Bring Your Bike Onboard the Train

Here’s everything you need to know about adding a bike to your Pacific Surfliner trip!

1. Plan Ahead

Each Pacific Surfliner train has room for seven bicycles. Reserve a spot for free while booking a ticket online or at 1-800-USA-RAIL. A bike can also be added to an existing trip by calling the 800-number. Space is limited, so book a spot for your bike early.

2. Learn Which Bikes Are Allowed Onboard

Standard bicycles up to 50 pounds (with a maximum tire width of 2” and no larger than 70″ x 41″ x 8.5″) can be carried onboard Pacific Surfliner trains with a bike reservation. Tandem, recumbent, cargo and fat-tire bikes, as well as trikes and trailers, do not fit in the bike racks, and are not allowed onboard. .

Electric bicycles under 50 lbs. and no larger than 70″ x 41″ x 8.5″ may be carried onboard (with an advanced bike reservation). You can also box and check your electric bike (under 50 pounds and within the allowed size dimensions) if traveling to and from stations that offer checked baggage service. Gas-powered motorized bicycles are prohibited both onboard and in checked baggage.

Folding bikes under the dimensions of 34″ x 15″ x 48″ are permitted onboard without a bike reservation in lieu of a piece of carry-on luggage

3. Know Where To Go

The designated bicycle storage area is located in the cab car (the end of the train opposite from the engine). It is either the first or last car of the train depending on the direction of travel. Arrive at the station at least 30 minutes prior to the departure to give yourself time to prepare for boarding. Once the train arrives, roll your bike onboard to the designated storage area in the lower-level of the car.

4. Prepare For A Quick Loading/Unloading Process

Oversized seats and storage should be removed from your bike prior to boarding to make it easier and faster to load. Bring your own cords and locks to secure your bike in the rack. Trains do not stop at the stations for long, so give yourself enough time to gather your belongings and bike before arriving at your destination.

5. Have Fun Enjoying Destinations With Your Bike

Traveling with a bike makes it possible to experience your favorite areas in a new way. From popular beaches to tranquil nature trails, here are some stations that are even better with a bike.

Photo Credit: City of San Luis Obispo	San Luis Obispo The city of San Luis Obispo has been designated as a Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists since 2007. There is an extensive bike network with more than 75 miles of bike paths and lanes. The Thursday night Farmers Market, one of the best and largest of its kind, even has a dedicated bike valet area, making it easy to ride to the popular event.
Photo Credit: CaliforniaBeaches.com	Santa Barbara The options for biking throughout Santa Barbara are endless, but perhaps one of the most popular is the Cabrillo Bike Path. This paved, 5-mile route parallels the beach, offering beautiful ocean views. Pedal to Santa Barbara Harbor, Stearns Wharf, the Santa Barbara Zoo and around the Andree Clark Bird Refuge.
Photo Credit: Green Traveler Guides	Ventura The 15-mile paved bike path from Ventura to Ojai starts in downtown, not far from the station. Following the former Ventura and Ojai Railroad, this trail provides a very comfortable ride with only a few slight hills. The scenery is beautiful, with a river, trees and vast open spaces. Even better, it ends in Ojai, a small and serene town with citrus orchards, Spanish Revival architecture, hiking trails and boutiques. The trail along the oceanfront promenade is also great for a shorter ride!
	San Juan Capistrano A 20-minute bike ride takes you from Downtown San Juan Capistrano to the charming harbor village of Dana Point. Pedal along the San Juan Creek trail, with views of the creek and a golf course as you make your way to the ocean. Relax at Doheny State Beach, California’s first state beach, and explore the unique shops of the harbor. Don’t miss the educational exhibits at the Ocean Institute and the tall ship!
Photo Credit: Visit Oceanside	Oceanside The beach town of Oceanside is one of the best destinations for bicyclists, with scenic trails for all rider levels. Enjoy views of the wide, sandy beaches while cruising along The Strand, and continue over the bridge to visit the Cape Cod-style Harbor Village. For a longer trip, head inland on the San Luis Rey Bike Trail and ride 7.5 miles to one of the largest Missions in California.
Photo Credit: Flagship Cruises	San Diego Take your bike on the ferry for a 15-minute cruise across the bay to Coronado Island. Coronado is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the country, and there are 30 miles of dedicated bike paths offering amazing views. A six-mile loop will take you along the beachfront boardwalk, under the Coronado Bridge and through a few grassy parks.

Remember to observe all local traffic and safety laws when bicycling. Visit Amtrak.com/bikes to learn about bringing your bike on other Amtrak trains. Each route has different equipment and services available for bikes.

Let us know if you have any other tips or favorite destinations. Happy trails!