VIA Rail Ocean Schedule 3x Weekly Departures
VIA RAIL OCEAN SCHEDULE OVERVIEW:
• Route: Montreal - Moncton - Halifax (1,346 km)
• Frequency: 3 departures per week each direction
• Journey Time: 21-22 hours total travel time
• Departure Days: Tuesday, Friday, Sunday from Montreal
• Return Days: Monday, Thursday, Saturday from Halifax
• Seasons: Year-round service with seasonal schedule adjustments
• Stops: 18 stations between Montreal and Halifax
Current Schedule 2024
MONTREAL TO HALIFAX SCHEDULE:
• Tuesday Departure: Montreal 11:30 PM → Halifax 9:30 PM (Wed)
• Friday Departure: Montreal 11:30 PM → Halifax 9:30 PM (Sat)
• Sunday Departure: Montreal 11:30 PM → Halifax 9:30 PM (Mon)
• Journey Duration: 22 hours including stops
• Time Zones: Crosses Eastern to Atlantic time zones
• Arrival: Halifax station downtown core location
HALIFAX TO MONTREAL SCHEDULE:
• Monday Departure: Halifax 12:00 PM → Montreal 10:00 AM (Tue)
• Thursday Departure: Halifax 12:00 PM → Montreal 10:00 AM (Fri)
• Saturday Departure: Halifax 12:00 PM → Montreal 10:00 AM (Sun)
• Journey Duration: 21 hours including stops
• Daylight Travel: More scenic viewing eastbound
• Arrival: Montreal Central Station, downtown location
Major Stops and Timing
KEY STATIONS AND ARRIVAL TIMES (MONTREAL TO HALIFAX):
• Montreal Central: 11:30 PM departure
• Drummondville, QC: 12:30 AM
• Levis (Quebec City), QC: 2:45 AM
• Riviere-du-Loup, QC: 4:35 AM
• Campbellton, NB: 8:30 AM
• Bathurst, NB: 9:40 AM
• Miramichi, NB: 11:20 AM
• Moncton, NB: 2:00 PM
• Sackville, NB: 2:30 PM
• Amherst, NS: 3:10 PM
• Springhill Junction, NS: 3:35 PM
• Truro, NS: 5:25 PM
• Halifax, NS: 9:30 PM arrival
Accommodation Classes
OCEAN TRAIN ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS:
• Economy Class: Reclining seats, shared washrooms ($150-200)
• Economy Plus: Wider seats, more legroom ($200-250)
• Sleeper Plus: Private bedroom, meals included ($400-600)
• Prestige Class: Luxury cabin, premium meals ($800-1200)
• Cabin for Two: Double occupancy sleeper ($500-750 per cabin)
• Accessible Rooms: Wheelchair accessible accommodations available
• Pet Policy: Small pets allowed in certain classes
Booking and Reservations
VIA RAIL OCEAN BOOKING INFORMATION:
• Advance Booking: Reserve 3-6 months ahead for best prices
• Online: viarail.ca website and mobile app
• Phone: 1-888-VIA-RAIL (1-888-842-7245)
• Stations: Book at Montreal Central or Halifax stations
• Peak Season: Summer months require earliest booking
• Discounts: Senior, student, youth discounts available
• Group Rates: 10+ passengers qualify for group pricing
• Cancellation: Flexible cancellation policies vary by fare
Onboard Services and Amenities
OCEAN TRAIN ONBOARD FEATURES:
• Dining Car: Full-service restaurant with Maritime cuisine
• Dome Car: Panoramic viewing for scenic routes
• WiFi: Complimentary WiFi throughout train
• Power Outlets: Available at all seats
• Baggage Service: Checked baggage available
• Accessible Features: Wheelchair accessibility throughout
• Quiet Car: Designated quiet zones available
• Business Center: Work space with printing facilities
Seasonal Schedule Variations
SEASONAL OCEAN SCHEDULE CHANGES:
• Summer Schedule: May - October peak season
• Winter Schedule: November - April reduced frequency
• Holiday Adjustments: Christmas/New Year modified schedules
• Maintenance Windows: Occasional service disruptions
• Weather Delays: Maritime weather can affect timing
• Daylight Saving: Schedule adjustments for time changes
