Looking to explore the vibrant culture of Montreal from the historic streets of Boston? Traveling by Amtrak from Boston to Montreal offers a scenic and comfortable alternative to flying or driving. Whether you’re planning a leisurely vacation or a cross-border business trip, here’s everything you need to know about the Amtrak Boston to Montreal schedule, route, cost, and more.
Amtrak Boston to Montreal Overview
The Amtrak from Boston to Montreal is operated by the Vermonter train service. This route takes passengers through picturesque New England landscapes, including the beautiful Green Mountains and Connecticut River Valley.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Train Service | Amtrak Vermonter (Route #55) |
| Departure Station | Boston South Station (BOS) or Back Bay Station (BBY) |
| Arrival Station | Montreal Central Station (MTR) |
| Travel Time | 10–11 hours (including border checks) |
| Frequency | 1 daily departure (each direction) |
| Boston → Montreal | Departs 8:50 AM, Arrives 7:45 PM (ET) |
| Montreal → Boston | Departs 10:30 AM,Arrives 8:40 PM (ET) |
| Major Stops | Springfield (MA), Brattleboro (VT), White River Junction (VT), St. Albans (VT) |
| Ticket Cost (One Way) | $50–$100 (Coach) / $100–$150 (Business Class) |
| Border Requirements | Valid passport or enhanced ID (check U.S./Canada entry rules) |
| Amenities | Free Wi-Fi (limited), power outlets, café car, scenic views |
| Official Website | https://www.amtrak.com/home.html |
Routes of Amtrak Boston to Montreal
There is no direct Amtrak train from Boston to Montreal, the journey is made possible through a transfer at Albany-Rensselaer, NY. The route combines two Amtrak services:
| Station Name | City/State | Code | Miles from BOS | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Platform | Connections |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boston South Station | Boston, MA | BOS | 0 | 8:50 AM (D) | – | 1-12 | MBTA, Bus |
| Back Bay Station | Boston, MA | BBY | 2 | 9:00 AM | 8:55 AM | 1-4 | MBTA Orange Line |
| Worcester Union Station | Worcester, MA | WOR | 44 | 10:20 AM | 10:15 AM | 1-3 | MBTA Commuter Rail |
| Springfield Union Station | Springfield, MA | SPG | 90 | 11:35 AM | 11:25 AM | 1-5 | CTrail, Peter Pan Bus |
| Brattleboro Station | Brattleboro, VT | BRA | 135 | 12:45 PM | 12:40 PM | 1 | – |
| White River Junction | White River Jct., VT | WRJ | 172 | 1:40 PM | 1:35 PM | 1 | Amtrak Thruway Buses |
| St. Albans Station | St. Albans, VT | SAB | 225 | 3:25 PM | 3:20 PM | 1 | – |
| Montreal Central Station | Montreal, QC | MTR | 260 | – | 7:45 PM (A) | 1-10 | STM Metro |
Amtrak Boston to Montreal Schedule
This route offers a scenic and comfortable alternative to flying, with onboard amenities and stunning views of New England and upstate New York.
