Montreal to Quebec City
I traveled from Montreal to Quebec City and back utilizing a plane and train for each leg. To my surprise, I preferred the train! I’ll review why I preferred the train and go over all your options to get from Montreal to Quebec City!
Plane, train, bus, car and a day tour will be your options and I’ll help you decide which is right for you!
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How Far is Montreal from Quebec City
Quebec City sits about 260 km or 161 miles north of Montreal. Both cities are located next to the Saint Lawrence River in the predominantly French speaking province of Quebec in Canada.
While Quebec is the largest of the Canadian provinces, Quebec City and Montreal are only about three hours apart by car. While Montreal is a big city, Quebec City packs in the charm and history in its old town especially!
My Experience Traveling Between Montreal and Quebec City
My Transportation Bookings
I booked a one way plane ticket from Orlando to Quebec City, which included a stopover in Montreal. Then I purchased a one way plane ticket from Montreal to Orlando. Lastly, I purchased a train ticket from Quebec City to Montreal.
This schedule made the most sense for my 4 days in Montreal and Quebec City trip and was cost effective. I also thought it would be the best option time wise, but I learned that while flights should be the quickest option between these two cities, it’s not always true.
Air Canada Woes
I booked my flight with Air Canada from Orlando to Quebec City and it included a stopover in Montreal. My flight from Orlando was on time, but the flight from Montreal to Quebec City was delayed.
If you have little or no experience with Air Canada like I did at the time, you probably wouldn’t blink an eye at one delayed flight, and I didn’t either! However, my friend flew up the next day, with the same airline and route from Orlando. She was delayed EVEN MORE than I was!
If you’re counting, we’re now at two days in a row. I might have arrived about the same time by train, but my friend absolutely would have been better off taking the train!
To make my Air Canada experience worse, they cancelled our return flight from Montreal to Orlando on Sunday evening claiming it was due to the weather. Well the locals told me the “snow storm” was nothing, so I watched the flights taking off around our time on the airport website.
Air Canada cancelled a couple more flights, but had plenty of flights taking off on Sunday evening into the night! They even had Europe bound flights taking off within minutes of when our flight to Orlando was supposed to take off!
My Train Ride from Quebec City to Montreal
My train experience from Quebec City to Montreal was smooth! Honestly, it’s hard to know what to write because it was that smooth! Our hotel was within walking distance and it was downhill, so we just walked with our luggage to the train station.
When we arrived, there was a line formed to wait and enter the train, but I had time to get a snack and some water. We made our way onto the train and to our seats. The views of the snow covered areas were lovely and some views of towns we passed were just okay.
We arrived on time and overall the experience was predictable. If I was to offer a criticism it would be the train is more dated as opposed to new and nice.
Montreal to Quebec City by Plane | Potentially the Quickest Option
Technically, this should be the quickest option, but as I learned from my experience, it can still take longer than a train or car! I’m not saying it’s not worth considering and it still may be the easiest option regardless of how long it takes, but it may not end up being the quickest.
I use Google Flights for my flight research and then I usually book directly with the airline. While I purchased a one way ticket from Orlando to Quebec City, which included a stopover in Montreal, you can simply book a flight from Montreal to Quebec City.
Airlines Offering Direct Flights Between Montreal and Quebec City
Air Canada, Pascan and PAL Airlines operate direct flights between Montreal and Quebec City. If you’ve read about my experience, you know I’m not going to recommend Air Canada, but I can’t speak to the other airline options.
Considerations for the Flight Option
Flights take about an hour, but you need to consider getting to and from the airport and possible delays. While the flight itself is the quickest, the whole process may not make sense for you, depending on how you are structuring your trip.
My Advice for Getting from Montreal to Quebec City by Plane
If you will be flying into Montreal like I did, but plan to head straight to Quebec City, a plane ride does make sense since you’ll already be at the airport. However, I can’t recommend Air Canada. If you are either already in the city or won’t need to go to the airport, I suggest you utilize one of the other transportation options to get from Montreal to Quebec City!
