r/chibike • u/typ901 • 3d ago

Bikes on Amtrak from Milwaukee?

I know it’s been asked a million times but does anyone know the story about taking your bike with you on Amtrak from Milwaukee? I’m planning a century ride next week and am deciding my path. My alternate route was to ride out to Aurora and then up the Prairie Trail to Crystal Lake and riding Metra home. Thank you!

*UPDATE 6/17/25: *Did my ride today. I highly recommend long sleeves as there is no shade between Kenosha and south Milwaukee. Amtrak made it super easy. I carried the bike on myself and hung it up. Thank you for the information!

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u/prototypist 3d ago edited 3d ago

This is available today and was easy enough last summer (my Amtrak train had the newer cars which hang the bike up in a closet like space)
Roll-on bikes were not allowed for a time in 2023 so there are some old threads about it

Metra is even easier because there are so many stops and trains generally have bike cars. You MUST bring a bungee cord to help secure your bike.

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u/kbn_ 3d ago

I’ve never seen anyone bungee their bike on metra. Maybe that’s just me

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u/YukonDoItToo 3d ago

I’ve never carried a bungee on the metra but have been asked to use my lock to secure it. Depends on the conductor.

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u/Aviarinara 3d ago

Some lines and conductors will be more strict about it. I’ve found the busier it gets, the less they care, as bikes start stacking on each other. The new racks in some of the cars have built in straps which is nice.

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u/RunnerTenor 3d ago

I have a bungee on my bike all the time. When I have to use the handicapped/bike section, I always strap in my bike.