Disaster. I will NEVER take Via Rail again after last night. We were leaving Ottawa in the middle of the storm on May 21st, and right before boarding the train they told us to wait for the storm to pass before boarding. They then had us board. About 5 km outside of Ottawa we hit a tree at full speed. They stopped for about 2-3 mins. A lot of trees had fell down after the storm. They DID NOT stop, or assess the track after hitting the first tree, or return to the station. They decided to keep going. Until we came across another huge tree we couldn’t pass. Via rails solution was to stay in the train for help. On the track, 5 km outside of Ottawa. Myself, along with 24 other people missed our international flight connections in Montreal. We wait for 3 hours, until via rail made the decision to go in reverse back to the station. However, did they check the track again for the trees we hit on the way in? Of course not, they backed up over another tree and severed the brake lines. We then waited another 2 hours for a mechanic to show up. In total, we waited 6 hours, on a train to return to Ottawa. We missed our flight to Venice. We spent 6 hours of our time unable to do anything. They wouldn’t let us off the train even though a road was right next to us. Via rail and their “structural engineers” SHOULD HAVE assessed the damage BEFORE we left the station. While the storm is not their fault, how they DEALT with this situation was beyond comprehension. The manager on the train, and I quote “this is classic Via Rail, shoestring policy where they put no money into the company for customers. They have no adequate protocol for when this happens”. We will never. Travel. Via. Rail. Again. Please don’t bother travelling with them, it isn’t worth it.

Via Rail websites are clearly out of date on whether a bike could be brought on a train or boxed and brought. The website for this station clearly stated that providing a bike box was one of the services provided, and the dimensions would have satisfied by baggage allowance specifications, while other Via Rail sites say that there are cars with bike racks available so you don't even have to box it. So, it was a shock when they told me they don't take bikes anymore. I had a hell of a time having to figure out shipping my bike at the last minute due to this mismanagement. They were at least helpful in guarding my baggage while I figured out the situation and were nice to offer me an upgrade to compensate. The supervisor who I spoke with was sort of dodgy to begin, trying to tell me the website I was showing him wasn't a Via Rail website, but became more helpful when I debunked this attempt.

Traveling by business class is always a joy at VIA RAIL. The lounges are spacious, clean, and offer free beverages while waiting to be called for priority boarding. The front staff are bilingual and exceptional at directing you to where you need to go and what documentation must be provided (e.g. boarding passes, vaccination record). The train cabins are outdated despite being revamped somewhat. I enjoyed my business class experience from Ottawa-Montreal with free beverages, snacks, meals, and dessert. I would definitely travel by businesses class next time for an enjoyable, stress-free experience.

I spent yesterday travelling on train 53 from Ottawa to Toronto. The Ottawa train station was SO much better than Toronto. The station was clean, sanitized, organized and the staff were friendly and helpful. The line up area prior to boarding the train was easy to follow with properly spaced circles on the floor for social distancing. The coffee shop in the station had an employee (I forget his name) that was so friendly! He did an excellent job on my latte as well. This was my first train experience and I’m glad I was able to have this station as my first experience.

Miguel at Ottawa station was awful. As a young girl travelling on my own, in another country, carrying 2 suitcases, I asked for help and he declined and walked away. Instead, as he walked away he told me I had to lift my 23kg case above my head onto the overhead compartment and if I couldn't then I shouldn't have it. I travelled 5000km with the case and managed fine bit funnily enough couldn't lift it above my head. Clearly in the wrong job for helping people. The Toronto train journey/station was much friendlier and actually helpful. Weird behaviour from Miguel.

Rude, ableist and inconvenient. They literally only care about VIP passengers here. For everyone else, they treat you as an inconvenience. My girlfriend asked for help because she has a metal rod in her leg that makes her difficult to walk and they were completely dismissive. Going so far as to tell her to "ask other passengers for help". On top of that, the place has one terrible little cafe that never seems to be open when you need it and a host of rude employees willing to make your trip as unpleasant as possible.

Very clean, sleek and modern looking station, but very few selections for food. If you need to eat on your trip make sure you eat before you arrive. There is only one small kiosk for coffee with very limited food selections, or you have to buy food from the vending machines (at least the machines prices are reasonable and they accept credit cards). You can leave the station for food but it is a 20 min walk, which is not ideal if you have a large bag. The station does have lots of seating and multiple charging points.

Trains are fabulous for winter travel and families!! Love everything about it. Thus station has not changed in years, goes to show when something is built correctly, it can last a long time. Friendly people that speak both official languages. A lot of walking to get to trains, and back again. Very spacious building with extraordinary high ceilings, makes for good air. Restaurant on site. #localguide

Ottawa Station is situated outside of central Ottawa requiring bus access from Mackenzie King for instance. The station recently replaced a conventional cafeteria with automated vending machines for snacks and coffee, tea, hot chocolate. The station is well protected from elements and offers year-round air conditioning and the information/ticketing counters are staffed with knowledgeable agents.

A cool, retro vibe radiates from this station. When I first arrived here from Fallowfield station, the getting underground part was a hassle, but once the halls opened up to the ramp,stairs, and elevator, it looked great. It was just straight ahead to the taxi lane and O-Train bus stop. I liked the clock. There’s plenty of maps and screens to keep yourself entertained if you’re bored.

The station itself is great but the train was probably the most uncomfortable ride I've ever had for the price I paid. It's so uncomfortable you can't even sleep and alot of the spots don't have plugs so if your phone died your stuck looking out the window for 4 hours. 110 bucks each way. It's better to just rent a car

This is my first and last time using the train. I sant my son from Ottawa to Montreal to meet his friend. The train was 2.5 hours late one way and 30 minutes late the other way. And I had to pay $170 for this wonderful experience. Also they don’t take cash in the train, my son couldn’t get any drink or snacks.

