You’re standing in a massive, soul-crushing security line at Trudeau Airport. Your belt is off. Your shoes are in a plastic bin. You’re wondering if that extra ounce of toothpaste is going to get you flagged by a guy who hasn't had his coffee yet. All this for a 55-minute flight to Toronto that, let’s be real, usually takes five hours when you factor in the commute to Dorval and the nightmare of the UP Express or a $90 Uber from Pearson. There is a better way. Taking the VIA Train Montreal to Toronto isn't just a "scenic alternative." It’s a sanity saver.
It's the Corridor. That’s what VIA Rail calls this stretch of track. It’s the busiest rail link in Canada. Thousands of people do this every day. Some are suits heading to Bay Street with spreadsheets open on their laps. Others are students heading back to UofT with a bag full of smoked meat from Schwartz’s. I’ve done this trip more times than I can count, and while it isn't perfect—looking at you, freight train delays—it’s the most civilized way to move between Canada’s two biggest cities.
The Reality of the VIA Train Montreal to Toronto Experience
Let’s talk timing. The "Rapid" trains can do the trip in about 4 hours and 45 minutes. The slower ones? You're looking at 5 hours and 30 minutes. That sounds like a lot compared to a flight. But is it? If you live in Le Plateau or Saint-Henri, you can take the Metro to Gare Centrale 20 minutes before departure. Try doing that at YUL. You’ll be laughed out of the terminal.
The seat is the thing. Even in Economy, you get more legroom than a first-class seat on a regional jet. I’m 6’2”. On a plane, my knees are basically touching my chin. On the train, I can actually stretch. It’s a game changer. If you spring for Business Class, they feed you. Real food. On a real plate. With actual metal cutlery. It feels like a throwback to a time when travel didn’t feel like being processed through a factory.
What Nobody Tells You About the WiFi
Look, the WiFi is... okay. Usually. But let’s be honest: if you’re planning to stream 4K video while passing through the middle of a field near Brockville, you’re going to be disappointed. It’s great for emails. It’s fine for Slack. It’s hit-or-miss for a Zoom call. Most savvy travelers download their Netflix shows before they leave the house. The "reliable WiFi" claim on the website is true in the sense that it exists, but the bandwidth is shared with a couple of hundred other people.
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The Freight Train Problem
Here is the nuance. VIA Rail doesn't own most of the tracks it runs on. CN Rail does. This is the great Canadian transit tragedy. When a massive freight train carrying grain or shipping containers comes through, the passenger train has to pull over and wait. It’s frustrating. You’ll be humming along at 160 km/h, feeling like a European commuter, and then—stop. You’re sitting in a field. This is why the "on-time performance" isn't 100%. Usually, you arrive within 15 minutes of the schedule, but once in a while, the freight gods are angry.
Making Sense of the Classes: Is Business Worth It?
People ask me this constantly. Should you pay the extra $60 to $100 for Business Class?
It depends on your vibe.
In Economy, you’re buying a seat and a plug. That’s it. You can buy a soggy sandwich or a bag of chips from the cart. It’s fine. It’s functional. But Business Class? That’s where the VIA Train Montreal to Toronto experience actually becomes "lifestyle." You get access to the lounge at Gare Centrale. Free coffee, quiet chairs, clean bathrooms. Once you're on the train, the booze starts flowing. Wine, beer, spirits—it's all included.
Then there’s the meal. They usually offer a hot protein option, a pasta, and a salad. It’s actually decent. I’ve had a beef ginger stir-fry on the 4:00 PM out of Montreal that was better than anything I’ve ever eaten on Air Canada. Plus, the Business Class cars are quieter. No screaming toddlers (usually). No one loud-talking on their phone about their "disruptive tech startup" (hopefully).
- Economy: Best for students, budget travelers, or those who just want to read a book and be left alone.
- Business Class: Essential if you need to work or if you want to arrive in Toronto feeling like a human being instead of a crumpled piece of paper.
