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.

For travel with VIA Rail Canada, the recommended arrival time depends on your departure station and whether you have baggage to check. Generally, you should arrive at the station at least 30 to 45 minutes before your scheduled departure. If you are departing from a major hub like Toronto Union Station or Montreal Central Station, or if you are traveling in Business class with access to the lounge, arriving 60 minutes early is wiser to navigate the larger terminals and enjoy the amenities. For passengers who need to check heavy luggage, the baggage counter usually closes 15 to 30 minutes before departure, so don't cut it too close. Unlike air travel, there is no lengthy security screening, but boarding typically begins 15 to 20 minutes before the train pulls out. If you are traveling on the "Canadian" (the long-haul route between Toronto and Vancouver), arriving at least an hour early is mandatory to handle the complex boarding process and manifest checks associated with multi-day sleeper car travel.