Travel from Burlington, Vermont to Montreal, Canada with ease on Amtrak. Enjoy a scenic, comfortable ride with affordable fares, convenient schedules, and smooth border crossings. Whether you’re commuting or exploring, the Amtrak Burlington to Montreal route is your ideal cross-border rail connection.
Amtrak Burlington to Montreal Overview
Amtrak Burlington to Montreal Overview Discover the scenic and convenient journey from Burlington, Vermont to Montreal, Canada with Amtrak.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Route Name | Vermonter (extends to Montreal as the Montrealer during peak seasons). |
| Departure (Burlington) | 10:10 AM (ET) from Burlington Union Station (BTN). |
| Arrival (Montreal) | 1:30 PM (ET) at Gare Centrale (MTR). |
| Travel Time | 3 hours 20 minutes (subject to border delays). |
| Frequency | 1 daily round-trip (check Amtrak.com for seasonal changes). |
| Border Crossing | Requires passport/valid ID (CBP pre-clearance in Montreal). |
| Ticket Price | $30–$60 USD (one-way, varies by booking time/class). |
| Onboard Amenities | Free Wi-Fi, power outlets, business class options, bike storage (limited). |
| Official Website | https://www.amtrak.com/home.html |
Routes of Amtrak Burlington to Montreal
Routes of Amtrak Burlington to Montreal Amtrak offers flexible travel options from Burlington to Montreal, including a direct route via St. Albans and a longer scenic ride through New York City.
| Route | Train Name | Departure (BTN) | Arrival (MTR) | Travel Time | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Train 55 | Vermonter (extended) | ~10:10 AM (ET) | ~1:30 PM (ET) | ~3h 20min | 1 daily (year-round) |
| Bus Connection | Amtrak Thruway (bus) | Varies | Varies | ~2h 30min | Seasonal/backup |
| Route Option | Departure Station | Transfer Point(s) | Arrival Station | Total Duration | Stops Along the Way | Operator(s) | Approx. Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Direct via St. Albans & VIA Rail | Burlington Union Station (BTN) or Essex Junction | St. Albans, VT (Amtrak to VIA Rail transfer) | Montreal Central Station (Gare Centrale) | ~7 hr 16 min | Burlington → Essex Junction → St. Albans → Montreal | Amtrak + VIA Rail | $67 – $102 |
| Scenic via NYC (Adirondack Line) | Burlington Union Station (BTN) | Moynihan Train Hall, NYC | Montreal Central Station | ~24–35 hr (incl. overnight) | Burlington → Albany → NYC → Albany → Saratoga Springs → Ticonderoga → Montreal | Amtrak (Adirondack) | $134 – $448 |
| Bus + Train Combo | Burlington Downtown Transit Center | Montreal Bus Terminal (Greyhound) | Montreal Central Station (via local transit) | ~4.5 hr | Burlington → Montreal (via bus) | Greyhound + Local Transit | $42 – $85 |
Amtrak Burlington to Montreal Schedule
Plan your journey with the latest Amtrak Burlington to Montreal schedule. With multiple daily departures, convenient transfer options, and reliable service, travelers can choose the best time to reach Montreal comfortably and on time.
| Service | Departure (BTN) | Arrival (MTR) | Travel Time | Days Operating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Train 55 (Vermonter) | 10:10 AM (ET) | 1:30 PM (ET) | 3h 20min | Daily |
| Thruway Bus 3907 | 9:45 AM (ET) | 12:15 PM (ET) | 2h 30min | Runs if train is canceled |
| Ethan Allen Express + Adirondack (via NYC) | 9:45 AM (BTN) → Next-day arrival | 8:25 PM (ET) | 22h 40min | Daily |
Amtrak Burlington to Montreal Ticket Prices
Find affordable and flexible ticket options for your Amtrak Burlington to Montreal journey. Fares typically range from $67 to $102 for direct routes, with premium options available for scenic detours via New York.
| Service | Coach Class | Business Class | Flexible Fare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Train 55 (Vermonter) | $30–$50 | $60–$90 | $75–$120 |
| Thruway Bus 3907 | $25–$40 | N/A | N/A |
| Ethan Allen + Adirondack (via NYC) | $80–$150+ | $120–$200+ | $150–$250+ |
Burlington to Montreal Train Fare Breakdown
| Fare Type | Coach Class | Business Class | Flexible Fare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Adult | $32–$58 | $65–$98 | $80–$130 |
| Saver Fare | $28–$45 | N/A | N/A |
| Senior (60+) | $29–$52 | $59–$88 | $72–$117 |
| Child (2–12) | $16–$29 | $33–$49 | $40–$65 |
| Student | $26–$47 | $52–$78 | $64–$104 |
| Military | $26–$47 | $52–$78 | $64–$104 |
| Round-Trip | $55–$105 | $120–$180 | $150–$240 |
Amtrak Comfort: Burlington to Montreal
Experience a smooth and relaxing journey with Amtrak from Burlington to Montreal. Enjoy spacious seating, free Wi-Fi, power outlets, and scenic views along the way. Whether in Coach or Business Class, Amtrak ensures a comfortable and stress-free ride across the U.S.–Canada border.
Seating & Classes: Amtrak Burlington to Montreal
- Coach Class: Spacious seats with ample legroom, tray tables, and reclining features. No middle seats—ever.
- Business Class: Extra legroom, priority boarding, and a quieter environment for working or relaxing.
- Flexible Fare Options: Ideal for travelers who want refundable tickets and more flexibility in travel plans.
Onboard Features: Amtrak Burlington to Montreal
- Free Wi-Fi: Stay connected with complimentary internet access on most routes.
- Power Outlets: Charge your devices easily with outlets available at every seat.
- Air Conditioning: Enjoy a comfortable ride in fully climate-controlled train cars.
