How to get from Toronto to Montreal

Canada · Cities & Metropolitan Areas · Urban & Cultural · Montreal · Toronto

Toronto to Montreal is one of Canada’s easiest corridors: high-frequency trains city-centre to city-centre, quick flights between major airports, reliable intercity buses, and a straightforward highway drive if you want to stop in Kingston or the Thousand Islands. Pick based on budget, time, and how much luggage you’re carrying.

At A Glance (Toronto to Montreal)

Mode Duration Best For
🚆 Intercity Train (VIA Rail) ~4h25–5h15 (direct) Comfort, work on board, downtown-to-downtown
🏷️ Cost: ~CAD 60–180 one-way (fare class/date) » pair with hotels
✈️ Flight (YYZ/YTZ → YUL) ~1h15 flight + 30–60m city transfer Fastest overall if airport times align
🏷️ Cost: ~CAD 90–250 one-way (seasonal) » search flights | Trip.com fares
🚌 Intercity Bus (Day or Overnight) ~6–7.5h (direct) Lowest cost, simple point-to-point
🏷️ Cost: ~CAD 40–120 one-way » curated coach options
🚗 Self-Drive / 🚐 Private Transfer ~5.5–6.5h (401 → A-20), stops add time Flexibility, scenic breaks in Kingston/1000 Islands
🏷️ Cost: Car ~CAD 50–120/day + fuel (407 toll optional) » compare rentals | Private car from ~CAD 700+ per vehicle » get quotes

Which Option or Route Should You Choose?

  • Most comfortable, no airports: Train — reliable schedules, power outlets, roomy seats, cafés onboard.
  • Fastest: Fly — especially early morning/late evening; consider YTZ (Billy Bishop) for a downtown-to-downtown feel.
  • Cheapest: Bus — frequent departures, simple boarding, flexible tickets.
  • Most flexible/scenic: Drive or charter and stop in Kingston, Gananoque (Thousand Islands), or Mont-Royal viewpoints on arrival.

How to Book and Practical Tips

🚆 Option #1 — Intercity Train (VIA Rail Corridor)

Downtown-to-downtown Work & Wi-Fi Buy early for deals

  • Overview: Frequent direct trains connect Toronto Union Station to Montréal Gare Centrale. Reserved seating, large luggage racks, power sockets; Business class includes lounge access onboard perks on many departures.
  • How to book (with price): ~CAD 60–180 one-way depending on advance purchase and class. Book directly on the official railway (VIA Rail) or pair tickets with hotels on Booking.com.
  • Pros: Most relaxing; stations are central. Cons: Peak hours sell out; limited late-night service.

Step-by-step: Intercity Train

  1. Get to Toronto Union Station by TTC subway/GO Transit, or rideshare. Arrive ~20–30 minutes before departure.
  2. Buy/confirm your seat; keep a digital ticket handy. Snacks/coffee onboard; bring a refillable bottle.
  3. On arrival at Montréal Gare Centrale, follow signs for the métro (Bonaventure) or walk to downtown hotels.
  4. Reserve return seats if traveling on a peak day.

Getting to the main embarking points (Union Station & Gare Centrale)

  • Union Station (Toronto): Directly on the TTC (Line 1) and UP Express from YYZ.
  • Gare Centrale (Montreal): Connected to métro Bonaventure/RESO underground city.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

✈️ Option #2 — Flight (YYZ/YTZ → YUL)

Fastest airtime Many daily flights Airport transfers

  • Overview: Fly from Toronto Pearson (YYZ) or Billy Bishop Toronto City (YTZ) to Montréal-Trudeau (YUL). From YUL, take the 747 bus, STM métro, or taxi/rideshare into downtown.
  • How to book (with price): ~CAD 90–250 one-way depending on time/day. Compare on Booking.com Flights or Trip.com.
  • Pros: Great for tight schedules/late flights. Cons: Security + airport transfers add time; weather can delay.

Step-by-step: Flight

  1. Choose your airport: YYZ (more flights) or YTZ (downtown island airport, easy access). Book via Booking.com Flights or Trip.com.
  2. Arrive 90–120 minutes before departure; carry-on only speeds things up.
  3. Land at YUL; follow signs for ground transport (747 bus/métro or taxi/ride-hail).
  4. Ride 30–60 minutes to downtown hotels; check in and explore Old Montreal.

