In just a few weeks, one of Amtrak’s most scenic lines will resume after a 3-year hiatus.
The route connects two iconic North American cities and winds through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the Northeast.
In fact, National Geographic once dubbed the journey one of the 10 most beautiful train trips in the world.
When Amtrack’s Adirondack line relaunches daily service on April 3, New York City and Montreal will once again be connected by train.
The full-route service stopped in March 2020 when the border between Canada and the United States was forced to close because of the pandemic.
While trains continued to connect New York City and Albany, the remaining route from Albany north to Montreal ceased operations.
Now that the border has fully reopened, passengers can once again enjoy the entirety of this beautiful journey.
In a press release earlier this week, Amtrak’s President, Roger Harris, thanked officials on both sides of the border for their support in restoring the route’s service.
“Whether you’re experiencing the greatness of New York City, the culture of Montreal, or the beauty of the Hudson Valley and Lake Champlain region, the return of the Adirondack provides customers with a reliable, relaxing, and sustainable way to travel.”
Amtrak’s Adirondack Ticket Information
Prior to the stoppage in 2020, the route saw over 117,000 passengers, and officials are hoping that ridership will pick up where it left off and continue to grow.
Tickets can now be purchased on Amtrak’s website, through the Amtrak app, in person at ticket desks, and via phone.
Currently, fares are priced at $70 each way. Alternatively, passengers can pay $102 for a flexible fare that allows a 100% refund before departure with no cancellation or change fees.
Where Does The Train Travel?
Trains will depart from Moynihan Train Hall at New York Penn Station and head north through the Hudson Valley and along beautiful Lake Champlain before crossing into Quebec.
The train will make 17 stops before arriving in Montreal, Quebec Gare Centrale/Central Station, including at stations in:
- Yonkers, NY
- Croton-Harmon, NY
- Poughkeepsie, NY
- Rhinecliff, NY
- Hudson, NY
- Albany-Rensselaer, NY
- Schenectady, NY
- Saratoga Springs, NY
- Fort Edward, NY
- Whitehall, NY
- Ticonderoga, NY
- Port Henry, NY
- Westport, NY
- Port Kent, NY
- Plattsburgh, NY
- Rouses Point, NY
- St. Lambert, QC
The towns along the route welcome the resumed service, not only because it provides another transportation option for residents but also for the economic boost and visibility it provides to the region.
Sit Back, Relax, And Enjoy The Long Journey
In total, the journey from New York City to Montreal takes around 10 hours. That time includes the 17 stops as well as customs and immigration processing at the border.
The same distance by car (without stopping) takes approximately six hours.
Northbound trains will depart New York Penn Station at 8:41 am and arrive at Montreal Gare Centrale at 8:16 pm. Southbound trains will leave Montreal at 11:10 am and arrive at Penn Station at 10:15 pm.
To keep passengers comfortable during the long journey, Amtrak offers several onboard amenities.
Trains will have free onboard WiFi as well as a café serving up sandwiches, salads, burgers, pizza, and beverages, including wine and beer.
Amtrak also boasts comfortable seats, with no middle seat and plenty of legroom.
Discover Amtrak’s Trails And Rails
The Adirondack line is one of several Amtrak routes to partner with the National Parks Service Trails and Rails program.
This unique partnership connects Amtrak passengers with National Parks volunteers who ride along and explain the historic and natural sites that can be seen from the train as they pass through them.
From June – November, NPS volunteers accompany passengers through the National Parks of New York Harbor, the Roosevelt-Vanderbilt National Historic Sites, and Saratoga National Historical Park, with potentially more areas on the way as the service is restored.
This is a free service and is a great way to learn about the areas the train travels through.
