I am looking at doing a combo train/bike trip coming up. There is a big station I have to get to before I can catch the train out west. There is a local route that goes close to home that would get me to the main station but they show "no checked luggage" on their ticketing site.

What experience and knowledge can you share for navigating the train system? Ive never been on a train but the route to get to the main station is on an interstate track network so there have to be long-distance trains going through.

Thoughts? Ideas?