Go Back  Bike Forums > Bike Forums > Touring
Reload this Page >

DC to Cumberland, buses or trains?

Notices
Touring Have a dream to ride a bike across your state, across the country, or around the world? Self-contained or fully supported? Trade ideas, adventures, and more in our bicycle touring forum.

DC to Cumberland, buses or trains?

Old 09-02-08, 08:20 AM
  #1  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: SF
Posts: 1,572

Bikes: 1972 Paramount Track, 1972 Paramount P13 Road, 1972 Paramount Tandem, 1986 Paramount Road, Merckx MXL, Gunnar Cross Hairs, Samson Illusion NJS, KHS Aero Track, Titus Racer X 29er, Tom Palermo Custom Touring

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times in 2 Posts
DC to Cumberland, buses or trains?

I am going to ride from Cumberland back to DC starting the 19th, my issue is in regards to transportation to Cumberland. Is there any regular bus service or do any trains let you bring a bike on?
anomaly is offline  
Old 09-02-08, 09:10 AM
  #2  
Hooked on Touring
 
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Wyoming
Posts: 2,854
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 347 Post(s)
Liked 141 Times in 91 Posts
There is nothing other than $$$$ shuttle service.

Amtrak does not have baggage service in Cumberland.
Greyhound has stopped service to Cumberland.

You could ship your bike to a bike shop in Cumberland and take Amtrak.
But that is the only possibility.
jamawani is offline  
Old 09-02-08, 09:26 AM
  #3  
Senior Member
 
staehpj1's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Tallahassee, FL
Posts: 11,837
Mentioned: 7 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1236 Post(s)
Liked 744 Times in 554 Posts
One way rental car?
staehpj1 is offline  
Old 09-03-08, 05:15 PM
  #4  
Señor Miembro
 
JustBrowsing's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: DC
Posts: 603
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Hey anomaly, I'm gonna be doing the same ride starting on the 22nd. I just made my car reservation with Hertz today. I'm picking up a Corrola at National on Sunday and dropping it off at Wayne's Citgo in Cumberland (apparently about 1/2 mile from the canal) on Monday. Cost for the one-day one-way rental is a hair over $200 after taxes (ouch!). Oh well, should still be a good ride.

Oh, and from what I've read, a car or truck rental is probably your best bet for getting up there reliably. The Amtrak station up there isn't manned, so there's no way to get your luggage off, which is what the bike would have to be packed as.
JustBrowsing is offline  
Old 09-03-08, 09:51 PM
  #5  
Neil_B
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Mentioned: Post(s)
Tagged: Thread(s)
Quoted: Post(s)
Originally Posted by JustBrowsing
Hey anomaly, I'm gonna be doing the same ride starting on the 22nd. I just made my car reservation with Hertz today. I'm picking up a Corrola at National on Sunday and dropping it off at Wayne's Citgo in Cumberland (apparently about 1/2 mile from the canal) on Monday. Cost for the one-day one-way rental is a hair over $200 after taxes (ouch!). Oh well, should still be a good ride.

Oh, and from what I've read, a car or truck rental is probably your best bet for getting up there reliably. The Amtrak station up there isn't manned, so there's no way to get your luggage off, which is what the bike would have to be packed as.
Hmm, when I used Carrentals.com on my tour, I got a price of 50 something for Cumberland to King of Prussia, PA. You might want to shop around.

You are correct that neither Amtrak nor MARC will allow checked baggage to Cumberland. MARC does allow bikes to Harper's Ferry, or so I was told on the trail two weeks ago.
 
Old 09-03-08, 10:12 PM
  #6  
Neil_B
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Mentioned: Post(s)
Tagged: Thread(s)
Quoted: Post(s)
Originally Posted by jamawani
There is nothing other than $$$$ shuttle service.

Amtrak does not have baggage service in Cumberland.
Greyhound has stopped service to Cumberland.

