Planning a hop between Montréal and Toronto? Here’s the distance, travel times, and the smartest ways to go—whether you’re rushing for a meeting or savoring a mini road trip. Expect clear comparisons, realistic costs, and handy tips so you can choose the option that fits your time, budget, and vibe. 🚗✈️🚆
Distance and travel times at a glance
- Driving distance: about 540–550 km (335–345 miles) via Autoroute 20/40 and Highway 401.
- Straight-line distance: roughly 500 km (310–315 miles).
- Typical driving time: 5.5–6.5 hours, longer with traffic or winter weather.
- Train time: around 4–5.5 hours, depending on service and stops.
- Flight time (in the air): ~1 hour 10–20 minutes; door-to-door usually 3–4 hours.
- Bus time: 6–7.5 hours, depending on stops and traffic.
Key takeaways for travelers
- Fastest overall: Train for downtown-to-downtown; flight if you’re near the airports and breeze through security.
- Cheapest: Bus on sale, followed by early-bird train fares.
- Most flexible and scenic: Driving—great for stopping in Kingston or the Thousand Islands.
- No time-zone change: Both cities are in Eastern Time.
- Winter note: Québec requires winter tires Dec 1–Mar 15; expect slower driving in storms. ❄️
Quick facts box
- Countries/Provinces: Canada (Québec to Ontario)
- Currency: Canadian Dollar (CAD)
- Languages: French and English in Montréal; English and many others in Toronto
- Best seasons: May–June and Sept–Oct for mild weather 🍁
- Average one-way cost: Bus CAD 35–80; Train CAD 60–160; Flight CAD 100–300; Driving fuel ~CAD 50–90
Ways to travel between Montréal and Toronto
By car (road trip)
The classic route follows Autoroute 20/40 west from Montréal, becoming Highway 401 across Ontario. It’s a straight shot with plenty of service centers. Expect 5.5–6.5 hours in normal conditions.
Costs: Fuel roughly CAD 50–90 for a typical sedan, depending on consumption and gas prices. Highway 401 is toll-free, but the optional 407 ETR around Toronto is tolled and can save time during rush hour.
Pros: Total flexibility, trunk space for luggage, easy detours. Cons: Traffic near Toronto, winter storms, parking costs downtown.
Scenic detours: The Thousand Islands Parkway near Gananoque is a pretty stretch; Prince Edward County offers wineries and beaches if you don’t mind a slight detour. 🌊
By train
Intercity trains connect central stations—Gare Centrale in Montréal to Union Station in Toronto—so it’s often the most time-efficient downtown-to-downtown option. Fastest services take about 4–5 hours.
Costs: Commonly CAD 60–160 one-way. Book early for lower fares, and consider off-peak departures.
Pros: Comfortable seats, Wi‑Fi on many services, arrive right downtown, no weather-driving stress. Cons: Peak-hour fares can be higher; popular trains sell out.
By plane
Flight time is a little over an hour, but factor in airport transfers, check-in, and security. If you’re already near the airport or connecting onward, flying shines; for downtown-to-downtown, train times are competitive.
Airports: Montréal–Trudeau (YUL) and Toronto Pearson (YYZ) are the main gateways; select flights also use downtown-adjacent Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ). ✈️
Costs: Typically CAD 100–300 one-way, with sales outside peak dates. Carry-on only helps you move faster.
By bus
Buses are usually the budget winner and run frequently. Expect 6–7.5 hours depending on stops and traffic.
Costs: Often CAD 35–80 one-way. Bring a neck pillow and download shows—this is the unhurried, wallet-friendly option. 🚌
Suggested itineraries
- Direct dash (same-day): Early train to Toronto, late train back. You’ll have ~6–8 hours on the ground—enough for the CN Tower, a waterfront walk, and dinner in Kensington Market.
- 1 night, 2 days: Drive and stop in Kingston for lunch by the lake, overnight in Toronto. Next day, brunch on Queen West and a museum visit before returning.
- Scenic sampler: Split the drive with a stay in Prince Edward County—wineries, farm-to-table eateries, and Sandbanks dunes at sunset. 🍷
Best time to go
Spring (May–June): Comfortable temps, blooming parks, and lighter crowds.
