Forget sitting in highway traffic or fighting your way through JFK. Amtrak’s Adirondack train lets you leave Manhattan in the morning and travel north through the Hudson Valley, past the changing landscapes of upstate New York, and along Lake Champlain before arriving in Montreal by evening–all for just $72.
And honestly, fall might be one of the best times to take the trip.
As autumn colors spread across the Hudson Valley and Adirondacks, the roughly 381-mile journey becomes a front-row seat to New York’s fall scenery, all from the comfort of a train window. The journey takes about 12 hours, so this isn’t exactly a quick hop across the border. But when the alternative is a full day of driving, traffic, gas, and tolls, there’s something pretty appealing about letting someone else do the work.
It’s basically a fall road trip without the road trip—and it’s often praised as one of the most picturesque train rides in North America!
The 381-mile Amtrak ride takes you from NYC to Canada
The Adirondack currently departs Moynihan Train Hall at 8:15 am and arrives at Montreal’s Gare Centrale at 8:16 pm, according to Amtrak’s current timetable. That’s a 12-hour, 1-minute journey through some of upstate New York’s most scenic regions.
Along the way, the train makes stops throughout the Hudson Valley and upstate New York, including Poughkeepsie, Rhinecliff, Hudson, Schenectady, Saratoga Springs, Plattsburgh, Rouses Point, St-Lambert, Quebec, and more before reaching Montreal.
So if you board in Manhattan in the morning, you can spend the day watching the landscape change outside your window before stepping off the train in Canada that evening.
And unlike a traditional road trip, you don’t have to keep your eyes on the road.
The return Adirondack departs Montreal at 11:10 am and arrives back at Moynihan Train Hall at 10:15 pm, taking 11 hours and 5 minutes.
That makes the route particularly easy to plan as a long weekend from NYC: spend the day traveling north, stay a couple of nights in Montreal, then take the train back south.
Why fall is a particularly pretty time to take the Adirondack
The Adirondack is a scenic ride any time of year, but fall gives you a particularly good reason to spend 12 hours on a train.
The route cuts through the Hudson Valley and upstate New York before reaching Lake Champlain, so you get to watch the landscape shift as you travel north.
Instead of planning a foliage road trip around traffic, parking, and winding country roads, you can simply grab a window seat and let the scenery come to you.
And because the northbound train leaves NYC in the morning, you’ll have daylight for much of the trip—perfect for settling into your seat and watching the scenery go by.
What’s the Amtrak Adirondack like?
The Adirondack offers coach seating, Wi-Fi, and an onboard café, so you can settle in for the long ride without having to pack a car full of snacks and entertainment.
The train also gives you considerably more freedom to move around than a car does. You can get up, stretch your legs, grab something from the café, or simply spend the day watching the scenery outside.
Because this is an international train route, you’ll also need the appropriate travel documents to enter Canada and will go through the necessary customs process as part of the journey.
Before you leave, make sure your passport and other required travel documents are in order.
What to do in Montreal
After spending the day traveling north, you’ll arrive in Montreal, where you can swap New York’s concrete jungle for cobblestone streets, cafés, restaurants, boutiques, and the city’s distinct architecture.
And there’s plenty to do once you arrive.
Fall is a particularly fun time to spend an afternoon wandering through Old Montreal, heading up Mount Royal, exploring the city’s food scene, or simply spending a few days soaking up the distinctly European-feeling atmosphere before hopping back on the train to NYC.
How to Book Your Trip
Fares start around $72 one way, although prices vary depending on your travel date, availability, and when you book. So while you may see the $72 fare, don’t assume every departure will cost the same. Check your specific dates before booking.
Check Amtrak for current fares and schedules before booking, since ticket prices and train schedules can change.
🚨 Secret NYC Pro Tip: If you’re flexible with your travel dates, it’s worth checking a few different departures to see where the lowest fares are available.