Imagine reaching Canada from NYC–no plane ticket, no driver’s license, and barely any hassle. Sounds too good to be true? It isn’t. There’s a scenic Amtrak journey that whisks travelers straight from New York City to Montreal, and the best part is the fare: it starts at just $72.
Sure, the ride is lengthy–expect more than 10 hours onboard–but many riders say the sweeping landscapes make every minute worthwhile. Think of it as a day-long adventure where the views are the highlight.
This route is Amtrak’s Adirondack line, which winds north from NYC through the Hudson Valley’s vineyard-covered hills before crossing the border into Montreal, one of the ultimate winter getaways. Whether you’re planning a cold-weather escape or holding out for warmer days, the trip opens the door to all of Montreal’s year-round fun.
Stretching roughly 381 miles, the Adirondack is often praised as one of the most picturesque train rides in North America.
You’ll roll out of Moynihan Train Hall in the morning and settle into Montreal by evening. Along the way, the train pauses at Yonkers, Croton-Harmon, Poughkeepsie, Rhinecliff, Hudson, Albany-Rensselaer, Schenectady, Saratoga Springs, and several additional stations.
Onboard, amenities differ by train, but passengers can count on wide, comfortable seats, complimentary WiFi, and an onboard café. Because this is an international route, riders will need to bring passports and complete the necessary customs checks en route. Amtrak describes the experience like this:
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. 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.
Tickets are currently available, and travelers can find more details or book seats directly through Amtrak. And if Montreal is your final stop, don’t miss the enchanting snow-covered pine forest where you can ice skate beneath the trees and even interact with exotic animals along the trail.
