Toronto to Montreal: Distance, Driving, By Plane, Train or Bus

The route between Toronto, Ontario and Montreal, Quebec, is one of great adventure – where you can see thrills, history, Great Lakes, spectacular views, wildlife, nature, cuisine, culture, and more than you can imagine. Each city has much to offer. Photo: Adwo/Fotolia

The Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), is Canada’s largest and busiest airport, serving an metropolitan area that is home to 8.7 million people. Toronto is Canada’s largest city with 2.6 million people as of 2011. Because it offers theme parks, a strategic location on Lake Ontario, and is a center of culture and history, and the epicenter of the Canadian economy; many families, groups and corporate travelers make their way to Toronto. Over 40 million people travel through Toronto Pearson International Airport each year.

Westjet, Porter Airlines and Air Canada all have numerous flights every day between Toronto and Montreal. The flight last approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes. The first Westjet flight departs at 7:00 am and the last at 11:15 p.m. with 10 flights in between. A one-way ticket starts at $81 (CAD) plus applicable taxes. Porter flights start at 8:30 am with the last departing at 8:30 p.m. There are 15 daily Porter flights to choose from. One-way tickets start at $85 (CAD) plus tax. Air Canada flights start at $103 (CAD) for a one-way ticket. The first flight leaves at 7:15 am and the last at 9:15 p.m. with 9 other flights to choose from in between.

There is ample parking and a variety of ground transportation options at the Toronto International Airport. The airport also is home to a variety of shops, cafés, restaurants, newsstands and convenience stores. If there is something you need before you board your flight, you can most likely find it at the airport.

The Montreal – Pierre Elliot Trudeau International Airport (YUL) is Canada’s third largest airport. There is ample parking and a variety of ground transportation options at the Montreal International Airport. The airport also is home to a variety of shops, cafés, restaurants, newsstands and convenience stores. This airport is also a great place to find whatever you need before you board your flight. Ground transportation is readily available including shuttles, taxis, and rental cars. Shops and restaurants complete the airport amenities. Photo: senorgogo/Fotolia

Via Rail offers six daily runs from Toronto to Montreal on several different trains. All trains feature economy class and business class. Travel time is approximately 5.5 hours. Tickets for an economy class seat start at $54 (CAD) while business class seats are as low as $89 (CAD). Complementary meals and cocktail service are available with business class tickets. In economy class, a takeout menu is available for meals for purchase. Other amenities include free Wi-Fi, checked baggage, and on-train entertainment that travelers can stream to their hand held devices. The first train departs Toronto at 6:40 am, arriving in Montreal at 11:55 a.m. The last train departs at 6 pm arriving at 10:55 p.m. in Montreal.

By Bus

Greyhound Canada has six daily busses from Toronto to Montreal, each with a transfer in Ottawa, Ontario. Each route is approximately 8.5 hours in length. There are several other departure times in between. Prices start at $38.50 (CAD).

Amenities on board include checked baggage, reclining seats and ample leg room, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and a bathroom.

Greyhound is an economical way to travel. It also takes away the hassle of driving and allows you to enjoy the scenery.

By Private Transfer Service

Ridebooker (ridebooker.com) provides private transfer services between Toronto and Montreal. Each vehicle can transport up to 10 travelers with luggage. It costs $1,311 per vehicle for the trip. Convenience comes at a price, but depending on your time and situation, a private service may fit your requirements quite nicely. Photo: Rixie/Fotolia

Montreal is about 335 miles (541 kilometers) northeast of Toronto. The fastest route by car is to take Ontario Highway 401 out of Toronto and drive straight to Montreal. This drive should take approximately 5.5 hours with traffic.

A more scenic route is to take Ontario Highway 2 which parallels Highway 401, but follows the shoreline of Lake Ontario. This may not be the best route for business travelers, but vacationers will enjoy the history, spectacular views of the lake and opportunities for recreation along the corridor.

Before leaving Toronto, you will want to visit some of the amazing attractions. Toronto is home to Canada’s Wonderland, a roller coaster theme park. It also boasts the CN Tower, a marvel of engineering complete with a glass-bottomed viewing deck. Or soak in the country’s unique cultural mosaic in Canada’s largest city.

Niagara Falls is an unforgettable day trip from Toronto. In fact, no trip to Southern Ontario should be done without a side trip to Niagara. From Toronto, take ON-403 West out of the city then take the exit for Queen Elizabeth Way. Once through St. Catherines, Ontario, look for the Stanley Avenue exit and follow the signs to Niagara Falls. Just viewing the spectacular falls is impressive. Following the walkway along the falls, browsing the shops and boutiques, lunching in a restaurant with a brilliant view, are all options once at Niagara. Boat rides right up to the falls are also possible on the Maid of the Mist. Tickets cost $18.25 (CAD) for adults and $10.65 (CAD) for children 6-12 years of age. Once back in Toronto, take the 401 and you’re on your way to Montreal.

If you choose a slower pace with more scenic views, and take Ontario Highway 2 instead, your first stop should be Port Hope or Coburg, Ontario. Both towns boast 19^th century downtown areas with quaint shops, restaurants and coffee shops. When you’ve had your fill of reliving history from the 1800’s, jump back onto Hwy 2 and head east along Lake Ontario. This section of countryside is picturesque. There are plenty of antique shops, markets and small general stores to visit along the way.

The next stop on your journey is Kingston, Ontario. This is the city where the famed St. Lawrence River begins. Downtown Kingston is a history-lover’s dream and a visit to Fort Henry is a must. Fort Henry dates back to the war of 1812 and was of strategic importance in Canada’s earliest days. Admission prices are as follows in Canadian dollars: Ages 6-64, $18; seniors (65+) and military, $16; Children 5 and under are free.

Heading back on Highway 2, look for the 1000 Islands Region just past Kingston. The 1000 Islands area is a UNESCO Biosphere and is home to dozens of federal parks, conservation areas, and provincial parks. Over 1,800 islands spread throughout the St. Lawrence River form the 1000 Islands area and straddle the border of Canada and the United States. The area used to be a retreat for the elite and wealthy in the 19^th century. Today, it is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream come true. Walking, hiking, biking, boating, even river cruises, are all options in the 1000 Islands area. Or, take a break from adventurous outdoor activities to explore some of the area’s interesting architecture, including gothic-style mansions and even a couple of castles.

From the 1000 Islands area, you can either continue on Hwy 2 straight to Montreal, which will take another 4 hours. Or, connect with Hwy 416 and stop in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada’s capital city, on the way. From Ottawa you can get onto the 401 and continue to Montreal.

Montreal is a beautiful Canadian city situated on the St. Lawrence River. Known for its history and its vibrant culture, there is no end to the sights and activities to explore and experience in Montreal. The city’s website details everything wonderful about the city: places to stay; cuisine to try; adventures to take; explorations to make and beaches to enjoy. Photo: Katia/Fotolia

Google Maps highlights two different bike routes between Toronto and Montreal. The first follows the Waterfront Trail, which follows the shoreline of Lake Ontario. The second follows the TransCanada Trail, which parallels Ontario Highway 7. Google does a very nice job of providing turn by turn directions.

Google maps provides one option for walking between Toronto and Montreal via Country Road 2.

The website Ontario Trails Map provides a database of hikes and walks throughout the province. You can search by location on a map or by trail name.

Montreal has so much to offer in one concentrated corner of the world. Experience French-Canadian culture, explore some of Canada’s earliest history, enjoy spectacular views of the St. Lawrence River, participate in outdoor activities and adventure, and take in all of the culture Quebec has to offer. There is so much to explore in Montreal. Photo: David Alary/Fotolia