Grab Your Passport: International Adirondack Trains Steaming Back

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — For the first time since the earliest days of the pandemic, regular international trains to Montreal will be making stops at Hudson Valley train stations, including Yonkers, Croton-on-Hudson, Poughkeepsie and Albany.

Tickets are now available for travel from all stops between New York City and Montreal starting in April.

Through agreements with VIA Rail Canada, the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) and other federal regulators, Amtrak announced that train service between New York City and Montreal via the Adirondack line will resume beginning on April 3.

"I am so pleased to celebrate the return of Amtrak’s Adirondack service connecting New York City and Montreal via Albany and the North Country," Sen. Chuck Schumer said in a statement. "For three years, this vital link connecting New York and Canada has been suspended as a pandemic measure. But beginning April 3rd, New York will again be all aboard the Adirondack."

The first northbound Adirondack train will depart Moynihan Train Hall at New York Penn Station at 8:41 a.m. on Monday, April 3 and arrive in Canada’s Gare Centrale/Central Station in Montreal at 8:16 p.m. for the first time since 2020. The first southbound Adirondack train since 2020 will depart Montreal at 11:10 a.m. on Tuesday, April 4, and arrive at Penn Station at 10:15 p.m.

"Whether you’re experiencing the greatness of New York City, the culture of Montreal or the beauty of the Hudson Valley and Lake Champlain region, the return of the Adirondack provides customers with a reliable, relaxing and sustainable way to travel," Amtrak President Roger Harris said announcing the return of the once popular service. "Thanks to the strong support and advocacy of Senators Schumer and Gillibrand, Congresswoman Stefanik and our partners at NYSDOT, VIA Rail and the Federal Railroad Administration, we’re proud to restore service to one of the most popular trains in the Northeast."

Last year, Amtrak restored Maple Leaf Service connecting the Hudson Valley to Toronto, but reaching an agreement to resume the Adirondack service proved trickier even as pandemic fears waned.

"The Adirondack line’s years-long closure has been economically harmful to many of the communities along its route," said Senator Gillibrand. "I urged Amtrak to reopen the line for months and I’m proud to be announcing that it will be resuming service ahead of the busy summer tourist season. This is an important development and I will keep fighting to provide the North Country with the resources and services it needs to thrive."

According to Amtrak, New York State and Montreal travelers can expect the same amenities onboard on the Adirondack trains that they enjoy on most Amtrak trains, including free Wi-Fi, the freedom to use phones and electronic devices at all times (no "airplane mode"), the ability to travel with small pets within the US, a café car, large spacious seats with ample leg room and, best of all, no middle seat.

Tickets are now available via Amtrak.com, the Amtrak app, Amtrak ticket desks and kiosks, and through 1-800-USA-RAIL. Travelers departing from Canada can also book their tickets at ViaRail.ca, and through 1-888-VIA-RAIL.

In addition to the standard entry documentation requirements, the Canadian and United States governments have several additional requirements customers must follow for entry into Canada and the United States.