Option 1: Driving
- Travel time: ~5.5-6 hours
- Highway 401 (Ontario) and Autoroute 20 (Québec) directly connect Toronto and Montréal by freeway.
- Pros: Fastest option outside of rush hour, direct, flexible if your destination is in the suburbs
- Cons: Rush hour traffic in both cities, paying for parking can be expensive
- The gist: Driving between Toronto and Montréal is a convenient option but be wary of traffic and expensive pay parking.
Option 2: Intercity Train
- Travel time: ~5-6 hours
- Via Rail Canada offers multiple daily departures between Toronto Union Station and Montreal Central Station.
- Fares: Starting at $55 CDN
- Pros: Fast, comfortable seating, business class, wi-fi, drinks and food available to purchase, convenient onward transit connections, downtown-to-downtown service
- Cons: Few late night options, delays, very expensive if not booking in advance
- The gist: VIA Rail is a fast and relaxing way to travel but be sure to book well in advance to save and be aware of delays.
Option 3: Intercity Bus
- Travel time: ~6-7 hours
- Several Intercity carriers offer frequent, direct, daily coach bus service between Toronto and Montréal. The majority travel downtown-to-downtown between Union Station Bus Terminal in Toronto and the Montreal Coach Terminal (Gare d’autocars de Montréal). Surprisingly, given the size of these two cities, this route doesn’t have a multitude of carriers operating.
- Fares: Starting at $70 CDN
- Pros: Budget friendly, flexibility, express services, wi-fi, outlets
- Cons: Long travel time, less space than train, traffic delays, downtown-to-downtown service, surprising lack of agency options
- The gist: Coach bus service between Toronto and Ottawa is competitive and frequent with multiple options to choose from. Some routes conveniently stop at the []?????
Option 4: Airplane
- Travel time: ~1.25 hours not including check-in, security and transit to downtown (~4 hours total when factored in)
- Air Canada, WestJet, and Porter Airlines offer multiple daily flights between Toronto International Airport (YYZ) and Montreal International Airport (YUL). Additionally, Air Canada and Porter Airlines fly out of the downtown Toronto City Airport (YTZ).
- Fares: Starting at $190 CDN
- Pros: Fastest, direct, multiple carriers to choose from
- Cons: Expensive, travelling to/from the airport, check in/security times, high carbon output, less scenic
- The gist: Flying is a fast and convenient option. But a very expensive option if you don’t book far enough in advance.