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2023-11-18
Determined to listen to our passengers following the unveiling of VIA Rail’s new baggage policy, we are gathering and analyzing their feedback to assess if and how we could better meet the baggage needs of our passengers.
In the meantime, to ensure a smooth transition for our passengers, we are waiving the fees outlined in each baggage allowance on all routes and for a limited time.
Please note that the baggage allowance corresponding to your fare type must be respected regarding the bags' quantity, size, and weight.

FAQ – Baggage

FAQ – Baggage

Here are our answers to the most frequently asked questions about baggage.

Baggage identification

Remember to identify each of your pieces of baggage by attaching a tag with your name, home address, phone number and email address.

Make sure to remove or store hooks, hangers, straps and sharp objects so that they cannot snag or damage other travelers' baggage. Also avoid attaching items to backpacks.

All items must be transported in their original box or in a rigid container providing adequate protection. Boxes must be attached with a rope or handle allowing them to be moved easily and must also have a baggage tag with contact information.

Visit our Packing your bags page for more tips.

Carry-on and checked baggage

Carry-on baggage is an item that you can bring on board that can either be stored under the seat in front of you, on the overhead shelf or in a baggage rack.

Please note that handbags/purses are not considered as carry-on baggage, nor are strollers measuring less than 25.5 cm (10 in) in diameter and 92 cm (36 in) in length when folded.

Consult our Carry-on baggage page to learn more.

Checked baggage are items that are stored in a baggage car on long distance trains.

For all information regarding carry-on baggage allowance, please consult our carry-on baggage allowance page.

Golf bags, folding bikes, skis and snowboards, may be brought on board and will count as one (1) item in your carry-on baggage allowance.

Please visit our Sports and recreational equipment page for more details.

Toddlers and infants (up to 2 years old) holding a ticket or traveling on an adult's lap are entitled to the same carry-on baggage allowance as the accompanying adult (diaper bag or supplies needed for duration of journey count as carry-on items for the child).

Learn more on our Baggage for toddlers and infants (aged 0-24 months) page.

A bag must always be checked at least 45 minutes prior to departure at terminal stations and 30 minutes prior to departure at intermediate stations.

Personal items

Articles that fit under the seat, such as purses, laptops or small backpacks, are considered as personal items.

Your backpack is considered a personal item if it is below the maximum dimensions of 43 × 15 × 33 cm (17 × 6 × 13 in). If the backpack exceeds this limit, it is considered a carry-on baggage item.

Baggage allowance policy

There are 2 ways to determine your baggage allowance, depending on how you book your trip.

If you book your trip online:

  • Go to our booking engine page.
  • Enter your departure and arrival stations.
  • Enter your travel dates.
  • Click on the "Search" button.
  • Choose your desired departure in the list of proposed itineraries.
  • The baggage allowance for your trip is provided in the "Review" stage of the booking process.
  • Your baggage allowance is also be indicated at the time of booking in your itinerary confirmation.

You can also visit our Carry-on baggage page and our Checked baggage page to learn more.

If you book your trip by phone or at a station ticket counter:

The baggage allowance of your trip can be found within the booking confirmation, which is e-mailed to you once the booking process is complete. Our agents in station are also able to inform you of the baggage allowance for your trip.

If you are planning a connection with one of our travel partners, please consult their website for information on their baggage policy, as their policies may differ from ours.

If you are crossing the Canada-US border on trains 97 or 98, you are subject to Amtrak's baggage policy. Please consult their policies on carry-on baggage and checked baggage to make sure you comply.

New baggage policy

We are launching a new baggage policy across the network for Corridor trains, long distance trains and long distance trains with a connection in the Corridor.

Here are the changes made:

  • The baggage policy is now differentiated by fare types (Escape, Economy, Economy Plus, Business and Business Plus) rather than by class of service (Economy and Business).
  • We are making changes to the base allowance, as well as the allowance for additional items.
  • We have adjusted our baggage sizing standards.
  • You are now able to select a fare option with the basic baggage allowance required for your trip. Baggage becomes a differentiated feature so that you pay only for the allowance you need.
  • As passenger volumes increase, changes to the basic baggage allowance, additional baggage allowance, and accepted standard baggage sizes, will allow us to provide better customer experience in the station and on board the train.
  • On board baggage space is maximized so that you can find nearby space for your carry-on baggage, including under the seat and in the overhead shelf.
  • You enjoy a better boarding and deboarding experience as the complexity of baggage handling is reduced.

Baggage on board

We are doing our best to avoid having baggage in a different car by assigning baggage towers in your car. However, please note that we cannot know in advance which baggage tower will be available.

We continue to provide baggage assistance for passengers with specific needs and approved accessibility requests. However, each passenger is responsible for their own baggage. As a passenger, you must only bring baggage that you can carry and store under the seat in front of you or on the overhead shelf unassisted.

Boarding with baggage

There is no priority boarding for passengers with large baggage items.

Although we continue to provide baggage assistance for passengers with specific needs and approved accessibility requests, each passenger is responsible for their own baggage. As a passenger, you may only bring baggage that you can carry and store under the seat in front of you or on the overhead shelf unassisted.

Types of passengers

With the new baggage policy, students are entitled to the allowance linked to the fare type paid.

With the new baggage policy, retired and current members of the Canadian military are entitled to the allowance linked to the fare type paid. However, you can benefit from an unlimited number of additional bags by contacting our Customer service.

Visit our Military baggage page to learn more.

No, there is no baggage benefit for Premier members.

Still have unanswered questions?

We are here to help you! Our in-station agents will gladly answer any questions you may have. You may also call 1-888-VIA-RAIL (1-888-842-7245) or TTY 1-800-268-9503 (for persons who are deaf or hard-of-hearing) for more information.