I live outside NYC and want to see Montreal. After starting a search for flights and deals, a friend suggested I take the train. The major drawback I see is the time the trip takes: approx. 10 hrs as opposed to a 2 hour flight. I am told that the scenery on the train is lovely and the price is attractive. So, has anyone done this? If so, what did you think and would you do it again?

I have taken that train a number of times. The scenery is indeed lovely, both between Albany & New York City and between Saratoga Springs & Plattsburgh.

Crossing the border can sometimes be very long, especially if you're travelling at a busy time of year. Customs agents board the train and you can't leave the border until everyone's ID is checked.

The price is good and I always enjoy the scenery. It's worth it to me but then again I enjoy trains in general and find ways to while away the time. You'll need to have steely patience to accept the flaws of the ride (train goes slowly in Quebec, particularly approaching Montreal, delays can happen and the border can seem interminable). I'd recommend bringing your own food if you go. It's definitely not for everybody; if you just want to get to Montreal quickly or know yourself to get impatient easily, flying is how you'll want to do it.

have you check the bus??? I think it's cheaper then the train.... but less confortable.

Thank you, Daniel. I will have to think about it. Flying is certainly faster. I will have to figure my budget to see if it's worth it. I can probably only spend 3 or 4 days in Montreal, so time is also a factor.

My brother took that train once, also on advice of a friend, and he has yet to forgive her.

He described the entire 27 hour journey as a trip from hell. Boring scenery, consisting mostly of industrial backlogs and ugly small towns. In some cased the children on bicycles were going faster that the train.

The wait to clear customs and immigrations was about two hours each way, sitting in a middle of some corn field in Quebec.

The two hour flight, when you add time to get to the airport, clear security and get out of the airport, adds up to about seven hours.

Driving, it takes me about 6 hours from Montreal to the Tappan Zee Bridge.

Mark

Hi

We usually drive-Montreal-NYC-roundtrip about 5 1/2 - 6 hours

Take the bus!!!

R/T 5 1/2 hours? What?? How fast do you drive?