Decide which train is right for you. The Ottawa-Montreal has fewer stops but requires only 2 hours of travel time at most. The Toronto-Montreal takes 5 hours; but you get to ride on an express train.
Decide when to travel. The Toronto-Montreal has 50 departures a week each day except for Saturday. The Ottawa-Montreal has 30 departures weekly.
Book first-class tickets if you're doing business. You can arrange Internet access aboard either train to prepare for meetings. You'll also enjoy hot meals during your travel.
Opt for comfort class. Both train routes are short enough to be comfortable in economy. Since the route is so short, there are no overnight train rides on these routes. Plus, you can get up and move around the train to pass time.
Inquire about frequent travel programs. If you travel to Ontario often, you may be eligible for better ticket prices by booking BizPack tickets, aimed at business travelers but available only to those who ask. You can save up to 35 percent.
Save money. In addition to requesting discounts based on age, college enrollment and early bird specials, both trains are very economical for travel. One-way tickets range from less than $50 to less than $100.
Visit the VIA Rail Canada Web site (see Resources below) or call 888-VIA-RAIL to book the ticket.
Pack lightly aboard the Ottawa-Montreal train. Due to the brief, 2-hour trip, there is no baggage car. Passengers are allowed 2 of carry-on bags.
Book your seat--and keep it! Both trains feature assigned seating, allowing you and the members of your party guaranteed seating arrangements. This service is not commonly offered with other VIA Rail trains.
Know that only 2 of the 5 station stops aboard the Ottawa-Montreal train are in Ontario. They are Alexandria and Ottawa.
Choose the Toronto-Montreal route for more destination options. The train has four times as many Ontario stops as the Ottawa-Montreal train. It's also the longer of the routes.
Connect in Ontario. Many other train routes are accessible through the Toronto Union Station, located downtown. Otherwise, take advantage of any other form of travel from Toronto because it serves as the major hub of transportation in Ontario.
