Options for Bikes on a Train

With the Amtrak representative proving none-too-helpful, lacking a response to my email, I've done a little more internet digging and here's the scoop on taking your bike on an Amtrak train.

There are four ways to get a bike onboard an Amtrak train.

• 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.

The only train that in the Northeast with onboard bike racks is the "Downeaster," which runs Portland, ME to Boston, MA.

For checked baggage, the best bet is the Regional, which goes from Washington, DC, to Boston, MA. The last train of the night, departing at 10 pm and arriving at 7:52 am, has a checked baggage compartment - but none of the other daily trains do.