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Do you need a passport to board VIA Rail?

Bring valid identification issued by the federal, provincial, territorial or foreign government that includes your: Photo, Full name, and. Date of birth.



For travel within Canada, VIA Rail does not strictly require a passport if you are a Canadian citizen; however, you must present a valid government-issued photo ID. Acceptable documents include a provincial driver's license, a permanent resident card, or a provincial health card (in some provinces). If you do not have a photo ID, you typically need two pieces of non-photo government ID that match the name on your ticket. For international travelers visiting Canada, a passport is usually the most practical form of identification to carry, as it is universally recognized by VIA Rail staff during boarding and document checks. Regardless of your nationality, the name on your identification must exactly match the name on your train ticket. Always carry your physical ID, as digital photos or photocopies are generally not accepted for security validation.

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Bring valid identification issued by the federal, provincial, territorial or foreign government that includes your: Photo, Full name, and. Date of birth.

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How much luggage is allowed? For both the Rocky Mountaineer and VIA Rail you are allowed two large, checked items per person. For both rail companies, the maximum weight allowed per bag is 22.6 kg (50 lbs)., with a maximum linear dimension (combination of length, width, and height) of 158 cm (62 inches).

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How early must I check-in for departure? We are recommending travellers to be at the station 45 minutes prior to departure if you are travelling in the Corridor and 1 hour prior for the long hauls and regional services. Please validate VIA station hours as some stations open 30 minutes prior to scheduled train time.

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Carry-on baggages are items that you can bring on board and that can either be stowed under your seat or above your seat, or placed in the spaces designated for this purpose.

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The policy that requires Americans to have a passport or equivalent document for transiting between the United States and Canada was passed by Congress in 2009 as the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) “to strengthen border security and facilitate entry into the United States.”

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Travel by land or water
As per the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), Canadian citizens aged 16 years and older must present one of the following documents when entering the United States by land or water: a valid passport. a Trusted Traveler Program card.

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Limited competition: In Canada, most long-distance train routes are operated by a single company, Via Rail. This lack of competition can make it difficult for travelers to find lower prices.

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Dinner: 17:00-19:00 No entitlement if departure is at or after 18:30 (local time). (Exception for train 14 passengers departing from Montreal and St. Lambert will be entitled to dinner)

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Can I bring my own snacks and drinks on VIA Rail? You can bring your own snacks and drinks onto the train; however, Provincial laws forbid passengers from consuming personal alcoholic drinks on the trains. Personal alcoholic drinks may only be consumed inside private sleeping cabins.

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Accessible and Comfortable VIA Rail is one of the most accessible travel options in Canada, and you can always count on us for a safe, comfortable, and more autonomous way to travel. You'll enjoy a unique experience, one-of-a-kind services, and a warm welcome.

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Packing List:
  • Warm and cool, quick-dry layers.
  • Comfortable shoes with good tread for sightseeing.
  • Casual sneakers and sandals.
  • Lightweight, waterproof, and breathable jacket or windbreaker.
  • Midweight fleece or wool sweater.
  • A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
  • A small backpack or daypack.


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VIA Rail is proud to provide complimentary Wi-Fi service on board most of its trains, in its Business lounges and in select stations in the Québec City – Windsor corridor. Note that Wi-Fi is also offered on board the Ocean train (Montreal - Halifax) in the service cars located on either side of the dining car.

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