2 articles
Maximum
11.5 kg (25 lb.) each
54.5 × 39.5 × 23 cm (21.5 × 15.5 × 9 in.) each
Carry-on baggage
To ensure maximum comfort for all passengers, we ask you to limit the number of your carry-on articles.
Important notice: VIA Rail recently implemented its carry-on baggage policy. The policy is the following:
CARRY-ON BAGGAGE ENTITLEMENT (no charge)
Option 1
OR
1 personal article
(e.g. laptop or small backpack)
Maximum
11.5 kg (25 lb.)
43 × 15 × 33 cm (17 × 6 × 13 in.)
(e.g. laptop or small backpack)
Maximum
11.5 kg (25 lb.)
43 × 15 × 33 cm (17 × 6 × 13 in.)
For this option, articles of more than 11.5 kg (25 lb.) are not allowed on board.
Option 2 (per person)
1 article
Maximum
18 kg (40 lb.)
158 linear cm (62 linear inches) (length + width + height)
(example of dimensions: 69 × 53.5 × 35.5 cm (27 × 21 × 14 in.))
Maximum
18 kg (40 lb.)
158 linear cm (62 linear inches) (length + width + height)
(example of dimensions: 69 × 53.5 × 35.5 cm (27 × 21 × 14 in.))
1 personal article
(e.g. laptop or small backpack)
Maximum
11.5 kg (25 lb.)
43 × 15 × 33 cm (17 × 6 × 13 in.)
(e.g. laptop or small backpack)
Maximum
11.5 kg (25 lb.)
43 × 15 × 33 cm (17 × 6 × 13 in.)
For this option, an article between 41 and 50 lb. is allowed on board, but is subject to a surcharge of $20 (taxes included, per one-way trip) for excess weight. An article weighing more than 50 lb. is not allowed on board.
Option 2 is NOT recommended in sleeper cars (space is limited).
Purses are not considered as baggage.
Baby carriages measuring no more than 25.5 cm (10 in.) in diameter and 92 cm (36 in.) in length when folded are not considered as baggage.
Please note that the baggage entitlement for your trip is indicated at the “Review” stage during the booking process. It is also provided at time of booking confirmation.
If you are planning a connection with one of our travel partners, please consult their website for details on their baggage policy.
Also, don’t forget to label each piece of baggage with your full name, complete home address and telephone number.
Articles permitted as carry-on baggage
Refer to the list of commonly transported articles below to find out whether they are permitted as carry-on baggage or if they must be checked. If checking your article(s) is required, choose a train that offers checked baggage service.
| Article |
Permitted as carry-on |
Must be checked |
Additional Information |
| Hockey bag | X |
Junior-sized hockey bags within the size limit of 158 linear cm (62 linear in.) are permitted as carry-on baggage. |
|
| Hockey stick* | X | A limit of one (1) hockey stick per customer is permitted. | |
| Musical instrument |
Only instruments that can fit in a case or bag that falls within the maximum dimensions of carry-on baggage are permitted on board. Instruments in a bag or case that fall within 43 × 15 × 23 cm (17 × 6 × 13 in.) are considered personal articles. Instruments in a bag or case that fall within 54.5 × 39.5 × 23 cm (21.5 × 15.5 × 9 in.) or 158 linear cm (62 linear in.) are considered carry-on baggage and will count against the carry-on baggage entitlement. |
||
| Guitar | X | ||
| Cello | X | ||
| Golf bag | X | ||
| Skis | X | ||
| Snowboard | X | ||
|
Carry-on articles for infants or children between 0–24 months old |
X | Children and infants (ticketed or travelling on lap) have the same carry-on baggage entitlement as the accompanying adult. | |
| Stroller | X |
Foldable strollers measuring no more than 25.5 cm (10 in.) in diameter and 92 cm (36 in.) in length when folded are permitted on board, and will not count against the carry-on baggage entitlement. Large strollers or baby carriages are permitted on board but will count against the carry-on baggage entitlement of the child or infant. |
|
| Portable playpen | X | Portable playpens are permitted on board, but will count against the carry-on baggage entitlement of the child or infant. | |
| Car seat | X | Car seats are permitted on board, and will not count against the carry-on baggage entitlement if the child who will be using the car seat is also travelling. | |
| Healthcare devices | X | ||
| Pets | X | ||
| Document tubes* | X | A limit of one (1) document tube per customer; if permitted. The measurement must not exceed 15,25 cm (6 in.) in diameter and 137 cm (54 in.) in height. The tube and its content must not exceed 18 kg (40 lb.). |
*Travellers can bring a hockey stick or document tube in addition to their carry-on baggage entitlement. Hockey sticks and document tubes are not permitted on our Renaissance equipment as there is no space available on-board to store them in a safe manner.
