Amtrak Returns to Toronto With Resumption of Maple Leaf Service

As of June 27, 2022, Amtrak has restarted its Maple Leaf service between New York Penn Station and Toronto, Ontario, following an almost 2-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This resumption marks the first international route to return to Amtrak’s network. The other 2 services, to Vancouver and Montreal, remain suspended for the time being.

Here’s what you need to know.

Maple Leaf Route and Schedule

Amtrak’s Maple Leaf service travels between Penn Station in New York City and Union Station in Toronto, Ontario. It passes through upstate New York, crosses into Canada near Niagara Falls, and continues to its terminus in Canada’s most populous city.

The almost-12-hour trip (one-way!) is certainly not the quickest way to get between the 2 cities, but on the other hand, you’ll depart and arrive in central locations within each city and can use your phone throughout the journey, which certainly makes it more bearable.

Maple Leaf trains departing New York operate according to the following schedule:

• Depart New York at 7:16 a.m — Arrive Toronto 7:43 p.m.

And trains leaving from Toronto follow the below schedule:

• Depart Toronto 8:20 a.m. — Arrive New York 9:55 p.m.

The train stops at the following stations on its journey:

It’s worth noting that the Maple Leaf stops for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes in Niagara Falls, Ontario so that the Canadian border authorities can perform passport checks. On the return to the U.S., the train stops on the U.S. side of the border for the same checks.

You can expect the following amenities on your journey:

• Business Class, featuring extra legroom seats
• Coach Class, featuring a 2×2 configuration
• Cafe Car stocked with sandwiches, salads, snacks and drinks
• Complimentary Wi-Fi

Use Amtrak’s website, mobile app, or phone booking service to purchase tickets for travel in either direction. If you’re departing from Canada, you can do so through ViaRail, which is able to sell tickets exclusively for trains to New York.

Hot Tip: Read about how to earn elite status in Amtrak’s Guest Rewards program — and whether it’s worth it or not.

Final Thoughts

Amtrak restoring service to Toronto is another step toward a travel industry recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Maple Leaf service has traditionally been very popular with both leisure and business travelers. We’re sure both groups of travelers will appreciate once again having an option that allows you to be productive and stay connected all day rather than dealing with airports and all the stress that comes along with them.