- Quiet Zone: Relax or work in peace with designated quiet areas on select trains.
- Food & Beverage Service: Grab snacks and drinks from the onboard café car or trolley service.
- Luggage Storage: Bring both carry-on and checked baggage with convenient storage options.
- Accessibility
Scenic Views: Amtrak Burlington to Montreal
- Lake Champlain
- The Green Mountains of Vermont
- Rolling farmland and rivers along the U.S.–Canada border
Travel Tips for Maximum Comfort: Amtrak Burlington to Montreal
- Book Business Class for extra space and fewer passengers.
- Travel off-peak (midweek or midday) for a quieter ride.
- Bring snacks or meals, especially on longer routes or during border delays.
- Download entertainment in advance, as Wi-Fi may be limited in rural areas.
Amtrak Burlington to Montreal vs. Other Travel Options
Compare the comfort, cost, and convenience of Amtrak Burlington to Montreal with driving, flying, or taking the bus. Discover why train travel offers a scenic, stress-free, and eco-friendly alternative for your cross-border journey.
| Option | Price (One-Way) | Travel Time | Comfort | Amenities | Border Process | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak Train 55 (Vermonter) | $32–$98 | 3h 20min | ★★★★☆ | Wi-Fi, power outlets, café car, business class | U.S. pre-clearance in Montreal | Comfort, scenic views, no traffic |
| Amtrak Thruway Bus | $25–$40 | 2h 30min | ★★☆☆☆ | Basic seating, limited luggage | Canadian border stop | Budget, backup option |
| Greyhound Bus | $20–$50 | 2h 45min | ★★☆☆☆ | No Wi-Fi, cramped seats | Canadian border stop | Lowest cost, flexible schedule |
| Megabus | $15–$40 | 2h 50min | ★★☆☆☆ | No amenities, minimal legroom | Canadian border stop | Ultra-budget travel |
| Driving (Car) | $35–$60 (gas + tolls) | 2h | ★★★★★ | Full control, stops anytime | Canadian border stop (I-89) | Flexibility, groups |
| Uber/Lyft | $120–$180 | 2h | ★★★★☆ | Door-to-door | Canadian border stop | Convenience, last-minute trips |
| Flight (BTV→YUL) | $200–$400+ | 1h (flight) + 2h (airport time) | ★★★☆☆ | TSA checks, limited luggage | U.S. pre-clearance in BTV | Speed (but impractical for short distance) |
Amtrak Burlington to Montreal Travel Tips
Amtrak Burlington to Montreal travel tips. From booking the best fares to preparing for border crossing and maximizing onboard comfort, these insights ensure a smooth and enjoyable rail experience.
| Category | Tip | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Booking | Book 6-12 weeks early for lowest fares ($30-50 one-way). | Prices spike closer to departure; Saver Fares sell out fast. |
| Use Amtrak’s app for mobile tickets & real-time updates. | Avoid paper tickets; get delay alerts. | |
| Documents | Bring a passport (or enhanced DL/NEXUS card). | Required for all cross-border trips. |
| Print/have digital copies of hotel/return tickets. | Canadian border agents may ask for proof of plans. | |
| Baggage | Pack light (2 free carry-ons + 2 checked bags). | No oversized luggage fees, but space is limited. |
| Reserve bikes ($10-20) when booking. | Only 6 bike spots per train. | |
| Border Crossing | Arrive 45 mins early for pre-clearance in Montreal. | CBP checks happen before boarding the return trip. |
| Declare all food/alcohol (check Canada’s rules). | Avoid fines (e.g., no fresh fruit/meat over border). | |
| Onboard | Sit on the left side for best lake/Adirondack views. | Scenic highlights (especially near Lake Champlain). |
| Use the café car for snacks/coffee (cash & cards). | No full meals on this route. | |
| Delays | Pad your schedule (common 30-60 min delays at border). | Missed connections aren’t Amtrak’s responsibility. |
| Alternatives | Check Amtrak’s website for bus substitutions (Train 55 cancellations). | Thruway Bus 3907 runs if trains are suspended. |
| Return Trip | Return train (Montreal → Burlington) departs at 2:45 PM ET. | Only 1 daily train; late arrivals risk being stranded. |
Check Other Route: Amtrak Cancellation Policy
Conclusion
Traveling from Burlington to Montreal by Amtrak offers a unique blend of comfort, convenience, and scenic beauty. Whether you’re a tourist exploring the charm of two vibrant cities or a regular cross-border commuter, Amtrak provides a reliable and eco-friendly alternative to driving or flying. With flexible schedules, affordable fares, and modern onboard amenities like Wi-Fi and power outlets, the journey becomes part of the adventure. Plus, seamless connections and accessible services make it a smart choice for travelers of all ages.
FAQs on Amtrak Burlington to Montreal
Currently, there is no direct Amtrak train from Burlington to Montreal. Travelers typically transfer at St. Albans, VT or connect via New York City using Amtrak and VIA Rail services.
One daily train (Train 55/Vermonter) departs Burlington at 10:10 AM and arrives in Montreal at 1:30 PM. Check Amtrak’s website for seasonal changes.
$30–$60 (Coach) or $60–$90 (Business Class) one-way. Book early for Saver Fares under $40.
Yes! A passport, NEXUS card, or Enhanced DL is required for border crossing.
3 hours 20 minutes, but add 30+ minutes for customs checks.
Yes! 2 free carry-ons + 2 checked bags. Bikes cost $10–$20 (reserve early).
U.S. Customs pre-clearance happens at Montreal’s station before boarding the return trip.
A café car sells snacks/drinks (no full meals). Pack food if needed.
Amtrak is a great alternative to flying or driving, especially when factoring in border delays and fuel costs.