Northbound Schedule (Train #55 – Boston → Montreal)
| Station | Code | Departure | Arrival | Travel Time from BOS | Platform |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boston South Station | BOS | 8:50 AM | – | – | 1-12 |
| Back Bay Station | BBY | 9:00 AM | 8:55 AM | 10 min | 1-4 |
| Worcester Union Station | WOR | 10:20 AM | 10:15 AM | 1h 25m | 1-3 |
| Springfield Union Station | SPG | 11:35 AM | 11:25 AM | 2h 35m | 1-5 |
| Brattleboro Station | BRA | 12:45 PM | 12:40 PM | 3h 50m | 1 |
| White River Junction | WRJ | 1:40 PM | 1:35 PM | 4h 45m | 1 |
| St. Albans Station | SAB | 3:25 PM | 3:20 PM | 6h 30m | 1 |
| Montreal Central Station | MTR | – | 7:45 PM | ~10h 55m | 1-10 |
Southbound Schedule (Train #56 – Montreal → Boston)
| Station | Code | Departure | Arrival | Travel Time from MTR | Platform |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Montreal Central Station | MTR | 10:30 AM | – | – | 1-10 |
| St. Albans Station | SAB | 12:15 PM | 12:10 PM | 1h 45m | 1 |
| White River Junction | WRJ | 2:05 PM | 2:00 PM | 3h 35m | 1 |
| Brattleboro Station | BRA | 2:55 PM | 2:50 PM | 4h 20m | 1 |
| Springfield Union Station | SPG | 4:05 PM | 3:55 PM | 5h 25m | 1-5 |
| Worcester Union Station | WOR | 5:25 PM | 5:20 PM | 6h 50m | 1-3 |
| Back Bay Station | BBY | 6:40 PM | 6:35 PM | 8h 5m | 1-4 |
| Boston South Station | BOS | – | 8:40 PM | ~10h 10m | 1-12 |
Amtrak Boston to Montreal Ticket Prices
Traveling from Boston to Montreal by Amtrak involves a transfer at Albany-Rensselaer and typically takes around 25 hours. Ticket prices vary based on demand, booking time, and travel class.
| Fare Type | Price Range (One Way) | Discount Eligibility | Refund Policy | Booking Tip | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saver Fare | $49-$69 | Non-refundable | Credit only (minus 25% fee) | Book 3+ weeks ahead | Budget travelers |
| Value Fare | $70-$99 | Seniors (15%) | 75% refund (fee applies) | 2-3 week advance | Standard travelers |
| Flexible Fare | $100-$130 | No discounts | Full refund | Last-minute trips | Changeable plans |
| Business Class | $120-$160 | AAA (10%) | Full refund | Weekday travel | Comfort seekers |
| Roomette (Sleeper) | $250-$350 | – | 75% refund | Overnight trips | Privacy needed |
Amtrak Comfort: Boston to Montreal
There’s no direct Amtrak train between Boston and Montreal, the route—via Albany-Rensselaer—offers a comfortable and scenic ride aboard two Amtrak services: the Lake Shore Limited and the Adirondack.
Seating & Space
- Coach Class: Spacious reclining seats with ample legroom, tray tables, and large windows for scenic views.
- Business Class (on some segments): Wider seats, extra legroom, and quieter cars.
- Private Rooms (Lake Shore Limited only): Ideal for overnight layovers in Albany, offering beds, privacy, and complimentary meals.
Onboard Amenities
| Feature | Availability |
|---|---|
| Free Wi-Fi | Yes (limited bandwidth) |
| Power Outlets | At every seat |
| Café Car | Available for snacks and drinks |
| Restrooms | Multiple per car |
| Climate Control | Air-conditioned and heated cars |
Baggage Allowance
- Carry-On: 2 bags (up to 50 lbs each)
- Checked Bags: Available on most segments
- Storage: Overhead racks and luggage areas at the end of each car
Scenic Highlights
- Rolling hills of Massachusetts
- Hudson River Valley views
- Adirondack Mountains
- Lake Champlain shoreline
- Charming towns like Saratoga Springs and Plattsburgh
Overnight Layover in Albany
Since the connection between the Lake Shore Limited and Adirondack involves an overnight layover, consider:
- Booking a hotel near Albany-Rensselaer Station
- Choosing a private room on the Lake Shore Limited for added comfort
- Bringing a travel pillow and blanket if staying in the station
Amtrak Boston to Montreal vs. Other Travel Options
Compare Amtrak’s Boston-to-Montreal route with other popular travel methods to find the one that suits your schedule, wallet, and travel style best.
