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How to get from Montreal to Quebec City
VIA Rail trains from Montréal Central Station to Québec City's Gare du Palais take about 3 h 15–3 h 30, and Orléans Express buses take about the same. Driving takes about 2 h 45–3 h on toll-free highways.
Best option: Train. The train is comfortable, arrives at the edge of the Old Town and avoids highway traffic.
All the ways to make the trip
| How | Time | How often | Price* | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| train VIA Rail from Montréal Central Station to Québec City Gare du Palais | about 3 h 15–3 h 30 | several a day; check current timetables | about C$40–110, cheaper when booked early | Gare du Palais is a short walk uphill to the Old Town. |
| bus Orléans Express buses from the Montréal bus station to Québec City (Gare du Palais and Sainte-Foy) | about 3 h 15 | roughly hourly for much of the day | about C$40–70 | Free Wi-Fi on most buses; book online for the best fares. |
| car Autoroute 20 (south shore) or Autoroute 40 (north shore) | about 2 h 45–3 h | fuel only, no tolls | Winter driving requires winter tyres (mandatory in Québec from 1 December to 15 March). | |
| flight Short flights between Montréal-Trudeau and Québec City airports | about 1 h in the air | a few a day | about C$150–400 | Rarely faster door to door than the train. |
*Approximate prices and times for 2026. Timetables change by season: check with the operator before you travel.
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Tips
- Book VIA Rail early for the lowest fares, especially on Friday and Sunday.
- Gare du Palais serves both the train and the Orléans Express bus, at the foot of the Old Town.
- In winter, allow extra time on the road and check weather forecasts.
- Québec City's Old Town is compact and best explored on foot; you will not need a car there.
Common questions
How long is the train from Montreal to Quebec City?
VIA Rail trains take about 3 h 15–3 h 30 from Montréal Central Station to Québec City's Gare du Palais, which is a short walk from the Old Town. There are several departures a day. Fares are about C$40–110, with the lowest prices for early bookings. Check current timetables, as frequency varies by day.
What is the cheapest way from Montreal to Quebec City?
The Orléans Express bus and early-booked VIA Rail fares are usually cheapest, at about C$40–70. The bus runs roughly hourly for much of the day and takes about 3 h 15. Driving costs only fuel, since there are no tolls, and can be economical for groups.
Can I do Quebec City as a day trip from Montreal?
It is possible, with about 3 hours each way by train, bus or car, which leaves around six hours to explore the Old Town. However, the travel makes for a long day. Staying one or two nights lets you see the Old Town in the evening and visit nearby Montmorency Falls or Île d'Orléans.
Should I drive from Montreal to Quebec City in winter?
You can, but winter tyres are mandatory in Québec from 1 December to 15 March, and snowstorms can slow traffic considerably. Rental cars in Québec are equipped for winter. If you are not used to snow driving, the train or bus is a safer and more relaxing choice in winter.
Compiled by TonyPlan from operator and transport information and travel knowledge; updated 2026-10-05. Anything we could not confirm is marked as approximate.