Summer (July–August): Festival season and patio weather, but higher prices and humidity—book ahead.
Fall (Sept–Oct): Crisp air, colorful foliage along the 401 corridor—photographers love it. 🍂
Winter (Nov–Mar): Snow and ice are common; allow extra time. In Québec, winter tires are mandatory Dec 1–Mar 15 on passenger vehicles.
Cost breakdown
| Mode | Typical Time | Typical One‑Way Cost (CAD) | Best For | Watch Outs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Train | 4–5.5 h | 60–160 | Downtown-to-downtown speed and comfort | Book early for better fares |
| Flight | 3–4 h door-to-door | 100–300 | Airport connections or tight schedules | Airport transfers and security time |
| Bus | 6–7.5 h | 35–80 | Shoestring budgets | Fewer onboard amenities, traffic delays |
| Car | 5.5–6.5 h | Fuel ~50–90 | Flexibility and side trips | Rush hour near Toronto, winter storms |
How to make the trip smoother
- Avoid rush hour: Leaving Montréal after 9:30 a.m. or before 3 p.m. helps you dodge big-city traffic at both ends.
- Pick the right seat: On trains, a window seat on the south side faces Lake Ontario views closer to Toronto. 🌅
- Pack smart: Layers for quickly changing weather; a compact umbrella is gold in spring.
- Snacks and stops: Enroute favorites include Cornwall, Brockville, and Kingston—good fuel for you and the car.
- Parking intel: Downtown Toronto hotel parking can be pricey; compare overnight rates before committing.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Underestimating winter driving: Ice and lake-effect snow can slow the 401. Keep your tank at least half full and your phone charged. ❄️
- Leaving too late on Fridays: Weekend traffic westbound can add an hour or more.
- Assuming flying is always fastest: For downtown meetings, the train often wins once you include airport transfers.
- Booking last minute: Trains and flights spike in price close to departure.
Nearby stops worth a detour
- Kingston: Historic limestone city on Lake Ontario; stroll the waterfront and market square.
- Thousand Islands: Boat cruises from Gananoque when time allows—gorgeous in late spring and fall.
- Prince Edward County: Wineries, art studios, and the dunes at Sandbanks Provincial Park.
- Cobourg & Port Hope: Charming downtowns and sandy beaches for a quick leg stretch.
FAQs
How many kilometers is the distance between Montréal and Toronto by road?
It’s roughly 540–550 km (about 335–345 miles) via Autoroute 20/40 and Highway 401.
How long does the train take from Montréal to Toronto, door to door?
Most travelers experience about 4–5.5 hours onboard; add 10–20 minutes for station arrivals. Since stations are central, transfer time is minimal.
Is driving from Montréal to Toronto faster than flying?
Often yes for downtown-to-downtown during off-peak hours. Flying may be faster if you’re near the airport, have priority security, or are connecting onward.
What is the cheapest way to travel between Montréal and Toronto?
Usually the bus (from around CAD 35 on sale). Early train deals are the next best value, especially compared with airport transfers.
Are there tolls on the route from Montréal to Toronto?
Highway 401 is toll-free. The optional 407 ETR around Toronto is tolled but can save time during rush hour.
Can I do a same-day round trip between Montréal and Toronto?
Yes—take an early train or flight over and a late return. You’ll get 6–10 hours on the ground depending on your schedule.
Which airports serve flights between Montréal and Toronto?
Montréal–Trudeau (YUL) and Toronto Pearson (YYZ) are the main pair; some flights use Toronto’s downtown-adjacent Billy Bishop (YTZ).
What’s the best season for a scenic drive from Montréal to Toronto?
September–October for crisp air and foliage, or late May–June for lush green and fewer storms.
Conclusion
Whether you’re chasing meetings, family time, or a quick change of scenery, the Montréal–Toronto hop is simple to plan. Pick train for stress-free city access, fly when speed from the airport matters, drive for freedom and detours, or bus to save cash. Pack snacks, cue the playlist, and enjoy the ride. 🎶