the katy trail or whatever would be the closest. My bike club would be interested in going. Thankyou
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Replies: 4
(Last reply: Nov 10 2005 11:59AM
by ET, Columbia:
"The other problem, unless they've changed their po..."
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Subject: Sedalia to N Jefferson, Amtrak
Started: May 6 2004 10:11AM
by RK
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Would like to hear anyone's comments on riding from Sedalia to N. Jeff and taking the train back. Lodging recommendations or caveats? Any problems crossing the bridge at Boonville?
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Webmaster's note:
No problems with Boonville bridge - the bike lane is separated from traffic by a wall (see photo on Boonville page). Approaching the bridge from either side, you have an incline to climb - about the closest thing to a hill you'll find on the trail - but it's short, and really not steep.
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Replies: 2
(Last reply: May 21 2005 9:19PM
by ET, Columbia:
"We have really enjoyed using Amtrak, but they make..."
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