City to city
New York to Montreal by Train
You can travel directly from New York to Montreal on the Amtrak Adirondack train, a daytime journey that takes about 10 hours 30 minutes to 11 hours.
| Train | Approx. time | Runs | Overnight | Change needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adirondack | about 10 hours 30 minutes to 11 hours | Daily in each direction | No | No, direct |
Traveling by train between New York and Montreal offers a comfortable alternative to flying or driving. The route connects two major North American cities while passing through river valleys and mountain landscapes. Service on this route resumed in 2023 following a pandemic suspension and is operating daily as of 2026. Passengers cross the international border by rail, making this a unique journey. The direct service means you can sit back and enjoy the ride without worrying about connections.
Your train options
The only train on this route is the Adirondack, an Amtrak service that runs daily in each direction as of 2026. Because there is no change needed, every train listed is direct. The approximate journey time is about 10 hours 30 minutes to 11 hours. This is a daytime train, so there is no overnight travel on this trip. Passengers can choose between standard Coach seating and Business Class, when offered. Both classes provide comfortable seats with plenty of legroom. A Café car is available for all passengers to purchase snacks and drinks during the trip. Since the Adirondack is the sole option, choosing your train is simply a matter of picking your preferred travel date. For more details on making a reservation, you can review our Amtrak and VIA booking tips.
The journey
The route between New York and Montreal is highly regarded for its scenery, which you will see during daylight hours since this is not an overnight trip. Leaving New York, the train travels north to Albany along the Hudson River valley. After passing through stops like Poughkeepsie, Rhinecliff, and Saratoga Springs, the train reaches Whitehall. From Whitehall to Plattsburgh, the tracks follow the western shore of Lake Champlain. Here, the railway navigates ledges cut into the cliffs above the water, with the Adirondack Mountains visible on the other side. The final stretch from Rouses Point to Montreal includes the border crossing and continues through the flat farmland south of Montreal. Other notable stops in between include Croton-on-Hudson, Hudson, Schenectady, Fort Edward, Ticonderoga, Port Henry, and Westport.
The stations
In New York, Amtrak uses Penn Station and the connected Moynihan Train Hall, which opened in 2021 across Eighth Avenue. Located under Madison Square Garden in Midtown Manhattan, it is the busiest Amtrak station in the country and connects with subway lines, NJ Transit, and the Long Island Rail Road. Grand Central Terminal is a separate station for Metro-North commuter trains. In Montreal, trains arrive at Gare Centrale, located downtown under the Queen Elizabeth hotel. It connects to the Metro at Bonaventure and the REM light rail. Gare Centrale is also served by VIA Corridor trains, the Ocean, and regional trains to Jonquière and Senneterre.
Tips
- Read our guide on crossing the US and Canada border by train to prepare your travel documents.
- Bring your own snacks and water in case the Café car lines are long.
- Check the current timetable before you travel as border crossing times can vary.
- If this is your first trip, our first time on Amtrak guide has helpful advice.
Questions travellers ask
Do I need to change trains between New York and Montreal?
No, you do not need to change trains. The Amtrak Adirondack provides direct service between New York and Montreal. You will stay on the same train for the entire journey, which takes about 10 hours 30 minutes to 11 hours.
Are there sleeper cars on the train to Montreal?
No, there are no sleeper cars on this route. The Adirondack is a daytime train, so there is no overnight travel on this trip. Passengers travel in standard Coach or Business Class.