International train service returns for customers for the first time since 2020
NEW YORK – Amtrak, in conjunction with VIA Rail Canada (VIA Rail), NYSDOT and other federal agencies, today announced the resumption of service to Toronto via the Maple Leaf train on Monday, June 27 with tickets now available via Amtrak.com, the Amtrak app, Amtrak ticket desks and kiosks, and through 1-800-USA-RAIL. Travelers departing from Canada can also book their tickets at ViaRail.ca, and through 1-888-VIA-RAIL. The first northbound Maple Leaf train will depart NYP at 7:16 a.m. on Monday, June 27th and arrive in Toronto at 7:43 p.m. for the first time since 2020. The first southbound Maple Leaf train since 2020 will depart Canada’s Toronto Union Station (TWO) at 8:20 a.m. on Tuesday, June 28th and arrive at Moynihan Train Hall at New York Penn Station (NYP) at 9:55 p.m.
“Amtrak is delighted to welcome passengers back on board the Maple Leaf, connecting New York City and upstate New York with Toronto and Ontario,” said Amtrak Executive Vice President, Marketing and Revenue, Chief Commercial Officer Roger Harris. “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.”
“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,” said New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez. “New York Governor Kathy Hochul is committed to a transportation network which promotes connectivity and access for all users and helps regional economies stay competitive. As cross border travel continues to open and increase, passenger rail is a great way to experience the beauty of New York State and Canada. I appreciate our collaboration with Amtrak on investments in passenger rail service through the Northeast and Canada.”
“VIA Rail is delighted to collaborate with Amtrak in restoring this very important service that connects our two great countries,” said Michael Acosta, VIA Rail’s Senior Director, Commercial Affairs. “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.”
Toronto travelers and visitors can expect the same amenities onboard on the Maple Leaf as they do on all other Amtrak trains including, free Wi-Fi, Business Class seats, the freedom to use phones and electronic devices at all times (no “airplane mode”), the ability to travel with small pets, a café car, large spacious seats with ample leg room, and no middle seat.
In addition to the standard entry documentation requirements, the Canadian and United States Governments have several additional requirements customers must follow for entry into Canada and the United States as it relates to mask requirements. Amtrak is working to also restore its service to Montreal and Vancouver and will be announcing details at a later date.
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