This article is a travel topic.

Although trains are not nearly as ubiquitous and convenient a mode of travel in North America as in Europe, they remain popular with some travelers because of the spacious design of the cars, the scenic routes, and the overall comfort of the train ride. Some people prefer to take trains because they do not require long waits at security like at airports, or because they are uncomfortable with flying. Train rides in Canada often take longer than car rides and plane rides, but the unique experience can trump the long ride.

All trains will have coach seats. For longer rides many trains have sleeper rooms. The price of these rooms depends on the quality - whether or not there is a sink, or a private shower/toilet. You will pay a supplement for this in addition to the regular fare.

Peak periods

The peak periods for most rail companies in North America is somewhere between March/April to September, however, you should check with the rail company. In the off peak season prices drop significantly on most carriers.

Tickets and Passes

Different passes are available. There is the North American rail pass which is good for unlimited travel in a month, and travel within both the USA and Canada is typically required. Foreigners may be able to get better deals.

Passes

• North America Rail Pass [1] (AMTRAK) [2] (VIA Rail) allows for unlimited travel within a 30 consecutive day period. The pass allows for travel on most of VIA Rail and Amtrak's 45,000 kilometer (28,000 miles) rail network. The pass costs $709 in the off-peak season and $999 in the peak season.

The pass does have some restrictions:

1. You must embark on at least one trip between the U.S. and Canada.
2. You must also travel on both an Amtrak train and a VIA Rail train.
3. Your last trip must end by midnight on the last night the pass is valid.
4. You may only use four one way passes on any one particular leg.

• Canrailpass [3] Valid on any train and route that VIA Rail operates and allows the holder one seat in "Comfort class." The pass allows passengers 12 days of unlimited travel within a 30 day period.

Discounts

Passengers may be able to get discounts by checking websites, having an AAA or CAA membership, being a veteran, being a senior citizen, or have a student ID.

Look out for the rail sale section of the website. You can snag $70 one way coach fares between Chicago and the West Coast. You may get a sleeper with these fares, upon paying the supplement, if they are available.

Effective April 1, 2005 to obtain a discount on Amtrak trains passengers must reserve three days in advance on all trains.

• AAA
• Student Advantage
• ISIC is the only accepted form of student ID for VIA Rail and usually brings a 35% discount. However, those 17 and under need only have proof of age to qualify.

Passenger rail companies

• VIA Rail Canada [4]
• American Orient Express [5] American Orient Express is a private company that operates luxury trains. Single person sleepers and suites are the only accommodation options passengers have to choose from. The company offers several themed rail rides. Many of the routes are offered once or twice a year.
• Rocky Mountaineer Vacations [6] This company is privately owned and operates most of its routes in Southwestern Canada. The company's GoldLeaf Service - Vancouver to Banff won the title of “World’s Leading Travel Experience by Train” at the 2005 World Travel Awards.

Routes/Lines

VIA Rail Canada

• Canadian, [7]. Runs from Toronto to Vancouver via Winnipeg, Edmonton, and Jasper. The complete route takes three days. Price is around $550 without discounts.

• Enterprise, [8]. An overnight train that runs from Toronto and Montreal. This train uses Renaissance Cars, which look spacious and comfortable that the famous Eurostar train that stops at London/Paris/Brussels could not use on the routes because of a change in plans. The Enterprise always leaves at 11:30 p.m. and arrives 8:00 a.m. (Montreal) or 8:20 (Toronto).

• The Skeena, [9]. The Skeena runs from Jasper National Park to Prince Rupert. From Prince Rupert one can take ferries to Alaska or Queen Charlotte islands.

• Toronto-Kingston-Ottawa train, [10]. Takes passengers from Toronto to Ottawa, Canada's capital city. This route operates 25 departures in either direction weekly.

• The Hudson Bay, [11]. Takes travelers from Winnipeg to Churchill via The Pas, Pukatawagan* (This destination is off route and the details as to availability are limited), Thompson, and Chruchill in the Canadian providence of Manitoba.

Special stops

VIA Rail offers the interesting option of requesting a special stop as long as passengers purchase their tickets 48 hours in advance, at which time they must indicate where they would like to get off. The option is available on several routes. Please consult the link [12].

American Orient Express

The American Orient Express offers 9 routes, and several theme rail trips. Several of the American Orient Express' routes are listed below.

The trains are designed to be a luxury. Each rider gets a bedroom therefore the prices for tickets is higher than most passenger trains.

• Grand Trans-Canada Rail Journey, [13]. Departs from Vancouver and arrives in Montreal via Jasper National Park, Saskatoon, Winnipeg, and Toronto. The route takes 8 days.