Montreal to Quebec City by Train | My Favorite Option
I had a great experience taking the train from Quebec City to Montreal and overall the experience was easy! The train ride takes about three and a half hours and is a pleasant journey. If you don’t want to drive, this option is easy and budget friendly!
Booking a Train Ticket
You can book your train ticket on VIA Rail Canada easily! The website is user friendly and you can book a one way or round trip ticket. I recommend booking in advance so you have the cheapest price. Looking at the next month, I see prices are 43 CAD for one way tickets!
The cheapest economy option is non-refundable and non-exchangeable, but includes allowance for a carry-on. This was the ticket I chose and I had a great experience! There are two other economy options that increase in price by 10 CAD and include things like partial refund or full refund and seat selection.
Business Class train tickets are 103 CAD and 118 CAD at the time of writing this post and looking a month in advance. With this ticket you will get priority boarding and meal & bar service.
Day Trip by Train from Montreal to Quebec City
If you want visit Quebec City for a day, you can book a train ticket leaving in the morning and returning the same evening. The earliest option I’m seeing most often would be leaving Montreal at 6:25AM and arriving in Quebec City at 9:52AM.
You can spend about eight hours in Quebec City with the last train option leaving Quebec City is 6:25PM and arriving in Montreal at 9:48PM. Schedules can change, so always check the website for the most up to date information.
I stayed on the edge of old Quebec at Le Monastère des Augustines and was able to walk to the train station. Alternatively you can uber or taxi to an area, but overall you’re looking at less than a 10 minute walk to find yourself in Old Quebec’s charming streets.
As a clear landmark, you can walk from Gare du Palais to the Centre Infotouriste de Québec in 16 minutes, but about half of that will be through Old Quebec. So if you’re looking for an easy DIY day trip from Montreal, booking train tickets could be a great option to consider!
Bus from Montreal to Quebec City
I never utilized this option, but it’s a great one to consider! The Orléans Express – Québec (Centre-ville) station is right next to the train station, making it walkable to Old Quebec as well!
I navigated to the Orleans Express site and checked prices a month out similar to the train station dates. The cheapest price (at the time of writing this post) is 45 CAD and is non-refundable and non-exchangeable. The other ticket option costs 68 CAD and is both exchangeable and refundable.
When the Bus is the Better Option
The bus driving times range from 3 hours and 55 minutes down to 3 hours! There are more buses than trains, so if your schedule is very specific, the bus option may work better for you.
There is a bus every hour on the hour, with each one taking somewhere between 3 and 4 hours. The first bus leaves Montreal at 6AM and the last bus leaves Montreal at 10PM. Again, check their website for the most up to date information.
Day Trip by Bus from Montreal to Quebec City
If you want to do a day trip by bus, you will have more options! With the last bus leaving Quebec City at 10PM, you could also see the Christmas markets if you’re in Quebec City in December on the weekends!
With the bus and train station in Quebec City being next to each other, you could also utilize both options for your day trip. However, in Montreal the two stations are not next to each other, so that is something to consider.
Self Drive from Montreal to Quebec City
Depending on the time of year, this option could be very appealing! Coming from Florida and being a warm weather girl, the driving in snow option would not be my first choice. However, after experiencing the charm of Quebec, I’d happily return in the summer and driving would be a consideration!
Booking a Car
There are numerous sites to use for booking car rentals, but I tend utilize Expedia. Typically with car rentals, they are free cancellations and you would pay at the counter on arrival. I’ve had positive experiences reserving car rentals through Expedia, but I’ve used other sites as well and any method will work!
The prices on Expedia (at the time of writing this post) are showing $28 to $54 per day in December. I checked prices for May and they went up to $42 to $91, which makes sense as more people consider the driving option during that time.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Driving
The driving option is cheapest for two or more people and will take 3 hours as the quickest highway option or 3 and a half driving along the river. Of course, if you take the car, you’ll have the freedom to stop along the way as well, but it will increase your travel time.
One of the disadvantages would be sorting out parking in cities. Gas is another price consideration and weather conditions should be taken into account.
