Adirondack (train)
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| Adirondack (train) | |
|---|---|
| Name | Adirondack |
| Type | Inter-city rail |
| Status | Operational |
| Locale | Northeastern United States, Canada |
| First | 1974 |
| Operator | Amtrak |
| Start | New York, New York (Moynihan Train Hall) |
| End | Montreal, Quebec (Gare Centrale) |
| Frequency | Daily |
Adirondack (train). The Adirondack is a daily international inter-city rail passenger train operated by Amtrak between New York City and Montreal, Quebec. The service traverses the scenic Hudson Valley and Adirondack Mountains before crossing the Canada–United States border into Canada. It is one of Amtrak's most popular routes for its picturesque views, particularly along the shores of Lake Champlain.
History
The service was inaugurated in 1974, following the success of earlier cross-border trains like the Montrealer. Its creation was part of Amtrak's early efforts to expand international service and leverage scenic tourism. Operations were temporarily suspended in the 1980s due to track condition issues on the Delaware and Hudson Railway but were restored after improvements. Service faced significant disruptions following the September 11 attacks due to enhanced border security protocols, which increased travel times. A major suspension occurred from 2020 to 2023 due to COVID-19 pandemic travel restrictions imposed by the Government of Canada, with service resuming in April 2023.
Route and service
The Adirondack originates at Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station in New York City and terminates at Gare Centrale in Montreal. The northbound route travels along the Empire Corridor, following the Hudson River past landmarks like West Point and the Catskill Mountains. It serves key intermediate stations including Albany–Rensselaer, Sarasota Springs, and Plattsburgh. The train crosses into Canada at Rouses Point via the Canadian National Railway line, proceeding through Saint-Lambert before arriving in Montreal. The journey covers approximately 381 miles and takes around 10 hours, with customs pre-clearance conducted at the border.
Rolling stock
The Adirondack has historically been operated with a variety of Amtrak equipment. For most of its service life, it utilized Amfleet coaches hauled by General Electric Genesis series diesel locomotives, such as the GE P42DC. The train typically includes a café car for food and beverage service. With the resumption of service in 2023, Amtrak introduced modernized Amfleet II cars refreshed as part of the Amtrak Airo initiative. The service is powered by Siemens Charger diesel locomotives, which are part of Amtrak's fleet renewal program for state-supported routes.
Cultural impact
The train is celebrated for offering one of the most beautiful train journeys in North America, frequently featured in travel publications like National Geographic and Condé Nast Traveler. Its route through the Adirondack Park and along Lake Champlain provides passengers with vistas comparable to renowned scenic railways such as the Rocky Mountaineer. The service has been referenced in various travelogues and documentaries about American rail travel. It plays a significant role in promoting tourism between Upstate New York and Montreal, supporting regional economies and cultural exchange. The train's name evokes the wilderness and resort history of the Adirondack Mountains.
See also
* Maple Leaf (train) * Amtrak * Lake Shore Limited * Ethan Allen Express * VIA Rail * Adirondack Mountains * Lake Champlain
Category:Passenger rail transportation in New York (state) Category:Passenger rail transportation in Quebec Category:Amtrak routes