You could ship your bike to a bike shop in Cumberland and take Amtrak.
But that is the only possibility.
Closest the 'hound comes to Cumberland is Hagerstown, 85 miles away. Unless there's a stop in western PA that's closer.
 
Old 09-04-08, 04:48 AM
  #7  
Senior Member
 
staehpj1's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Tallahassee, FL
Posts: 11,837
Mentioned: 7 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1236 Post(s)
Liked 744 Times in 554 Posts
Do shop around on the one way rental. My experience is that prices can vary WIDELY. I never tried carrentals.com, but if Neil had good luck with them recently they might save you some running around. The last time we were shopping for a oneway rental big enough to haul three of us and our bikes and gear it was on the West coast and at that time and place U Haul was the worst and Alamo was the best by a factor of 6X. In other locations or at other times the results may be completely different.

If you have time another option would be to extend the trip and do the GAP and the C&O big difference in mileage though.
staehpj1 is offline  
Old 09-04-08, 05:29 AM
  #8  
Neil_B
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Mentioned: Post(s)
Tagged: Thread(s)
Quoted: Post(s)
Originally Posted by staehpj1
Do shop around on the one way rental. My experience is that prices can vary WIDELY. I never tried carrentals.com, but if Neil had good luck with them recently they might save you some running around. The last time we were shopping for a oneway rental big enough to haul three of us and our bikes and gear it was on the West coast and at that time and place U Haul was the worst and Alamo was the best by a factor of 6X. In other locations or at other times the results may be completely different.

If you have time another option would be to extend the trip and do the GAP and the C&O big difference in mileage though.
In DC, also consider renting from Union Station instead of Reagan National. The cost of a one-way rental was half as much from Union Station as the airport.
 
Old 09-04-08, 06:35 AM
  #9  
Señor Miembro
 
JustBrowsing's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: DC
Posts: 603
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Thanks for the advice everyone. Unfortunately it looks like things are severely limited due to the dropoff points available in Cumberland. From everything I've been able to find, there's a Hertz dropoff (Wayne's Citgo) and an Enterprise dropoff, which looks to be closed on Sunday and Monday (the days I plan to get started). Also it looks like Hertz doesn't have a pickup point at Union Station. And after checking on carrentals.com I got the same rates, so no love there either. Oh well, the price is a little on the steep end, but I can live with it.
JustBrowsing is offline  
Old 09-04-08, 06:53 AM
  #10  
Neil_B
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Mentioned: Post(s)
Tagged: Thread(s)
Quoted: Post(s)
Originally Posted by JustBrowsing
Thanks for the advice everyone. Unfortunately it looks like things are severely limited due to the dropoff points available in Cumberland. From everything I've been able to find, there's a Hertz dropoff (Wayne's Citgo) and an Enterprise dropoff, which looks to be closed on Sunday and Monday (the days I plan to get started). Also it looks like Hertz doesn't have a pickup point at Union Station. And after checking on carrentals.com I got the same rates, so no love there either. Oh well, the price is a little on the steep end, but I can live with it.
With Carrentals.com I try alternate pickup and dropoff times to get the best rate. Even a difference of two hours in pickup time was enough to make a big difference.

You might want to post to the C & O Yahoo Group explaining you are driving up and offering to transport someone and his gear. Half the rental car expense, including gas, is less money than a shuttle.
 
Old 09-04-08, 07:09 AM
  #11  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: SF
Posts: 1,572

Bikes: 1972 Paramount Track, 1972 Paramount P13 Road, 1972 Paramount Tandem, 1986 Paramount Road, Merckx MXL, Gunnar Cross Hairs, Samson Illusion NJS, KHS Aero Track, Titus Racer X 29er, Tom Palermo Custom Touring

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times in 2 Posts
It looks like we are going to rent a moving truck and throw the bikes and 2 people in the back. A friend can get it discounted down to 15 cents per mile one way so it is much cheaper than any other option.

