My daughter Isabella wanted to see a “real” castle for her 7th birthday. After doing some research, I decided we were taking the Amtrak Adirondack train to Montreal, Canada. We wanted to tour Montreal, and take a day trip to Quebec City, so Isabella could see the Chateau Frontenac. Although we have the Smithsonian Institution Building in DC, a castle, it is always fun to travel, so why not?
Our day started bright and very, very, early. It started at 3:12 AM, boarding Amtrak Train 190 from Washington DC, Union Station. Off we went, on our way to Montreal Gare Centrale, with a short stop in New York City. In just a few hours we were at New York City’s Penn Station, were we met the rest of the crew. The entire crew of 7 (including two kids, 7, and 3). My younger brother, sister, mother and my nice Sophia joined my husband, Isabella, and myself. We had a quick breakfast and at 8 AM we boarded Amtrak Train 69, on our way to Montreal.
All Aboard!
Off we went! Armed with books, tablets, cell phones, toys, and a lot of snacks. We got comfortable in the train quickly. The seats were quite comfortable and spacious, equipped with electrical outlets and Wi-Fi on board. We chose to sit in a family area, where seats faced each other.
From the time the train left New York City, we began to enjoy the scenery. The views started to get more beautiful as the train progressed. The lush views of the Hudson Valley were simply spectacular, and the views of Lake Champlain were picturesque and gorgeous! So many gorgeous views of lakes, gardens, and small towns along the way. Aboard the train, I understood why this route is considered a “Top 10 Most Scenic Train Ride in the World”.
Bring your Pet! Or your Bike
One nice feature of Amtrak is that, they allow you to bring your small furry friends on board. Your small dog or cat can tag along and travel with you on the train. Since Amtrak offers different services to transport your bike aboard, you can also bring your bike. You just need to make a reservation for these extra services.
The Café
The Adirondack Train has a Café on board. They sell salads, sandwiches, coffee, pizza, wraps, and snacks. They also sell alcoholic beverages, wine and beers. And in case you need them- batteries, playing cards, and Tylenols are also available for sale. Many passengers brought their lunches and snacks, so that is always an option.
Travel Time
The travel time from New York City to Montreal is approximately 10 hours, but it really depends on how long the train stops at the USA-Canada border for Inspection, unfortunately often there are delay at the border.
Price
We paid $165.60 (plus $17 for travel insurance), round trip for each adult, coach class. The price for the kid’s tickets were $73.50 roundtrip, a bargain! The price for flying from Washington, DC to Montreal would have been a lot more. Amtrak also offers First Class Seats, at a competitive price, we found coach to be comfortable, but, if you want to spend the extra money, go ahead and treat yourself.
Don’t forget your passport and please get insurance. Insurance is a minimal cost, and you never know when you will need it.
We arrived in downtown Montreal at 8 PM, about 45 minutes behind schedule. The border inspection took longer than expected, but we arrived safely, rested, and eager to tour Montreal. I really enjoyed the ride. Although long, I felt very relaxed during the trip. We were prepared for the delay at the border, and both kids were ok with the long ride. I recommend this trip and would love to have the opportunity to take it again. Amtrak offers trips on similar scenic routes, and some trains are equipped with beds, which I still did not try, once I do, I will be sure to write a review of my experience.
Jet with Jen 
Yep border inspection is a pain in the butt🧐.
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Yes it is! You know it.
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I love traveling by train. It’s so comfortable!!
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It is! We have done Montreal and Williamsburg, Virginia. We enjoyed both trips. No TSA lines!
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Yes! Don’t forget insurance. It is a small price to pay if anything goes wrong. Sounds like an amazing trip, so nice to spend this kind of time with family, making memories and having a blast!
xoxo, Elizabeth | Tired Mom Supermom
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Thanks for your comment Elizabeth.
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This would be my husbands dream trip, he is always looking at train journeys, will have to show him this post
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Thanks for sharing with him. It’s a wonderful ride, beautiful views!
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she is so sweet!! you are so lucky to have a castle traveling opportunity with a train journey only and not a flight, great adventure
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Thanks for your comment!
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Omg I love love looove this idea!! We have been to Montreal before, but we flew to New York, then to Montreal. I had no idea the train is cheap though.
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Yes it is an affordable option and an adventure for sure.
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I just could never have thought that it’s possible. I mean it!
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I didn’t either. I was really excited to have Amtrak train as an option. I definitely knew I didn’t want to spend too much money, but the adventure and the beautiful views were an extra! You got to try this when you can.
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I have never traveled by train before. The experience sounds amazing and makes me want to do it. Yeah, sounds like traveling by train is cheaper than flying! The castle is very beautiful! Definitely will keep it in mind when my daughter is ready to see real-life castles.
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Jessica, your heart will melt when you see her reaction. That is awesome, I hope you guys do this trip soon.
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I have never been inside of a train nor hbe traveled in one! Im so used to driving for many miles. Seems like taking a train is convenient on your state!
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It is convenient, we live a few miles from a main Amtrak station and we can pretty much travel in the train all over the USA, up to Canada. With a few connections, we can travel across the country.
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Oh she was so cute, little Sophia will really enjoy the trip, you can already see it to her face.
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She did. Ha ha ha!
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Wow that’s awesome I bet the train ride has some incredible views, I’m jealous I would love to do something like this! I can’t imagine a 10-hour train journey! I think the most I can do is 6 hours to Scottland from where I live!
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You know what I was afraid I would hate it also, specially the kids! But we were ok with it. It was a different experience. Considering we could get to Europe in less hours, than this train ride, it’s something to think about.
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Wow, I have never been on a train in the US before but I been to Union,. I should have my parents try to this trek as they will love the beautiful scenes
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Cool! I hope they enjoy as much as we did. For fall foliage is an excellent time to go
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Seems like a lovely family vacation! I love trains there is always such a sense of adventure when boarding one.
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Yes! It’s lovely
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What a fun way to make memories with your family. I wish we had that option here in Texas. I love doing stuff like that!
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Checkout Amtrak Texas Eagle I believe it travels all the way to Chicago and Los Angeles, then you can connect and pretty much go anywhere in the country, including Canada
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Sounds like a great trip. My kids are obsessed with castles too! They would love this trip.
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Sounds so affordable and adventurous trip. Plus your baby is so sweet. Thanks for sharing your lovely journey.
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