Is train travel in Canada expensive?

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Train travel in Canada can be pricey, but VIA Rail offers discounts, especially for flexible travelers. Look for "Sleeper Plus Class" deals on their website (they can be tricky to locate) for potential savings. Booking in advance and traveling during the off-season can also help lower costs.

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How expensive is train travel in Canada for tourists?

Ugh, figuring out Canadian train prices? It’s a total headache. Last July, my friend and I almost booked a trip from Toronto to Vancouver. Sleeper Plus? Forget it, those discounts are hidden better than a secret recipe.

We looked and looked, prices seemed crazy high. I think we saw something around $1500 for a two person trip, but that wasn’t including food. Ridiculous.

Flexibility is key. Weekday travel is cheaper than weekends, I’ve heard. And booking way ahead helps. Honestly, though, even with all the tricks, it’s pricey.

Planning’s the half the battle. Seriously though, plan way ahead to save. It’s still an investment, but maybe less of a financial hit.

Is the train system good in Canada?

Okay, train system in Canada, eh? Good? Hmmm.

Okay, it’s…complicated. Canada has a LOT of tracks, like, seriously huge.

Big network, that’s for sure.

But are they actually good for people?

Most of the trains are for freight. Big difference, right?

Passenger trains are not super popular, I guess.

Is this because cars are better? Planes?

Canadians like cars!
Planes are fast too.

Toronto and Montreal area, yeah, trains get used.

Eastern corridor is busier.

But everywhere else? Not so much.

Asia and Europe definitely use trains more. I saw that myself when I went to Europe in 2023!

Oh, but those train rides! Some are amazing for scenery.

Like, postcard-worthy amazing. Is that enough to call it “good”? No way!

Beautiful views, though.

Maybe it’s good if you’re not in a rush. I am always in a rush! LOL.

Depends on your needs!

Does anyone even use the trains?

What is the cheapest transportation in Canada?

Walking, duh. Unless you’re a snail, it’s free. Seriously, your legs are already paid for.

Next up? Buses. Cheaper than a politician’s promise, I swear. Think of it – a rolling sardine can, but with slightly less pungent smells. Mostly.

Rideshares? Hit or miss, like a lottery ticket bought from a clown. Sometimes a steal, sometimes a highway robbery masquerading as a friendly ride. Carpooling? If you trust your friends not to blast Nickelback the whole trip, it’s okay.

Subways? A claustrophobic roller coaster you pay for. Expect delays longer than my aunt’s stories about her cat.

Bottom line: Your own two feet are your best bet for cheap travel. If your feet rebel, buses are your next best option. Avoid ride-sharing unless you enjoy unpredictable pricing adventures. My last Uber ride cost me more than a small island… not exaggerating!

Things to note:

Gas prices in Canada fluctuate wildly, making driving expensive unless you’re a miser. And I mean really miserly. Like, you’d hoard lint miserly.
City-specific public transit prices vary more than my moods after a coffee shortage. Research, you lazybones.
Bikes? Fantastic unless you live in a place with winters that make the Arctic look tropical. Then, uh, good luck with that.
I once spent $75 on a taxi because I was being stubborn and refused to walk five blocks. Don’t be like me.

Is it worth taking the train across Canada?

Worth it? Heck yeah! It’s like a cross-country slumber party, but with way better scenery than my Aunt Mildred’s living room. Seriously, the Rockies from the dome car? Pure magic, like a unicorn threw up a rainbow.

Highlights:

Sleeping car: Think comfy cocoon, not a sardine can. Though, I did once share a compartment with a snoring dude who sounded like a walrus with laryngitis.
Dining car: Food’s decent. Think airplane food, but with slightly less sadness. And way more gravy.
Rockies view: Breathtaking. I almost forgot my own name, it was that stunning. Better than that awful family portrait my cousin Frank keeps posting.

Seriously, do it. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Unless you’re planning on becoming a train conductor or something. Then, you know, maybe it’s a twice-in-a-lifetime thing. My buddy Dave, a train enthusiast, did it three times. Weirdo. But, he’s happy, so good for him. Don’t let him inspire you though; stick to the once-in-a-lifetime plan. Unless… nah. Stick to once.

