If you cannot get enough rail travel in the USA, or maybe it is the reverse, you have more opportunities for rail travel within North America! You can take Amtrak to Canada; there are three ways, two out of New York and one from the Westcoast.
Amtrak can take you to VIA Rail stations that can connect you with long-distance and, at some stations, regional trains, although some connections may require an overnight stay.
Amtrak To Canada: The Train You Can Take
2023 Amtrak Adirondack Schedule/Timetable & More
This article will give you the Amtrak Adirondack Schedule, which travels between New York and Montreal, QU. Plus, more information you need for an adventure.
2023 Amtrak Cascades Schedule/Timetable & More
The Amtrak Cascades Schedule will help you find trains and buses between Eugene, OR, Vancouver, BC, or its intermediate stops—printable schedules are available.
2023 Amtrak Maple Leaf Schedule/Timetable & More
Knowing the Amtrak Maple Leaf Schedule may help you plan your next Amtrak Adventure if you travel between New York, NY, and Toronto, ON, Canada.
Accommodations On Trains From Amtrak To Canada
Seating On The Trains
These trains have coach seating features, comfortable seats, a fold-down tray, individual reading lights, and 120v electric outlets.
All but the Adirondack offer business class, which includes extra legroom and a comfortable seat and comes with cafe or bistro benefits. Ask the cafe car attendant for more details.
Additionally, Business Class customers receive a 25% bonus on Amtrak Guest Rewards points.
Wi-fi On Trains
Wi-fi – is free and available on these trains. There is a chance that Wi-fi may not be available in Candida.
Food & Currency On The Train
These trains have a cafe or bistro car that offers a variety of hot and cold meals, snacks, and hot and cold beverages and is available for all customers for most of the journey. This car may close at the start and end of the route.
The cafe car takes US currency during the US portions. The cafe will accept only credit cards, prepaid cards, and VIA Rail gift cards for onboard Café purchases in the Canadian section. Some trains may take Canadian paper money only in Canada.
I assume debit cards are accepted, but the bold text is from the Amtrak site, and this could change at any time.
Does Amtrak Operate Trains In Canada?
As you can see, yes, but in most cases, VIA Rail operates Amtrak trains in Canada using Amtrak equipment once the train crosses the board. They also have their own national rail network.
VIA, like Amtrak, offers both regional and long-distance service.
Some of the Amtraks, after they enter Canada, run as VIA trains, and some portions may not be available to be booked through Amtrak.
If that is the case for you, you may need to book with Amtrak to the border and then with VIA from there to your destination.
Amtrak To Canada: Requirements and Guidelines For Crossing The US/Canadian Border
Information in this section is directly from Amtrak; visit the Amtrak page on border crossing to ensure you have the most current information.
You must be prepared and honest when dealing with border officers to ensure things go smoothly and quickly.
Be aware of what items you can bring into the country you are going to, including money and agricultural goods.
Sites like Customs and Border Protections can help you travel into the USA and Canada Border Services Agency for crossing into Canada.
The following information is a guide; check with Amtrak and Via for current information. Most of this information is directly from Amtrak with some slight edits.
What IDs Do You Need To Take Amtrak To Canada
No Passengers Under 18 Across the US-Canadian Border Unaccompanied! Check the Amtrak border crossing page for questions about IDs or taking minors over the border.
US Citizens 16 or Older
The only acceptable documents for US citizens 16 and over to cross the US-Canadian border by land or sea are:
- United States Passport, or
- United States Passport Card, or
- Trusted Traveler Card (NEXUS, FAST, or SENTRI), or
- Enhanced Driver’s License (issued by Washington State, Minnesota, Michigan, New York, and Vermont only), or
- Enhanced Learner’s Permit or Enhanced State ID card (Temporary enhanced driver’s licenses/learner’s permits/state or provincial ID cards are not accepted. The traveler must have the permanent license/permit/card.), or
- Merchant Mariner Document, or
- Military ID with Military orders, or
- Form I-872, American Indian Card
- Amish and Mennonite Old Order only:
- Copy of birth certificate, and
- Signed copy of IRS form 4029, application for exemption from Social Security and Medicare taxes, and waiver of benefits.
Canadian citizens 16 and over
The only acceptable documents for Canadian citizens 16 and over to cross the US-Canadian border by land or sea are:
- Canadian Passport, or
- Trusted Traveler Card (NEXUS, FAST, or SENTRI), or
- Enhanced Driver’s License (issued by British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, and Quebec only), or
- Enhanced Learner’s Permit, Enhanced State ID card, or
- Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) card
US & Canadian Citizens Under 16
The only acceptable documents for US and Canadian citizens under 16 to cross the US-Canadian border by land or sea are:
(Under 19 if traveling with an organized group, such as on a school trip)
- One of the above documents, or
- Certified Copy of a Birth Certificate (bearing the raised seal of the issuing office and a statement that it is a certified copy of the original document on file at that office) or
- US Citizen Children Only: Consular Report of Birth Abroad or United States Naturalization Certificate
- Canadian Citizen Children Only: Canadian Citizenship Certificate Card
Citizens Of Countries Other Than the US & Canada
The only acceptable documents for citizens of countries other than the US and Canada to cross the US-Canadian border by land or sea are:
Citizens of other countries who are permanent residents of the United States:
- Entering Canada: Passport (with visa, if required)
- Entering the United States: Form I-551, Permanent Resident Card (older versions of this are called Resident Alien Cards, which, if not expired, may also be used). A foreign passport may also be presented, but Form I-551 is required.
Citizens of other countries who are permanent residents of Canada
- Entering Canada: Passport (with visa, if required)
- Entering the United States: Form I-551, Permanent Resident Card (older versions of this are called Resident Alien Cards, which, if not expired, may also be used). A foreign passport may also be presented, but Form I-551 is required.
Citizens of all other countries who are not permanent residents of the United States or Canada need:
- Passport (with visa, if required)
- Re-entry permit
- Refugee permit
When Making Canada Reservations
When making a reservation for services crossing the US-Canadian border, you must provide certain information, including your date of birth, gender, country of citizenship, and detailed information regarding the form of ID that you will carry with you on your trip. Further conditions apply.
Providing inaccurate or incomplete information will subject you to extensive inspection and questioning at the border. Please make sure that you supply us with complete and accurate information.
The information you provide when you make your reservation will be entered into your reservation record and supplied to Customs and Immigration officers in advance to facilitate your clearance. Amtrak, VIA Rail Canada, or any Amtrak Thruway provider will not use this information for any other purpose.
When Traveling Amtrak To Canada
The identification you carry on your trip should be the exact piece you selected and provide details about when you made your reservation.
You must carry the original, valid identification document. Customs does not accept any copied, expired, or otherwise invalid documents. Each passenger must have their ID.
Arriving at the Station
- Departing from Vancouver, BC – arrive at least one hour before departure for border crossing processing.
- To complete ID checks, Customs and Immigration close the gates 15 minutes before the scheduled departure; gates will not reopen once closed.
- Departing from Montreal, QC, or Toronto, ON – arrive at least 30 minutes before departure.
For passengers who are not citizens of the United States or Canada, it is strongly advised to arrive earlier than one hour to complete additional United States Customs and Border Protection processing.
Amtrak To Canada Wrap-Up
Thanks for checking out this page and including me in planning your next train trip to or from Canada! Amtrak can be a way to travel, allowing you to relax or get some work done! Also, the train will enable you to travel without having to keep your eye on the road or deal with the stress of air travel.
If you plan to take Amtrak to Canada or the USA, please go to the Amtrak border crossing page to ensure you have the most up-to-date information.
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