Toronto to Montreal by car, train or plane: how to choose

Toronto to Montreal can be done by car, by train or by plane. None of them is the best for everyone. The car is the most flexible, the train is relaxed and the plane is quick in the air but slow at the airports. This guide compares them honestly, so you can pick the one that fits your trip and your day. Read on for Toronto to Montreal in plain words.

By car

The drive is long, about five to six hours depending on traffic and stops. A private driver turns that time into rest or work: you can sleep, answer emails or make calls. A car is also the only option that goes door to door, and the only one that lets you stop when you need to. We cover the route on our Toronto to Montreal private transfer page, with an all-in price, HST included.

It works best for groups, families, people with luggage and anyone who wants to leave at their own time.

By train

VIA Rail runs trains between Toronto and Montreal. Travel time is roughly five hours depending on the train, but timetables and fares change, so check VIA Rail’s website for the day you travel. The train is comfortable and you can move around, but it runs on a fixed schedule and goes from station to station, so you still need a way to and from the stations.

By plane

The flight itself is short, but the whole journey is not. Add the ride to the airport, the time before the flight, security, boarding and the ride from the airport at the other end. For one traveller with a small bag, it can still make sense. For a group, or with luggage, the savings shrink quickly.

How to choose

• Car: groups, luggage, door-to-door, flexible timing, working on the way.



• Train: a relaxed trip station to station, if the timetable fits.
• Plane: a single traveller with a tight schedule and a flight at the right time.

The cost question

Compare the whole trip, not the ticket. Add the rides to and from stations or airports, the baggage fees and the time. For a group of four, a private car is often closer in price than people expect. See the current all-in prices on our price page, and ask us for a quote that matches your day.

Combining Toronto and Montreal with other stops

A driver can add a stop on the way, such as a meal or a visit, if you tell us in advance. The price is confirmed before you book. For a shorter trip in the same direction, see Toronto to Ottawa for a day of meetings.

Before you decide

1. Write down the date, the time you need to arrive and the number of travellers.
2. Check VIA Rail’s timetable and the flight options.
3. Ask us for a quote. It takes a minute.

Choosing Toronto to Montreal in short

For Toronto to Montreal, the right choice depends on your group, your luggage and your schedule. Check train times on the VIA Rail website, compare them with your flight options and ask us for a quote. Whatever you choose for Toronto to Montreal, count the whole door-to-door time. A little planning keeps Toronto to Montreal simple.

Quick answers

How long is the drive?

Plan for about five to six hours, depending on traffic and stops. We plan with five and a half hours.

Can we stop on the way?

Yes. Tell us in advance and we confirm the price before you book.

Do you drive from Montreal back to Toronto?

Yes. We take the return trip too. Ask us for the price.