VIA train
 

any experience with the Via trains? We are probably taking it coach class RT Montreal/Quebec City. It sounds like we will need to call in advance to guarantee seats and luggage (10 days worth for 3 people plus baby stroller!).????

I just wanted to check and make sure there aren't any peculiarities like the European ones and end up seatless in a hallway guarding our bags--fine with 2 adults but 3 hours with a 1 yr old---FORGET IT!!!

Also what are the bathrooms like? Is it possible to change a baby in them???

Thanks in advance!
Shannon

Definitely buy tickets ahead of time as they don't just keep selling tickets and let people sit in the aisles.

Once the seats are taken the train is sold out.

Luggage goes in the overhead racks or in areas at the ends of each car.

According to Via Rail, all trains between Montreal and Quebec City now use their new Renaissance cars. I haven't travelled in one of these yet, but for a description, check the website.

http://www.viarail.ca/trains/en_trai_queb_moch.html

Website also good for booking tickets online, discounted fares sell out so the earlier you book the better.

Via is very good. My son took it this morning...Toronto/Montreal. But, as said, book early b/c they do sell out. When are you travelling?
The last time I took the train, the bathrooms were definitely big enough to change a baby. I think they even had a change table ( fold down on the wall). But, call Via or go to their website for more info.

IMHO Via is head and shoulders above Amtrak in all categories. My experience is solely west of the Rockies but has been uniformly good.

VIA has pre-boarding facilities for luggage, just like at an airport. You might want to take advantage of it. I think you just have to be at the station half an hour before departure. Are any of your companions over 65? If so, Via allows one companion of a senior to travel free.

Thank you everyone for your replies! I had searched the Via website extensively but couldn't find good baby info other than they are free sitting in my lap!!

Good to know that it is all assigned seating and that we need advance reservations. We are traveling end of May/1st week June. We are in our early 30's and our 1 yr old.

Im travelling around the same time - montreal to quebec and back on Via Rail! I've heard Via is far better than Amtrak in terms of quality of cars, etc, and in any case, if youre travelling with a kid I find people are usually very cooperative.

One of the best things about taking a VIA train from Montreal is the wide selection of fine transportable food in the food court area of the Montreal railway station.

I used t commute between Montreal and Toronto on the train, and getting food for the trip in Montreal was always great. Going the other way? Well, not very good.

BAK