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I spent 6 hours in business class on a Canadian train for $200. It was more luxurious than Amtrak trains in the US.
The author traveled in business class on Canada’s Via Rail train from Toronto to Montreal.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider
- I booked a business-class ticket on a Via Rail Canada train from Toronto to Montreal in 2022.
- For $200, I sat in a business-class seat with two tables and complimentary meal and drink service.
- I thought it was nicer than most US trains I’ve been on, and I’d gladly ride again.
In the past four years, I’ve spent nearly 200 hours traveling 5,500 miles on trains, from 30-hour overnight rides to quick, three-hour journeys.

I’ve taken trains in the US from the Northeast to the Southwest, into the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Quebec, and between the European countries of Austria, France, Germany, Italy, and Switzerland. Along the way, I’ve tried out a wide range of seating options, from business and first classes to shared bunks and private cabins.

In August of 2022, I spent six hours traveling in business class from Toronto to Montreal on Via Rail, Canada’s main railroad system. It was my first time using Via Rail, and I was surprised by all the business-class offerings, from comfy seats to snacks and meals.

It was better than my business-class Amtrak experiences in the US — and totally worth the $200 ticket.

Similar to Amtrak, Via Rail is one of the most accessible and popular ways to travel by train in Canada.

A Via Rail train at Union Station in Toronto.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

ViaRail serves more than 400 stations in eight provinces across Canada, with economy seating, business class, and sleeper accommodations.

My journey began at Toronto’s Union Station on a cloudy, late-summer morning.

Union Station on a cloudy morning.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

I arrived at 7 a.m. for my 8:30 a.m. train to Montreal.

I arrived early because my business-class ticket included access to an exclusive lounge at the station with plenty of seating and free refreshments.

A look at the refreshments offered in the lounge.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Via Rail’s lounges are available to passengers traveling in business class, sleeper plus, prestige, and VIA Rail Premier members traveling in economy.

Amtrak has lounges at select stations, too, but they’re only free to access for first-class passengers.

The lounge was mostly empty on a Friday morning.

A look inside the lounge.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

I thought it was a quiet and peaceful place to enjoy a coffee and get some work done.

Around 8 a.m., I made my way to the track where my train was boarding.

People wait in line to board the train.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

My business-class ticket came with priority boarding, so I was able to skip a long line of passengers.

When I got to my assigned single seat, I was surprised to find a side table and a tray table that pulled out in front of me.

The author’s seat on the train.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

No train I’ve ever been on in the US has offered two tables per passenger.

Throughout the trip, I used the side table to hold my coffee while working and to store my laptop while taking work breaks. Beneath the side table, a conveniently placed outlet charged my devices.

Right away, I thought my Via Rail seat was one of the most comfortable I’d ever experienced on a train.

Seats in Via Rail’s business class.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

The Toronto Star reported that Via Rail business-class seats are 18.5 inches wide with a 39-inch seat pitch.

An Amtrak representative told BI that its business-class seats are about an inch wider than Via Rail’s, with an additional three inches of legroom, but I don’t think they’re nearly as comfortable.

Unlike Amtrak seats I’ve sat in, the top of my Via Rail seat was curved, so I was able to rest my head in a comfortable position for lounging.

The author relaxes in business class.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

The seats reclined, too, just like in the US. This made them even more comfortable.

I also noticed that, unlike on my rides with Amtrak, Via Rail’s seat back compartments held a safety pamphlet.

An emergency plan for evacuating the train.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Like every flight I’ve ever taken, there were directions for what to do in an emergency situation. I found this comforting.

The train started moving right on time at 8:32 a.m.

The author enjoys a coffee while taking notes.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Shortly after leaving, a train attendant came around with a complimentary drink service. I ordered a coffee.

Then, it was time for breakfast. Unlike Amtrak’s business-class fares, Via Rail’s ticket comes with complimentary meals brought to your seat.

The author’s breakfast.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

The train served a warm bagel with cream cheese. It was no New York bagel, I thought, but it was decent and filled me up.

An hour later, an attendant returned with savory snack packs filled with nuts, pretzels, and crackers.

A salty snack on the train.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Then, train attendants came around again with warm hand wipes before lunch service, which I thought was a nice touch.