Remember to pack extra socks. Trust me. Train travel can be a smelly business. And bring earplugs. Unless you enjoy the aforementioned walrus sounds. Or maybe a harmonica player who thinks he’s the next Bob Dylan. 2024, FYI, just in case you need to know the year.

How much is a sleeper train from Vancouver to Toronto?

Sleeper train… Vancouver to Toronto…

Sleeper Plus, two people, per person: around $514.

Feels almost dreamlike, that distance.

Prestige Class, shower, two people, per person: More, I think.

I always wanted to see those plains. My grandmother talked about them, endlessly. Prairies.

She showed me photographs. Faded and sepia.
Said it smelled of wheat.
She never went back after ’88. I miss that.

Train travel. It’s a strange thing. All the time, thinking.

My phone loses service.
Books are heavy, like my backpack.
I have this blue coat.
Ate noodles.
That’s it.

How long does it take to take a train from Vancouver to Toronto?

Three days. Plus change.

Pacific Central. Departure point.
Toronto awaits. Eventually.
VIA Rail is the operator. No other choice, really.
Cost? Expect several hundred dollars. Minimum.
Time spent on trains. A questionable investment.
Consider flying. Faster. Saner? Shrugs.
3 hr 07:15 layover? Why bother.
Food on board. Uninspired. Pack wisely.
Scenery. Mountains first. Then…flat.
Bring a book. Or three.
Thinking about it. I once lost a glove. Similar journey. So annoying.

Is there a direct train from Toronto to Vancouver?

Okay, so the Toronto to Vancouver direct train thing. Right. I did that once. A long time ago!

It was… gosh, must have been 2018. Summer. Ugh, that was ages ago. VIA Rail, yeah, that’s the only way you’re getting across the country without flying, duh.

I wanted to see the Rockies. You know? I was going through this whole “find myself” phase after that job at Tim Hortons imploded.

It felt like forever. The Canadian, they call it. Fancy.

It exists! A direct train. But one per day? Honestly, feels generous. I swear it used to be less.

Pro-tip: Book WAAAY in advance. Like, yesterday. Especially if you want a sleeper car, right?
Bring snacks. Just… bring a LOT. Even the fancy train food gets old. So fast.
Be ready to be bored. Books, downloaded movies, learn knitting… something!

The scenery is gorgeous, okay? I mean, the prairies drag on. But then you hit the mountains… Wowza! Changed my life, no joke!

It wasn’t cheap, I remember that much. Almost better off just buying a used Civic, LOL. But the experience, that’s priceless! I think the train schedule must have been around 10:00 PM. I just knew it would arrive after three days, I felt sleepy, ugh.

Are meals included in Business class VIA Rail?

Business class… food included. Right? Wine too. Canadian. Lunch, dinner… catered. Hot drinks. Dessert! What was that dessert last time? Chocolate…something. Bread too. Oh, and appetizer. Gotta get that window seat. Remember the trip to Montreal, 2023? Great view. Wish I’d booked sleeper. Next time. Gotta remember sleeper car. Business class is nice. But sleep…important. Maybe worth the extra cash. Priority boarding too. Less hassle.

Meals included: Yes
Drinks included: Alcoholic and non-alcoholic
Meal components:
- Bread
- Appetizer
- Dessert
- Wine (Canadian)
- Hot beverages

Trip to Vancouver in ’24? Business class again. Maybe. Definitely window seat. Scenery is everything. Photos! Phone needs charging. Ugh. Always forgetting the charger. Must pack charger. Laptop too. Work trip… ugh. But Vancouver! Mountains. Ocean. Food. Good food. Hope the wifi works. Last time… terrible. Spotty. Couldn’t get anything done. This time… download movies. Offline work. Prepare. Always prepare. No excuses.

Travel planning checklist:
- Charger
- Laptop
- Download movies
- Offline work prep
- Window seat!

Food on the train… better than plane food. Way better. Remember that awful airplane chicken? Dry. Ugh. Never again. Train food is… decent. Always get the fish. Safer bet. Chicken risky. Beef… eh. Stick to fish. Or vegetarian. They have vegetarian options. Must check menu. Online menu? Gotta look. Before booking.