how far is montreal from toronto canada

Short answer: Montreal and Toronto are about 540 km (335 miles) apart by road, roughly a 5.5–6.5 hour drive without long stops. By train it’s around 4.5–5.5 hours, by plane about 1–1.5 hours in the air (plan 3–4 hours door to door), and by bus about 6–8 hours. 🚗🚆✈️

Key Takeaways for Travelers

• Fastest overall door-to-door for central city to city: train or plane depending on where you start and your schedule.
• Best mix of comfort and predictability: train (work-friendly, no security lines).
• Most budget-friendly: bus, especially if you book early. 💸
• Most flexible for side trips: car—but watch for 401 traffic and winter weather.

The Distance at a Glance

• By road: ~540 km / 335 miles via Highway 401 and Autoroute 20.
• Flight distance (as the crow flies): ~500 km / 310–315 miles.
• Typical travel time: 4.5–8 hours depending on the mode and conditions.

Traveling by Car

The most common route is Highway 401 East from Toronto, crossing into Québec where it becomes Autoroute 20 to Montreal. In smooth daylight conditions, it’s about 5.5–6 hours. Add time for traffic leaving the GTA, pit stops, or weather. ⛽️☕️

Fastest Driving Route

• Core route: Highway 401 E → Autoroute 20 O.
• Distance: ~540 km (335 miles).
• Time: 5.5–6.5 hours in typical conditions.
• Tolls: Highway 401 is free; the optional 407 ETR around Toronto is tolled but can save time off-peak.

Scenic Detours

• Prince Edward County: Exit near Belleville for wineries, beaches, and cozy cafés—adds a few lovely hours. 🍷
• Thousand Islands: Pause near Gananoque for island views or a short cruise in season. ⛵️
• Cornwall & St. Lawrence River: Waterfront walks and bilingual charm before the home stretch.

Driving Tips

• Avoid rush hours leaving Toronto (7–10 a.m., 3:30–7 p.m.) and arriving in Montreal (similar windows).
• Winter readiness: From December to March, expect snow and freezing rain; use winter tires and keep blankets and a scraper handy. ❄️
• Fuel & food: OnRoute plazas along the 401 make pit stops easy—think coffee, washrooms, and quick bites.

Taking the Train

Trains in the Quebec–Windsor Corridor are frequent, comfy, and city-centre to city-centre. Expect about 4.5–5.5 hours depending on the service. You’ll get wide seats, power outlets, Wi‑Fi, and no airport-style security. It’s my go-to when I want to work en route. 💻

• Pros: Spacious seating, reliable timing, arrive downtown, minimal weather disruption.
• Cons: Peak-time fares can be higher; popular departures sell out.
• Best for: Travelers who value comfort and productivity, or those staying near the city cores.

Flying Between the Cities

Flight time is a quick ~1–1.5 hours, but include time for check-in, security, boarding, and airport transfers. Door-to-door typically lands in the 3–4 hour range. If you’re near the airport and traveling light, flying can be the fastest.

• Pros: Fast in the air; lots of daily departures.
• Cons: Airport time adds up; weather delays more common in winter; baggage fees can bite. 🧳
• Best for: Tight schedules, connections to onward flights.

Riding the Bus

Modern coaches run day and night, with trips around 6–8 hours. Book early for the lowest fares. Buses are slower but often the cheapest way to go, with reclining seats and Wi‑Fi on many services. 🚌

• Pros: Budget-friendly; frequent departures; low hassle.
• Cons: Longer travel time; limited legroom compared to trains; traffic-dependent.

Quick Comparison

Notes: Costs vary by date, time, demand, and how early you book. For driving, fuel depends on your vehicle’s efficiency and current prices; using the 407 ETR toll highway around Toronto can save time but adds cost.

