Amtrak and Via Rail operate the Maple Leaf. This international passenger train service runs from New York Penn Station in New York City to Union Station in Toronto via the Empire Corridor. Daily service is provided in both ways; the 544-mile (875 km) journey takes roughly 12 hours, including two hours for U.S. or Canadian customs and immigration inspection at Niagara Falls, New York, or Niagara Falls, Ontario. Although the train employs Amtrak rolling equipment solely, it is operated by Via Rail staff in Canada and Amtrak crews in the United States. Service started in 1981.
MAPLE LEAF Train Schedule
The MAPLE LEAF train line runs every day. Regular schedule hours: 08:20.
| Day | Operating Hours | Frequency (min) |
| Sun | 08:20 | Single departure |
| Mon | 08:20 | Single departure |
| Tue | 08:20 | Single departure |
| Wed | 08:20 | Single departure |
| Thu | 08:20 | Single departure |
| Fri | 08:20 | Single departure |
| Sat | 08:20 | Single departure |
How to book tickets?
You can book tickets for the Maple Leaf train in a few ways:
- Amtrak website: The official website of Amtrak https://www.amtrak.com/home allows you to book tickets directly.
- Amtrak mobile app: Download the Amtrak app to search easily and book tickets on the go.
- Amtrak phone number: Call 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245) to speak with a customer service representative and book your tickets over the phone.
Here are some additional points to remember:
- VIA Rail Canada: If you are departing from Canada, you can also book your tickets through VIA Rail Canada’s website https://www.viarail.ca/en or by calling 1-888-VIA-RAIL (1-888-842-7245).
- Third-party websites: Some travel websites like Wanderu https://www.wanderu.com/ allow you to search for and book Maple Leaf train tickets. These websites can help compare prices across different travel providers.
Passports and customs clearance
Required Documents for Travel to Canada: Ensure you have all necessary documentation for entering Canada. This typically includes:
- Valid passport (check for validity requirements)
- Proof of onward or return travel (if applicable)
- Any necessary visas (check with Canadian authorities if unsure)
Customs Clearance Procedures at Niagara Falls: Be aware that customs inspections can occur at Niagara Falls during your journey. Wait times can vary, so plan to arrive at the station early to avoid missing your train.
Stops & Stations
Popular Stops
- New York City
- Albany
- Syracuse
- Rochester
- Buffalo
- Niagara Falls
- Toronto
Stations
- New York, NY – Penn Station (NYP)
- Yonkers, NY (YNY)
- Croton-Harmon, NY (CRT)
- Poughkeepsie, NY (POU)
- Rhinecliff, NY (RHI)
- Hudson, NY (HUD)
- Albany-Rensselaer, NY (ALB)
- Schenectady, NY (SDY)
- Amsterdam, NY (AMS)
- Utica, NY (UCA)
- Rome, NY (ROM)
- Syracuse, NY (SYR)
- Rochester, NY (ROC)
- Buffalo, NY – Depew Station (BUF)
- Buffalo, NY – Exchange Street (BFX)
- Niagara Falls, NY (NFL)
- Niagara Falls, ON (NFS)
- St. Catharines, ON (SCA)
- Grimsby, ON (GMS)
- Aldershot, ON (AST)
- Oakville, ON (OKL)
- Toronto, ON – Union Station (TWO)
Scenic Highlights Along the Maple Leaf Route
| Location | Description | Tips for the Best Views |
| New York City | Departing point. Witness the iconic skyline with skyscrapers like the Empire State Building and Chrysler Building. | Grab a window seat and soak in the urban panorama as you leave the city behind. |
| Hudson River Valley | Rolling hills, vineyards, charming riverside towns. | Consider a pre- or post-trip visit to explore historic sites or enjoy outdoor activities in the Catskills. Eastward-facing seats offer prime views. |
| New York Wine Country | Vineyards and wineries dotting the Upstate New York landscape. | Wine enthusiasts can plan a detour to sample local vintages. |