Station checkroom
- You wish to leave your carry-on bags? You may do so at a checkroom for the small service charges listed below.
- Don’t forget to retrieve your bags before departure!
- $6 per carry-on article.
- No charge for checked baggage when dropping off within the normal checking time (up to 3 hours before departure).*
Travellers holding valid tickets may leave their personal belongings in a station checkroom for up to 24 hours.
*A $6 surcharge applies to passengers dropping off their checked baggage earlier than 3 hours before departure. A $6 surcharge also applies when checked baggage is left in the checkroom after arrival at final destination.
FAQ
1. Why is VIA changing its policy regarding authorized baggage weight and dimensions?
We hope these changes will improve travellers’ experience on board. By conforming to authorized weights and formats, you allow all travellers to enjoy a comfortable trip as well as faster boarding and disembarking. Plus, they will make it easier for our employees to serve you quickly and efficiently.
2. To whom do these changes apply?
The carry-on and checked baggage policies are applicable across the VIA Rail network in Canada.
3. What is a carry-on bag?
A carry-on bag is an article that you can bring on board that must be stored under the seat in front of you or above your seat in a bin or on a luggage rack.
Please note that purses are not considered as baggage, nor are baby carriages measuring no more than 25.5 cm (10 in.) in diameter and 92 cm (36 in.) in length when folded.
4. What is a personal article?
Articles such as laptops and small backpacks are considered as personal articles.
5. What happens if my carry-on bag weighs between 18.5 and 23 kg (41 and 50 lb.)?
Travellers with oversize baggage are invited to redistribute the weight between articles, if possible, so as to conform to restrictions. If this is not possible, baggage will have to be checked if the train is equipped with a baggage car. If the train is not equipped with a baggage car, your baggage (weighing between 18.5 and 23 kg (41 and 50 lb.)) is allowed on board, but is subject to a surcharge of $20 (taxes included, per one-way trip) for excess weight. Articles weighing more than 50 lb. are not allowed on board.
6. How can I make sure my carry-on bags are within limits?
We invite you to read our carry-on baggage policy before your departure to ensure that all your baggage conforms to our new policy.
Please note that some stations are equipped with scales and baggage sizers. Should you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask one of our agents for assistance.
7. How can I find out my baggage entitlement?
If you book your trip on viarail.ca:
1. At time of booking:
- Go to the VIA booking engine page.
- Enter your departure and arrival stations.
- Enter your travel dates.
- Click on the “Search” button.
- A list of proposed itineraries will appear. Choose your desired departure.
- Information on baggage entitlement for your trip will be provided at the “Review” stage during the booking process.
2. At time of booking confirmation:
-
Baggage entitlement for your trip will be indicated at the time of booking on your itinerary confirmation.
If you book your trip by phone or at a station ticket counter:
- On the booking confirmation you will receive by e-mail once the booking process has been completed.
- On the boarding pass you will receive at the station.
8. What is my baggage entitlement if I am also travelling with a VIA partner?
Travellers are responsible for making sure their baggage conforms to VIA Rail policy. Furthermore, they must ensure that their baggage also conforms to the policies of any other carriers taken during a trip. Please note that these may differ from those of VIA Rail.
9. What if I have unanswered questions about VIA Rail’s baggage policy?
Several resources are at your disposal! In addition to our website, our agents at VIA Rail stations will gladly answer any questions. You can also call 1 888 VIA-RAIL (1 888 842-7245) or TTY 1 800 268-9503 (hearing impaired) for more information.
