Toronto To Montreal Train
Toronto To Montreal Train
If you are planning a trip to Canada, taking the train from Toronto to Montreal is an excellent choice. Direct trains connect these iconic cities in as little as 4 hours 37 minutes, offering a fast, comfortable, and scenic journey through the heart of Ontario and Quebec — and a far more enjoyable experience than dealing with Toronto Pearson International Airport or the Air Canada check-in queue.
Toronto to Montreal By Train
Toronto to Montreal By Train
Distance
by train
541,6km (336,5 mi)
Estimated
Travel Time
≈ 5 hours
Approximate
Ticket Cost:
$98
Toronto to Montreal Train Schedule
Toronto to Montreal Train Schedule
Want to know the entire schedule for your Toronto to Montreal train? Take a look at the table below to see the times of earliest and latest departures, the shortest travel times, and the number of departures per day.
Toronto to Montreal Train Information
Toronto to Montreal Train Information
Toronto to Montreal is approximately 538 km (332 miles) by rail, and the average train journey takes around 5 hours 53 minutes, with the fastest train completing the trip in just 4 hours 37 minutes. VIA Rail operates up to 10 direct train departures daily — approximately 40 departures per week, with the earliest train departing Toronto Union Station at 6:00 AM. Train tickets from Toronto to Montreal start at $49 when booked early, with the average train ticket price around $117. Booking at least 16 days in advance saves around $40 on average, and the best prices are typically found in October with average tickets as low as $65.
| The most pleasant way to see charming Canada is to take a scenic train ride from Toronto to Montreal. VIA Rail trains cover the distance in just over five hours, offering excellent service to passengers on board. Along the way, you'll have the chance to see spectacular views of Lake Ontario's shoreline, pass through Charleston Lake Provincial Park, and enjoy the scenic transition from Ontario into Quebec. Train travel produces significantly lower carbon emissions than flying or driving — and with train stations located in the city centre of both cities rather than far-out international airports, the time saved on transfers makes the train a genuinely competitive option versus flying. BOOK TRAIN TICKETS Get more information about traveling by rail from Toronto to Montreal at Rail Ninja, and explore one of the most convenient and safest popular routes in Canada. |
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VIA Rail Express Train Toronto to Montreal
VIA Rail Express Train Toronto to Montreal
VIA Rail Express trains on the Toronto to Montreal route offer a wide range of services. Free Wi-Fi is available to all passengers, and power outlets are provided at every seat so you can charge your laptop throughout the journey. Meals and snacks made with Canadian ingredients are available on board — passengers can bring their own food and drinks as well. For families, VIA Rail offers activities for children on board, and a special meal can be requested in advance for dietary requirements. Every train is equipped with restrooms, and accessible cars with wheelchair lifts are available on all VIA Rail trains between Toronto and Montreal.
Toronto to Montreal Train Classes
Toronto to Montreal Train Classes
VIA Rail typically offers two classes on its Toronto to Montreal trains: Economy class and Business class. Economy class offers total comfort at an affordable price, with comfortable seats, free Wi-Fi, power outlets, and access to the café car for food and drinks. Whether traveling for work or pleasure, Economy class is a great value option for the Toronto to Montreal journey. Cheapest tickets start at $49 when booked in advance. Business class is the most convenient way to travel from Toronto to Montreal, providing access to the business lounge at Toronto Union Station and Gare Centrale in Montreal, meal service, a wider and more comfortable seat, power outlets, and priority boarding.
Book Train Tickets From Toronto to Montreal
Book Train Tickets From Toronto to Montreal
FAQ About Train From Toronto to Montreal
FAQ About Train From Toronto to Montreal
Want to know more about your Toronto to Montreal trip? We have compiled some of our customers' most frequently asked questions in order to make it easier for you to plan your trip.
