VIA Préférence

Register

How do you sign up for the VIA Préférence program from VIA RAIL?

To register for VIA RAIL’s VIA Préférence, you must go to this page and enter your information.

Earn Points

How do I earn VIA Préférence points from VIA RAIL?

***Update: The new program will start on November 18, 2023.

With the new VIA Préférence program from VIA RAIL launched on November 18, 2023, you can earn between 1 and 3 points for every dollar spent when travelling with VIA RAIL (before taxes).

The number of points obtained depends:

The VIA Préférence member only earns VIA Préférence points for their own travel. No points are awarded for someone else’s trips, even if the member paid for the ticket.

You can earn up to 50% more points depending on the rate you choose:

It’s also possible to earn points on the following fees:

You can earn points with VIA Préférence on:

You cannot earn points with VIA Préférence on:

Redeem Points

How do I use VIA Préférence points from VIA RAIL?

As of November 18, 2023, the exchange of points is different. It is based on a dynamic rate that varies according to the place of departure and arrival, the day of the week, the chosen rate, etc.

So, if the cost of the Via Rail train ticket is high, the points required will be higher. And vice versa. You’ll only see the number of points required at checkout.

Check out our article here on How to use your VIA Préférence points for a free VIA Rail train ticket.

With the points, it will now be possible :

Again, you must have the required number of points, and partial payment with points will not be accepted.

In addition, payment of taxes will be required on a product purchased with points, which was not the case before.

To ensure a smooth transition, VIA Préférence will give members a break. So, from November 18, 2023 until an unknown date, 30% fewer points will be required to book with points.

However, as of July 4, 2024, this temporary 30% discount applied to all points redemptions will end.

For travel in Sleeper Plus or Prestige class

It is also possible to use VIA Préférence points to travel in Sleeper Plus or Prestige class.

Car-Bed Plus Class

Depending on the route and train equipment, single occupancy in Sleeper Plus class may be offered (upper and lower berth or a cabin for one person).

Prestige Sleeper Class

Points redemptions for Prestige class must be made by phone through the VIA Customer Centre (1 888 VIA-PREF). Reward travel is available for trips within 6 months of booking and from November 1^st to April 30 only, subject to availability.

Status

VIA RAIL’s VIA Préférence status levels

There are 3 membership levels in VIA RAIL’s VIA Préférence program:

To reach a higher status level, you must spend a certain amount with VIA Rail during the reference period running from May 1 to April 30:

Since November 18, 2023, you no longer need to wait until the end of the qualification period to enjoy a higher level. Starting the day after you reach a level, your status will be available for the rest of the current period and the following period.

Benefits offered to VIA Préférence members from VIA RAIL

Members of VIA RAIL’s VIA Préférence program enjoy benefits based on their status level:

Credit Cards

VIA RAIL is considered travel and/or transportation spending by credit cards in Canada. So you’ll want to use a credit card that earns more points on this type of expense.

For example, with the Cobaltᵐᶜ American Express^MD Card:

This is one of the best cards to use for VIA RAIL. Here are a few other suggestions:

Frequently Asked Questions about VIA Préférence

VIA Préférence is the official loyalty program of VIA Rail Canada. Here are the frequently asked questions to help you understand how to earn and redeem your points.