Train from Toronto to Montreal: Schedule, Prices & Times

When you need to get from Toronto to Montreal, the train isn’t just about avoiding airport lines — it’s about watching the Ontario and Quebec countryside slide past your window while someone else handles the driving. VIA Rail runs the only direct train service on this 504-kilometer corridor, and depending on when you book, a one-way ticket can cost as little as $39. Whether you’re choosing between modes or just trying to figure out the best time to book, here’s what the numbers actually show.

Fastest time: 4h 37m · Average duration: 5h 13m · Cheapest ticket: $39 · Daily trains: 9–10 · Distance: 504 km

How much does it cost by train from Toronto to Montreal?

Train fares on the Toronto–Montreal corridor start surprisingly low, but the final price depends heavily on how far in advance you book and which day you travel. According to aggregated booking data from Wanderu, VIA Rail tickets start from $39 one-way, with the average fare hovering around $64–$89 depending on the month.

VIA Rail pricing

Economy fares on VIA Rail typically range from $39 to $150 depending on availability and demand. One-way fares exclude taxes and vary by day of week and time of departure. Booking 27 days ahead reportedly saves approximately $82.75 compared to last-minute pricing, making advance planning worthwhile for budget-conscious travelers. The cheapest travel month is November with an average of $69, while August averages $93 — the highest of the year. Saturday trains tend to be most crowded, so booking early for weekend travel is strongly recommended.

Booking sites comparison

Prices vary across booking platforms. Wanderu shows fares starting from $39, while Omio lists tickets from $51. Rome2Rio ranges higher at $65–$150 depending on service class. For the most accurate current pricing, checking VIA Rail’s official fares page directly is advisable since prices fluctuate daily.

Is there a high-speed train from Toronto to Montreal?

No true high-speed rail operates on the Toronto–Montreal corridor. VIA Rail’s service is the only train option, and it runs on conventional tracks shared with freight traffic. The fastest VIA Rail service covers the 504 kilometers in 4 hours 37 minutes, but the average trip takes closer to 5 hours 13 minutes.

VIA Rail speeds

The average travel time from Toronto to Montreal is 5 hours 13 minutes, with the fastest documented service completing the journey in 4 hours 37 minutes. VIA Rail train #668 departs Toronto at 18:08 and arrives Montreal at 23:04 — a 4-hour-56-minute trip. Train #66 departs at 15:23. With 40 weekly departures, service runs roughly every 4 hours during peak times.

High-speed limitations

Canada has no dedicated high-speed rail infrastructure like France’s TGV or Japan’s Shinkansen. The absence of high-speed rail on this corridor reflects infrastructure investment decisions rather than demand — the Ontario-Quebec corridor is one of the busiest transportation routes in the country. Travelers comparing to European or Asian train services will find the Canadian experience slower but with advantages in downtown-to-downtown convenience.

Is the Toronto to Montreal train scenic?

The VIA Rail journey between Toronto and Montreal crosses the agricultural landscapes of Ontario before entering Quebec’s rolling terrain. While not as dramatic as some Canadian routes like the Rocky Mountaineer, travelers consistently describe the corridor as pleasant and worth the time over the bus for the views alone.

Route highlights

The route passes through Kingston, Brockville, and Prescott along the St. Lawrence River, then crosses into Quebec near the historic village of Coteau. The approach to Montreal offers views of Mont Royal and the downtown skyline. According to forum discussions on Tripadvisor, travelers note that the scenery compares favorably to the bus alternative, with the train offering a higher vantage point and smoother ride.

Views along the way

The Ontario portion showcases farmland, small towns, and river valleys, while the Quebec stretch transitions to Franco-Canadian architecture and rolling hills. Business Class passengers have more space to enjoy the windows and some reportedly rate the experience above comparable Amtrak Business Class services in the United States.

Is it better to fly or take the train from Toronto to Montreal?

