Frequently Asked Questions
If you are here, then you might be confused. If it is a quick question, call us at 315-279-4330.
What’s the cost and what is included in my purchase of a ticket?
$97 is the for cost 2 riders. A $97 ticket rents a 2-person double bike which holds up to two riders. In addition, you will be charged 8% NYS Sales Tax (feel free to talk to our Governor about that one) and a 3% reservation fee. The reservation fee is collected on the original purchase of an excursion or gift card and is not charged again for excursion rescheduling or gift card redemption.
Book 1 bike for every 2 people in your party.
You will be taken on a guided, narrated excursion along abandoned railroad tracks with your best buddy at your side. Plan on 2 hours from start to finish.
How many bikes do I need? We seem to have a lot of confusion about this one!
Book 1 double bike for every 2 people in your party. Each railbike you book has 2 seats.
1-2 riders need to book 1 railbike; 3-4 riders need to book 2 railbikes, etc.
If you have an EVEN number of people in your party, divide by 2. Yes, we are making you do MATH. Sorry.
For example: 2 people ÷ 2 = 1 Book 1 bike. Done.
4 people ÷ 2 = 2 Book 2 bikes. Done.
6 people ÷ 2 = 3 Book 3 bikes. Done.
Now here is the tricky part:
If you have an ODD number of people in your party, divide by 2 and add 1/2 bike or 0.5. Yes, we are making you do MATH again. Sorry.
For example: 3 people ÷ 2 = 1.5 + 0.5 = 2 Book 2 bike. Done.
5 people ÷ 2 = 2.5 + 0.5 = 3 Book 3 bikes. Done.
7 people ÷ 2 = 3.5 + 0.5 = 4 Book 4 bikes. Done.
If you have questions about the number of bikes to book or you need your reservation changed, please call us at 315-279-4330.
What if our party has an odd number of people? There are options for that!
Each bike can hold 1 or 2 riders. If you have a single rider in your party, that person can easily ride a double bike alone OR they may rent the single seat on the Guide’s Bike for half price if that seat is available on your ride. Please note there is only one single seat with the Guide on every trip.
Do guests ride the route unaccompanied or with a Guide?
Every tour is lead by a trained Guide to ensure the enjoyment and safety of all guests.
When should we arrive?
Please arrive no later than 15 MINUTES before your scheduled departure time.
What should we expect when we arrive?
PLEASE ARRIVE 15 MINUTES BEFORE YOUR SCHEDULED DEPARTURE TIME.
You will be greeted and checked in by a staff member. You will be invited up to select a bike at your departure time. A staff member will adjust your seat. Your Guide will give a short safety talk. Then, your trip will depart. Once the trip is safely underway, your Guide will provide a history narrative about the area as you roll. The Guide will reverse the bikes for all guests at the Turn-Around point and you can ride back at your leisure.
How many people can fit on one rail bike?
There are 2 seats per rail bike so 2 riders on each bike.
Is there an age limit?
There is no age limit. We have had riders from newborns to age 95.
Please see FAQ #11 for rules regarding babies, toddlers and children.
Is there a weight limit per seat / per bike?
There is no weight limit provided the rider is comfortable on the seat and healthy enough to ride.
Can 1 person pedal for 2 people?
Yes, provided the person pedaling is relatively fit. The ride is a mostly flat 5 mile out-and-back course. Our bikes are smooth, quiet and easy to pedal. There is a slight elevation on the return trip. If you are concerned, consider booking the solo seat with the Guide for the person in your party who wishes to ride along and not pedal — we do it all the time!
Can you accommodate riders with disabilities?
To date, we have been able to accommodate every disabled rider that has come to the rails. We use care and ingenuity to make it work for every single rider. It helps our team when a party calls ahead to share any information that will assist us in assisting you or a member of your party. So if you can call ahead, please do.
What about babies, toddlers and children?
Babies can ride along with an adult in a front facing carrier like a “Baby Bjorn” or on the seat beside an adult in their car seat harnessed to the rail bike seat. Toddlers and small children can ride in their car seat or booster seat harnessed to the rail bike seat. Once a child can sit on a seat and hold their head up, they can sit on a seat next to an adult. In all cases, we will provide a 5-point harness for the child’s safety. For everyone’s safety, a child cannot sit on an adult’s lap without a forward facing child carrier - no exceptions.
Do I need to bring my own car seat for my child, or do you provide one?
For your child’s safety in regards to seat size and cleanliness, we ask that you provide your own car seat or booster seat. We will provide a 5-point harness and we will attach your child’s car seat to the rail bike for you.
Can I bring my pet?
