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| - Toronto to Montreal, round trip
Any chance I can ride Business on Via, I love it. Free flowing booze, comfortable seats that recline pretty back and a great way to relax. I got a deal going to Montreal (Business) but couldn't secure a great price on my return to Toronto, so this review will highlight both levels.
FYI. You do not need to print your boarding pass/tickets at the Kiosks anymore. When I booked online, I received an itinerary receipt AND a separate email containing my boarding pass. You can chose to print this boarding pass, or if you have a mobile phone, they can just scan it. Love this feature (it shaves previous minutes when you're already running late. I remember you had to go to those kiosks in Union to print an actual yellow ticket first.)
Toronto to Montreal (Business).
Union station is a zoo, and I hate the long line-ups. Add in construction and.... Business helps because there is a separate line and you get to go in first. Waiting and standing in line stinks. My departure time was 5pm and I arrived at 4:45 and I went straight to the train.
Seats are comfy. You get a meal (sometimes okay, others not) and drinks. There is free wifi on board, but it can be slow at times. Luggages are placed at the front of the train or there are overhead bins for smaller items (and unlike the planes, you don't need to rush to get overhead space. There is always space available
Montreal to Toronto (Coach).
I swear there was no reserved seating for coach, but in my boarding pass I had a seat reserved for me! I remember on my train rides to London having to line up early because I wanted to get a good seat, but things have changed? Or is it just the location. In any event, I had a great experience. Seats are reserved, and they are just a tad smaller than business, but you can recline and it's sufficient. Seats close to the windows have access to outlets. Free Wifi on board.
A food/drinks cart came every hour and you can purchase with cash and/or credit. Don't expect proper and/or gourmet meals, but I got red wine (in a Tetra Box!) and chocolate:)
I'm a huge fan of Via. Much more relaxing/spacious than a bus, less hectic than plane. Best of both worlds.
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