Getting from Montreal to Quebec City is one of the easiest trips in Canada: it’s about 250 km, and you can choose between train, bus, car, or a day trip. Here we compare the four options with duration, estimated prices, and which one is best depending on your trip.
We did it by train with VIA Rail and it was one of the most beautiful moments of the trip: about three and a half hours of winter scenery, very comfortable, and without worrying about snow on the road.
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How to make the trip: a quick comparison
| Option | Duration | Estimated price | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Train (VIA Rail) | 3 h to 3 h 30 | From about 40 CAD if booked in advance | Comfort and scenery |
| Bus (Orléans Express) | About 3 hours | From about 25 CAD | Spending as little as possible |
| Car | About 3 hours | Fuel, no tolls, plus parking | Stopping along the way |
| Day trip | 12 hours | Around 181 € per person | Going and returning without planning |
Prices are estimates for 2026 and change significantly depending on how far in advance you book. In summary: the train wins for comfort, the bus for price, and the excursion for total convenience if you return to Montreal to sleep.
1. By train with VIA Rail, the option we chose
The train departs from Montreal’s Gare Centrale and arrives at Quebec City’s Gare du Palais, a beautiful building located next to the Vieux-Port, just a few minutes’ walk from the Old Town. This is key: you arrive right in the center, without extra transfers.
There are about five daily services, with departures from early morning until the afternoon, and the trip lasts between 3 hours and 3 hours and a half. Economy class tickets start around 40 CAD if you book them in advance; business class costs quite a bit more and includes food.
We traveled very comfortably, with space for our legs and luggage, and the snowy landscape outside the window was a plus we didn’t expect. If you are traveling in winter, it is also the safest option: you don’t depend on the road conditions.
2. By bus: the most economical option
The main company is Orléans Express, with about 17 daily departures between the centers of both cities and tickets starting at about 25 CAD. The trip takes about three hours, with Wi-Fi and power outlets on board.
It is the best option if you are on a tight budget or if you couldn’t get a good price on the train. The Quebec City terminal is next to the Gare du Palais, so you arrive just as close to the Old Town.
3. By car: to stop along the way
It’s about 250 km via highway 20 or 40, depending on which shore of the Saint Lawrence River you choose, and it takes about three hours. The advantage is being able to stop along the way: Trois-Rivières is halfway through, and the route along the north shore passes through villages with views of the river.
Two warnings: in winter you must use winter tires (in Quebec they are mandatory from December to March), and once in Quebec City, parking within the walls is limited and expensive. If you are only going to move around the city, the car does not add any value.
4. One-day excursion from Montreal
If you don’t want to change accommodation, there are day trips that combine Old Quebec with the Montmorency Falls, which are 30 meters taller than Niagara Falls. They last about 12 hours and cost around 181 € per person, including transport and a guide.
It is convenient and solves everything, but we will tell you sincerely: Quebec City deserves at least one night. The city changes completely when the tour groups leave and the almost empty illuminated streets remain.
➜ SEE THE EXCURSION TO QUEBEC CITY AND MONTMORENCY FALLS (CLICK HERE)
And by plane?
There is a flight between Montreal and Quebec City, but it makes no sense: adding airport transfers, security checks, and waiting times, it takes the same or more time than by train, and you pay quite a bit more. We left it out of the comparison.
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Which option is best depending on your trip?
- First time and relaxed trip: VIA Rail train, booked in advance.
- Tight budget: Orléans Express bus.
- Route through Quebec province: car, stopping in Trois-Rivières.
- A single base in Montreal: day trip with Montmorency included.
- Winter travel: train or bus, to avoid driving in snow.
Things to do upon arriving in Quebec City
The Gare du Palais leaves you next to the Vieux-Port, so you can start by walking through the lower city: Place Royale, Rue du Petit-Champlain, and then go up to the Château Frontenac by funicular or stairs.
- ➜ Things to do in Quebec City: the 15 must-see places and a one-day route.
- ➜ Where to stay in Quebec City: the best areas and proven accommodations.
- ➜ Christmas in Quebec City: markets, dates, and map, if you travel in December.
Tips for the trip from Montreal to Quebec City
- Book the train in advance. Economy fares sell out and the price increases significantly as the date approaches.
- Choose a morning train if you are going and returning in one day: this way you can enjoy Quebec City in daylight.
- Stay at least one night if you can. It’s the advice we repeat most about Quebec City.
- In winter, carry a coat in your carry-on backpack: the temperature difference between cities can be noticeable.
- Both stations are in the center, so you won’t need a taxi upon arrival.
- Have mobile data for schedules and maps. With Holafly you get a 5% discount on your eSIM.
Official schedules and updated fares are on the VIA Rail website.
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Frequently asked questions about the trip from Montreal to Quebec City
How long does it take between the two cities?
Between 3 hours and 3 hours and a half by train, about 3 hours by bus, and about 3 hours by car, depending on traffic.
What is the cheapest way to make the trip?
The Orléans Express bus, with tickets from about 25 CAD and many daily departures.
Is it worth going by train?
Yes. It is the most comfortable option, it arrives at the center of Quebec City, and the scenery of the route is beautiful, especially with snow. It was the one we chose.
Can you visit Quebec City in one day from Montreal?
You can, with an early train or an organized excursion, but it falls short. The ideal is to sleep at least one night.
Where does the train arrive in Quebec City?
At the Gare du Palais, next to the Vieux-Port and a few minutes’ walk from the Old Town.
Is it worth renting a car to go to Quebec City?
Only if you are going to travel around the province or stop along the way. To move around the city, the car is a nuisance: parking is limited and expensive.
Our final recommendation
To go from Montreal to Quebec City, the VIA Rail train is the most balanced option: comfortable, with good views, and arriving directly in the center. If you are looking to save, the bus fulfills perfectly and costs half as much.
And the best advice we can give you is not to do it in one day: sleep at least one night in Quebec City. You have everything to organize it in our guide on things to do in Quebec City.
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🔗 Resources & Useful Links for your trip to Old Quebec
Do you have any questions or want to add your own recommendations on where to stay in Quebec City?
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Thank you very much for being part of this adventure!— Nanu & Facu 🌎 | Recalculando Viajes 💜
