How to Travel From Montreal to Quebec City by Train, Bus, Car, and Plane

Montreal is Quebec's most populous city, the financial center, and a thriving multicultural hub of activity. Quebec City, situated 158 miles (255 kilometers) up the Saint Lawrence River, is a unique and historic city as well as the provincial capital. Canada does not have high-speed trains, so whether you drive, use a bus, or take the train, it will take you about three hours to travel between Montreal and Quebec City.

If you are traveling during the busy holiday season, taking the train may be faster than driving or taking the bus because at least you won't get stuck in traffic. If you're in a rush, it's a 45-minute flight between the cities, but you should also factor in how much time it will take you to get to and from the airport. If saving money is your priority, the bus is the best choice.

Ultimately, deciding which way to get from Montreal to Quebec City comes down to two factors: price and travel style.

What Is the Cheapest Way to Get From Montreal to Quebec City?

For the cheapest transport, taking a bus is the best option, but only if you book tickets early. Orléans Express is the only bus company that operates regular service between Montreal and Quebec City, with one or two stops in between. If you buy your tickets early enough, the promotional price is just $25. However, these tickets quickly sell out and you may have to pay the full fare, which is about $56.

Buses leave about once an hour from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. and feature reclining seats, free Wi-Fi, an onboard bathroom, and electrical outlets. Accounting for traffic, you should expect the ride to take between three to four hours. For the best prices, Orléans Express recommends booking your ticket at least eight days in advance.

What Is the Fastest Way to Get From Montreal to Quebec City?

Flying is the fastest way to get to Quebec City. The flight is only 45 minutes, so it's ideal for travelers who are on a tight schedule. However, once you factor in all of the additional time to get to and from the airport and navigate security, the time difference between flying and driving may not be that significant.

Air Canada, PAL Airlines, and regional airline Pascan, all operate direct flights between Montreal and Quebec City. One-way flights typically start around $90 but prices can skyrockets if you don't book well in advance, or book with a smaller air carrier. You're more likely to find lower fares if you book at least a month or two in advance.

Most flights leave from Montréal-Trudeau International Airport, which is about a 30-minute drive or a 40-minute train ride from the Montreal Bus Terminal. However, Pascan flights are non-commercial 15-passenger planes that leave from the much smaller Saint-Hubert Longueuil Airport, so make sure you pay attention to which airport you're leaving from when buying your tickets. Tickets purchased through Pascan also tend to be more expensive than those bought with Air Canada or PAL

How Long Does It Take to Drive?

There are two main options for driving between Montreal and Quebec City, both of which take about three hours.

The slightly quicker route is along Highway 20 on the south shore of the Saint Lawrence River; however, this route is dull and lacking charm. One advantage of taking this route is the authentic poutine at Fromagerie Lemaire just outside of Drummondville. Being a cheese-making operation, the cheese curds are homemade and the french fries, of course, are fresh cut.

The north shore route along Highway 40 is slightly more scenic, as it runs closer to the river shore and has more small towns with pretty double-spired churches. Trois-Rivieres, about halfway between Montreal and Quebec City, makes a pleasant stop on the north shore.

Be aware that driving in Quebec in winter can be challenging, especially for inexperienced drivers. Snow tires are mandatory in Quebec for a reason, so educate yourself on proper winter driving and make sure you're familiar with the rules of the road of driving in Canada.

How Long Is the Train Ride?

VIA Rail is Canada's national passenger railway and provides daily service between downtown Montreal and Quebec City. Depending on how many stops there are on your itinerary, the journey should only take between three and four hours. And while the train ride is not particularly scenic, it is comfortable, reliable, and convenient.

VIA Rail offers five different ticket classes: Escape, Economy, Economy Plus, Business, and Business Plus. Escape fares are the cheapest because they are non-refundable, while Business and Business Plus fares are refundable and include complimentary meals, lounge access, and priority boarding. No matter which fare you choose, you will be able to access and use the train's complimentary Wi-Fi.

When Is the Best Time to Travel to Quebec City?

Since winter is brutally cold, the best time to visit Quebec City is in the summer. The weather is warm but rarely uncomfortably hot, and the locals take full advantage of the sunshine by hosting back-to-back festivals all season long. Of course, summer is also the tourist high season, and transportation methods all go up in price (along with hotels). Aim for visiting in May or early June to balance out good weather with fewer crowds.

If you can withstand the freezing temperatures, winter in Quebec City offers its own special charm. The nearby mountains are open for skiing and the February Winter Carnival is one of the biggest annual events in the city.

Can I Use Public Transportation to Travel From the Airport?

The Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport is 9 miles (15 kilometers) from downtown Quebec City, which is about a 25-minute drive. Unlike Montreal, there's no train service from the airport so your only public transportation option is to take the bus, which will most likely require at least one transfer and will take you over an hour. Compared to other city airports, Quebec City's Airport is not too far out of the way and it's probably worth it to take a cab or ride-share to your hotel.

What Is There to Do in Quebec City?

With cobblestone streets, fortified walls, and castles, Quebec City is probably North America's most European city. The historic district has even been declared UNESCO World Heritage site and is the third oldest city on the continent.

The city's main tourist attractions are La Citadelle de Québec, the Parliament building, and Montmorency Falls, just outside of downtown. For the best view of the city skyline, head to Pierre-Dugua-De-Mons Terrace. There are also a number of museums worth visiting such as the Museum of Civilization, the Érico Chocolate Museum, and more.

A guided tour may be a good idea if you want to make the most of your trip and learn as much as you can. The Quebec City and Montmorency Falls daytrip from Montreal is a full-day sightseeing tour with a local licensed guide, highlighting Quebec City's top attractions.

Another option that allows more time in Quebec City is a two-day guided tour of Quebec City and Tadoussac, leaving from Montreal. Get a guided tour of historic Quebec City plus time to spend on your own. ​After the scenic drive to Tadoussac, hop on board a whale watching vessel, and keep an eye out for the belugas, minkes, and humpbacks that dwell in the St. Lawrence waters.