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Reply to Shuttle advice

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Stephen Hudson from Jamestown,NC on 3/1/2015 8:42:23 PM:

Gonna do C&O/GAP in June. From NC and driving to DC. Need shuttle from DC to Pittsburgh. Looking for suggestions. So far the shuttles I've checked with want close to $500 for two people and two bikes. Sounds high to me. Wanted to use Amtrak between DC and Pitt but they don't allow roll on bikes, only boxed so that's out. What's my best option? I'm all ears. Thanks.

lenny on 3/2/2015 5:10:01 AM:

there is no easy solution. the powers that be have not cooperated yet . this forum may be your best bet in finding something that may work. i have witnessed others here over the years making connections for their rides. goodluck

Mark from Lafayette, IN on 3/2/2015 3:11:54 PM:

I suggest renting a one way minivan or SUV if you only have 2 people and bikes. I did this from DC to Cumberland and it was around 115ish. Too bad Amtrak seems unable to copy their format of allowing roll on service along the Katy trail.

Mark on 3/2/2015 3:15:57 PM:

Also, it's possible to rent a moving truck for fairly cheap.

Anonymous on 3/2/2015 4:45:59 PM:

They will box your bikes at the Amtrak Station in D.C. I have made this trip plenty of times and the train is not as much hassle as everyone makes it out to be. The box will cost you $15.00. There are plenty of places to stay near the train station in Pittsburgh. A Hampton Inn is located less than a mile from the station. You will start your ride from Point State Park which is about 2 miles from the Hampton Inn. Cost of 2 train tickets plus boxes along with a hotel room should be less expensive than the shuttle service you priced.

Rick from Grafton on 3/3/2015 5:47:11 AM:

Hancock Md. Bike Shop has the best price of any shuttle service. Contact me athiker80@cox.net I've use their service almost exclusively for all of mu shuttle needs.

Allan from Allentown, PA on 3/3/2015 5:14:51 PM:

Last summer (2014) my wife and I rented a minivan from Enterprise in Bethesda, MD, parked our car at Great Falls, drove Minivan and dropped it off at Enterprise near Point Park in Pittsburg. It cost us less than $200... We rode GAP and C&O back to Great Falls.... make sure you register your car with C&O park rangers...

John W. from Pittsburgh, PA on 3/8/2015 4:21:38 PM:

Roll on service, if actually happening, is the best bet. Until that is 100% a sure thing, I would look into one way rentals. I rented from Pittsburgh Airport and drove to Dulles, checked the car in, connected by bike to the Washington & Old Dominion Trail, got off the W&OD and took my bike on the Metro at Dunn Loring (it was a Sunday, you can't do this during weekly rush hours) and got off at Foggy Bottom. From there it was a short ride to the beginning of the C&O. Maybe I didn't look hard enough but the 3-4 rental places told me they didn't do one way rentals at Reagan National Airport which would have saved me 15 or so miles but I suspect you can do this.

Paul A on 3/8/2015 11:48:29 PM:

Keep in mind for shuttles the driver has to drive twice as many miles and spend twice as much time as you do.
Google maps shows it being 242 miles DC to Pittsburg and 4 hours 4 minutes. so that translates into 484 miles and over 8 hours for the shuttler. Maybe 500 isn't so unreasonable after all.
Others have suggested cheaper options.

Stephen Hudson from Jamestown,NC on 3/11/2015 6:35:39 AM:

Thanks all for the ideas/suggestions.
We've got it figured out now. Leaving vehicle in long term parking at Union Station and picking up rental there to drive to Pittsburgh. Then we ride! Can't wait.

Greg K from Chicago on 3/11/2015 6:36:30 PM:

The main problem with Amtrak west is the train leaves DC in the evening and reaches Pittsburgh around midnight.

Tom from Raleigh nc on 3/20/2015 8:05:37 PM:

Why not use the boxes? We took the train from DC to Pittsburgh last summer and Amtrak staff were very helpful packing the boxes. The main issue was unpacking and riding to hotel at midnight but not a problem if you have decent lights and know the route.

Jim Simm from Hagerstown, MD on 3/22/2015 6:37:44 AM:

Concur with Rick; call Dennis Hudson at the C&O Bicycle shop in Hancock, MD (301) 678-6665 candobicycle.com. His rates are very reasonable and the price covers up to I believe six passengers and gear. Great deal if you ask me.

Dave Cavanaugh from Buffalo on 3/28/2015 11:22:23 AM:

The Amtrak line "Capital Limited" is one of two routes piloting "Roll on, Roll off" services for cyclists. Pittsburgh is on the route. I intend to use the services for the return leg from the Georgetown Station to Pittsburgh.

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