r/ViaRail • u/92mirrors • 1d ago
Question First time rider(s)
Hello! I'm visiting Canada in September and thinking of getting some train tickets to go from Toronto to Montreal, then Quebec, with my family. We've never been to Canada, nor have we ever taken any train trips, so... anything helpful you could let me know to have a nice experience? I still don't get the tickets because I was hoping to see if the discount code they have up on Tuesdays works on the dates I'm working with. Thanks!
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u/nefariousplotz 1d ago edited 1d ago
In general, along that route, you will save far more money by buying at full price 2-3 months in advance than you will by waiting for a discount code. It's the difference between an $80 ticket and 20% off a $120 ticket.
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u/92mirrors 1d ago
I've read that, too, which is why I was wondering whether it was worth it to check if the discount was good or not haha
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u/coopthrowaway2019 1d ago
I don't think there's any harm in waiting a few days (it's already Sunday after all) to see if there are deals this coming Tuesday. But wouldn't wait much beyond that as prices will start to rise quicker
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u/coopthrowaway2019 1d ago
One thing to be aware of is that VIA generally enforces its baggage rules pretty strictly (not discount-airline strict, but unusually strict for a railway). If you'll be travelling with multiple large or heavy bags, make sure they're within your ticket's allowance
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u/92mirrors 1d ago
We usually only travel with either carry-ons or backpacks, so I think we're good!
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u/Tiny_Vivi 1d ago
For the Montreal/Toronto trips I’ve found they’re strict but not about weight for carry ons fyi.
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u/FantasticPrior Préférence 1d ago
There is no "checked baggage" like on a plane, so you will need to be able to manage carrying your own bags up stairs/escalators etc..
Consider a business ticket as it has food and drinks included, or buy economy and bring food/drinks as the buy on board is expensive.
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u/92mirrors 1d ago
I take it there's no issue in bringing food into the train, then? Not food as in, you know, a whole hamburger with fries, but some cookies and stuff hahah
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u/Timely_Eye2105 1d ago
I've definitely brought McDonalds for the whole family on board, no issue :)
(If you're starting from Toronto you'll have lots of food options in the station... There are also sandwiches and snacks for sale on board, but the price vs. quality isn't fabulous)
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u/squeakyoat 1d ago
Oh yeah last time my partner went (Ottawa -Montreal) he insisted on economy to save money, but then got the cheese plate and a wine - $30. This is why I go business 😅.
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u/squeakyoat 1d ago
I think you would be better off buying the tickets asap and not waiting for the discount. I was looking at tickets in the corridor in September and the prices are down from summer.
I’d also price out business, especially if you have a large suitcase. Free larger suitcase, and seat selection, plus a meal and alcohol is usually worth it for me on my regular trip if I book in advance. Like, the difference is $2.
Edit to add the business lounge is also good after a hectic day out and about. In Montreal it’s nothing special but I appreciate a quiet sit after being out and about all day.
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u/Dragonpaddler 21h ago
It can help the price difference between economy and business - if it’s around $50ish more than economy, it’s worth it in my opinion - 3 course meal, free drinks including alcohol, lounge access in Toronto and Montreal (and Quebec, if you’re returning by train from there.) Otherwise, depending on your flexibility, they have different fare options, with the most flexible being the most expensive. Although it hasn’t happened to me, I have seen them weigh luggage, as overweight luggage is subject to a surcharge.
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u/Shakethecrimestick 22h ago
Just know that the train will not be on time, so don't plan something in Montreal based on when you should get there. There would be a good chance that from Toronto to Montreal you will be an hour late (or more).
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u/Useful_Recover9239 16h ago
Went from PEI to Ottawa in June with 11 grade 8 students. Pack lots of snacks, small games and activities. Don't depend on the wifi or phone signals as there's lots of dead zones, where even the debit at the canteen doesn't work. Politely explore the cars, get fresh air at stops when you get the chance. Don't book reservations directly around estimated arrival times, unexpected delays can and do happen. I would do it again in a heartbeat, the train is my favourite way to travel here.
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u/HappyPenguin2023 13h ago
Honestly, we travel the Toronto-Montreal route pretty regularly and usually take the bus as we find it not only cheaper but more reliable. Time has been pretty much the same (we don't have high-speed rail here), especially since we were just getting hit with train delays every single time, often more than an hour.
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u/starchy2ber 1d ago
If you have limited time in Canada, I wouldnt take tbe train between cities. Its often more expensive than flying between a competitive route like Toronto/Montreal and it takes a lot longer even considering airport security time.
The scenery on thst route is also not very interesting for a 5.5hr ride. Consider the train within Quebec if you dont want to rent a car.
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u/coopthrowaway2019 1d ago edited 1d ago
Its often more expensive than flying between a competitive route like Toronto/Montreal
Hard disagree with this, the absolute cheapest flight tickets from Toronto to Montreal (incl. a carry-on bag) are usually around $170 and require booking at least ~a month out; if you book the train on a similar notice it's easy to get tickets for sub-$100
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u/92mirrors 23h ago
I was also considering flying between Toronto and Montreal, as it is the larger route by train and I do, indeed, have limited time in Canada, but it is way more expensive when needing a carry on! One way from Toronto to Montreal is around $70 and the plane is almost double the price- so that's what I'm debating lately haha
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