Edmonton Railway Station (Edmonton Train Station) is a key transport hub for travelers exploring Western Canada by long-distance train. The station serves the famous transcontinental route The Canadian, connecting Toronto and Vancouver, and serves as an important stop for tourists heading to the Rocky Mountains. The modern, though modest in size, building offers passengers the necessary amenities for a comfortable start or end to their journey.
It is important for passengers to know that the station is not in the city centre, but to the northwest of it, near the former City Centre Airport. The building is single-story, and navigation inside is intuitive: the main entrance leads directly to the waiting hall and ticket counters. Access to the platforms is through controlled turnstiles only after boarding is announced, so please watch the information screens closely.
Contact Information
Official website: viarail.ca (national operator VIA Rail)
Information phone: +1 888 842-7245 (VIA Rail toll-free line)
Address: 12360 121 St NW, Edmonton, AB, T5L 5C3, Canada
Opening hours: ticket counters open 60–90 minutes before train arrival or departure; the station does not operate 24/7
Luggage storage: Baggage Check service is available for train passengers
Accessibility: the station is equipped with ramps and wheelchair lifts (requesting assistance in advance is recommended)
How to Get There
Getting to Edmonton Railway Station can be challenging, as it is located away from the main tourist areas. The most reliable method is to use a taxi or ride-sharing service (Uber). A trip from the city centre (Downtown) will take about 15–20 minutes and cost on average 20–30 Canadian dollars. Be sure to account for traffic during peak hours.
Public transport is provided by ETS (Edmonton Transit Service) buses. The nearest stops are a few minutes' walk from the station building, but this option may be tiring with heavy luggage. Walking from the centre is not recommended due to the long distance (over 5 km) and the lack of scenic pedestrian zones along the industrial sections of the route.
Services and Amenities
Despite its compact size, the station offers a basic set of services for a comfortable wait. The main hall features a spacious waiting area with seating, as well as a separate zone for Business class passengers (if provided by the ticket class). Staffed counters and automated self-service kiosks are available for purchasing and exchanging tickets.
Other available amenities include:
Free Wi-Fi (signal quality may vary);
Restrooms equipped for people with disabilities;
Baggage weighing and check-in service;
Vending machines with drinks and snacks.
Please note: there are no ATMs or currency exchange points at the station, so please ensure you have cash in advance.
Where to Eat
Dining options at the station itself are extremely limited. Inside the building, you will only find vending machines with chocolate bars, chips, and soft drinks. There is no full-service café or restaurant serving hot meals on the station premises.
We strongly recommend having a substantial meal before arrival at the station. The best option is to visit a café in downtown Edmonton or buy food to take with you (sandwiches, fruit, pastries) at a supermarket beforehand. The nearest fast-food outlets are located at a significant distance, and walking to them with suitcases would be inconvenient.
Station History
The history of rail transport in Edmonton is rich in events, but the current station building represents a modern chapter. Previously, trains arrived at grand stations in the very heart of the city, such as the CN Tower. However, as a result of railway network optimization and the closure of tracks in the centre, passenger services were relocated.
The current station was opened in 1998. This functional building was constructed specifically to serve VIA Rail routes after the historic tracks in downtown were dismantled or repurposed for the light rail transit system. Today, the station acts as a key gateway for the legendary train The Canadian, maintaining Edmonton's connection to the transcontinental railway system.
Tips for Passengers
The main advice for passengers in Edmonton is to arrive early. It is recommended to be at the station at least 1 hour before departure, as the procedure for weighing and checking in baggage (strictly up to 23 kg per piece) may take time. Boarding usually closes 5–10 minutes before the train departs.
Be prepared for the fact that long-distance trains in Canada are often delayed, yielding the right of way to freight trains. If your service is delayed, the waiting hall remains open. For night waits, bring a warm sweater or blanket, as the air conditioning can be quite strong. In terms of safety, the station and the surrounding area are calm, but due to the isolated location, it is not recommended to walk around the neighbourhood alone after dark.