Lunch was another business-class perk. The menu was announced over the loudspeaker. The entrée choices were trout, chicken, or pasta.

The author’s meal.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

I went with the pasta. It was a rigatoni dish with sides of corn salad, bread, and carrot bread for dessert. The meal was better than I expected, with an al dente cook on the pasta. I also thought it was much better than the pasta I’ve tried on Amtrak trains.

After lunch, I went to the bathroom and was impressed by how clean it was compared to most train bathrooms I’ve used.

The author uses the bathroom on the train.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

I often find overflowing trash cans in train bathrooms, but VIA Rail’s looked like it was cleaned recently.

Due to some delays at stops along the way, the train arrived in Montreal about an hour later than scheduled at 2:30 p.m.

The inside of the business-class train car.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

While I thought this was frustrating, at least I was comfortable.

Even though we were late, I found business-class train travel more comfortable and pleasant in Canada than in the US.

The author enjoys her carrot bread on the train.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

This 6-hour business-class ride cost $200, while a 10-hour Amtrak business-class ride booked around the same time cost $163. Although it was more expensive, I think the Via Rail ride was worth the additional cost since I found it to be so comfortable.

Now, I want to explore more of Canada by train.

Read the original article on Business Insider
March 20, 2025
I took the famous Conch Tour Train around Key West. It was a fun way to explore the Florida island for $44 — even as a local.
I had a good time taking Key West’s Conch Tour Train, and I loved how affordable it was.

India Amos
- I’m a Florida local who tried Key West’s Conch Tour Train for the first time.
- The train took me past famous Key West landmarks and residential parts of the island.
- The ride was fun, pretty comfortable, informative, and under $50.
I’ve lived in South Florida for nearly eight years, and I’ve visited Key West a handful of times since I moved here.

Every time I go to the island, I try to do something different, and on my most recent trip, I rode the famous Conch Tour Train.

My ticket for an hourlong ride cost $44 and some change. You can buy tickets at the window, but I booked in advance online.

Here’s what I loved about it and why I think it’s an awesome attraction for first-time and return visitors to the Conch Republic.

The train depot is easy to find.

The train depot is a yellow building.

India Amos

Key West is fairly easy to navigate, and the train depot for this tour is right by Mallory Square, one of the most popular parts of the island.

It’s also located within walking distance of the cruise port and the lot where day trip buses typically drop off visitors.

I appreciated how punctual the tour was, and we left right on time.

If you’re visiting Key West on a day trip from Miami or as a stop on a cruise, you could easily fit this hourlong tour into your itinerary.

The train was pretty comfortable.

The train had padded benches.

India Amos

I was glad we sat on padded seats instead of a wooden bench, but I wish the backrests had been a little higher for even more comfort.

We had a rest stop in the middle of the tour where we could get out and stretch our legs, so that helped make the trip more comfortable.

I enjoyed seeing Key West’s highlights.

Sloppy Joe’s has been around for almost a century.

India Amos

There’s a lot to see on Key West, and this train ride goes through the island’s most notable attractions.

We started near the port on Front Street and drove all around Old Town, passing by popular spots like the Hemingway Home and Museum, Sloppy Joe’s, the Southernmost Point buoy, and the beach.

If you’re new to the island and want to get your bearings before exploring on your own, this is a great way to do it.

The train passes through residential neighborhoods, too.

The front of the train looked cool.

India Amos

Even though I’ve been to Key West a few times, I never did much exploring in the island’s residential neighborhoods.

However, on the train, we drove through Bahama Village, one of the places where Bahamian immigrants first lived when they relocated to the island, as well as some other residential neighborhoods.

The architecture was beautiful, and I learned some interesting facts about Key West’s early years and residents.

This was cooler than walking around the island, and I learned a lot on the tour.

I saw many of the most famous Key West attractions.

India Amos

Even though Key West is pretty small, many of the island’s most popular attractions are spaced out.

The first time I went to Key West in the summer, walking around the island all day was sweaty and uncomfortable. If you want to see Duval Street, Mallory Square, and the Southernmost Point buoy, you won’t get as hot riding the Conch Tour Train as you would exploring the island on foot.

I also appreciated how educational the experience was. I’ve taken different tours to Key West and know basic information about the island because I live in Florida, and I still learned a lot on this trip.