We will preface this by saying, “We are big animal lovers here!” No one loves furry friends more than we do. Unfortunately, the answer is “No” because we cannot 100% guarantee your pet’s safety from falling off a bike and being injured or inadvertently getting away and getting lost in a corn field. We have foxes, coyotes, and birds of prey here. We wouldn’t want your pet to be dinner.
Please don’t beg. The answer is still, “no”.
Why are there photos of dogs on your website?
Kirby is our HR Director. She is a lovely girl and a good listener, but like any other pet, she is also not allowed on the rides. Just sayin’.
Can I bring my possessions with me on a rail bike?
Yes, each rider is provided with a personal bag, phone lanyard, large basket and a water bottle rack for their personal items. Baskets are big enough for coats, bags, umbrellas, backpacks or a small cooler. Please keep in mind we are not responsible for the loss or damage of your personal items if you bring them aboard.
Can I bring food & drink on the bikes?
You are welcome to bring drinks and snacks. Alcohol is not allowed on the tours. Also, please do not discard rubbish along the route. Trash barrels are available at the Turn-Around point and the Welcome Center.
Where can I find updates on Finger Lakes Rail Riders?
You can find us on Facebook, Instagram, Yelp and Google. We welcome guests to post their photos of the tour with us to share on our website and social media. Our current hours of operation can be found on Google.
Are there weather delays or required weather riding conditions?
We ride rain or shine. We can’t control Mother Nature, but we promise our guests will NEVER lose their money. Finger Lakes Rail Riders will work with guests to reschedule rides, work around weather delays, and ensure the best experience for your ride. Should there be severe weather, we will monitor the weather radar and wait until it passes or reschedule you to a later time or day. In the event of extreme weather conditions (and, yes, it has happened), we will work to accommodate each party case-by-case to find a satisfactory solution.
Are there bathrooms nearby?
There are bathroom facilities at the Welcome Center and the Turn-Around point. Each end of the rails has handicapped accessible bathrooms.
What if I’m running late for my reservation?
Tours leave promptly to allow riders a comfortable, unrushed experience. Guests must be checked in by the ride departure time. Once the formal boarding process has started, no late arrivals will be allowed to check in or board. No exceptions. We will gladly reschedule when guests provide notification and we will reschedule your party on a mutually convenient tour as space allows. Again, guests will NEVER lose their Trip Fee portion of your ticket as long as communication with the Finger Lakes Rail Riders team takes place. The reservation fee portion is only collected on the original reservation and WILL NOT BE CHARGED again when rescheduling.
Can I reschedule?
Yes. We ask for 48 hour notice if possible to reschedule your tour. You are not charged a fee for rescheduling and you can reschedule as many times as is necessary. You must call or email the office to cancel or rebook your reservation. If you are unsure when you wish to reschedule, you will be issued a gift card for the amount of your Trip Fee and Sales Tax via email. The reservation fee is collected for the original reservation and WILL NOT BE CHARGED again when rescheduling or redeeming the gift card. This gift card can be used on any future date or given away as a gift and will entitle the user to one full trip per bike rented without additional fees.
For late arrivals, we will reschedule you to a later time or day.
Can I cancel?
Cancellations for a full refund of the Trip Fee, Sales Tax and reservation fee require a 48 hour notice. Within 48 hours, you may rebook your tour or be issued a gift card via email for the amount of your Trip Fee and NYS Sales Tax. The reservation fee is collected for the original reservation and WILL NOT BE CHARGED again when rescheduling or redeeming the gift card. This gift card can be used on a future date or be given away as a gift and will entitle the user to one full trip per bike rented without additional fees.
What is your refund policy? (Please note that our refund policy has changed for the 2025 season.)
Please give at least 48 hours notice to receive a full refund (Trip Fee, Sales Tax and reservation fee) for cancellations. After those 48 hours, you are welcome to rebook your tour as necessary. You must call or email the office to cancel or rebook your reservation. If you are not able to rebook your tour, you will be issued a gift card via email for your Trip Fee and Sales Tax. The reservation fee is collected for the original reservation and WILL NOT BE CHARGED again when rescheduling or redeeming the gift card. This gift card can be used on a future date or be given away as a gift and will entitle the user to one full trip per bike rented without additional fees.
Are there rules about the equipment? What if a bike breaks?
Please be kind to the equipment. The two-way (walkie talkie) radios are for the tour narration and for rider safety. The radios are not for casual use and are also not to be handled by children as they are safety equipment and they are not toys. Your respect is greatly appreciated.
If a bike breaks due to normal wear and tear, we will do everything we can to compensate you for the inconvenience. If a bike breaks due to misuse or abuse, we may ask for repair reimbursement. Any such event will be handled on a case-by-case basis.