A lovely train station, such a superior experience compared to using the train. Plenty of places to sit, accessible services like bathrooms, tickets, and snacks. There are clear signs with key information related to arrivals and departures. During the day the station floods with light. Good service by staff.

Phenomenal staff. When collecting my elderly mom, Via Rail Police office went running after her to make sure she went in the right door, so we could find eachother. When sending mom back home, gate agent took her bag for her, and walked with her all the way into the train until she got seated. THANK YOU!

The Ottawa train station was excellent! The staff was proactive with helping and attentive. Looks like everyone likes their job here. It makes a difference. The lounge was relaxed and worth checking out. Some eating options too which is nice. Thanks. My trip started out on the right foot thanks to you.

Great staff, very friendly, kind and helpful. Saw them offer to carry "big" bag for people. Train are OK, spacious and confortable. Snack cart available, spacious and clean washroom. Plugs available. Down side, the WiFi is very limited! Wish the prices were more affordable.

Nice station. Make sure you do not use their vending machines with coins pay per credit card or debit card only. Their washrooms are clean. There is a store where you can buy a coffee or a snack but somehow very expensive. There’s a lounge for business class.

Never thought of poor service of train in Canada, so slow in winter, garbage protocol of changing driver in snow n midnight. Feels like worst country to be in. So slow response n management. Sorry Canadian I don’t know you manage such a slow government.

The customer service of the people here is absolutely. I am a small girl, and I had an extremely heavy luggage to carry and all of the grown men who work for the company did not offer to help and just watched me struggle to catch the train

This modern looking train station is the main rail hub for the national capital region. It serves only via rail trains that connect to the rest of the network via Toronto and Montreal. The file is lucking food and shopping facilities. You

Progress for sure. I am really happy with the current improvements as an avid train traveler, it's nice to see some money put into the national capitals aging infrastructure.The business class lounge renovation is really impressive. The

I traveled from Ottawa to Kingston (September 22nd, and I had the best experience. I was having trouble going down the escalator with my two bags. The Via staff escorted me to the elevator and brought my bags right to the train luggage

Large, clean station. Staff is helpful. Lacks a restaurant though. Vending machines are a little pricey. The Panorama Lounge for business class passengers is amazing. It has free newspapers and magazines, coffee, tea and other drinks.

Nothing has been more misleading than the timing via rail puts online. It does not take 4.5 hours to go to Toronto from Ottawa or vice versa. More like 6 hours. Left at 630pm - it’s 10:30pm and we just past Kingston. Are we crawling?

The vending machines will steal your money. When you notify the employees, nobody takes responsability and ask you to call the number on the vending machine. Of course nobody will take a call and fill a form for a 3$ loss...Thieves.

Gates closed before 5 min to departure. Ticket desk told us to either take the next train at 8am the next day or buy a bus ticket. Wouldn't give a refund. Ended up missing an important class the next day. Won't be taking via again.

Love the design and layout of this station :) Has a very 60s look but still modern at the same time too, i just wish all the platforms were high level, freight can have "gauntlet tracks" or a bypass track installed.

There is absolutely nothing in the station apart from one takeaway coffee place. If you are going on a long journey (we were travelling to Toronto) make sure you get sufficient food before getting to the station!

Clean! not busy friendly staff. many paid parking spaces arround a bit expensive but can save you if don’t have another choice. Tremblay LRT station is nearby which is nice can take it to downtown Ottawa easily.

Cool station. It's clean and organized. There are a couple small trains (old models probably). So cute and interesting. The coffee place is good too. The subway is close by and there are also taxis outsidd.

The staff on the via rail was really nice to us!! My son loves trains and they talked with my son and he was so happy! Great service, really safe to ride and they follow the covid rules by the letter!

I have never had anything but pleasant experiences with via. The staff are so eager to help, a little kindness goes a long way! They're overworked and deserve decency from customers :)

Worst experience of my life, I've never seen delays like this in my entire life. Took me 11h from Ottawa to Toronto. Good luck never taking the train with via rail ever again.

Our experience with Via Rail was great! The food and drinks in business class was an incredible experience. The business class ! Amazing service room offered great snacks

It’s not a maintained train station, and is a good waste of our tax dollars. Very dirty and obsolete. I used this train station in 2021. The staff are rude.

Website is trash and buggy. Keeps refreshing on the payments page and will never let me check out. Tried different browsers, computers, etc. Just garbage.

Large, high-ceilinged facility. Information staff was helpful and pleasant. Water-bottle filling station beside the restrooms. Coffee and snack bar.

Best designed station in whole Canada clean organized bright and clear you can see the train from almost every angle inside the station

Boarding process was very quick. There were not a lot of passengers, but you can still see that they have things well organized.

Very good and organized service. Coffee shop with decent prices. Plenty of room in the washrooms. The station is clean.

okay city, lots of people yelling on the street at night but it's fine, not amazing, during the day

Nice place. They make masks mandatory in the station as well as in the trains. Comfy for lounging

Business class waiting room underconstruction very nice temporary lounge set up ..rhanks Via

Best railway station in the Ottawa. Neat , clean and good atmosphere. Highly recommended.

It's really clean station With friendly staff Nice bussines longe

Nice view location in Ottawa train station. Good atmosphere.

Great accessible location and a fair price for transport.

The cleanest train station I have seen in my entire life.

Great train station!! Very effective staff!!

It was beautiful! So clean and friendly!