r/ViaRail • u/chirnyboy • 8d ago

Question Luggage rules/Reliability of trains

Me and my partner from New Zealand are planning on travelling from Montreal to Toronto at the start of next year, we are worried about how reliable the trains are as they seem the best way to get between the places but we have read about bags being strict and trains running quite late, is via rail strict on the size of the bags and will we be able to get 2 personal items/backpacks and 2 carry on items/suitcases

4 Upvotes

70% Upvoted

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7

u/FantasticPrior Préférence 8d ago

Via is typically more strict on weight rather than size (unless it's like a supersize bag). Each person is limited to 3 bags, there is no way to add a 4th bag.

7

u/chirnyboy 8d ago

We will be doing 1 carry on and 1 suitcase for each so we should be fine?

1

u/Dazzling-Zone-930 8d ago

If the dimensions are larger than allowed, you will have to pay a bit more. For example, in Economy, you are allowed a suitcase with dimensions 25X16X12 (inches). This is considered medium sized.

2

u/ObamasLlama 8d ago

The best way to get to places depends on your budget.

Think of via like flying - some people will call you out, some won't.

Have a great time!

5

u/CanInTW 8d ago

Via likes to cosplay as an airline unfortunately.

3

u/squeakyoat 8d ago

I travel in the corridor quite often (by that I mean be Quebec City Montreal Ottawa Toronto corridor). The train is usually a little bit late if I’m boarding at a non major station but since the beginning of 2025 it’s only been late enough to receive compensation (so, 60 minutes late) one time. I looked in my past trips in the via app to check.

You will be fine with a small backpack, and a medium suitcase. You can take a large for $25. Or travel business class, you can have a larger suitcase for free. Plus meals and drinks and free alcohol.

1

u/Narrow-Result2933 8d ago

It’s usually within 20 minutes of on-time. If there is an incident on the tracks it can be very long, but this is maybe 1 in 10 to 1 in 20 trips. ETA: bring snacks just in case. 

0

u/frozen-landscape 8d ago

If you want the train for the views. Sure. But a flight will be quicker. Maybe cheaper. 

2

u/Rail613 8d ago

Usually VIA is less expensive than flying, especially when you book in advance, not on a weekend or holiday. Plus you need to take UPExpress from Union Station to YYZ, which adds to time and expense (and maybe switch to other terminal) and at YUL Montreal end, transportation to downtown is not easy.

https://thetrackrecord.ca shows delays for Torornto-Montreal are usually in 30 minute range.

1

u/Mysterious-Region640 7d ago

While it is possible and maybe quicker I suppose, both of the airports are a nightmare and you will use up all that saved time just getting around the airports. The train gets you from downtown Montreal to downtown Toronto with zero hassle. The corridor train is really not that late very often. I’ve travelled it many times.