Comparing Options: A Breakdown of Different Types of VIA Rail Fares for Seniors (2024)

FAQs

What's the difference between economy and economy plus on via rail? ›

Economy Plus Class offers an upgraded experience compared to Economy Class. Passengers in this class benefit from enhanced seating comfort, including additional legroom and wider seats.

Private Prestige Cabin for Two. VIA Canadian Train between Vancouver and Toronto. These private luxury cabins are 50% larger than the standard Sleeper Cabins and include an L-shaped, leather couch by day for sitting as you enjoy the scenery streaming past your oversized window.

Refund (prior to departure)

Escape. Non-refundable. Economy. Partially refundable (fees of 50% of fare or minimum of $20 per segment). Economy Plus.

Bar service. The dome car is also a lounge and a games area. The sleeper car passengers have access to free water, coffee, tea and hot chocolates and small snacks such as fruit or cookies (biscuits).

On average, you can expect Premium Economy tickets to cost approximately 1.5 to 3 times more. The big selling point for premium economy tickets is more space. The seats are, on average, four to twenty centimeters wider than economy class, and the rows are further apart, providing a few centimeters' more legroom.

There is no getting away from it, whilst Premium Economy is not to be compared with a Business Class seat, it is certainly a step-up from Classic Economy. A bit more legroom space and a bit of a wider seat does make for a little more comfort.

Taking comfort to the next level. Private cabin and semi-private berth accommodations. Meals, snacks and beverages included. On board activities for passengers of all ages.

Private Sleeper Cabin for One

These private cabins include a folding chair by day for sitting as you enjoy the scenery streaming past your window. At night, your room attendant pulls the bed out to prepare your room for a restful evening. Cabins include a window with blinds and a private toilet with a sink and mirror.

Economy class

Spread out and let the gentle motion of the train rock you to sleep while you glide through the wilderness. Extra blankets and pillows can be purchased.

In general, Off-Peak hours begin at 09:30 from Monday to Friday in cities and large towns, and at 09:00 everywhere else. If your train is scheduled to depart after this time, you can travel with an Off-Peak ticket. Weekends and bank holidays are Off-Peak all day.

How strict is VIA Rail with luggage? ›

Any baggage weighing more than 23 kg/50 lb will not be allowed on board the Corridor trains. Each passenger is responsible for their own baggage. Please only bring baggage that you can carry and store unassisted (under the seat in front of you, on the overhead shelf or in the towers).

It's best to arrive at the station half an hour before departure for travel within the Corridor, and one hour before departure for long distance trains.

Safety Tips

Stand back: Always stay behind the yellow lines at train stations. Enter or exit a station platform at designated areas. Stay off the tracks: Train tracks, bridges and yards are private property. Never walk, bike, skateboard or run on or along the tracks; it's illegal and dangerous.

Gasoline, petroleum spirits, oil-based paint, lacquer, stains, shellac, oils, wood alcohol, lighter or heating fuels, matches, charcoal briquettes and any other ignitable substance.

Yes! Food and beverages (coffee, alcohol, soft drinks, chips, sandwiches, etc.) are available. Depending on the class of travel you choose food and beverages are either included or available for purchase on board.

Get extra legroom and a seat in front of the Economy sections with Economy Plus^®. Economy Plus is available on all United flights and most United Express^® flights. You can upgrade to an Economy Plus seat at any time from booking to check-in.

For most travelers, the primary value-add is extra legroom, though Economy Plus also features seats near the front of the aircraft. The extra legroom is substantial. Though the exact seat pitch—the distance between you and the row in front of you—varies by aircraft.

Typically, the seats of economy class on VIA Rail Express Trains are arranged two to a row and are comfortable and have enough legroom. Seats are comfortable and reclinable. The train has power outlets, free WiFi, as well as large windows and luggage storage areas, among other amenities.

Economy class

Spread out and let the gentle motion of the train rock you to sleep while you glide through the wilderness. Extra blankets and pillows can be purchased.