Thinking about taking the Toronto to Calgary train route? You’re not alone. Many travelers are curious about crossing Canada by rail, especially those who want to take the scenic route instead of flying over it all. While there isn’t a direct train that links Toronto and Calgary, there’s still a way to make the journey work—with the bonus of seeing some of the most breathtaking landscapes the country has to offer.
This guide gives you everything you need to know, step by step. Whether you’re chasing a slow travel experience or just want something different, you’ll find this journey well worth considering.
Is There a Direct Toronto to Calgary Train?
Let’s get this cleared up first. There’s no direct train between Toronto and Calgary. But don’t let that discourage you.
Instead, you can take a VIA Rail train from Toronto to Edmonton, and then hop on a bus from Edmonton to Calgary. This route offers a seamless transition and still gives you the satisfaction of a cross-country ride.
So yes, a Toronto to Calgary train ride technically includes a bus leg, but most of the journey is by train—and it’s packed with views, comfort, and long stretches of quiet that are hard to find anywhere else.
How to Travel from Toronto to Calgary: A Simple 2 Step Route
Going from Toronto to Calgary by train and bus is easier than it sounds. Here’s a clear breakdown of how to make the journey smooth, scenic, and stress-free.
Toronto to Edmonton by Train – The Main Leg
Your journey kicks off at Toronto’s Union Station, where you’ll board VIA Rail’s “The Canadian”. This legendary train route stretches across provinces and gives you a front-row seat to Canada’s changing landscapes.
- Duration: About 3.5 to 4 days
- Stops include: Winnipeg, Saskatoon, and Jasper (among others)
- Highlights: Rolling forests, prairie fields, and mountain edges as you approach Alberta
VIA Rail offers three service classes:
- Economy: Comfortable reclining seats with shared washrooms
- Sleeper Plus: Private cabins, all meals included, and access to shower facilities
- Prestige Class: A high-end experience with premium cabins, meals, and personalized service
This stretch is what most people mean when they talk about a scenic train ride in Canada. If you’re someone who enjoys watching the world pass by slowly—with a book in hand or a camera nearby—this part is for you.
Edmonton to Calgary by Bus – The Final Stretch
Once you arrive in Edmonton, the rest of the trip is by road. But it’s an easy, direct ride.
- Duration: Around 3 to 4 hours
- Providers: Red Arrow, Ebus, Rider Express
- Perks: Reclining seats, Wi-Fi, USB charging, clean restrooms
You can book your bus ticket in advance, and buses run multiple times a day. The highway between Edmonton and Calgary is flat and straightforward, with views of Alberta’s open fields and rolling skies.
For the best experience, allow a couple of hours between your train’s arrival and the bus departure—you’ll want that buffer in case of any train delays.
What You’ll See on the Way
One of the biggest reasons people choose the Toronto to Calgary train route (with the bus connection) is the views. You’re not just traveling—you’re seeing Canada in a way that few people do.
As you move through Ontario, you’ll pass lakes and forests, especially around Sudbury. The landscape flattens out in Manitoba and Saskatchewan, where endless fields stretch to the horizon. Approaching Alberta, you’ll notice the terrain changing again—gently sloping hills, clusters of evergreens, and finally, the outline of the Rockies in the distance.
Even the bus ride from Edmonton to Calgary gives you a sense of how Alberta shifts from farmland to cityscape. It’s peaceful, and if you’ve got a window seat, it’s never dull.
How to Book: Tickets and Tips
VIA Rail Booking
To get from Toronto to Edmonton, you’ll book your seat on VIA Rail’s “The Canadian” train. You can do this directly on their website or app. The earlier you book, the better the prices.
Estimated Prices:
- Economy: ~$400–$600 CAD
- Sleeper Plus: ~$900–$1,400 CAD
- Prestige Class: $2,000+ CAD
Train prices vary based on the time of year, how early you book, and how many cabins are available. Summer travel tends to cost more.
Bus Booking from Edmonton to Calgary
You can grab tickets online for most bus companies. Prices usually range from $30 to $60 CAD, and many allow mobile boarding passes.
Pro Tip: Try to book your VIA Rail and bus tickets separately but with enough space in your schedule. VIA Rail’s long-haul trains sometimes run late, so giving yourself a few hours to transition makes a huge difference.
Best Time to Take the Trip
Late spring through early fall is ideal for a Canada rail journey. The weather is milder, and the skies are clearer. In summer, you’ll also have longer daylight hours, which means more time to take in the views.
Winter trips are beautiful too—think snow-covered forests and icy rivers—but they come with risks like weather delays and very short days.
If you’re chasing scenic views and fewer crowds, September and early October are solid picks. You’ll catch the fall colors in Ontario and cooler weather across the Prairies.
Quick Travel Tips
- Bring layers. Weather changes quickly across provinces.
- Snacks and water. Even though meals are included in some ticket classes, it’s good to have extras.
- Entertainment. Bring a book, download shows, or just stare out the window—it’s surprisingly relaxing.
- Offline maps and info. Wi-Fi can be patchy in remote areas, so download things ahead of time.
Also, don’t forget to carry power banks, toiletries, and your ID. Long train rides are smooth, but being prepared makes all the difference.
Final Thoughts
Taking the Toronto to Calgary train route isn’t about speed—it’s about the experience. It gives you a unique view of Canada, from the forests of Ontario to the plains of the Prairies and the peaks of Alberta. It’s one of the most scenic and memorable ways to cross the country.
If you’ve got the time and a bit of curiosity, this journey will stick with you longer than any quick flight. Book early, plan smart, and enjoy the ride. There’s a lot to see out the window—and even more waiting when you arrive in Calgary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Is there a direct Toronto to Calgary train available?
No, there is no direct train from Toronto to Calgary. The journey involves taking VIA Rail’s “The Canadian” from Toronto to Edmonton, followed by a bus ride to Calgary.
Q2. How long does the Toronto to Calgary train journey take?
The entire trip takes approximately 4 days—about 3.5 days by train from Toronto to Edmonton and another 3 to 4 hours by bus from Edmonton to Calgary.
Q3. How much does it cost to travel from Toronto to Calgary by train?
Economy tickets start around $400–$600 CAD. Sleeper and Prestige Class options can range from $900 to over $2,000 CAD. The bus to Calgary costs about $30–$60 CAD.
Q4. What are the main highlights of the Toronto to Calgary train route?
Expect stunning views of forests in Ontario, wide prairies in Saskatchewan, and mountain ranges near Alberta. It’s one of Canada’s most scenic train rides.
Q5. Can I book the entire Toronto to Calgary journey in one ticket?
No, VIA Rail does not offer a combined ticket. You’ll need to book the train to Edmonton and the bus to Calgary separately. Plan a buffer between connections.