Cheap train tickets from Montreal to Edmonton
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Trip Summary
You can pick from 2 daily train trips between Montreal and Edmonton. The average train journey from Montreal to Edmonton takes 70 hours, but some VIA Rail Canada train trips are as short as 67 hours and 47 minutes.
| Distance | 1848 mi (2974 km) |
| Fastest train | 68h 0m |
| Lowest price | $489.70 |
| Most frequent service | VIA Rail Canada |
| Train lines | 1 |
Which train should you take from Montreal to Edmonton?
VIA Rail Canada is the one and only train line which connects Montreal to Edmonton. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| VIA Rail Canada | 2 | 2d 21h 35m | $538.47 |
VIA Rail, also known as Via Rail Canada or simply VIA, provides service across the Canadian provinces and territories, including 2 daily trips between Montreal and Edmonton. In addition to being completely green-certified, VIA Rail’s new, state-of-the-art trains feature amenities such as free reliable Wi-Fi, wide aisles, ergonomic seats, and wheelchair lifts in every accessible car. VIA Rail is known for its unparalleled customer service and snazzy black and yellow paint scheme.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Montreal to Edmonton
The distance between Montreal and Edmonton is approximately 1848 miles, or 2974 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 70 hours, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 67 hours and 47 minutes.
Looking for ways to pass the time? Most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, which means you can stream music, browse social media or get some work done during your ride. That said, in case your train has a spotty signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and movies to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.
Trains from Montreal to Edmonton are the most crowded on Sunday. Tickets also tend to be more expensive then. If you are looking for a great deal on your train tickets or just want extra room to stretch out, consider traveling on Friday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
The earliest train departs Montreal at 11:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 2:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
Trains leave the station in Montreal twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. However, there are no direct trains. This means that you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train at some point during your journey. You will need to remember to bring your carry-on luggage with you when you change trains. Depending on the carrier's policy, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Edmonton to Montreal.
City Information
Montreal
Effortlessly blending quaint old buildings with the high-rises of the 21st century, Montreal is an exciting destination for adventure-seekers as well as introverted travelers. We even propose Montreal as a fantastic bachelorette party destination to consider. At the beating heart of this modern city is the quarter of Old Montreal, where you can find horse-drawn carriages and cobblestone streets. As you meander through the area, don’t miss out on the chance to marvel at the architectural genius of the Basilique Notre-Dame de Montréal, which is one of the most iconic structures of the city. For those who wish to stay close to nature, the gigantic Parc du Mont-Royal will satisfy all your needs. In the warmer months of the year, you can rent a boat and row on Lac des Castors, which offers amazing views.
Montreal is heaven for fans of French cuisine. The top-rated traditional French restaurants converge in the Old Montreal quarter, and some local favorite names include Toque, LOV, Crew Collective & Cafe. For those looking for Canadian specialties, head over to Schwartz’s.
The principal rail station for Montreal is the Central Station, which is served by both VIA Rail and Amtrak. If you are traveling by bus, head to the Montreal Coach Terminal (aka Gare d'autocars de Montréal) from where you can catch buses operated by Greyhound and several other carriers. The city’s main airport is the Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport, which is located in the nearby city of Dorval.
Edmonton
An urban center coexisting peacefully with nature, Edmonton offers plenty of exciting outdoor activities that will keep you engaged. One of the city’s most notable trails is the North Saskatchewan River Trail, which features 150 km of trails. Adventure-seekers can explore the trail on bikes or on foot, and the scenery will certainly amaze you. If you wish to explore the city’s art scene or cultural life, head over to Downtown Spark, which is an immersive art program made by local artists. For those who just want to lay back and enjoy the sun, the perfect spot would be Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park.
If you are looking for a unique pub experience, head over to Central Social Hall, which offers amazing local dishes. For those who are simply looking for a cup of coffee, Nook Cafe considers itself to be the coziest hangout spot around.
The city’s primary railway station is the Edmonton Train Station, which is served by VIA Rail. The city’s principal airport is the Edmonton International Airport, which is located 14 miles south-southwest of the city.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Montreal?
Image credit: Sandra Cohen-Rose and Colin Rose
Link to image attributionMain departure station: Gare Centrale
Established in 1943, the Gare Centrale is one of the most important intercity rail stations in Montreal, offering high-speed rail services to as many as 11 million customers per year. The station is the centerpiece of the Québec City-Windsor corridor, the busiest intercity rail service area in the country. The city's train services are operated by VIA Rail and Amtrak, with several destinations including Toronto and Windsor. The station is large and well-appointed, containing two parking facilities and a shopping and restaurant complex. Other amenities include bicycle facilities and disabled access.
All train stations in Montreal:
Gare Centrale
Where is the train station in Edmonton?
Image credit: 117Avenue
Link to image attributionMain arrival station: Edmonton VIA Station
The Edmonton VIA Rail Station is the center of intercity rail travel in Edmonton. Located 5.5 kilometers northwest of downtown Edmonton, the station first opened in 1998. Due to its unique location, trains have to reverse into or out of the station. It is served by only one VIA Rail line: the Canadian line, which runs across the entire country, from Toronto to Vancouver. The nearest hotels are available just one kilometer away from the station.
Train stations in Edmonton:
Edmonton VIA Station
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