| Option | Duration | Cost (One Way) | Frequency | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak (Vermonter) | 10-11 hrs | $49-$160 | 1x daily | Scenic views, spacious seats, no baggage fees | Long duration, border delays |
| Bus (Greyhound/Megabus) | 7-8 hrs | $30-$70 | 4-5x daily | Cheap, frequent departures | Less comfort, no Wi-Fi reliability |
| Flight | 1.5 hrs (flight) + 2 hrs (airport time) | $100-$300 | 5-7x daily | Fastest option | Airport hassles, baggage fees |
| Driving | 5-6 hrs | $60-$90 (gas) + tolls | Flexible | Freedom to stop, scenic routes | Border wait times, parking costs |
| Rideshare (e.g., Poparide) | 5-6 hrs | $40-$60 | Varies | Affordable, social | Less reliable, limited luggage |
Amtrak Boston to Montreal Travel Tips
Planning to travel from Boston to Montreal with Amtrak? These tips will help you enjoy the scenic ride. Since there’s no direct train, you’ll have an overnight stop in Albany and take two trains: the Lake Shore Limited and the Adirondack.
| Category | Tips & Tricks | Why It Matters | Pro Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Booking Tickets | Book 3-4 weeks early for Saver Fares ($49-$69) | Prices rise closer to departure | Use Amtrak’s “Low Fare Calendar” for best deals |
| Best Travel Days | Tuesday-Thursday for fewer crowds & lower prices | Weekends are busiest (higher fares) | Avoid holidays (July 4th, Canadian Thanksgiving) |
| Border Crossing | Arrive 90 mins early (both directions) for customs | Montreal station requires pre-clearance | Keep passport & travel docs easily accessible |
| Seat Selection | Choose left-side seats (northbound) for best views | Scenic Green Mountains/Connecticut River | Business Class offers extra legroom (worth it for long trips) |
| Luggage | 2 free checked bags + 2 carry-ons (no weight limit) | Avoids airline baggage fees | Pack snacks (café car options are limited) |
| Wi-Fi & Connectivity | Free Wi-Fi (spotty in rural VT/NH) | Download movies/maps offline | Bring a portable charger (outlets available) |
| Food & Drinks | Café car serves sandwiches & drinks (cash/card) | Limited vegetarian options | Pack a meal for longer stretches (e.g., Springfield to Brattleboro) |
| Time Management | Add +1 hour buffer for border delays | Customs at St. Albans (northbound) can take 60-90 mins | Check Amtrak alerts for real-time updates |
| Montreal Arrival | Central Station connects to Metro (Bonaventure) | No Uber pickups inside station | Walk 5 mins to Rue Saint-Jacques for taxis |
| Winter Travel | Expect snow delays (Dec-Feb) | Vermont roads can slow the train | Dress warmly (station platforms are unheated) |
Check Other Route: Amtrak Burlington to NYC
Conclusion
Taking the Amtrak from Boston to Montreal is a unique and scenic way to travel between two vibrant cities. Though it requires a transfer and an overnight layover, the journey rewards travelers with comfort, beautiful landscapes, and a stress-free alternative to flying or driving. With the right planning—booking early, packing wisely, and preparing for border checks—you can enjoy a memorable cross-border rail adventure. Whether you’re chasing city lights or nature’s beauty, this route proves that the journey itself can be just as special as the destination.
FAQs on Amtrak Boston to Montreal
No, there is no direct Amtrak train from Boston to Montreal. Travelers must transfer at Albany-Rensselaer, combining the Lake Shore Limited and Adirondack routes.
The Amtrak Vermonter (Train #55) takes 10-11 hours, including a 60-90 minute border stop at St. Albans, VT.
Departs Boston at 8:50 AM.
Arrives Montreal at 7:45 PM (daily).
Return trips leave Montreal at 10:30 AM.
Fares range from $49 (Saver Fare) to $160 (Business Class). Book early for the lowest prices.
A valid passport is required for the U.S.–Canada border crossing. Be prepared for customs checks onboard.
Yes, a café car sells snacks/meals (cash/card), but bringing your own food is recommended.
Major stops include Springfield (MA), Brattleboro (VT), and St. Albans (VT) before Montreal
No, but Business Class offers extra legroom. Roomettes are available only on other routes.
Late summer and early fall offer the best combination of scenic beauty and lower fares. Booking at least 28 days in advance is recommended for the best prices.
Yes! 2 free checked bags + 2 carry-ons (no weight limits)—more flexible than airlines.
