Quebec to Montreal Trains

The average train journey takes 3 hours 5 minutes, and the fastest train covers the distance in 2 hours 40 minutes on some schedules. On our current timetable, the fastest trip takes 3 hours 8 minutes and the longest takes 3 hours 22 minutes. The average trip duration for train travel between Quebec City and Montreal can be roughly 3 to 3.5 hours, so the whole journey takes less than four hours. The distance between Quebec City and Montreal is 233 kilometers in a straight line, around 250 km on our route, and approximately 269 km (167 miles) by some road and rail routes. Journey times can be longer in winter, when snow and cold weather may cause delays.

Yes. There are 5 direct trains available each day on our timetable, so you don't need to change trains. VIA Rail operates multiple daily departures on the Quebec City to Montreal route, and trains from Quebec City to Montreal run approximately 10 times daily when you include all services and connections. Some departures run as a direct express train with fewer stops, which saves time. A direct train means you can relax for the whole trip, keep your luggage with you and arrive in downtown Montréal without any transfers.

The first train departs Quebec City at 5:29 AM, and the earliest train arrives in Montreal before 9:00 AM, ideal for business travelers. There are two morning departures between 05:29 and 08:06 and three afternoon departures between 12:32 and 17:41. The last train on our timetable leaves at 17:41, while some schedules list the last train leaving Quebec City at 6:30 PM. Check the full Montreal train schedule for your travel date, as departures can vary at weekends and on public holidays.

Ticket prices for train travel can vary based on the time of booking and the season. The cheapest train ticket costs $39 (€32), and cheapest tickets from Quebec City to Montreal start at $39, while fares on our site start from $61. The average ticket price is around $70 (€58). Prices fluctuate based on the time of year, and March offers the lowest average ticket price at $42. Train tickets are more expensive on Mondays, when many business travelers head to Montreal; in fact, train tickets are most expensive on Mondays, so choose another day if you can.

The cheapest way to travel by train is to book early. Booking train tickets several weeks in advance can secure lower fares: book train tickets 63 days in advance for best prices, and booking 28 days ahead can save about $37 on tickets. VIA Rail's Escape fares offer the lowest price but have more restrictions, while Economy and Economy Plus fares are more flexible. The Orléans Express bus is another low-cost option for one passenger, but it takes about the same time and offers less space. Compare current prices on our site to find the best price for your trip.

You can buy cheap train tickets on our website in a few clicks: enter your travel date, compare VIA Rail departures and fares, choose economy or business class and pay securely. Your e-ticket is sent by email and can be shown on your phone when you board. Tickets are also available at the VIA Rail counter at Gare du Palais, but the best fares are usually online. Journey times, prices and seat availability are shown for each departure, so you can see at a glance whether an early morning train or an afternoon departure is the better deal.

Economy and business classes are both comfortable for a trip of around three hours. Economy class offers spacious seating, free Wi-Fi and power outlets at seats on trains, and passengers can purchase snacks and beverages onboard from the café car. Business class adds wider seats, priority boarding, access to the business lounge and a hot meal with drinks served at your seat. Dining car service is available on long-distance routes. For a short trip, economy class is usually enough, but business class is a good choice if you want to work in a quieter carriage.

Trains leave from Gare du Palais in Québec City, QC, just below the walls of the old town. From the station, it's a short walk to the cobblestone streets of the upper and lower town, and taxis and buses connect to the rest of Quebec City. Arrive early if you want to use luggage storage or buy snacks before departure. If you have time before your train, explore the old town, the Château Frontenac and Place Royale, and taste local specialties in the cafés of Petit-Champlain.

All trains on the Montreal route arrive at Montreal Central Station (Gare Centrale), in the heart of downtown Montréal, QC. The station is connected to the Bonaventure metro station and the underground city, giving you easy access to shops, hotels and restaurants without going outside, which is useful in winter. From Central Station, it's about a 10-minute walk to Old Montreal and the Notre-Dame Basilica, and the 747 bus runs to Montreal Airport.

Trains offer free Wi-Fi for passengers and power outlets at seats, so you can work or stream during the journey. The café car sells coffee, snacks, sandwiches and drinks, and you're welcome to bring your own food. Trains provide wheelchair spaces and accessible washrooms, and there is space for luggage above the seats and at the end of each car. Checked baggage is available on some trains, and pets in carriers are allowed on many services with a reservation.

Old Montreal is a short walk from Central Station and a great place to start exploring the city. Admire the Notre-Dame Basilica, stroll along the cobblestone streets and the Old Port, and visit the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, which hosts works by local and international artists and interactive exhibitions. Walk or cycle along the Lachine Canal, a green space with a rich industrial heritage, or climb Mount Royal for panoramic views over the city. Montreal's food scene, from bagels to smoked meat, is another highlight of any trip.

VIA Rail allows personal items and carry-on bags in every fare class, and some fares include checked baggage on trains with a baggage car. Carry-on bags go on the racks above your seat or in the luggage area at the end of the car, and larger suitcases can be checked at Gare du Palais at least an hour before departure on selected trains. Skis, bicycles and other bulky items can travel on some services with a reservation, so check the rules for your fare before you travel.

Yes, a day trip is possible thanks to the early morning departure. Take the 5:29 AM train and your Montreal start will be before 9:00 AM, giving you a full day to explore Old Montreal, the museums and Mount Royal before catching an evening train back. Many travelers prefer to stay at least one night to enjoy Montreal's restaurants and nightlife, and to combine the trip with other popular trains from Montreal to Ottawa or Toronto.

The train runs all year, and each season has its charm. Summer is festival season in Montreal, with the International Jazz Festival and Just for Laughs, but it's also the busiest and most expensive time to travel. Autumn brings spectacular colours along the Saint Lawrence River, while winter offers snowy landscapes and Quebec City's famous Winter Carnival, although weather can cause delays. Spring and early autumn usually offer the best balance of good weather, fewer crowds and lower fares.

For most travelers, yes. Train travel allows for increased productivity compared to driving or flying, as you can read, work or relax during the ride. Flights between Quebec City and Montreal are short, but getting to the airport and passing security makes the total time longer than the train. Driving takes about three hours plus traffic and parking in downtown Montréal. The train is a comfortable journey that combines city-centre stations, more space and lower emissions, making it one of the most popular routes in eastern Canada.