Capitol Corridor Bike Policy & Rider’s Guide

Bicycles and Trains – The Perfect Match

Bike Parking at Stations

For passengers who do not need to bring their bikes on the train, most stations have free racks for locking bicycles. There are also enclosed BikeLink eLockers costing 5 cents an hour at the following Capitol Corridor stations: Auburn, Roseville, Sacramento, Davis, Fairfield-Vacaville, Suisun-Fairfield, Martinez, Richmond (shared with BART), Berkeley, Emeryville, Oakland Jack London, Oakland/Coliseum (shared with BART), Hayward, Fremont, and Santa Clara/Great America.

How to Use BikeLink eLockers:

1. Get Access: Prepare to pay with a BikeLink Card, BikeLink App, or a Transit Card (like a Clipper Card). Physical BikeLink cards can be purchased at staffed stations (Sacramento, Davis, Martinez, Emeryville) and select retail locations.
2. Find a Locker: Look for BikeLink eLockers at your station; each locker has a card reader on the front.
3. Start Your Rental: Unlock the locker door with your BikeLink card/app or Clipper Card. Open the locker, place your bike inside, and shut the door securely.
4. End Your Rental: Insert or tap the same card/app you used to start the session to unlock the locker. Remove your bike and belongings. The system will automatically deduct the rental cost.
5. Add Value (if needed): You can load money to your Clipper Card or your BikeLink Card online, through the app, or at certain stations and retail outlets.

For information about getting, activating, and adding value to a BikeLink card, visit the BikeLink website.

Learn how to store your bike in a BikeLink eLocker.

What's allowed on board the train?

• Standard bicycles
• Electric bikes
• Electric scooters (must have a max tire width of 2.5")
• Folding bicycles (under 34" x 15" x 48") – count as a piece of baggage
• Folding scooters (up to 50 lbs.)

Non-folding vehicles can only be stored in designated bike cars and must be secured parallel or adjacent to the bike racks. All bikes and scooters must be stored in designated bike areas and secured parallel or adjacent to bike racks. They cannot block aisles, doors, or walkways.

If racks are full, follow the train crew’s instructions on where to safely secure your bike or scooter.

For more information, read Amtrak's Onboard Bicycle Policy.

Onboard Storage for Bikes & Scooters

Each Capitol Corridor train has two "bike cars," each with large-capacity storage to hold about a dozen bicycles, as well as luggage and other large items. The "bike cars" are designated by a decal -- generally the car furthest away from the locomotive and the second car away from the locomotive. In addition, each train car has three bike racks on the lower level.

Bikes on Connecting Buses

Most connecting buses can accommodate a limited number of bicycles on a first-come, first-served basis. Storage on most buses is underneath the motor coach in the luggage compartment, and some buses (in particular, those providing service between Emeryville and San Francisco) also have front-end bike racks. As on the train, passengers are responsible for loading and unloading their bike.

Securing Your Bike in the Storage Area, Step-By-Step

Angled Bike Racks

1. Lower the stabilization bar (located to the left of the rack space).
2. Stand the bike vertically and guide the front tire into the angled rack.
3. Hook the stabilization bar over the frame and lock for extra security.

Vertical Bike Racks

1. Stand the bike vertically.
2. Lift the front wheel onto the wall hook.
3. For a more secure fastening, lower the stabilization bar next to the front wheel and wrap the Velcro strap around the forks. You can also lock your bicycle through the stabilization bar. If there is no Velcro strap on the stabilizing bar, a bungee cord attached to the hook will also work.
4. If bicycle hooks are blocked by baggage, leave the bike adjacent to the baggage, not blocking an aisle, and ask for the conductor's assistance.

Learn how to bring your bike on the Capitol Corridor.

Tips and Guidelines

• Board the car with a visible bike decal. Most Capitol Corridor trains have two designated “bike cars” — generally the car furthest from the locomotive and the second car away from the locomotive.
• If you are storing your bicycle in one of the large capacity storage areas, use the hanging Velcro strap or your own bungee cord to secure your bike as tightly as possible to the train’s stabilizing bar. For extra security, you may also want to lock your bicycle to the stabilizing bar.
• If you are not able to secure your bike either to a rack or in a storage area, find a location that does not block an aisle or walkway through which people (including people who use wheelchairs, canes, or walkers) could be moving.
• Regardless of where your bike is stored, make sure it is securely attached to the train car so it does not become a dangerous, moving object in the event of a sudden stop. Bungee cords are very helpful for this and are sold in the Café Car if you do not have one handy.
• If you need to fit your bike into a tight spot, clear of the aisle, try removing your quick-release front wheel.
• If possible, use a folding bicycle to avoid limited rack space constraints.