The scenic train route connecting NYC and Montreal will resume service in 2023

American travelers planning their next trip to Canada might soon have a chance to take one of the most scenic train rides in the world. After a three-year pause, Amtrak revealed plans to resume service between Montreal’s Central Station and Manhattan’s Penn Station. 

The Adirondack train allows passengers to leave New York City early in the morning and arrive in Montreal in the evening, traveling 400 miles in 10 hours. This train route, which runs along the Adirondack Coast and Lake Champlain, was named one of the most scenic rail trips in the world by National Geographic Traveler magazine. 

According to the Montreal Gazette, the Adirondack train route is popular among travelers and students who attend Upstate New York colleges. In 2019, more than 117,000 passengers took the Adirondack train, up 5 percent from the previous year, according to the Amtrak FY19 Ridership data.

“Enjoy nature’s kaleidoscope of colors on the Adirondack, rated a “Top 10 Most Scenic Train Ride in the World” as you discover why hikers, leaf peepers and snow lovers make annual pilgrimages to Lake Champlain’s shores,” Amtrak’s Adirondack page says. “Along the way, history comes alive in places like Saratoga Springs and Ticonderoga, while le enchantement of Montreal gives this journey a distinctively international flavor.”

Amtrak has already resumed other services between the United States and Canada. The Maple Leaf route, which connects New York City and Toronto, revived operation in June. The Amtrak Cascades train that travels to Vancouver through Washington and Oregon began to welcome passengers back in September. 

U.S. officials are pressing the railway company to give a firm timeline of when the service to Montreal will be resumed. The U.S. Congresswoman Elise M. Stefanik wrote an open letter to Stephen J. Gardner, President and CEO of Amtrak, saying that the failure to resume service is “causing significant harm to citizens throughout New York State and the North County.” On December 5, Amtrak resumed Adirondack service between New York City and Albany. 

Resources:

“Amtrak expected to resume Montreal-New York City train in the spring,” by Andy Riga (Montreal Gazette, 2022)

“This scenic train through the Adirondacks is returning in 2023,” by Shaye Weaver (Time Out, 2022)

“This Scenic International Train Route Will Resume Service After a 3-Year Absence,” by Serena Tara (thrillist, 2022)