Checked baggage

Make sure your belongings are properly packed and protected. Store articles in the original box or in a rigid container that provides proper protection. A plastic or paper bag alone is not sufficient.

You can obtain the following boxes and bags in many stations:

• cardboard boxes ($1-$4)
• protective bags for skis or suitcases ($1)
• box for a bicycle (free for travellers, $20 for non-travellers)
• bag for a bicycle (free for travellers, $5 for non-travellers)

If you put items into a box, fasten it with string. The string serves as a handle, making handling easier, and it can also be used to attach a baggage tag.

Protecting bicycles

We recommend that you store your bicycle in a special protective box, which you can obtain free of charge at the station. You’ll need to turn the handlebars and remove the pedals, so bring the necessary tools with you as we cannot supply them.

If you cannot remove the pedals from your bicycle, we can provide you with a protective bag instead of a box.

However, if your bicycle is not boxed, VIA Rail accepts no liability in the event of damage.

VIA can transport your oversize sports equipment on most trains that take checked baggage, with the exception of some departures on the Montréal-Halifax and Toronto-Montréal train routes.

The Renaissance equipment used on some trains between Halifax and Montréal, as well as Montréal and Toronto, carry checked baggage. However, the size of their doors prevents them from carrying items wider than 34 inches (86 cm) such as canoes, kayaks and sailboards. Bicycles and skis, however, are allowed.

Please note that one pair of skis is considered to be a regular size item regardless of length. 

Check if oversize sports equipment is accepted on your departure through our online booking engine. Already know your train number? Simply view our baggage policy  (1,24 MB).

How much is the fee?

 
Travelling with a boat?

If booking online: Please send us an e-mail with your reservation confirmation number and the portion of the trip on which you would like your boat to be transported. We will make the necessary arrangements.

If booking by phone: Please inform our telephone sales agent.

Masts and sailboards are carried at your own risk.

Fare reduction: For short trips, we will reduce the extra charge so that it does not exceed your fare (excluding children's fares). The minimum fee is $20 per train used.

Arrive at the station early to ensure that your baggage reaches your destination at the same time as you! Therefore please arrive at least:

• One hour before departure: at most stations;
• 15 minutes before departure: at certain stops or stations (particularly in outlying areas) where you must place your baggage into the baggage car yourself.
   

We do not accept articles weighing more than 32 kg (70 lb.) or measuring more than 180 cm (6 ft.), unless they qualify as oversize sports equipment (bicycles, canoes, etc.), pets or skis.

You will have to pay a small surcharge for baggage in excess of the free allowance. The surcharge is $20 per excess article per train used.

Don't forget that children may check the same number of articles as adults!

There is also a surcharge of $20 for any piece of baggage weighing between 23 kg and 32 kg (50 lb. and 70 lb.), or measuring between 120 cm and 180 cm (4 ft. and 6 ft.).

This surcharge does not apply to articles classified as oversize sports equipment (bicycles, canoes, etc.) or pets. Different charges apply to these items. A pair of skis is considered a single article of regular size, regardless of the length of the skis.

On northern routes, a minimal $2.50 charge will apply to boxes of groceries (or food). Clients will be asked to pay this fee for travel on board the Montréal-Senneterre train, the Montréal-Jonquière train, the Sudbury-White River train, and the Toronto-Vancouver (the Canadian) train between Sudbury and Winnipeg.

Food and liquids must be stored in hermetically sealed boxes secured with adhesive tape and must be claimed immediately upon arrival. Perishable goods stored in polystyrene containers or bags are not accepted.

Your baggage must be able to withstand handling and storing without risk of breakage. Store your belongings in suitcases or protective containers. A plastic or paper bag is not sufficient. You can find additional hints on our section about protecting baggage.

Some types of articles are prohibited in cars and baggage cars, particularly flammable materials and furniture. View the list of prohibited baggage before your departure.

Want to take a quick city tour before your connecting train? Or have a goodbye breakfast without carrying your baggage around with you?

Good news! If you have a valid ticket, you can leave your baggage in station checkrooms. This service is free of charge for checked baggage left at a station prior to departure or between connections (maximum 24 hours).

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!

• $3 (taxes included) for regular-sized items
• $6 (taxes included) for heavy or oversized items

Remember: pets and perishable items can never be left at a checkroom.