I would still pay more for the train, I wish the bikes didn't have to be boxed for it though.
anomaly is offline  
Old 09-04-08, 07:23 AM
  #12  
Senior Member
 
staehpj1's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Tallahassee, FL
Posts: 11,837
Mentioned: 7 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1236 Post(s)
Liked 744 Times in 554 Posts
Originally Posted by anomaly
I would still pay more for the train, I wish the bikes didn't have to be boxed for it though.
Just to be clear... Boxed or not, there is no baggage service at Cumberland so the train is not an option for Cumberland if traveling with a bike.
staehpj1 is offline  
Old 09-11-08, 11:58 AM
  #13  
-=Barry=-
 
The Human Car's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Baltimore, MD +/- ~100 miles
Posts: 4,077
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
Bud, a fellow BBC member has a transportation service and is licensed for Maryland and may be worth a call. https://www.superpages.com/bp/Essex-M...2038849151.htm
__________________
Cycling Advocate
https://BaltimoreSpokes.org
. . . o
. . /L
=()>()
The Human Car is offline  
Old 01-07-09, 11:23 PM
  #14  
...into the blue...
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Posts: 434

Bikes: Thorn Nomad 2, LHT, Jamis Quest, ....

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally Posted by anomaly
It looks like we are going to rent a moving truck and throw the bikes and 2 people in the back. A friend can get it discounted down to 15 cents per mile one way so it is much cheaper than any other option.

I would still pay more for the train, I wish the bikes didn't have to be boxed for it though.

I'm looking at doing this for March, '09. Looks like the cheapest hertz is ~$209, while the U-HAUL website is quoting $136 for a truck, though this includes a max of 152 miles. Google gives me 145 miles from union station to cumberland. Probably another $20 - $30 in gas.

Any other options for one guy? I will check, but I'm assuming that the shuttle services work much better for more than one.

pete
quester is offline  
Old 01-08-09, 12:14 AM
  #15  
Banned.
 
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: ny
Posts: 1,764
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 36 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
yet another possibility ( assuming you own a car) is to make arrangements at one of the two(?) bike shops in Cumberland to store your bike for a few hours. Drop off the bike,then drive your car to national airport in DC to park in the economy lot .Catch a metro to Union station and then Amtrak to Cumberland.
Cyclist0094 is offline  
Old 01-08-09, 07:46 AM
  #16  
Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,011
Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 285 Post(s)
Liked 120 Times in 88 Posts
Originally Posted by quester
I'm looking at doing this for March, '09.
I want to make sure you're aware that when temperatures are cool, the towpath stays muddy after rain for much longer than when it's warm. You have a much better chance of encountering messing towpath conditions in March than during warmer months.
axolotl is offline  
Old 01-08-09, 08:36 AM
  #17  
Senior Moment Member
 
jagraham's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Westsylvania
Posts: 269
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Sorry for the thread drift ...
Originally Posted by axolotl
I want to make sure you're aware that when temperatures are cool, the towpath stays muddy after rain for much longer than when it's warm. You have a much better chance of encountering messing towpath conditions in March than during warmer months.
And be prepared to carry your own water and/or leave the towpath to find it... NPS doesn't return the pump handles until mid-April...

Back on topic -

Originally Posted by velonomad
yet another possibility ( assuming you own a car) is to make arrangements at one of the two(?) bike shops in Cumberland to store your bike for a few hours. Drop off the bike,then drive your car to national airport in DC to park in the economy lot .Catch a metro to Union station and then Amtrak to Cumberland.
- or ship to/drop off at a local B&B or hotel. Be advised that Amtrak isn't scheduled to arrive until after 7 pm.

