Amtrak Station

Still no solid answer. This is one of the BEST bike trails around, Buffalo to Albany on the ERIE CANAL.

Can a bike be taken off at Exchange St downtown Buffalo? Roll off or Boxed?

YEARS NOW AMTRAK DOSNT CLEARLY SAY. Our bikes wound up in Depew couple years ago, fiasco to get them both price and time.

Check our #281 Empire SErvice from Albany to Buffalo. I called and you can bring on your bike for $20. Make bike reservations when you book your seat. May need to remove your front wheel.

Looking for info on any long term parking available by the Buffalo Amtrak Station?

We are taking the train to Albany and riding back to Buffalo, hotels also seem limited in Buffalo for a stay the night before we leave.

Any suggestions?

The Buffalo Grand was a dive, but it's cheap, and felt safe, and the staff is nice.

You might be able to leave a car on the Amtrak grounds -- may be worth a call. The depot is back out of the way kinda by itself. I've always had luck asking local hotels if I could leave a vehicle in their lot -- there are plenty of options along Transit Road (NY 78). There is also a Park & Ride at the entrance to the NYS Thruway at Exit 49 (Transit Road). And, if you want safe, safe parking, Bflo International Airport is not far away for on-premises parking or several Car Rental places that might allow you to leave your car for a fee.

Last summer I parked at the Exchange Street Amtrak lot and rode the train with my bike to Albany. They give you a permit to put on the dashboard and there is no charge.

Scott -- great info. Thanks.

In October, we'll be cycling the opposite direction: Parking in Buffalo, cycling to Albany, and then taking the Amtrak back to Buffalo. Think Amtrak would let us park in their lot on Exchange Street (or we'd settle for Depew) even though we won't be taking the train (back) until about 10 days later? Otherwise, are there other long-term parking options available? Spothero unfortunately doesn't seem to think so... Thanks!

Where is safe, inexpensive long term parking close to the Amtrak Exchange St station?
3 vehicles, June 30, 2022 - July 6, 2022

At the top of the page, there is a place where you can search the forum. I think you'll find lots of great parking tips in previous posts.

Hoping to get some accurate info on a few things:

1. If we take the Amtrak back from Albany with our bikes (not boxed), can we roll-off at the Exchange street station in Buffalo? Or, is the only option the station at Depew?

Depew station is how far from the Erie Canal trail?

2. Hotels seem very expensive in Buffalo near the trail. Many of the other Rails to Trails (especially the long ones like GAP, C&O, Katy, etc), hotels give riders discounts to stay in the area. Anyone know of any that do?

3. Long term parking 7-8 days. I see lots of queries in this forum, and a few responses. Any others anyone knows about?

Looking to ride end to end late August. Rea;;y not interested in paying near $300/nite :(

Appreciate any info provided for planning....thanks!!

If using Depew Station, several less expensive hotels Northbound on Rt. 78. Depew has roll off gotta take front wheel off though)
About 20 miles (+ /-) to Lockport
I believe you can get roll off at Exchange St. Check Amtrack site
doesn't look like any less expensive hotels near Exchange St.
Look into Warmshowers, maybe you can get a host to put you up

Thanks Ed!
Due to the cost of pretty much EVERY hotel in Buffalo being outrageous, and not offering riders any discounts, we've decided to start the ride in Albany, ride to Buffalo, and now take the Amtrak back to Albany. Much more affordable using these logistics!

The piece I just need to clarify and is NOT FOUND ON ANY OF AMTRAK'S info, is whether there is roll on service at the Buffalo Exchange Street Station? We have no intention of having to go to the suburbs and the Depew station, so hoping there is roll on service at Exchange Street.

I've looked and looked at everything I can look at on the Amtrak sites. Says nothing specific about whether we can take our bikes on there for the trip back to Albany.

If anyone can confirm this, that would be awesome!!

Thanks for the other info

Pat

Try booking to Exchange St. and see if roll off comes up.
I found the Amtrack app easier than the online site.
Call them and ask. You'll never get a response from an email.

I just tried booking seats from Albany to Exchange St. and services include roll on and off at Exchange St

Isn't the Buffalo Grand around $75 per night? It was serviceable.

You're going to have to call Amtrak and speak to a rep. If you don't think the one who answers is knowledgeable, hang up and call back. We have always gotten someone helpful. Because, you're right, the website is not super clear or helpful.

Looking for advice on best place to park car for one week near train station in Buffalo. Thanks for any suggestions you can provide.

Looking for advice on best place to park car for one week near train station in Buffalo. Thanks for any suggestions you can provide.

Can you take a boxed bike from Buffalo to Schenectady on Amtrak?

John,

Although there has been a fair amount of discussion on this forum about train service between NYS cities and towns, it appears that visiting the Amtrak website gives straightforward answers to your question. It is my understanding that Schenectady and Depew (Buffalo suburb) are "roll-on" stations (reservations for available racks required). Therefore, it would be my assumption based on the following information that you should be able to load/unload a boxed bike at either station. Here is the Amtrak website info: (You're welcome!)

FROM AMTRAK SITE (www.amtrak.com/bikes)
Bicycles may be checked on Amtrak between all cities where checked baggage is offered. Not all trains or locations are equipped to handle checked baggage. Find your station(s) to see if this service is available.

Bicycles/bicycle trailers may be checked in a bicycle container for $10, in lieu of a piece of baggage. Bicycle boxes are sold at most staffed locations for $15 per box. Customers may supply their own bicycle container.

Recumbent, tandem, and special bicycles over the standard bicycle dimensions and will not fit in a standard bicycle box are prohibited. Gas-powered motorized bicycles are prohibited

The fee for checking a bike as baggage is $10.00. This is subject to change without notice.

Check your bicycle at the station at least an hour before departure.
Bicycles/bicycle trailers may be checked in a bicycle container for $10.00, in lieu of a piece of baggage. Bicycle boxes are sold at most staffed locations for $15.00 per box.

Bicycles must be partially disassembled in order to fit in an Amtrak bicycle box. Loosen and turn the handlebars sideways, and remove the pedals. Amtrak does not supply tools for disassembling.
It may be helpful to disassemble and reassemble your bike before your trip to avoid any surprises. Some parts, especially pedals, may be especially difficult to remove.

Attach your name and address to the box.

After much research. and discussion wit Amtrak agents: roll up service is offered at Albany/Rensselaer. No box necessary, bike goes into baggage car. $20.00 baggage fee to be paid when purchasing ticket. Detraining can only take place at stations that handle baggage. In my case Buffalo Depew.

@lenny... The question was with regard to Boxed bikes, not roll-up service. Not that your research was incorrect, just not relative to the posed question.

Sorry for that comment. Thought you were just looking for transport west. I,ve done this many times in many places. some Amtrak service requires boxing and others do not.

Is there long term parking near the amtrak station.

Are unboxed bicycles allowed on Empire service?