The Amtrak at Alton, IL

Go to Forum

KH from Kansas on 5/21/2025 11:59:56 AM:

Does the Amtrak train at Alton IL allow you to carry on your bike and park it at the front area of a car?

I remember doing this in Sedalia once, but it was way back in 2017. At that time I walked on with my bike and leaned it up against an area in the front of the car.

OR, do I have to buy a bike box and stow it in the luggage. Because, ugh, I'm only going to Sedalia so I wouldn't want to do that.

Thanks for any help you can offer.

Bill R. from Wentzville on 5/21/2025 2:03:49 PM:

I cut and pasted this from Amtrak's site:

Over the Phone
You can purchase tickets and get travel information 24 hours a day by calling 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245). Julie, the Amtrak automated, voice-activated agent, is happy to help. Or, if you need live, personal assistance, just say "agent" or press the "0" button on your telephone.

Bill in Columbia (was Houston) on 5/22/2025 7:09:30 AM:

As Bill says, it's probably best to just call. Different locations have different rules, and they aren't always easy to suss out from the website. And even when you talk to a rep, the rep probably will not know if your bike will be in a certain part of a car, or on a rack, or in a separate car, as those things seem to be determined by the crew of the train as they see fit.

KH from Kansas on 5/22/2025 12:10:05 PM:

Thanks! It was actually worth the phone call and time on hold. The agent said I don't need to box it (the website was confusing and said I did...) and that there's a car with racks for the bikes where you hand it to a porter. (this is like the Southwest Chief). It'll be interesting how it happens as Amtrak used to have the outdated "Two inch tires" for their racks. I run 2.25 on my Fargo. If nothing else, I can flat them and then inflate when I arrive with co2.

John H from Pacific on 5/22/2025 3:41:48 PM:

If the website allows you to add a bike to your ticket it doesn't need to be in a box. How it's loaded on the train varies by train. But it goes as is. I took my bike from St Louis to Washington DC on Amtrak. No special preparation required.

Mark from Lee's Summit on 5/22/2025 9:51:12 PM:

There is a nice paved levee trail system that takes you from Alton along the Mississippi River to the Downtown St. Louis Amtrak station. You get to ride across the old Route 66 bike/ped bridge across the Mississippi River and you get to ride past the Arch on the way to the train station.

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 2025 BikeKatyTrail. All rights reserved.
BikeKatyTrail and BikeKatyTrail.com are registered trademarks.