Judy

Last edited by jagraham; 01-08-09 at 08:54 AM. Reason: apology for thread drift
jagraham is offline  
Old 01-08-09, 12:01 PM
  #18  
Older than dirt
 
CCrew's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Winchester, VA
Posts: 5,342

Bikes: Too darn many.. latest count is 11

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times in 2 Posts
Originally Posted by jagraham
And be prepared to carry your own water and/or leave the towpath to find it... NPS doesn't return the pump handles until mid-April...
That's about when they turn the mosquitos loose too
CCrew is offline  
Old 01-08-09, 12:10 PM
  #19  
Neil_B
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Mentioned: Post(s)
Tagged: Thread(s)
Quoted: Post(s)
Originally Posted by jagraham
Sorry for the thread drift ...


And be prepared to carry your own water and/or leave the towpath to find it... NPS doesn't return the pump handles until mid-April...

Back on topic -



- or ship to/drop off at a local B&B or hotel. Be advised that Amtrak isn't scheduled to arrive until after 7 pm.

Judy
Provided Amtrak is on time. That can't be taken as given.
 
Old 01-09-09, 11:19 AM
  #20  
Senior Moment Member
 
jagraham's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Westsylvania
Posts: 269
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally Posted by The Historian
Provided Amtrak is on time. That can't be taken as given.
I thought it was a given that Amtrak is late 50% of the time...
jagraham is offline  
Old 01-09-09, 11:37 AM
  #21  
Older than dirt
 
CCrew's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Winchester, VA
Posts: 5,342

Bikes: Too darn many.. latest count is 11

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times in 2 Posts
There is an alternative, albeit not quite complete. MARC trains (DC Commuters) travel to Brunswick, MD which is on the trail and do take bikes. last I researched. That's roughly half the distance between DC and Cumberland.
CCrew is offline  
Old 01-09-09, 12:18 PM
  #22  
Senior Moment Member
 
jagraham's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Westsylvania
Posts: 269
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally Posted by CCrew
There is an alternative, albeit not quite complete. MARC trains (DC Commuters) travel to Brunswick, MD which is on the trail and do take bikes. last I researched. That's roughly half the distance between DC and Cumberland.
Sorry, I beg to differ... Brunswick is at mile 55; Cumberland at 184.5. Last I checked, halfway would be closer to Lock 43, about halfway between Williamsport and the infamous on-road detour.
jagraham is offline  
Old 01-09-09, 12:51 PM
  #23  
Older than dirt
 
CCrew's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Winchester, VA
Posts: 5,342

Bikes: Too darn many.. latest count is 11

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times in 2 Posts
Originally Posted by jagraham
Sorry, I beg to differ... Brunswick is at mile 55; Cumberland at 184.5. Last I checked, halfway would be closer to Lock 43, about halfway between Williamsport and the infamous on-road detour.

Yeah, brainfart after the post. You are absolutely correct sir! The MARC however does go through to Martinsburg WV. Unfortunately that puts you a bit south of the trail but a nice ride into Williamsport. I think that's where I was thinking halfway.

Last edited by CCrew; 01-09-09 at 12:56 PM.
CCrew is offline  
Old 01-11-09, 07:10 PM
  #24  
Senior Member
 
porter's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Lago de Atitlan, Guatemala
Posts: 67
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Don't know if it is still the case but when I did it in '07 one way car rental was cheaper in the Cumberland to DC direction. Originally I wanted to ride "down hill" and finish at home in DC though I gave up that idea and did it in reverse. The tow path is pretty flat and the "up hill" was felt more in the head than my legs.

Hope you have fun it's a great ride...
porter is offline  
Old 01-12-09, 04:16 PM
  #25  
...into the blue...
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Posts: 434

Bikes: Thorn Nomad 2, LHT, Jamis Quest, ....

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally Posted by porter
Don't know if it is still the case but when I did it in '07 one way car rental was cheaper in the Cumberland to DC direction. Originally I wanted to ride "down hill" and finish at home in DC though I gave up that idea and did it in reverse. The tow path is pretty flat and the "up hill" was felt more in the head than my legs.

Hope you have fun it's a great ride...
I've done it uphill before. I'd like to downhill because, well, it's downhill, plus I live in suburban MD and can finish in my driveway.
quester is offline  

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.