Amtrak Bike Storage Sold Out: how do you get my bike on the Train?

Go to Forum

Tom Winter from Kansas City on 9/3/2024 9:17:36 AM:

I am interested in riding the trail from KC to Machens in the fall 2024 and then returning via train from St. Louis to KC with my bike but when I search for train tickets the Amtrak system all trains state that bicycle transport is sold out. Is this system accurate? Is there a possible way to still get the bike on the train (purchase a seat, for example)?

Thanks.

Monkey man from Kc on 9/3/2024 12:58:10 PM:

Did you try a weekday? Just for your info….. it is easier to ride Amtrak first, then ride back to kc. That way you aren’t in a race to catch a train on time. If there is something that causes you to be delayed you will have to hurry to make the train.

Bill in Columbia (was Houston) on 9/3/2024 2:12:37 PM:

Think about renting a car one way instead.

John H from Pacific on 9/4/2024 10:17:35 AM:

I just checked the first Sunday in Oct. Bike slots sold out. The following Wednesday 3 of 4 bike slots available. Looks like weekends are busy.

Billy from Yukon,OK on 9/4/2024 11:53:14 AM:

I made an Amtrak reservation from Jefferson City to Sedalia and Amtrak said all bike spaces were full. I went to catch the train with my bike and I asked the conductor if there was enough room for my bike. The conductor said Sure! Bring it onboard.

Tom from Kansas City on 9/4/2024 12:03:53 PM:

I got a response from AmTrak message service and called them but they were not very helpful: no ability to search trains by bicycle transport availability, no suggestions for getting a bike on the train (additional payment etc.), and general lack of interest in aiding me with my request. It just seems weird that for a whole train only 3 spots are available for a bike. I would like the trail and the train would have more interest in creating a combined service.

Deby Elliott from Dallas on 9/4/2024 1:25:46 PM:

Amtrak's unwillingness to even slightly cater to the bikers on Katy has caused me some distress (when planning trips) over many years. If anyone has an "in" with Amtrak, please let us know. Us bikers are self sufficient and can take care of getting our gear on and off, are usually pretty well behaved, and we would be a consistent source of passengers for them if they would open up a few more areas for bikes, and be more amenable to those of us trying to schedule. Instead of a fun and inexpensive way across the state, we have to book with a charter transport company to get to or from our starting point, and at quite a higher price.

Eric from KCMO on 9/5/2024 12:38:26 PM:

The River Runner train is a glorified commuter train running back and forth from KC/StL. It does not have a dedicated baggage car, so essentially everyone travels “carry on.” To accommodate bicycles they removed about two rows of seats on one side of one car on the entire train. This means they have made room for a total of four bikes. If they would add a baggage car, or remove seats in every car more bikes could be transported, but seats bring in more money than bikes, so…..For those not familiar you do have to carry your bikes up a steep, narrow set of stairs into the train then make a hard turn to enter the passenger area. Panniers or bags are removed to accomplish this task. It’s awkward but the conductor will assist you and direct you to the correct car. Remember that conductor is EXTREMELY busy, so be prepared to get loaded promptly because the train is on a timetable and they have a lot of passengers to assist and get moving with only a short amount of time. Tip your conductor. Pro tip: I’ve heard if you didn’t get a reservation slot for your bike that conductors are very willing to help if you slip them a crisp $20 bill.

Deby Elliott from Dallas on 9/6/2024 6:53:04 AM:

to Eric from KCMO - Thank you for those comments. My husband and I hotel our way across the state, so getting our bikes and gear into the train isn't too bad. But I can see that, for the campers - of which there are many - getting all the gear and the bikes up the steps into the train could be difficult especially due to the time crunch.
I've never had the nerve to hope that we might get our bikes on without a bike reservation - hoping for a bike friendly conductor. If I was younger and a little more adventurous I would sure give that a try!
The first time we rode the Katy trail was about 10 years ago. At that time Amtrak had a separate car, with no seats in it, for gear and bikes. Does anyone remember that?
Also, has anyone contacted customer service, or found some way to communicate with the powers that be, to let them know that many bikers would be using their service if the bike slots were more readily available?

Anonymous on 9/6/2024 2:24:50 PM:

I would think MO DNR/State Parks would work with Amtrak to ensure that transportation was available for bike riders along the Katy. That collaboration will become more important as the Rock Island is completed.

Deby Elliott from Dallas on 9/7/2024 8:06:54 AM:

Just wanted to correct something, as my family noted my lapse of memory. Regarding previous statement "The first time we rode the Katy trail was about 10 years ago. At that time Amtrak had a separate car, with no seats in it, for gear and bikes. Does anyone remember that?"
That trip, where there was an extra car for bikes and gear was actually in 2007, more like 17 years ago. But does anyone else remember that?

DJ from Rives Jct Mi on 9/22/2024 5:56:48 PM:

If roll on bike spots on Amtrak are sold out... box your bike and check it as regular baggage. Ive done this a few times with no issues.You actually can purchase a bike box at most of the larger stations. You will have to remove pedals,handlebars and the seat.Just get there early.If you are taking train at the beginning of your trip pick up a used box from your local bike shop{ usually for free } and box it up at home. this service isnt available at all stations/trains ...so check with Amtrak first

James Hutchinson from Indianapolis on 10/7/2024 11:56:24 AM:

I was told at the ticket window in St. Louis that it was the conductor' discretion whether to allow your bike if the regular spaces were sold out. I went to the platform, and the conductor couldn't have been nicer about it. He wedged my bike into a space in the vestibule, and said he had done this many times. Don't be afraid to ask.

FEEDBACK! - Please let us know if you have suggestions, corrections, complaints, or ideas. Your input is valued and appreciated - thanks in advance!

More info: KT Home Katy Trail Map Trip Planner Travel Timeline Forum Towns & Services Mileage Chart Events Trail Merchandise Search Advertise Contact Us

By using this website, you agree to the Terms and Conditions.
how this website uses cookies
This information may not be copied or reproduced in any way.
© Copyright 2024 BikeKatyTrail. All rights reserved.
BikeKatyTrail and BikeKatyTrail.com are registered trademarks.