Reply to Getting on Amtrak in Rome or Utica

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Reply to Getting on Amtrak in Rome or Utica

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Rick and Jimmy from Connecticut on 5/6/2026 1:30:44 PM:

Hello cyclists! My grandson and I would like to bike from Albany to Rome or Utica, then take Amtrak back to Albany to get back to our vehicle. Can you tell me whether the Amtrak station in Rome or Utica is bike-able from the Erie Canal bike way? How many days would I need to bike from Albany to Rome or Utica?

Phil Lussier from Ashfield on 5/6/2026 9:48:34 PM:

Since I see you have posted a question about shuttle service after asking this question it might mean you've ruled out Amtrak. Not sure about that but if you are having trouble finding out if two bikes can be taken on any one trip by train, I found out that you have to have both passengers registered in the booking system before it gives you an option for more than one bicycle. I was under the impression they would only allow one bike on any one trip until I went through my congressman's office for help. One of his aides discovered the answer to my question. Before that, any questions to Amtrak directly were never answered with anything except they'd received my question and would get back to me. That was three years ago. I'm still waiting for a reply.

Phil Lussier from Ashfield on 5/6/2026 9:52:07 PM:

As far as the bikeability between the stations and the Trail the answer is that Utica is pretty straightforward, though my friend and I decided to walk the sidewalk from the station to the trail rather than use the road, which has limited shoulder room. I can't speak for Rome directly but my memory was that the route went right past the trail there. Right out the front door and you're on the trail I believe.

Phil Lussier from Ashfield on 5/6/2026 9:57:36 PM:

The trail from Albany to either Rome or Utica is largely flat. The distance is 127 miles from the former. It's probably a two-day trip for most people with fully loaded bikes. YMMV.

Rick and Jimmy from Connecticut on 5/10/2026 2:06:53 PM:

TO: Phil Lussier
Greetings Phil, thank you for your information. It is most helpful. Yes, we do plan to use Amtrak for the ride back to Albany. Could I ask you a few questions?
(a) can you please email me at youngrsk@gmail.com?
(b) Our plan is to depart by bicycle from Albany Renssalaer on 18 August. Is there secure parking at Albany Rensselaer?
(c) How far is the Erie Canal Trail from the Amtrak station? Is it a safe route?
(d) We will bike and stay in hotels along the way, so no need to carry much more than a toothbrush and water
(e) We will take the train from Rome back to Albany and get our car on 20th or 21st of August.
Many thanks again! Rick and Jimmy

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