The COVID-19 pandemic brought travel to a screeching halt, but the appetite to explore is rebounding, as are some popular Amtrak train routes.

“To see ridership come back as it has across the country, we're currently approaching 90 percent of pre-COVID demand, which is very exciting,” Amtrak President Roger Harris said.

That includes Amtrak’s Adirondack line, which reopened Monday after being closed for three years. It runs from New York City to Montreal with station stops in Poughkeepsie, Albany, Schenectady, Saratoga, Ticonderoga and Plattsburgh.

For some, spring break is all about the sun and the sand. But those abroad one Amtrak route on Monday were headed in a different direction.

“We are heading up to go to Montreal,” passenger Merrie Beth said. “It's spring break. So we were very excited to see the return of the train ride.”

Back in operation, the Adirondack line promises scenic views of upstate New York, from the Hudson Valley north to the Adirondack Mountains.

“It's cool to see the nature,” passenger Sam Lowery said. “It's cool to see springtime. Because I've been, I mean, it's definitely cheaper than flying. A car is a hassle to get. And I've done the bus before, but I like the freedom of being able to move around.”

Lawmakers said the reopening of the line is a key economic driver, and will support tourism for the North Country.

Riders on Monday were happy to relax, unwind and take in the beauty.

“Because I am a massive train fanatic, train kind of guy, and I've always wanted to do, like, I've done most of influx routes and this is just another one that I can roll off the bucket list,” passenger Christopher Frank said.

But if you're planning to travel from New York City to Montreal, be prepared. The trip takes about 10 hours. It’s still considered one the most popular train routes in the Northeast.

“We were traveling with Emma, who's a teenager, and we were a little apprehensive about the length of the trip,” Beth said. “But she had said, 'wow, a lot more room. You can walk around. You can actually get up and stretch your legs. You can go to the cafe car.'”

Riders from New York City can get a coach ticket to Montreal for about $70. Amtrak's other train to Canada – the Maple Leaf Line, which runs from New York City to Toronto – resumed service in July.