Overall, if you want the freedom and have the time, driving is a great option! If you are limited on time, the other options may be less of a hassle, specifically train or bus.
Day Tour from Montreal to Quebec City
If you are visiting Montreal, but really want to add Quebec City for a day trip, consider a tour! Yes, the train or bus tickets are cheaper, but it might be worth the less hassle, especially if hotel pickup is offered.
The tours would also include other tourist sites (depending on the time of year) and overall removes the need to plan the day yourself. After all, buying tours is to avoid having to plan and just make the overall experience easier.
The below tour is a full day tour from Montreal to Quebec City. It includes a St. Lawrence River Cruise if you book during warmer months. The tour will give you time to explore the charming streets and sights of Old Quebec. It also includes a stop at the Montmorency Falls! If you did all those stops on your own, you’re getting close to the tour price so it’s worth considering!
Full-Day Quebec City and Cruise Tour
Christmas Markets in Quebec City
I loved the Christmas Markets in Quebec City and I think they are worth doing! While I’d recommend more than a day trip to Quebec City, that may be all your schedule allows.
The Christmas Markets will run Thursday to Sunday in the evenings from late November into December. I’d suggest staying overnight to experience the Christmas Markets! However, you can easily do a day trip and here is how!
Day Trip to Quebec City for Christmas Markets
You can get from Montreal to Quebec City however you prefer. Returning to Montreal from Quebec City will likely have to be by car or bus! The train doesn’t leave late enough, so you would miss the Christmas Markets. The bus leaves every hour on the hour until 10PM, so if you don’t want to drive, the bus will be your best option.
Something to consider is in Montreal the train and bus station are not within close walking distance of each other. However, in Quebec City the bus and train station are next to each other!
What to do in Quebec City
During my four days in Montreal and Quebec City trip, I spent a couple days exploring the charming old Quebec City. There is history, charm, European feel and all in a walkable area!
My main reason for going in December was the Christmas Markets and I absolutely LOVED the Christmas Markets in Quebec City. You can read more details about what to do and about the Christmas Markets in the below post.
4 Days in Montreal and Quebec City | Perfect December Getaway
FAQ
How much is the train ride from Montreal to Quebec?
Train tickets can be purchased directly on VIA Rail Canada. At present, the one way ticket prices start at 43 CAD Economy up to 118 CAD Business Class.
Is Montreal or Quebec City bigger?
Montreal is a big city! It will require public transport or Uber/Taxi to get around and see everything!
Quebec City is not only smaller, but the main area to explore is Old Quebec City and it’s very walkable!
Is it better to stay in Montreal or Quebec City?
This is entirely based on preference and what you want to see and do. I loved the charm of Old Quebec City, but you don’t need more than a couple days unless you start adding surrounding areas.
Montreal is a big city and a couple days there would only make a dent. There is more to see and do and Old Montreal does have the cute, cozy, and historical vibes that Old Quebec City offers.
If you like big cities, stay in Montreal and visit Quebec City for a day or two. If you like the charming small town feel and prefer a slower pace, then Quebec City is for you!
Is it worth it to take a day trip from Montreal to Quebec City?
Yes, it’s worth it! I loved Quebec City! If a day trip is all you can do, it’s absolutely worth it and you’ll see all the highlights if you book a tour. Or you can DIY it and wander around Old Quebec City.
P.S. If you go in December, I think it’s worth a couple days to enjoy the Christmas Markets (Thursdays to Sundays)!
Full-Day Quebec City and Cruise Tour
Montreal to Québec City
While I’m a fan of the train journey, the other options have their place depending on your schedule and preferences! Regardless of which one you choose, I think you’ll enjoy your time in Quebec City! I loved it so much I’d go back to experience it in other seasons, though I absolutely loved it in December!
I hope this post was helpful! If you are heading to Quebec in the Winter, checkout my post on What to Wear in Quebec City in December, especially if you’re feeling a little intimidated by the Winter! Have the best time in Montreal and Quebec City!
