City to city
New York to Toronto by train
You can travel direct from New York to Toronto on the Maple Leaf train, a daytime service that takes about 12 to 13 hours to cross the border.
| Train | Approx. time | Runs | Overnight | Change needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maple Leaf | about 12 to 13 hours | Daily in each direction | No | No, direct |
Traveling by train between the United States and Canada offers a relaxed way to cross the border. The route connects two major North American cities without the hassle of airports or highway traffic. Jointly operated by Amtrak and VIA Rail, this service runs daily as of 2026. You will spend the day riding north through New York state before crossing into Ontario for the final stretch. Since this is an international journey, passengers must prepare for border control procedures. Booking early is recommended, and you can read our Amtrak and VIA booking tips to help plan your trip.
Your train options
There is one direct option for this trip, which is the Maple Leaf. This train runs daily in each direction as of 2026. The journey takes about 12 to 13 hours from start to finish. Because the schedule is entirely during the day, there is no overnight travel on this trip, and sleeper cars are not available.
Instead, passengers can choose between Coach class and a Café car for food and drinks. Coach provides comfortable reclining seats with large windows for watching the scenery. Since there is only one direct train, choosing your departure is simple. You just need to decide which day to travel and ensure your travel documents are ready for the border. If you are new to this type of travel, review our guide for your first time on Amtrak.
The journey
The ride from New York to Toronto offers excellent views during daylight hours. Leaving New York, the train runs alongside the Hudson River valley on the way to Albany. After Albany, the route turns west through the Mohawk Valley and follows the Erie Canal corridor toward Buffalo.
There are many stops in between, including Poughkeepsie, Syracuse, Rochester, and two stations in Niagara Falls. The train stops at Niagara Falls in New York before crossing the border to stop at Niagara Falls in Ontario. From there, the final segment travels through the Niagara fruit belt and wine country, skirting the western end of Lake Ontario. Stops in Canada include St. Catharines, Grimsby, Burlington, and Oakville. Depending on the time of year, the final miles into Toronto may happen after dark.
The stations
The trip begins at New York Penn Station and the connected Moynihan Train Hall, which opened in 2021 across Eighth Avenue. Located under Madison Square Garden in Midtown Manhattan, this is the busiest Amtrak station in the country. It connects with subway lines, NJ Transit, and Long Island Rail Road trains. Note that Grand Central Terminal is a separate station for Metro-North commuter trains.
The train arrives at Toronto Union Station, Canada's busiest transport hub. Opened in 1927, the station connects with the TTC subway, GO Transit trains, and the UP Express to Pearson airport. It is served by VIA Corridor trains, the Canadian, and Amtrak's Maple Leaf.
Tips
- Read our guide on crossing the US and Canada border by train to understand customs procedures.
- Bring your passport and any required visas for entry into Canada.
- Pack snacks or meals if you prefer more variety than the Café car offers.
- Arrive at Moynihan Train Hall early to navigate the busy station complex.
Questions travellers ask
Do I need to change trains between New York and Toronto?
No, every train listed is direct. The Maple Leaf travels the entire route from New York to Toronto without requiring passengers to switch trains. Amtrak and VIA Rail jointly operate the service, so you can stay in your seat for the whole trip.
Are there sleeper cars on the train to Toronto?
No, there is no overnight travel on this trip. The Maple Leaf operates as a daytime train and only offers Coach seating and a Café car. If you want to sleep, you will have to rest in your reclining Coach seat.