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 |
Read Also: Amtrak Southwest Chief Train Stops
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. |
Read Also: ACELA TRAIN Stops
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
Amtrak Maple Leaf Coach Class:
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
Amtrak Maple Leaf trains generally have WiFi, but there may be exceptions. Connection may be weak or unavailable in rural areas. It’s a good idea to have a backup plan, such as books or downloaded movies. Wi-Fi on the Amtrak Maple Leaf is best for light activities like browsing, email and chatting, not for playing videos.
Amtrak Maple Leaf trains usually have power outlets. These outlets can be used to charge laptops, phones and tablets. It is important to take care of your seatmate when using outlets. Although most trains have power outlets, there may be exceptions due to the use of different train cars. It is a good idea to bring a power bank for long journeys, especially if you are not sure about the availability of outlets on your particular train.
Amtrak Maple Leaf typically has 108 train trips per day. But the exact departure and arrival times may vary depending on the day and route. You can find your specific travel schedule by using the search feature on this website.
Amtrak does not sell tickets at Maple Leaf Station. You must purchase your tickets online prior to arrival. Make sure you have everything you need ready for your trip.
You need government-issued ID, such as a passport or driver’s license, to board the Amtrak Maple Leaf. Student ID will not be accepted. Make sure your identity matches the information on your ticket.
Amtrak Maple Leaf trains have restrooms, but they are simple. They have toilets, toilet paper, and hand sanitizer, but no running water. Be careful when using the toilet on a moving train, and hold on to something for stability.
Amtrak Maple Leaf provides food and beverages. Be sure to have a credit card or cash for payment.
Amtrak Maple Leaf provides food and beverages. Be sure to have a credit card or cash for payment.
Amtrak Maple Leaf offers some great perks for its passengers. If you don’t like being cramped in a regular seat, you’re in luck. They have seats with more legroom. The exact amount of extra space can vary from train to train, but it’s definitely a good thing.