- Escape Fares: These are the holy grail. If you book three weeks out, you can get to Toronto for about $50. If you book last minute? You might pay $200. Timing is everything.
The New Venture Fleet: A Glimpse of the Future
If you’re lucky, you’ll catch one of the new Siemens Venture trains. They are rolling these out across the Corridor right now. They look like something out of a sci-fi movie compared to the old "LRC" cars from the 80s. The seats are thinner but more ergonomic. The bathrooms are massive—like, you could do a cartwheel in there. Most importantly, the doors between cars are touchless. No more kicking the heavy metal plate to get to the snack car.
The ride is smoother, too. The old cars have a certain... "character." They sway. They creak. The new trains just glide. By the time 2026 rolls around, these will be the standard. It’s a massive upgrade that actually makes Canada feel like a G7 country.
Getting the Best View
If you’re heading Westbound (Montreal to Toronto), try to sit on the left side of the train. Why? The St. Lawrence River. Once you get past Cornwall, the tracks hug the water for long stretches. You’ll see the Thousand Islands. You’ll see old cottages and people out on their docks. It’s gorgeous. On the right side? You’re mostly looking at trees and the 401. Not exactly a postcard.
Logistics: Gare Centrale to Union Station
The beauty of the VIA Train Montreal to Toronto is the "Station to Station" logic.
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Gare Centrale is right under the Queen Elizabeth Hotel. You walk out the door and you’re at Place Ville Marie. You’re in the heart of the city.
Union Station in Toronto is even more central. You walk out the front doors and you’re looking at the CN Tower. You can walk to the Financial District in five minutes. If you flew into Pearson, you’d still be waiting for your luggage at this point.
Pro-Tips for the Savvy Traveler
- Check the baggage rules. They got strict recently. They will weigh your carry-on. If it’s over, they’ll make you check it, and it costs a fortune.
- The "Boarding" Trick. In Montreal, they make everyone line up in the station. It’s a mess. If you’re in Business, stay in the lounge until the very last minute. If you’re in Economy, don’t bother being the first in line. Your seat is assigned. Sit on a bench and wait for the crowd to thin out.
- The Quiet Zone. Car 4 (usually) is the designated quiet car. No phones. No loud talking. It is a sanctuary. If you want to sleep or grind through work, this is your spot.
Is the Train Actually "Green"?
Everyone talks about the environmental impact. Is it real? Yes. A train emits about 70% less CO2 per passenger than a flight. Even with the diesel engines VIA uses (though they are moving toward more efficient tech), it’s not even a contest. If you have "flight shame," the train is your absolution.
But beyond the planet, it’s about your own energy. Flying is high-cortisol. The train is low-cortisol. You watch the Quebec countryside turn into the Ontario flatlands. You see the graffiti in the suburbs of Montreal give way to the farmland of Kingston. There’s a rhythm to it.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Trip
If you’re planning to take the VIA Train Montreal to Toronto, don't just wing it. Follow this checklist to actually enjoy the ride:
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- Book on a Tuesday. No, seriously. VIA Rail often does "Discount Tuesdays" where they drop codes for 10% or 15% off.
- Create a VIA Préférence account. The points add up fast. After about five or six trips, you usually have enough for a free one-way in Economy.
- Pack a "Train Kit." Bring a pair of noise-canceling headphones, a portable charger (though seats have outlets, sometimes they’re loose), and a light sweater. The AC on these trains is notoriously aggressive.
- Download the VIA Map. They have a GPS-based portal you can access on the local WiFi that shows you exactly where you are and how fast you’re going. It’s oddly addictive to watch.
- Arrive 30 minutes early. You don't need two hours like at the airport, but you do need time to navigate the crowds at Gare Centrale, especially during the Friday afternoon rush.
The next time you’re looking at flights and seeing a $400 price tag for a 1-hour jump, look at the train. It’s slower, sure. But in a world that’s moving way too fast, maybe a five-hour window to just sit, drink a coffee, and watch Canada go by is exactly what you actually need. No security lines required.