The answer depends on what you value most. If speed is paramount and you don’t mind airport logistics, a flight from Toronto Pearson (YYZ) or Billy Bishop (YTZ) to Montreal Trudeau (YUL) takes roughly 1h 45m airborne. But when you add check-in, security, and airport transfer time, the total door-to-door difference narrows significantly.

Time and cost

A train takes 4h 37m to 5h 53m versus approximately 1h 45m flight time — but add 2–3 hours for airport procedures and the total travel time often favors the train on this 504-kilometer route. Cost-wise, train fares from $39 compete favorably with budget airline pricing, though last-minute flights can be cheaper in some cases. VIA Rail’s analysis claims their trains are more punctual than planes, citing official data on energy efficiency and on-time performance.

Comfort factors

Train travel offers significant comfort advantages: spacious seating, ability to move around the cabin, meal service in Business Class, WiFi availability, and electrical outlets. The downtown-to-downtown convenience of Toronto Union Station and Montreal Central Station means no costly airport transfers. A video comparison of plane versus train on this route noted that VIA Rail’s downtown stations give it a practical edge over flying for city-center travelers.

What is the cheapest way to get from Montreal to Toronto?

If budget is the deciding factor, the answer depends on how far in advance you book and what trade-offs you’re willing to accept. While the train offers downtown convenience, buses undercut train pricing significantly for last-minute bookings, and driving costs depend heavily on fuel prices and vehicle efficiency.

Train options

The VIA Rail train remains competitive when booked early, with fares from $39 available on Wanderu and Omio. Economy fares from $39–$89 represent solid value when booked 27+ days ahead. Business Class at approximately $200 includes meals and lounge access — a reasonable premium for the comfort upgrade. The key is advance booking: waiting until the last minute pushes fares above $150 and reduces seat availability.

Bus and other modes

MegaBus and FlixBus services run more frequently than trains on this route, with lower price points for spontaneous travelers. The trade-off is longer travel time (typically 6–7 hours) and less comfort than the train. Driving covers 504 kilometers at roughly 7–8 hours round-trip fuel cost, depending on your vehicle’s efficiency and current fuel prices. For the truly budget-minded without time constraints, the bus wins on pure price. For travelers valuing time and comfort with advance planning, the train at $39–$69 represents excellent value.

How to book your Toronto to Montreal train

Booking VIA Rail for the Toronto–Montreal corridor is straightforward, but strategic timing maximizes your savings. Here’s the practical sequence from search to departure.

The booking process breaks down into five actionable steps, starting with schedule verification and ending with same-day confirmation for weekend travel.

The implication: Waiting until the last minute doesn’t just cost more — it may mean no availability, particularly on Saturdays when trains are most crowded. Budget-conscious travelers who plan ahead consistently get the best deals on this route.

How do train, bus, and flight compare?

The three primary options for Toronto to Montreal each have distinct profiles. Five data points tell the story.

This comparison table distills the core trade-offs across duration, price, frequency, and comfort for each mode.

The pattern: The train sits in the middle on price and comfort but wins on total door-to-door time for city-center travelers. The bus is cheapest but slowest. The plane is fastest but most complex logistics-wise.

It was better than my business-class Amtrak experiences in the US — and totally worth the $200 ticket.

— Business Insider review of VIA Rail Business Class (August 2022)

I just had to walk from the Basilica to the central train station in downtown Montreal, so it was pretty hassle free. In terms of convenience, VIA Rail takes this point.

— Travel vlogger, plane vs train comparison

Trains do not run as often as buses, but they win on downtown convenience, punctuality, and comfort per reviews from frequent travelers on the route. For those comparing Air Canada baggage fees or weighing regional options, the 416 area code Toronto connection may also factor into planning decisions for Toronto departure points.

Related reading: 416 area code Toronto

While VIA Rail provides the scenic train option, budget-conscious travelers often prefer the Montreal to Toronto bus with tickets starting at $48 via Megabus.

Frequently asked questions