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How to get from Boston to Montreal
The fastest way from Boston to Montreal is a direct flight, about 1 h 30 in the air. Driving through New Hampshire and Vermont takes about 5 h plus the border crossing, and long-distance buses take about 7 h and are usually the cheapest option.
Best option: Flight. Direct flights cover the trip in a fraction of the time, and there is no direct train between the two cities.
All the ways to make the trip
| How | Time | How often | Price* | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| flight Direct flights from Boston Logan to Montréal-Trudeau | about 1 h 30 in the air, 4–5 h door to door | several a day | varies widely; book ahead for lower fares | You clear Canadian immigration on arrival in Montreal. |
| car I-93 north, I-89 through Vermont, then Autoroute 133/10 into Montreal | about 5 h plus border wait | fuel; no tolls on the main route | Border waits vary from minutes to over an hour on summer weekends and holidays. Check that your rental allows travel into Canada. | |
| bus Long-distance coaches (Greyhound and others) from Boston South Station to Montreal's central bus station | about 7 h including the border | a few a day | about US$50–100 | Everyone leaves the bus at the border for passport checks. |
*Approximate prices and times for 2026. Timetables change by season: check with the operator before you travel.
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Tips
- Carry a passport (or an accepted document such as a NEXUS card); non-US citizens should check whether they need an eTA for Canada when flying in.
- Montreal is French-speaking; road signs in Quebec are in French only.
- Fall foliage weekends make the drive through Vermont slow but scenic.
- There is no direct train: Amtrak's Adirondack to Montreal starts in New York, not Boston.
Common questions
Is there a train from Boston to Montreal?
Not a direct one. Amtrak's Montreal train, the Adirondack, runs from New York, so from Boston you would first need to travel to New York, making the trip much longer than flying or driving. Most travellers fly, drive or take a long-distance bus.
Can I do Montreal as a day trip from Boston?
Not realistically. Driving takes about five hours each way plus the border crossing, and the bus is longer. Flying is quicker, but airport time still adds several hours. Plan at least one night, ideally two, to see Old Montreal, Mount Royal and the markets.
What is the cheapest way from Boston to Montreal?
Usually the bus, at about US$50–100 one way when booked ahead. Driving can work out cheaper for a group sharing fuel, though rental cars taken into Canada may cost extra. Flight prices vary widely; early bookings and midweek dates can come close to bus fares.
What documents do I need at the border?
A valid passport is the standard document; US citizens can also use a passport card or NEXUS card at land crossings. Non-US citizens may need an eTA or visa for Canada depending on nationality and how they arrive. Check official Canadian government guidance before travelling, as rules change.
Compiled by TonyPlan from operator and transport information and travel knowledge; updated 2026-10-05. Anything we could not confirm is marked as approximate.