There are certain days when you feel richer than usual. Those days never happen. But sometimes, due to circumstances, you have to take business class instead of economy (so unfortunate!!!). In this article, I’m sharing my experience traveling in Via Rail’s Business Class from Toronto to London (Ontario).
I used to go to school in London, so every time I visited friends in Toronto, I would take the train. One time, I took the train from London all the way to Montreal—it took longer than flying from Toronto to Naples. But spending so many hours on trains gave me a solid idea of what economy class is like, so now I can compare it with business class and see if it’s actually worth it.
The Legroom is Crazy
I have traveled on Via Rail multiple times, and the legroom in business class (at least on the train I was on) was exponentially larger than in economy. You can really stretch out and get comfortable, which makes a big difference on longer trips.
The Seat is Way Wider
Not only do you get more legroom, but the seat itself is significantly wider. If you’ve ever felt cramped in economy, this is a game-changer. More space means more comfort, and that’s always a win.
The Food Sucks (But This Might Be My Fault)
You might not know this, but for a period of time, right before I left for Italy, I thought I was lactose intolerant (don’t ask me why—I’d have a hard time explaining it to you). When I went back to Italy, I did the test and found out I wasn’t. However, I booked my business class ticket when I still believed I was lactose intolerant, so I opted for the lactose-free breakfast option.
Big mistake. It was completely inedible. Who decided that serving curry with potatoes at 7am was a good idea?
Great Service Overall
One thing I have to give Via Rail credit for is their service. The staff in business class is incredibly nice and friendly, making the trip much more enjoyable.
Lounge Access is a Nice Perk
When you travel in business class, you get access to lounges with free drinks and snacks at designated central stations. This is a great bonus, especially if you have some time before your train departs.
So, is it Worth It?
In my opinion, if you’re looking for a quieter, more comfortable trip—especially for longer journeys—business class is worth considering. However, I’d only recommend it if the price difference from economy is less than $50 per way. Otherwise, economy still does the job just fine.
Have you ever taken Via Rail’s Business Class? Let me know your thoughts!