VIA Rail: a cost-effective way to travel | Drew Kelley posted on the topic | LinkedIn (2024)

FAQs

Is VIA Rail worth it? ›

I booked a business-class ticket on a Via Rail Canada train from Toronto to Montreal in 2022. For $200, I sat in a business-class seat with two tables and complimentary meal and drink service. I thought it was nicer than most US trains I've been on, worth the price, and I'd gladly ride again.

The reason it's so slow is that we're sharing tracks with freight trains. There are so many freight trains, they have complete priority, and because of that, we're always delayed.

Our Mission: Passengers First

Our primary focus is our passengers. We work on improving our services and redefining VIA Rail to provide our passengers with the most enjoyable travel experience and to find better ways to connect Canadian communities.

VIA Rail Canada, Inc., Canadian state-owned passenger-railway system.

Rail is one of the most efficient and cost effective transportation modes, especially when it comes to shipping very large volumes over long distances.

More than four million passengers boarded Via trains in 2023, a 25 per cent bump from the previous year. The increased demand helped drive up revenues 29 per cent to $430.7 million. But Via's operating losses grew eight per cent year-to-year to $381.8 million, as the company continues to rely on government funding.

When one of our trains is late, we make every effort to correct the situation quickly. However, some service disruptions can create delays that are impossible to make up.

VIA Rail trains' top speeds vary depending on the route and the type of train. In the Quebec City-Windsor Corridor, which is the most heavily traveled and where their high-speed trains operate, trains can reach speeds up to 100 mph (160 km/h).

The trains are rarely crowded, and you can usually have 2 seats to spread out in, although the facing seats are reserved for families. Watch baggage policy's.

VIA Rail services more than 410 stations across Canada.

To find the closest station, use the search engine or consult the list of stations below.

Does VIA Rail have WiFi? ›

VIA Rail is proud to provide complimentary Wi-Fi service on board most of its trains, in its Business lounges and in select stations in the Québec City – Windsor corridor. Note that Wi-Fi is also offered on board the Ocean train (Montreal - Halifax) in the service cars located on either side of the dining car.

Background. VIA Rail Canada operates the national passenger rail service on behalf of the Government of Canada. The Corporation's objectives are to provide and manage a safe, efficient, and reliable passenger rail service in Canada.

Via owns three per cent of the tracks it uses, meaning it's at the mercy of others, including CN, which owns 83 per cent. The rest are owned by railways including CPKC and Metrolinx, which runs GO Transit.

We have a partnership with Amtrak, the U.S. passenger rail service. If you are in Canada and wish to book a one-way or round trip between Toronto and New York City, you can do so on the VIA Rail website or by phone at 1 888 VIA-RAIL (1 888 842-7245), TTY 1 800 268-9503 (for persons who are deaf or hard of hearing).

Where Amtrak's facilities were old and grubby, and the food subpar, Via Rail's was excellent, making for a much more comfortable and pleasant journey. However, it's important to note that while Via Rail's Prestige Class is a luxury offering (with the corresponding price tag), there is no such option on Amtrak.

There's nothing quite like taking the train across the vast, wild expanse that is Canada. From the relaxed, friendly pace onboard to the pristine wilderness outside your window, traversing Canada along the tracks is truly a unique, once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Rail journeys give me time and space to work, spend time with family, and rest. Train travel isn't always the fastest way to reach my destination, but I've found that it's the mode of transportation that gives me the most time to be productive.

Economy class

Spread out and let the gentle motion of the train rock you to sleep while you glide through the wilderness. Extra blankets and pillows can be purchased.