Amtrak Resumed Adirondack Service

USPA NEWS - For generations, VIA Rail Canada has operated Ocean 14/15 service between Halifax, Nova Scotia and Montreal, Quebec. This journey covers 1,346 km one way with a travel time of approximately 22 hours. Currently, the Ocean does 3 trips per week in each direction departing both Halifax and Montreal on Sunday, Wednesday and Friday. The Ocean's route provides service to the following communities; Halifax, Truro, Amherst, Moncton, Miramichi, Bathurst, Campbellton, Matapedia, Mont-Joli, Rimouski, Rivière-du-Loup, Sainte Foy and Montreal. It should be noted, over the years the train's frequency and route have varied. In Montreal, passengers are able to make connections with other trains for many destinations throughout Canada, but now there is an exciting new option with the resumption of the Amtrak Adirondack service between Montreal and New York City starting April 3rd, 2023.

In a joint media release VIA Rail Canada and Amtrak had this to say, “The return of the Adirondack promotes one of many rail initiatives benefiting and connecting American and Canadian travelers and residents,” said Amtrak President Roger Harris. “We are proud to partner with NYSDOT and VIA Rail and thank Senators Schumer and Gillibrand, and Congresswoman Stefanik for championing the Adirondack’s return, as well as their shared commitment with Amtrak to bring more trains to more places and more people as we enter a new era of rail.”

The media release went on to say, VIA Rail is excited to collaborate with AMTRAK to offer the return of this popular service for our customers on both sides of the border,” said Rita Toporowski, VIA Rail’s Chief Customer Officer. “The return of the Adirondack for the first time since 2020 is another indication that Canadians and Americans are excited to travel again, and increasingly choosing to do so by train. We welcome our customers back and are happy to provide them connections through Montreal to all our VIA Rail trains serving Canadian communities from coast to coast.” “The cultural riches and natural beauty along the Adirondack train route amount to an experience that is unlike anything else in the world, and it highlights the importance of this service – making it easy and fun for travelers to be able to enjoy the unique treasures of the Empire State,” said New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez. “We are pleased to work with our partners at Amtrak on the reopening of this vital connection between New York City and Montreal, and commend them for their ongoing commitment to providing reliable, safe passenger rail service to the beautiful destinations across New York State and beyond.”

The Amtrak southbound Adirondack trains will depart Montreal's Gare/Central Station at 11:10 am and arriving at Penn Station in New York City at 10:15 pm while the Northbound Adirondack trains with depart Moynihan Train Hall at New York Penn Station at 8:41 am and arriving at Gare/Central Station in Montreal at 8:16 pm. Both timetables allow for passengers to experience all of the incredible scenic views. The resumption of the Adirondack offers New Yorker's the opportunity to easily access Eastern Canada, which includes the world class hospitality of the Maritime provinces along with destinations throughout the breathtaking West Coast. The service also allows easy access for Canadians to explore New York State by rail and to experience the excitement of the Big Apple. For more information visit www.amtrak.com or www.viarail.com