The tour guide did an excellent job combining general information about the island with niche facts about Key West’s history, architecture, and culture.

The tour made me appreciate the island more and gave me ideas for my next trip.

I would suggest the Conch Tour Train to other visitors.

India Amos

I left with this experience a deeper appreciation of the island and the people who live there.

Plus, the Conch Tour Train gave me some great ideas for what I want to do on my next trip to Key West. Our guide shared suggestions for the best restaurants around the island, so I want to explore the local food scene a little more when I go back.

My tour ticket also came with free entry to the Sails to Rails Museum and two free walking tours. I didn’t get to do them on this trip, but I’d love to try them on my next visit.

Read the original article on Business Insider
March 12, 2025
I took a 12-hour train ride in business class. It was better and cheaper than the one-hour flight I usually book.
I spent 12-hours by myself in business class on a train. It was better and cheaper than my usual flight.

Margie Pumpa
- I usually take a one-hour flight to visit family, but this time I took the 12-hour train ride.
- I worried I was wasting time even though I was saving money, but I don’t regret my choice.
- The train ride was a relaxing break from my kids, and I felt refreshed when I visited my family.
I have family in Melbourne, about 450 miles away from me in Adelaide.

It usually takes me an hour by plane to visit them for a quick weekend getaway. I often go alone as bringing my two kids and partner isn’t worth the hassle or cost for such a short visit.

However, when booking a flight for a recent trip, I realized my plans coincided with a big event in my hometown. Flight costs were even higher than usual, with the cheapest seats starting at $380 each way.

Instead, I decided to take the cheaper 12-hour Overland train ride from Adelaide to Melbourne. Standard tickets were $145.

I was worried I’d feel restless on the long train ride, and that it’d take time away I could be spending with my kids or extended family.

Full of nerves, I added the business-class upgrade for $100, too, which would give me full meal service and more legroom.

My train journey felt way more relaxing than my plane ones

The train stations didn’t feel particularly stressful.

Margie Pumpa

On the day of my trip, I hugged my little family as I said goodbye and took a cab to the train station.

The train station felt more relaxed than the usual hustle and bustle of the airport. Boarding was fairly quick and easy.

I was assigned a comfy seat next to an oversized window and had plenty of legroom and space for my bag.

I had more room on the train than I would’ve on a plane.

Margie Pumpa

Almost straight away, the train attendant offered me a hot drink and asked me to select my meals.

At home, no one asks me what I want to eat — I’m usually the one trying to plan and serve meals to fussy kids. I was in awe as I chose a decadent selection of a hot breakfast, curry, and desserts.

I loved being served a meal on the train.

Margie Pumpa

Then, I put my headphones on and relaxed, watching the city pass through my window.

I’m not new to extended travel through the amazing Australian Outback. In fact, we routinely caravan as a family to wild campsites everywhere.

However, there was something special about not needing to carefully watch the road or worry about others. The biggest decision I had to make on the train was whether to have another serving of cake.

I enjoyed being able to look out the window.

Margie Pumpa

As we got closer to Melbourne, I got to just quietly watch the flat desert-like landscapes pass for miles. For the first time in a long while, I was actually feeling relaxed.

Eventually, after almost a full day on the train, I arrived at the Melbourne station around 7 p.m.

I now only had two full days to spend time with my Melbourne extended family, but I felt ready to slow down and appreciate our moments together.

I’ll book the 12-hour train ride anytime I get the opportunity

The train ride felt like a nice break for me.

Margie Pumpa

Fortunately, booking the train ride (and an upgrade) was one of the best decisions I made — and doing so gave me a much-needed break for just myself.

I always love visiting family in Melbourne, but my typical itinerary leaves me exhausted.

Usually, I rush to and through the airport, board a short flight, and then get immediately swarmed by more loved ones. The fast-paced journey doesn’t allow for much downtime or moments to reflect.

By booking a 12-hour train ride, I was forced to relax and take almost a full day to myself.

It didn’t feel like a waste of time at all. In fact, my downtime helped me have better quality time with my Melbourne family and return to my own feeling refreshed as a parent.

Plus, I saved money in the process. Even with the business-class upgrade, my train ticket was far cheaper than the flight.

If you ever get the opportunity to choose the slower travel option, I would highly suggest taking it.

Read the original article on Business Insider
March 12, 2025