- This spring, I took Amtrak’s Adirondack train for a weekend trip from New York City to Montreal.
- My trip lasted three days, with only one day in the city and two days on the train.
- For my next weekend trip to Canada, I will choose to fly to allow for more exploration time.
Earlier this year, I embarked on a unique adventure, traveling from New York City to Montreal on Amtrak’s Adirondack train. The 12-hour journey took me through the picturesque Hudson Valley and into Canada. The route had recently reopened after a temporary closure in 2020, and I was excited to experience it for myself.
Timing played a crucial role in my trip. Shortly after its reopening in April, the Adirondack line had to halt operations again due to Canadian regulations concerning high temperatures. However, an Amtrak representative confirmed that the train is now back in service as of September 11, and this time, it’s expected to continue running without interruptions. Despite this, I personally don’t plan on taking the train for future trips to Canada.
The train journey was too long for a weekend getaway
My weekend getaway only lasted three days, with the majority of it spent on the train. I had just one precious day to explore Montreal, as the remaining time was devoted to travel. By the time I arrived at Montreal’s Gare Central at 8 p.m., much of the historic Old Montreal neighborhood where I stayed had already closed for the day. Although a few restaurants remained open, the main attractions were inaccessible. Fatigued from the long train journey, I had dinner and dessert before retiring to my accommodations, knowing that I had limited time for exploration.
The next morning arrived quickly, and it was time to head back to the train station. I had spent less than 36 hours in Montreal and felt like I had just scratched the surface. At that moment, I regretted not opting for a flight instead.
Even though it was cheaper, I’ll choose a flight next time
The cost of my train ride was $140, making it approximately $100 cheaper than a flight, depending on the booking time. A quick search on Google flights revealed that tickets from New York City to Montreal typically start around $236. Despite this cost advantage and my personal enjoyment of train rides (I once spent 57 hours on a cross-country journey during the winter), I do not believe the Adirondack train was worth it for my weekend trip. Arriving in Montreal late and leaving early limited my time for exploration.
If I had flown, arriving early on the first day and departing late on the last day, I could have maximized my visit with three full days at my disposal. Therefore, the next time I plan a weekend trip to Canada, I will prioritize flying, even if it means paying a slightly higher price. The additional time on the ground will make it a more fulfilling experience.
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