There are three Amtrak routes in Canada: the Adirondack (from New York to Montreal), the Maple Leaf (from New York to Toronto), and the Cascades (from Eugene to Vancouver, BC). Each route provides a scenic alternative to flying, with the added advantage of arriving directly in the heart of these major cities.
Crossing an international border by train is generally a straightforward process, but there are a few important things to keep in mind before you book your trip. First, border procedures can vary by route. Second, be aware that payment methods for café services may change once you enter Canada. Additionally, depending on your final destination, you might need to book a portion of your journey separately through VIA Rail, which is Canada’s passenger rail service.
This guide provides essential information on border crossings, including what to bring, onboard amenities, booking tips, and expectations when your train crosses into another country.
Amtrak to Canada: The trains you can take
Here are the current trains that travel between the two countries.
-
Amtrak Adirondack: Schedule, Stops, & Route Guide
Amtrak Adirondack schedule, stops, and travel time for the scenic NYC to Montreal train. See full timetable, tips, and what to expect onboard.
-
Amtrak Cascades: Schedule, Stops, & Route Guide
The Amtrak Cascades provides travel options between Eugene, OR, and Vancouver, BC, and beyond! Discover its schedule and additional services.
-
Amtrak Maple Leaf: Schedule, Stops, & Route Guide
Plan your Amtrak Maple Leaf trip between New York and Toronto with the current schedule, stops, Coach and Business Class, café service, luggage rules, Wi-Fi, and border-crossing tips.
Bus services to Canada
In addition to the three train routes, there is a bus service that connects to these railroads. Some may be available through the Amtrak booking system, while others may not.
For example, if you want to travel from Chicago to Toronto, you have options:
- All train: Take the Lake Shore Limited train to Buffalo, New York, then connect to the Maple Leaf train to Toronto.
- Train + bus: Take the Wolverine train to Detroit, then transfer to a connecting bus to Toronto.
These bus services provide greater routing flexibility and faster travel times, depending on your starting location.
Does Amtrak Operate Trains in Canada?
Yes, there is one exception: three Amtrak routes operate into Canada using Amtrak equipment. The Cascades and Adirondack routes are operated by Amtrak crews throughout the entire trip, including sections in Canada.
The Maple Leaf route operates differently: VIA Rail crews take over the trains designated 97 and 98 from the border to Toronto. Amtrak crews handle the segment within the United States. If you want to make an intermediate stop in Canada, you need to book a VIA Rail ticket. For more information, see the VIA Rail 97-98 article.
VIA Rail is Canada’s passenger rail service, comparable to Amtrak in the United States.
Border Crossing Procedures
When you reach the border, you will go through customs and immigration. Depending on the crossing, you may either complete the process while seated on the train or temporarily disembark to go through the border station. In either case, expect the train to stop for 60 to 90 minutes.
Bring a pen to fill out customs forms.
Booking Considerations
The Maple Leaf train uses different numbers on the US and Canadian sides of the border: Amtrak uses 63/64, while VIA Rail uses 97/98. If you’re traveling to an intermediate stop in Canada (other than Toronto), you might not be able to book your entire journey through Amtrak. Instead, you’ll need to book your US segment with Amtrak and the Canadian segment separately through VIA Rail.
Accommodations Available on Amtrak Trains to Canada
All trains offer coach-class accommodations; however, the Adirondack does not offer business-class options.
Coach class
Coach seating provides a comfortable experience with fold-down trays, individual reading lights, and 120V grounded electrical outlets at each seat.
For luggage, you have choices: overhead compartments above your seat and a larger storage area at the end of the car. Between the two options, there is usually ample space for your bags.
Based on my experience, I recommend bringing an extension cord. This allows you to plug in multiple devices without constantly reaching over your seatmate if you’re in an aisle seat.
Business Class
All these trains offer business class, except the Adirondack. This class features extra legroom, a comfortable seat, and benefits such as cafcafé bistro service. Ask the café 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, but it may not function in Canada.
If you intend to use your phone after crossing the border into Canada, ensure that your plan provides coverage for calls, texting, and data in that region. Remember that messaging apps like WhatsApp and iMessage use data instead of standard SMS, which could affect your ability to communicate effectively or quickly deplete your data allowance. It’s important to avoid unexpected international roaming charges.
Food & currency on these trains
When I travel, I often get hungry, so I head to the cafcafé the bistro aboard the Cascades.