| Finger Lakes Region | Glistening chain of elongated lakes known for scenic beauty and recreation. | If time allows, consider a stop for boating, kayaking, or exploring charming lakeside towns. Eastward-facing seats are ideal. |
| Rural New York | Lush green pastures with grazing cattle and sheep, quaint villages with historic buildings. | Relax and enjoy the tranquility of the countryside. |
| Autumn (Seasonal) | Vibrant display of red, orange, and yellow foliage (Hudson Valley and surroundings). | Traveling during fall offers a breathtaking spectacle of nature’s artistry. Eastward-facing seats are recommended. |
| Winter (Seasonal) | Snow-covered landscape with frosted trees and glistening fields. | Prepare to be enchanted by the serene winter wonderland. |
| Mohawk River | Historic waterway with scenic vistas and glimpses into the region’s history. | The train follows the river for a portion of the journey. |
| Lake Ontario | Vastness of one of the Great Lakes with sparkling blue waters and scenic shoreline. | Catch a glimpse of the lake as you approach Toronto, marking the conclusion of your journey. |
Most popular Amtrak Maple Leaf routes
The train from Syracuse to Rensselaer is Amtrak Maple Leaf’s most popular service. Trips from Buffalo to New York and Niagara Falls to New York are also extremely popular.
TOP AMTRAK MAPLE LEAF ROUTES
| Route | Daily Trips | Duration | Price |
| Syracuse to Rensselaer | 1 | 3h 11m | $28 |
| Buffalo to New York | 1 | 9h 1m | $61 |
| Niagara Falls to New York | 1 | 9h 36m | $64 |
| Rochester to New York | 1 | 7h 52m | $57 |
| Rensselaer to New York | 1 | 2h 41m | $41 |
| Rochester to Syracuse | 1 | 1h 20m | $22 |
| Syracuse to New York | 1 | 6h 22m | $55 |
| Buffalo to Syracuse | 1 | 2h 29m | $31 |
| Utica to New York | 1 | 5h 23m | $50 |
Onboard Experience
Seating options and amenities
Coach Class Seat:
Coach class is available on all Amtrak trains, including the Maple Leaf, and provides wide, reclining seats with plenty of legroom, no middle seat option, and at-seat trays, reading lights, and electrical outlets. There are restrooms in each car. Amtrak Guest Rewards customers who travel in Coach earn 2 points per dollar spent.
Business Class Seat:
Enjoy the exclusive benefits of Business Class travel, which provides a premium, improved experience on most corridor trains throughout the Amtrak system, including Maple Leaf. Specific amenities vary per route, but Business Class provides increased legroom, a wide and comfy seat, and a complimentary non-alcoholic beverage (not available in Acela Business Class). Seat selection is available on several routes in the Northeast, allowing for a more smooth boarding experience and eliminating the worry of locating a seat. In addition, Business Class travelers receive a 25% bonus on Amtrak Guest Rewards points.
Available facilities (Wi-Fi, restrooms, food service)
The Maple Leaf train offers a variety of amenities to enhance your travel experience:
- Stay Connected: Enjoy Wi-Fi access onboard, allowing you to stay connected with loved ones or browse the internet during your trip.
- Restroom Facilities: Restrooms are conveniently located throughout the train for your comfort.
- Dining Options: The Maple Leaf features a cafe car offering a selection of food and beverages for purchase. This allows you to enjoy meals or snacks throughout your journey.
Baggage allowance and fees
Amtrak offers a generous baggage allowance for the Maple Leaf train:
Free Checked Bags: You can check up to two bags free of charge, with each bag not exceeding 50 lbs (23 kg) and 75 linear inches (length + width + height).
Overweight/Oversized Bags: If your checked bag exceeds the weight or size limits, there will be a fee associated with it. Check the latest fees on the Amtrak website (https://www.amtrak.com/baggage-policy) for details.
