A Look Inside Business Class on ViaRail

I recently travelled from Toronto to Ottawa in Business Class. If you buy your tickets early enough, the Escape Fare is $49 + tax one way, and the Business Class is $121 + tax one way. It's a huge difference, so you have to decide if you are willing to splurge. In Economy nothing extra is provided. There is a food card that will sell snacks and drinks.

In Business Class it starts by checking in in the lounge. You can sit and relax with a complimentary soft drink or hot drink. They will announce when it is time to board the train. You then walk past all the people standing in line, right to the front and onto the train. You will be seated in Car 1. There is only 1 Business Class car on the train.

Typically, by the time you have reached the first stop you will be sitting comfortably with a drink of your choice and a snack. They serve beer, wine and liquors, as well as all non-alcoholic drinks. They come by regularly throughout the trip to see if you want another drink. All of this is included in your train ticket. No extra money is needed on board. You will also receive a hot meal. I typically travel in the evening and have always had dinner. There is a choice of meat, fish or vegetarian pasta (subject to availability). During dinner they offered drinks 3 more times.

After dinner, they still come around with more drinks. I'm not a drinker, but had a beer early on and some wine with my meal. But, it was offered to me many more times. They also hand out bottles of water and you can get soft drinks, juices, coffee and tea.

For me, getting a hot meal and a couple of drinks, sitting in a more comfortable seat - Business Class is definitely worth it.