Getting to the main embarking points (YYZ/YTZ & YUL)

  • Toronto airports: UP Express links Union↔YYZ; a short ferry/walkway serves YTZ.
  • Montréal-Trudeau: 747 express bus runs 24/7; taxis/rideshare outside arrivals.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚌 Option #3 — Intercity Bus (Good Value)

Budget Frequent Longer ride

  • Overview: Direct coaches connect Toronto’s Union Station Bus Terminal (CIBC Square) with Montréal (Berri-UQAM/Gare d’autocars area or curbside downtown, operator-dependent). Reclining seats, Wi-Fi, and power on many services.
  • How to book (with price): ~CAD 40–120 one-way depending on time/day/advance. Browse curated coach options on Trip.com.
  • Pros: Cheapest, many daily departures. Cons: Slower than train; traffic variability.

Step-by-step: Intercity Bus

  1. Pick a departure slot and seat type; buy your e-ticket (phone is fine).
  2. Reach Union Station Bus Terminal ~20–30 minutes early; follow platform screens to your bay.
  3. Stow large bags below; keep valuables with you. Expect 1–2 rest stops.
  4. Arrive in Montreal (Berri-UQAM/downtown); connect by STM métro, walk, or taxi/ride-hail to your hotel.

Getting to the main embarking points (Union Bus Terminal & Montreal Arrivals)

  • Toronto: Union Station Bus Terminal is beside Union rail station (TTC Line 1).
  • Montreal: Many services arrive near Berri-UQAM or downtown curbside; check your ticket for the exact stop.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚗 Option #4 — Self-Drive (Most Flexibility)

Set your own pace Great side trips Driver fatigue

  • Overview: Drive Highway 401 east through Oshawa–Kingston–Cornwall, then Autoroute 20 into Montreal. Consider breaks in Kingston or Gananoque (Thousand Islands).
  • How to book (with price): Rentals from ~CAD 50–120/day + fuel; optional 407 ETR toll in the GTA. Compare on Booking.com Car Rental or Trip.com Car Hire.
  • Pros: Door-to-door; easy detours. Cons: Parking costs downtown; winter driving needs caution.

Step-by-step: Self-Drive

  1. Pick up your car (airport/downtown). Confirm insurance, winter tires (seasonal), and whether your plan includes 407 tolls.
  2. Set GPS for Montréal Downtown with waypoints in Kingston or Gananoque if you plan to stop.
  3. Follow ON-401 E → cross into Québec → A-20 to Montreal; refuel/rest every 2–3 hours.
  4. Park at your hotel or a garage; pay attention to snow-route signage in winter.

Getting to the main embarking points (Pickup Depots & Route)

  • Toronto pickup: Downtown counters have shorter hours; airport depots open late.
  • Route highlights: Big Apple (Colborne), Kingston waterfront, Thousand Islands lookouts.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚐 Option #5 — Private Transfer / Chauffeured Van (Door-to-Door)

No transfers Great with kids/gear Higher cost

  • Overview: A driver picks you up at your Toronto address or at YYZ/YTZ and drops you at your Montreal hotel. Good for large families, lots of luggage, or late-night arrivals.
  • How to book (with price): From ~CAD 700–1100+ per vehicle depending on size/time. Compare fixed quotes on GetTransfer.
  • Pros: Zero transfers; schedule control. Cons: Expensive vs. train/bus; still traffic-dependent.

Step-by-step: Private Transfer

  1. Request quotes with pickup/drop addresses and luggage count on GetTransfer.
  2. Confirm inclusions (fuel, 407 tolls, waiting time, child seats). Share your live location on pickup day.
  3. Ride 5.5–7h door-to-door, with rest stops as needed; arrive at your Montreal hotel.

Getting to the main embarking points (Door-to-Door)

  • Toronto pickup: Hotels/airports/homes; drivers can meet at arrivals with a name-board.
  • Montreal drop: Downtown hotels/Old Montreal/Plateau — specify any narrow-street access limits.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

FAQ (Toronto to Montreal)

Train or flight — which is better?
Train is city-centre to city-centre with roomy seats and fewer hassles; flights are fastest airtime but add airport transfers/security time.

How early should I book?
For weekends/holidays and summer, buy train and flight tickets 1–3 weeks in advance for the best fares.

Is there Wi-Fi on the train/bus?
Most VIA Rail coaches offer Wi-Fi and power outlets; many intercity buses also provide Wi-Fi and charging ports.

Do I need to pay highway tolls when driving?
Ontario’s 401/A-20 are free; the optional 407 ETR around Toronto charges electronic tolls.

Where should I stay in Montreal?
Downtown/Old Montreal for walkability; Plateau for cafés. Compare options on Booking.com.

Any good day trips after arrival?
Yes — explore Mont-Tremblant or Eastern Townships; book activities and city passes on GetYourGuide or Klook.

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