These trains feature a café bistro car where you can purchase hot and cold meals, snacks, and beverages, including alcoholic options. The food choices vary depending on the train and which side of the border you are on. For instance, on the Maple Leaf, the café changes its food inventory at the border: you’ll find Amtrak offerings in the US and VIA Rail offerings in Canada.
The cafcafé usually remains open throughout the journey, but expect closures at the start and end of the route, as well as during the border crossing.
Payment methods:
- In the US, Cash (USD) and credit cards are accepted; you cannot use Amtrak gift cards on trains.
- In Canada, we only accept credit cards, prepaid cards, and VIA Rail gift cards.
- Some trains may accept Canadian cash while traveling within Canada. Be sure to check with the cafcafétendant for more information.
Visa and Mastercard debit cards can be used on both sides of the border. Payment policies may change, so confirm with your car attendant if you have any questions.
Amtrak to Canada: Requirements and Guidelines for Border Crossings
Most of the information below comes directly from Amtrak, with minor edits for clarity. Always double-check the Amtrak Border Crossing page for the most up-to-date details.
Honesty and preparation are key when crossing the border. Be cooperative and truthful with border officers to help keep the process smooth and quick.
Know what you can bring. Each country has rules about what items are allowed, including limits on money, food, and agricultural products.
For more detailed information, visit official government websites like:
The IDs you need to take Amtrak to Canada
No Passengers Under 18 Across the US-Canadian Border Unaccompanied!
Refer to the Amtrak border crossing page for more information about required IDs or crossing the border with minors. You need at least one of these forms of ID, depending on your country of origin.
US citizens 16 or older
The only acceptable documents for US citizens 16 and over to cross the U.S.-Canadian border by land or sea are:
- United States Passport
- United States Passport Card
- Trusted Traveler Card (NEXUS, FAST, or SENTRI)
- Enhanced Driver’s License (issued by Washington State, Minnesota, Michigan, New York, and Vermont only),
- 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.)
- Merchant Mariner Document,
- Military ID with Military orders
- Form I-872, American Indian Card
- Amish and Mennonite Old Order only:
- Copy of birth certificate and
- A 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
- Trusted Traveler Card (NEXUS, FAST, or SENTRI)
- Enhanced Driver’s License (issued by British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, and Quebec only)
- Enhanced Learner’s Permit, Enhanced State ID card
- 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
- 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)
- 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; however, Form I-551 is still required for processing.
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; however, Form I-551 is still required for processing.
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 Canadian reservations
When making a reservation for services crossing the US-Canadian border, you must provide specific information, including your date of birth, gender, country of citizenship, and the form of identification you will carry on your trip. Further conditions apply.
Providing inaccurate or incomplete information will result in extensive inspection and questioning at the border. Please ensure that you provide us with complete and accurate information.
The information you provide when making your reservation will be recorded in your reservation record and shared with 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 on Amtrak to Canada
The identification you carry on your trip should be the exact document you selected and include the reservation date.
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; they will not reopen once closed.
- If departing from Montreal, QC, or Toronto, ON, please 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 at least one hour before to complete additional United States Customs and Border Protection processing.
Amtrak to Canada wrap-up
Thank you for visiting this page and considering me in your travel research for your upcoming train trip to or from Canada! Taking Amtrak can be a convenient way to travel, allowing you to relax or catch up on work. Plus, traveling by train means you won’t need to focus on the road or handle the stress of air travel.
If you plan to travel by Amtrak to Canada or the United States, please visit the Amtrak border crossing page for the most up-to-date information.
If this page helped you, why not share it with others who may benefit or consider supporting Travels with Kev?
Do You Love Train Travel?
Want more insider Amtrak travel tips, route guides, and travel updates? Join my free Travels with Kev newsletter to get my Quick Reference Guide to Amtrak Long-Distance Trains, covering train equipment, dining options, and more. It comes out every Thursday!
It is a simple way to start planning smarter, smoother train trips.
If this guide helped you, you can also support my work through my Support Page or by joining me on Patreon. Your support helps keep Travels with Kev going, and paid Patreon members receive a postcard from my travels each month.
does Amtrak have private rooms available to Canada as they do in U.S.??
thank u for any info…
All three Amtrak trains to Canada are regional, so they do not offer sleeper cars. However, depending on your starting point, you may be able to take a sleeper car partway and then transfer to a regional train.
Safe travels and happy planning.
Kev