VIA Rail

VIA RAIL

What is a Canrail Pass?
The Canrail Pass allows unlimited Economy Class travel on VIA Rail trains throughout Canada. It's the perfect pass for people who want to explore all that Canada has to offer and all on a limited budget.

Where can I travel on a Corridor Pass?
The Corridorpass enables you to travel on VIA Rail trains in southern Quebec and southern Ontario, that is, between Quebec City, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Kingston, Niagara Falls, Kitchener, Stratford, London, Sarnia and Windsor, including all stations between these cities. The only exception is that there can be no more than one return trip between or passing through the same 2 cities.

Has there been a change in the names and class of travel?
VIA Rail has recently renamed its classes to make it easier to understand the difference between the various classes and to make a more informed decision. 

Comfort Class - is now - Economy Class
VIA 1 Class - is now -  Business Class
Totem Deluxe Class - is now - Touring Class
Silver & Blue Class - is now - Sleeper Touring Class
Easterly Class - is now - Sleeper Touring Class
Comfort Sleeper Class - is now - Sleeper Class

What are the fare types available?
Adult:
Seniors: 60+ years of age
Students: 12-17 years inclusive and 18+ yrs with ISIC card
Children: 2-11 years inclusive

How early must I check in for my departure?
If you already have a booking but are not yet in possession of your ticket or if you want to check in baggage, it is recommended that you are at the station at least 1 hour prior to the departure of your train if you are travelling in Economy Class and 30 minutes if you are travelling in Business class.

Can I reserve seats in conjunction with my pass?
A ticket/reservation must be obtained for each journey. It is recommended to book early as Comfort Class seats for passholders are limited. First date of use and first leg of journey must be advised at time of booking.

Can I reserve sleeping compartments?
Sleepers on the Canadian can only be booked within 21 days of journey.

How much luggage can I carry on board?
Most long distance trains have a baggage carriage where you can store up to 6 pieces of luggage. Trains in southern Quebec and southern Ontario generally do not have a baggage car and a limit of 2 pieces of luggage per person is imposed. Large or heavy (23kgs+) items must be checked in and charges apply.

Is smoking permitted on VIA Rail services?
All VIA Rail services are non-smoking. On longer journeys there may be the opportunity to temporarily disembark at various stations where smoking is permitted.

Are food and refreshments served?
The types of meals available vary greatly depending on the train and the class of service. Passengers travelling in Economy Class have access to a take-out counter or service at your seat, where a selection of snacks and refreshments can be purchases. On longer journeys, the train includes a stylish dining car.
For Business Class passengers, in seat dining and beverages are included in the price of the fare.

VIA Rail offer meal coupons that can be purchased for a VIA Rail ticket counter and come in the dollar amount of your choice.  These can be redeemed for meals and non-alcoholic beverages in the dining car and snack bar or in Economy class aboard all trains in the Québec City-Windsor corridor (southern Ontario and southern Québec). By pre purchasing coupons, you need never scramble for change on the train again.

Do VIA Rail trains cater for passengers with disabilities?
Whether you are travelling in a wheelchair or have any other special needs, VIA Rail will do everything they can to meet your requirements and make your trip as pleasant as possible.

Wheelchairs can be accepted as checked baggage free of charge provided that the owner travels aboard the same train. Wheelchairs may be folding or rigid, manual or electric and must be no wider than 81 cm when fully open.  Electric wheelchairs must weigh no more than 68 kg, however VIA Rail will accept heavier wheelchairs provided that the departure and destination stations are equipped with lifts to load and unload them.