Yes — VIA Rail operates up to 10 direct train departures daily between Toronto Union Station and Gare Centrale (Montreal Central Station). All trains on this route are direct connections with no transfers required. The earliest train departs Toronto at 6:00 AM, and there are regular departures throughout the day with the last train departing in the evening. Direct trains average a journey time of around 4 hours 33 minutes to 5 hours, making this one of the most efficient and popular direct train routes in Canada.
The average journey time from Toronto to Montreal by train is approximately 5 hours 53 minutes, while the fastest train completes the trip in 4 hours 37 minutes. Direct routes average around 4 hours 33 minutes. Journey times vary slightly depending on the service and travel date. There are typically around 9 to 10 daily train trips between the two cities, giving travelers plenty of flexibility to choose the departure that best fits their travel plans. Flying takes about 1.5 hours in the air, but when you factor in the time to get to Toronto Pearson International Airport, check in, and clear security — plus the transfer from the airport on arrival — the train often saves comparable time while being far more relaxed.
The rail distance from Toronto to Montreal is approximately 538 kilometers (332 miles). Trains leave from Toronto Union Station and arrive at Gare Centrale (Montreal Central Station), both of which are located in the city centre, making onward travel by metro, bus, or foot far more convenient than arriving at Pearson International Airport or Montréal–Trudeau International Airport.
It's never too early to book your train ticket from Toronto to Montreal. With Rail.Ninja,, you can browse the full Toronto to Montreal train schedule, select departure dates that best suit your travel plans, and book your Montreal train tickets online years in advance. Montreal train tickets online can also be purchased directly through the VIA Rail website or app. Booking at least 16 days in advance typically saves around $40 per ticket compared to last-minute prices. For the cheapest tickets, book early and check October travel dates when average ticket prices are at their lowest.
Yes — the train journey from Toronto to Montreal is genuinely scenic and one of the highlights of any Canadian rail trip. The route follows Lake Ontario's coastline out of Toronto, passes through Charleston Lake Provincial Park, and offers pleasant countryside views across Ontario and Quebec. This is a far more engaging journey than a flight, and makes sense for travelers who want to experience Canada at ground level rather than at 30,000 feet.
Train ticket prices from Toronto to Montreal start from $49 per person when booked early, with an average price of around $117. Ticket prices fluctuate based on travel date, travel class, and how far in advance you book — October is typically the cheapest month, with average tickets around $65. A return trip is the most cost-effective option for travelers visiting Montreal for a few days. Business class tickets start from $98 USD. The cheapest way to secure low fares is to book early via Rail Ninja or VIA Rail's website. Compare these prices with the cheapest tickets on Air Canada or Porter Airlines and factor in the time saved on airport transfers, the train from Toronto usually makes sense.
Arriving at Gare Centrale in the heart of Montreal, the entire city is within easy reach by metro, on foot, or by bike. Old Montreal (Vieux-Montréal) is just minutes away — with its cobblestone streets, Old Port waterfront, and stunning 17th-century architecture, it is one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in North America. Culture lovers should visit the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, which houses an outstanding collection of works by international artists. Kensington Market-style street food and vibrant nightlife await in the Plateau neighborhood, and Quebec City is a short rail train ride away for those planning to extend their Canadian adventure. For comparison, Toronto's own CN Tower, Kensington Market, and Union Station area are well worth exploring before you depart.
Flying from Toronto to Montreal takes about 1.5 hours in the air, but the full journey, including travel to Toronto Pearson International Airport, check-in, security, boarding, and the transfer from Montréal airport to the city centre, takes significantly longer than the direct train. Air Canada and Porter Airlines both serve this route, with flight costs sometimes similar to business class train tickets on busy travel dates. Train travel is more sustainable, produces lower carbon emissions, and delivers you directly from city centre to city centre, Toronto Union Station to Gare Centrale, without the stress of a major international airport. For most travelers, the direct train from Toronto is the most comfortable and practical choice.
Toronto to Montreal Train Map
Toronto to Montreal Train Map
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