Canada is home to the second-longest train ride in the world — here’s what it costs
Canada, as we know, is the second-largest country in the world with over 9.9 million kilometres to explore, and the best part is that there are numerous ways to trek it from coast to coast.
Road trips can be a blast, but with gas prices putting such a huge dent in our wallets these days, you might be tempted to let someone else do the driving. If trains are more your speed, you’re in for a treat because you can see a huge chunk of the country from the comfort of a single, spacious vehicle.
Canada is also home to the second-longest train journey in the world. For 96 hours (that’s four days, total), Canadians residents and curious tourists can sit back, relax and explore five fantastic provinces aboard Via Rail’s The Canadian.
From sweeping prairie fields and rugged lake country to all the charming towns in between, the journey takes you across some of Western Canada’s most stunning landscapes.
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Travellers have the option of either starting in Vancouver and ending in Toronto or vice versa, taking you through cities like Sudbury, Winnipeg, Saskatoon, Jasper, Kamloops and Vancouver.
There are three classes on The Canadian, depending on how much money you want to spend and what you want your experience to look like.
Economy Class
Despite it being the cheapest option, Economy Class on The Canadian still comes with a reclining seat with plenty of leg room. You also get access to the Skyline car where you can purchase light meals or snacks and take in the views through its panoramic dome.
In Economy, you’re allowed to bring one small or one medium carry-on baggage only.
Prices vary depending on the month and date, but you can find some relatively affordable options, with fares starting at $514 in both Summer 2026 and Winter 2027.
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Sleeper Plus Class
If you like the sounds of the first option but want to splurge a little more on a few more luxuries, the Sleeper Plus Class could be your ticket. Here you can get complimentary meal service in the Dining Car (breakfast, lunch and dinner) plus lots of snacks and beverages, including wine tastings.
The biggest draw: you get your very own bed! You can choose between a berth (roomy seats that get converted into beds at night) or a cabin (self-contained rooms that have their own private washrooms). If you’re travelling with an extra person, you can select a cabin for two that comes with bunk beds, essentially.
In Sleeper Plus Class, you’re allowed to bring one small carry-on baggage and two large checked baggage.
Prices for the Summer 2026 season start at $1,750, while a one-way winter ticket is slightly cheaper, starting at $1,083.
Prestige Class
Prestige Class on The Canadian is fancy with a capital F. Not only do you get your own personal concierge, but this cabin also offers half again as much space as a Sleeper Plus. It features an extra-large window, private washroom with shower, a mini bar and an L-shaped leather couch that transforms into a bed. Even the floors and walls are heated to keep the cabin cozy throughout your journey.
For entertainment, you have a handy flat-screen TV to rely on when you need to unwind. Plus plenty of food, snacks and alcoholic beverages to enjoy if you get sick of accessing the Dining Car.
According to the Via Rail website, one-way tickets start at $7,592 for the Summer 2026 season. However, Winter 2027 tickets are considerably cheaper, starting at $6,040.
This may all sound expensive, but nevertheless, it’s a unique way to see parts of Canada you might otherwise never get to experience, especially if you don’t drive or have access to a vehicle. You never know what you might spot along the way.
If you’re curious what the longest train ride in the world is, that would be the Trans-Siberian Express, which takes passengers from Vladivostok to Moscow, Russia, for over 144 hours (roughly six days).