Amtrak Resumes Services To Canada For The First Time Since 2020

Share The Article

Last Updated 2 years ago

The American railroad company, Amtrak, announced on Monday that it will be resuming its international train services with routes to Canada, in alliance with the Canadian corporation VIA Rail Canada. The company had stopped these services since the beginning of the pandemic in 2020. 

Amtrak is now offering services with the Maple Leaf trains between New York City and Toronto. They will also resume services to Montreal and Vancouver soon but will announce details at a later time. 

Chief Commercial Officer Roger Harris, Amtrak’s Executive Vice President, Marketing and Revenue, said: “Amtrak is delighted to welcome passengers back on board the Maple Leaf, connecting New York City and upstate New York with Toronto and Ontario.” 

And added: “On board the Maple Leaf, customers can experience some of the best views in the country through the beautiful Hudson River Valley, New York’s wine country, and the incredible gorges of the Finger Lakes region, before crossing the US/Canadian border near the dramatic spectacle of Niagara Falls.”

Travelers now have more train travel options. A few weeks ago, Amtrak also announced new routes from New York, with wonderful city escapes for tourists and new yorkers.  

About Amtrak Services And Tickets To Canada

For the first time since 2020, the first northbound Maple Leaf train departed from New York at 7:16 am this Monday 27 and arrived in Toronto at 7:43 pm. From the other side, the first southbound Maple Leaf train departed from Canada’s Toronto Union Station (TWO) at 8:20 am and arrived at New York Penn Station (NYP) in the night, at 9:55 p.m.

Travelers can buy the tickets at Amtrak’s website, app, desk, and kiosks, or by calling 1-800-USA-RAIL. Canadian travelers can also buy tickets at ViaRail.ca or by calling 1-888-VIA-RAIL. 

The new route will take travelers through beautiful landscapes with large and comfortable seats and valuable amenities. All the international trains include free Wi-Fi, the freedom to use the phone at all times —there is no “airplane mode” limitation—, a cafe car, Business Class seats, and the possibility to travel with small pets. 

It is an exciting opportunity, especially for new yorkers and Canadians who want to explore new destinations. Marie Therese Dominguez,  New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner, said: “The return of this vital rail connection is welcome news not just for passengers who love to travel, but for countless businesses across New York State and Canada who make it possible for visitors to experience the best of what every locality has to offer.”

Michael Acosta, VIA Rail’s Senior Director, Commercial Affairs, also added: “After two years of pandemic, people are eager to travel again this summer, and the Maple Leaf experience allows passengers on both sides of the border to book a beautiful vacation and travel beyond Toronto on VIA Rail trains that can connect them right across Canada.”

What Travelers Must Know About Entry Requirements

Train travel is a great alternative for those who prefer to avoid planes or more eco-friendly options. This new route will allow Canadians and Americans to connect more and enjoy a restored service, especially during summer. However, travelers must stay up to day with their documentation and comply with all entry requirements from both nations. 

At the moment, to enter the US, non-US citizens must be fully vaccinated with approved COVID-19 vaccines. To enter Canada, non-canadians must also be fully vaccinated, wear masks —in Canadian stations and on the train while traveling through Canada— and use the ArriveCAN app within 72 hours prior to arrival.

More details about travel and entry requirements are provided by Amtrak on its Crossing the US-Canadian Border page. Travelers should also revise Canada’s official travel site and the US Department’s Travel Advisories and Information site. Staying up to date with COVID-19 entry requirements is crucial since these are constantly changing.

Read More:

This New Amtrak Route Takes You Through The Best Of New York State

Travel Insurance That Covers Covid-19 For 2022

Americans Will No Longer Be Able To Enter The US With Expired Passports Starting In July

↓ Elevate Your Travel↓

Sign Up Now For Travel Off Path Premium! No ads, VIP Content, Personal Travel Concierge, Huge Savings, Daily Deals, Members Forum & More!

✈️Join Our Travel Off Path Community Forum: Where travelers unite, ask questions, share experiences and even find like-minded travel buddies!

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS

Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path's latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox.

This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.