Why would anybody take VIA rail?

Question

I want to go from Toronto to Halifax. The stupid train costs $400 round trip! To fly it's around $300 (depending what deals will be on at the time). Oh yeah, and flying saves me what,16 hours?

So am I missing something? Does VIA sell a single ticket for this route? Is there some way to get the train tickets cheaper than the VIA web site says? I just don't get it.

Answer 1

I have only travelled by train once from Calgary to Toronto. I would never do it again and I would not recommend anyone to travel by train...it was awful...I would fly if I were you....I have driven across Canada multiple times and if you have time I think you might enjoy that, but if you are short on time and money...fly...never had a bad flight yet.

Answer 2

I have taken the trip by train.  It was many years ago when my children were small and they wanted to do a trip by train.  You do it for the experience and comfort and leisurely pace, not to save money.  This way of travel caters to a certain group of people who want a sort of old fashioned trip, a little nostalgia perhaps, and while they are not usually wealthy people, they don't mind paying the litte extra to not have to drive themselves.  There is not really any cheap way to do this particular trip by train.   If you are looking for the cheapest way and fastest way, this train trip is not for you.  The route still exists with VIA Rail, so yes, they do sell tickets for this trip.

Answer 3

People who are afraid to fly will take the train even though it is more expensive.

Answer 4

Some people would probably take the train simply for the experience of taking the train.  Unfortunately, train travel is no longer as common as it used to be, so it's a bit of a novelty.  For some people there's just something special or even exciting about riding the train.

It also gives you a chance to enjoy the scenery as you're passing through the country.  

It's a relaxing way to travel - you're not squeezed into those small airplane seats with almost no leg room and you can get up and walk about the train if you want.

Personally, I'd rather take the train than fly - but I don't really care for flying.