• Special Events: Extra trains during major Maritime events
• Updated Schedules: Check current schedules before travel
Connection Information
CONNECTING TRANSPORTATION:
• Montreal Connections: Metro, buses, international flights
• Halifax Connections: Halifax Transit, taxis, rental cars
• Maritime Bus: Connections to rest of Maritime provinces
• Ferry Services: Halifax-Dartmouth, other maritime routes
• Airport Shuttle: Halifax airport transportation available
• Car Rental: Major companies available at both terminals
• Hotel Shuttles: Many hotels offer station pickup
Scenic Highlights Along Route
SCENIC VIEWING OPPORTUNITIES:
• St. Lawrence River: Views from Montreal to Quebec
• Gaspe Peninsula: Remote wilderness views
• Restigouche River: Beautiful river valley scenery
• Miramichi River: Maritime forest landscapes
• Tantramar Marshes: Unique wetland ecosystems
• Cobequid Mountains: Nova Scotia highland views
• Shubenacadie River Valley: Pastoral Nova Scotia farmland
• Best Views: Dome car recommended for scenic sections
Dining and Food Service
OCEAN TRAIN DINING OPTIONS:
• Dining Car Menu: Full breakfast, lunch, dinner service
• Maritime Specialties: Seafood, local ingredients featured
• Sleeper Plus Meals: All meals included in accommodation
• Cafe Service: Light snacks, beverages available
• Special Diets: Vegetarian, dietary restrictions accommodated
• Local Ingredients: Maritime seafood, Acadian influences
• Wine Service: Canadian wines available
• Meal Timing: Breakfast 7-9 AM, Lunch 12-2 PM, Dinner 6-9 PM
Baggage and Travel Tips
OCEAN TRAIN TRAVEL PREPARATION:
• Carry-on: Two pieces plus personal item allowed
• Checked Baggage: Available for longer journeys
• Electronics: Bring chargers, entertainment devices
• Comfort Items: Pillows, blankets for economy class
• Layered Clothing: Train temperature varies
• Snacks: Supplement dining car if desired
• Camera: Scenic photo opportunities throughout route
• Documents: Valid ID required for all passengers
Alternative Schedule Options
RELATED VIA RAIL SERVICES:
• Toronto-Montreal: Daily departures, connection opportunities
• Montreal-Quebec City: Multiple daily trains
• Corridor Services: Frequent trains in Quebec-Windsor corridor
• Seasonal Routes: Summer tourist trains in some regions
• Bus Connections: VIA partners with bus lines for remote areas
• Multi-modal: Combine train with ferry, bus services
• Package Deals: Train-hotel packages available
Accessibility and Special Needs
ACCESSIBILITY ON THE OCEAN:
• Wheelchair Access: Platform boarding assistance available
• Accessible Rooms: Specially designed sleeper accommodations
• Service Animals: Welcome aboard with proper documentation
• Assistance Services: Staff trained to assist passengers with disabilities
• Audio Announcements: Station and service announcements
• Visual Aids: Written information available
• Mobility Equipment: Storage for wheelchairs, scooters
• Advance Notice: 48-hour notice recommended for special assistance
Historical and Cultural Context
OCEAN TRAIN HERITAGE:
• History: Service dating back to early 1900s
• Cultural Icon: Important link between Central Canada and Maritimes
• Economic Role: Vital transportation for Maritime provinces
• Engineering: Crosses challenging terrain and rivers
• Community Connection: Serves small towns with limited transportation
• Tourism: Popular with rail enthusiasts and tourists
• Preservation: Maintains traditional rail travel experience