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Terms & Conditions

When booking a North America pass you must provide us with your first journey. You will be issued with a voucher which must be exchanged at this first station for your actual pass. Before boarding the train you must take your pass and passport to the Amtrak/VIA ticket office where they will issue a free ticket for your journey.

Essential Information about the North American Rail Pass

(Please click the titles below to expand the relevant information section or print all sections)

Trains in Canada for which the pass is valid

In Canada, the North America Rail Pass can be used for economy travel on any VIA train. The North America Rail Pass can also be used for travel on buses connecting Moncton and Saint John. However, it cannot be used for travel on the trains and buses mentioned in the VIA timetable but operated by other companies (except Amtrak trains).

Trains in the United States for which the pass is valid

In the United States, the North America Rail Pass can be used for coach class travel on any Amtrak train, except Acela Express and the Auto Train. There is an additional charge for Metroliners. It cannot be used for certain connecting Thruway buses.

Validity period

The North America Rail Pass is valid for 30 days of unlimited travel. The last free trip taken with the pass must end before midnight on the last day the pass is valid.

Tickets

  • Holders of a North America Rail Pass must obtain a ticket for each trip. When booking or purchasing their tickets, they must show their pass to an authorized VIA or Amtrak ticket agent.
  • Passholders are entitled to a Comfort class seat (basic service).
  • There is a limited number of Comfort class seats for holders of a North America Rail Pass. We therefore recommend advance reservation.
  • The North America Rail Pass is Economy/Coach Class. For a surcharge, holders of a North America Rail Pass can upgrade on VIA trains to first class (VIA 1) or Sleeper class; they then qualify for any discounts on these classes, provided that the applicable conditions are met. On Amtrak trains, the pass entitles you to Coach Class travel, but you may upgrade to Business Class or Sleeping Car accommodations for an additional charge.
  • Generally, an upgrade to Silver & Blue class (on the Canadian, the train which travels between Vancouver and Toronto) can only be arranged in the 21 days prior to departure during the peak summer season (from June 1 to October 15).
  • Purchase of a North America Rail Pass entitles you to 185 VIA Preference points if you travel in the off-peak season and 265 points if you travel in the peak season. Upgrades also entitle you to VIA Preference points. To obtain your points, you must forward your North America Rail Pass receipt to the VIA Preference redemption centre.

Other discounts

The North America Rail Pass cannot be combined with a discount or promotion. However, upgrades to first class may be eligible for discounts or promotions.

Concessions

  • Children aged 2-11 years inclusive travel for half price when accompanied by a full-fare paying adult.
  • Students aged 12-17 years inclusive and those aged 18 years and over with a valid ISIC card are entitled to discounted pass prices.
  • Seniors aged 60 years and over are entitled to discounted pass prices.

Peak Periods

  • Peak Periods
  • 25th May -15th October 2007
  • Off Peak Periods
  • 1st January - 24th May 2007
  • 16th October - 31st December 2007

If any part of your journey falls within a peak period you must purchase a peak period pass.

Eligibility

The North America Rail Pass is available to everyone. The pass is not transferable. On request, pass holders must present some identification or sign their train ticket.

Refunds

A North America Rail Pass is refundable only if it has not been used and if all the tickets issued with it are returned. If the Pass is returned for cancellation or alteration, then there is a standard 15% cancellation/alteration fee in addition to an administrative charge per ticket, in all cases. Cancellations and alterations can only be made before pass has been used. All unused tickets must be returned marked "Cancelled".

Duplicate or replacement passes/tickets cannot be issued under any conditions.

Customs

Make sure that you comply with American and Canadian laws. All trains crossing the border are subject to inspection by customs officials.

VIA accepts no responsibility with regard to customers who are refused entry into Canada or the United States for failing to meet Canadian or American customs or immigration requirements.