Exploring the NYC to Montreal Train Journey: A Comprehensive Guide

Embarking on a train journey from New York City (NYC) to Montreal is a fascinating experience that offers a unique blend of historical charm, scenic beauty, and comfortable travel. Whether you're traveling through the heart of the Northeast region, or simply seeking a memorable and relaxing way to make the journey, this comprehensive guide will provide you with all the information you need to plan your trip.

Understanding the Journey: From NYC to Montreal

The journey from NYC to Montreal is a long and arduous one, but it stops at every small town and hamlet along the way, giving you a chance to explore these charming cities and towns. There are way stations and you'll need to refill water every few hours to prevent overheating, but this process can take up to 35 minutes. During this time, you have plenty of opportunities to explore the main streets of eastern New York state.

Train Schedules and Stops

The journey takes just under 11 hours each way. The northbound train, Amtrak 69, departs from New York Penn at 08:15 each day and is scheduled to arrive in Montreal at 19:11. On the opposite direction, the southbound train, Amtrak 68, leaves at 10:20 and arrives in New York Penn at 20:50.

There are two extended stops en-route: one at the U.S.-Canada border in Rouses Point, which takes approximately one hour for customs and immigration checks, and another in Albany–Rensselaer for a crew change, which lasts about 25-30 minutes.

Personal Experiences and Tips from Travelers

A trip three years ago in Manhattan is a memorable one. I missed The Adirondack, the famous Wikitrain to Montreal, and it was a bit disappointing. However, taking the bus seemed like a faster option, but starting late and searching for the bar where my friends were drinking led to a longer and more hectic arrival.

The next time I returned with those twenty friends and colleagues, the journey was slightly over ten hours, including an hour at the border and over half an hour in Albany. The train trip was much more pleasant than the bus for several reasons. The wider seats, smoother ride, and better scenery made the journey a joy. Additionally, I had the opportunity to sit and chat with almost half of the delightful Wikipedians aboard. Sharing food, watching who sat longest with whom, and noticing the chemical connections among some friendly pairs were all significant parts of the journey. Interestingly, I discovered later that the young man and woman I thought looked particularly sweet together were both gay. I had spent a few hours talking with each of them earlier in the year, but we often don't know everything about our friends right away.

For a trip 30 years ago, it took about 12 hours. During this journey, one could witness stunning views out the train window, yet there were also segments of the trip where the train would sit idle or move extremely slowly, sometimes taking a long time before resuming its speed.

Conclusion

The journey from NYC to Montreal by train is an adventure worth experiencing. With its scenic beauty, historical charm, and relaxed pace, it allows you to take in the journey's many sights and sounds at your own leisure. Whether you're traveling for business or pleasure, this route offers a unique and memorable way to connect with the region and its rich cultural heritage.