Carry-On Allowance: You’re allowed one personal item (small purse, backpack) and two carry-on bags (suitcases, duffel bags) onboard the train. There are size and weight restrictions for these as well (personal item: 25 lbs, 14″ x 11″ x 7″; carry-on: 50 lbs, 28″ x 22″ x 14″). Exceeding these limits may incur excess baggage fees.
Things to Know:
- If you want to enter Canada, you must be 18 years old or older (or be accompanied by an adult) and have the necessary documentation, which are usually passports. View all prerequisites. Expect delays as customs processes people and trains.
- To see the fall foliage, travel between Albany and New York City (or Albany and a station to the south).
- When traveling northbound, the views of the Hudson River are on the left side of the train, and when traveling southbound, they are on the right.
Contact information for Amtrak customer service
Phone: 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245)
TTY: 1-800-523-6590
Resources for Further Information:
Planning your Maple Leaf adventure can be enhanced by exploring these additional resources:
- Amtrak Website: The official Amtrak website (https://www.amtrak.com/home) provides comprehensive information about the Maple Leaf train, including schedules, fares, amenities, and booking options.
- Via Rail Canada: For details on the Canadian leg of your journey, visit the Via Rail Canada website (https://www.viarail.ca/en).
- New York State Tourism: Discover more about attractions and activities in New York State through the official tourism website (https://www.iloveny.com/).
- Ontario Tourism: Explore the official Ontario tourism website (https://www.destinationontario.com/en-ca) to plan your activities and attractions in Toronto.
- Niagara Falls Tourism: Immerse yourself in all things Niagara Falls by visiting the official tourism website (https://www.niagarafallstourism.com/) for attractions, accommodation options, and visitor guides.
FAQs
Yes, Amtrak Maple Leaf provides WiFi on its trains. Although most Amtrak Maple Leaf journeys will have WiFi as stated, certain trains may not have WiFi, and onboard WiFi may lose connectivity in rural regions. We urge that you bring a book or download a movie simply to be safe. Amtrak Maple Leaf WiFi is typically best utilized for browsing the web, reading emails, and talking with friends; don’t expect to binge watch your favorite program.
Yes, there are power outlets aboard Amtrak Maple Leaf trains. You can usually find one or two outlets each row of seats, so be a considerate traveler and check to see if your seat mate wants to charge their electronics as well. The onboard power outlets allow you to charge both a computer and USB devices using a USB power adapter, which is normally included with most phones and tablets.
Because Amtrak Maple Leaf may sometimes employ replacement train cars, not all journeys are guaranteed to include power outlets. We suggest bringing a power bank to charge your phone for any journeys longer than 2 hours, just in case.
On a normal day, Amtrak Maple Leaf operates 108 train runs. However, the actual departure and arrival hours vary according on the day and route. To get the precise timetable for your journey, utilize the search function on this page.
No, Amtrak Maple Leaf does not provide will-call tickets. Purchase your tickets online and ensure that you have everything you need to board before arriving at the station.
Yes, Amtrak Maple Leaf asks you to submit your ID to a representative before boarding the train. Make sure you have government-issued identification that matches the carrier’s standards. Alternative IDs, such as a college ID, will not work.
Yes, restrooms are available on Amtrak Maple Leaf trains. The restrooms are quite basic, with a toilet, toilet paper, and hand sanitizer. Most restrooms don’t have running water. Please use care and hang on to a rail at all times while using a restroom in a moving vehicle.
Amtrak Maple Leaf offers food to keep you satisfied throughout your journey. Make sure to have a credit card and some cash in case you get hungry.
The Amtrak Maple Leaf does not need a paper ticket to board the train. Instead, when you make your reservation, you will get an eTicket via email. You may show the ticketing agent this eTicket on your smartphone as you board.
Amtrak Maple Leaf goes above and above to provide its clients with premium amenities.
Do you find yourself squashed on a standard seat, or do you like having more space to spread out? You’re in fortunate, since Amtrak Maple Leaf has extra legroom seats. Because there is no standard for what additional legroom is, the extra space you get may differ across train lines, although having more is usually beneficial.