Originally Posted by
dwmckee
One quick thing to add about Amtrak - They will give you a used bike box free if available or sell one to you for I think $10. Checking a boxed bike as luggage costs $5. You will have to turn the handlebars and remove pedals to put it in a box but that is it. You can check the bike in up to 24 hours before the train leaves.
The box costs $15. The fee to take the bike is $10. They have some other options such as walk on, for certain trains.
http://www.amtrak.com/bring-your-bicycle-onboard