Best Time to Travel This Route

• Spring (April–May): Milder weather, fewer storms; watch for rain.
• Summer (June–August): Long daylight and festivals—also busier roads and higher prices. 🌞
• Fall (September–October): Gorgeous foliage near the Thousand Islands; cool, crisp drives. 🍁
• Winter (November–March): Scenic but slow; snow and freezing rain can impact all modes. Build buffer time. ❄️

Sample Weekend Ideas

Quick Culture Sprint (Train)

Take an early train Friday, drop bags downtown, and dive into Old Montreal’s cobblestones before poutine and a cozy bistro. Saturday: markets, museums, and Plateau cafés; Sunday brunch, then an afternoon train back with a nap. 🥐

Road-Trip Sampler (Car)

Roll out after breakfast, stop in Kingston for lunch by the lake, then a sunset arrival in Montreal. On the way back, detour through Prince Edward County for wineries and beaches if time allows.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Underestimating airport time: The flight is short, but the process isn’t. Budget 3–4 hours door to door.
• Leaving at peak traffic: A 20-minute head start can save an hour near Toronto or Montreal.
• Skipping winter prep: Even city-to-city, highway conditions can change fast. Pack warm layers and charge your phone.
• Booking late for holidays: Trains and planes sell out around long weekends—book early. 📆

Quick Facts Box

• Countries/Provinces: Both cities are in Canada (Ontario → Québec).
• Currencies: Canadian Dollar (CAD).
• Languages: English widely used in Toronto; French predominant in Montreal with strong bilingual services.
• Best seasons for smooth travel: Late spring and early fall.
• Average single-trip cost: Budget from CAD 35 (bus, promo) to 350+ (peak flights).

Cost Breakdown Example

Estimates are in CAD and vary with booking timing, demand, vehicle type, and fuel prices.

Safety Tips & Local Etiquette

• Winter driving: Keep headlights on in snow, leave extra stopping distance, and clear all windows before moving. 🧊
• Language: In Montreal, a friendly “Bonjour/Hi” goes a long way.
• City centers: Trains arrive downtown; if you’re driving, budget for parking and watch for one-way streets in Montreal.

Nearby Destinations Worth Adding

• Kingston: Historic waterfront city halfway between the two—great lunch stop.
• Ottawa: Canada’s capital sits just north of the route and pairs well with either city.
• Prince Edward County: Beaches, wineries, farm-to-table dining—a sweet summer detour. 🌾

FAQs

What is the exact driving distance between Montreal and Toronto?

The standard highway route via Highway 401 and Autoroute 20 is roughly 540 km (about 335 miles). Variations by neighborhood start/end points can add or subtract a few kilometers.

How long does the train take from Toronto to Montreal?

Most services take about 4.5–5.5 hours city-centre to city-centre. Express departures are fastest; peak-hour trains can be slightly slower.

Is flying faster than the train for the Toronto–Montreal trip?

In the air, yes—about 1–1.5 hours. But when you include getting to/from airports, security, and boarding, total time often reaches 3–4 hours, comparable to the train.

What’s the cheapest way to cover the distance between Toronto and Montreal?

Usually the bus, especially if you book early sales. Driving with multiple passengers can also be cost-effective when you split fuel and parking.

Is the road from Toronto to Montreal safe in winter?

Yes, but conditions can change quickly. Use winter tires, check forecasts, and allow extra time. Consider the train during storms for a lower-stress trip.

How many days should I plan if I add stops between the two cities?

For a relaxed road trip with Kingston and Thousand Islands, plan 2–3 days. If you’re simply transferring cities, you can do it in half a day by car or rail.

Do I need to speak French when I arrive in Montreal?

No, you’ll get by in English easily, but learning a few French phrases adds warmth to interactions—and it’s fun!

What’s the best time of day to drive between the cities?

Late morning departures (after rush hour) or early afternoon generally mean smoother traffic, with daylight for most of the journey.

Conclusion

Whether you want speed, savings, or scenery, getting between these two Canadian icons is straightforward. Choose the train for comfort, the plane for tight schedules, the bus for your budget, or the car for freedom and detours. Pack a great playlist, book early where you can, and enjoy the ride. Bon voyage! 🚀