My Experience Riding the Montreal to Quebec City Train with Via Rail
If you’re planning a trip to Montreal and Quebec City, taking the train is one of the best ways to travel!
I took the Via Rail train from Montreal to Quebec City in December 2024, and it turned out to be the perfect, stress-free way to travel, especially with the snowy weather.
The train ride is easy, comfortable, and offers views along the way of the surrounding suburbs and towns.
In this post, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about taking the train, from booking your tickets to what to expect on board.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I will get a commission if you decide to purchase through those links, at no cost to you. Thank you for your support!
Why Choose the Train over Flying or Driving?
There are a few reasons why the train is a great alternative to driving or flying.
For starters, it’s much more relaxed than driving.
You won’t have to worry about dealing with traffic, gas, or driving on unfamiliar roads.
And unlike flying, you don’t have to get there hours before to go through security and check your bags.
The Montreal to Quebec City train ride takes about 3.5 hours, which passes by surprisingly fast.
Personally, I found it far more enjoyable than flying.
If you’re traveling during the winter months, as I did, the train also provides a much safer and more comfortable option compared to driving on potentially icy roads.
My mom and I were in Montreal and Quebec City in early December when several inches of snow fell overnight.
I couldn’t imagine us having to drive a rental car on the snow-covered roads. We were so thankful we booked train tickets instead of renting a car!
How to Buy Via Rail Train Tickets
Buying tickets for the Montreal to Quebec City train is easy.
I recommend booking directly through VIA Rail’s website.
Ticket prices can vary, but generally, you can expect to pay anywhere from $35 to $150 (one-way) depending on when you book and which class you choose (Economy or Business Class).
One tip to save money is to book your tickets on Tuesdays and use the discount code “TUESDAY” when checking out. Check out more information here.
This can be a great way to get cheaper tickets!
If you’re not able to book on a Tuesday, don’t worry—prices tend to go up as the travel date approaches, so booking in advance is still a good way to save money.
You can also purchase tickets in person at the station, but I recommend booking ahead of time, especially during peak travel times.
For our trip, we spent a total of $490 USD for two people.
This covered both the train ride from Montreal to Quebec City and the return trip from Quebec City to Montreal, all in Business Class seats.
So, the cost for a one-way train ticket in Business Class for one person was $122.50.
We booked our tickets just two weeks in advance and didn’t book on a Tuesday.
So, you could definitely find a better deal than this if you book earlier and on a Tuesday!
Where to Depart and Arrive
When booking your Via Rail train tickets, you will need to choose a departure and arrival station.
Montreal
If you’re planning to depart from downtown Montreal, you will choose to depart from Gare Centrale (Central Station) which is located downtown.
It’s easy to get to by public transit or taxi, so it’s a convenient option if you’re staying in the city.
If you’re heading straight to Quebec City after landing at the Montreal airport, Dorval Station is your best option.
It’s the closest station to Montreal’s airport, and there’s a free shuttle that runs between the airport and Dorval, making it the best option if you want to avoid going into downtown Montreal.
Quebec City
The train arrives at Gare du Palais, which is located near Old Quebec.
There are always taxis waiting outside of the train station.
We arrived late at night around 11:30 PM, and there were several taxis outside that we used to get to our hotel.
The taxi ride cost around $15 CAD, including tip.
Train Schedule
VIA Rail operates several trains between Montreal and Quebec City each day, with departures throughout the morning, afternoon, and evening.
The train ride takes about 3.5 hours, not accounting for any delays.
While the train is generally reliable, delays can occur, especially on later departures.
For example, when I took the 6:30 PM train from Montreal, we didn’t leave until around 7:30 PM due to delays with the incoming train.
On the other hand, when I left Quebec City on the 8:00 AM train, there were no delays.
As with flying, earlier train departures tend to have a better chance of running on time.
So, if you want to minimize the risk of delays, I recommend going with the earlier option if you can.
Economy vs. Business Class
VIA Rail offers two classes of service: Economy and Business.
- Economy Class: This is the most affordable option. The seats are more spacious and comfortable than airplane economy seats, and there’s a café car where you can buy snacks and drinks. It’s a good choice if you don’t mind a more basic experience for a reasonable price, especially since the trip is only 3.5 hours.
- Business Class: If you want more comfort, Business Class is the better option. You get wider seats, more legroom, priority boarding, and access to the VIA Rail lounge at the station. Business Class also includes free meals and drinks.
We decided to go with Business Class because the price difference between Business and Economy wasn’t that significant.
With Business Class, you get access to a lounge at the station where you can relax before your train departs.
The lounge offers free coffee and drinks like apple juice, water, soda, and more.
It’s a comfortable place to sit while waiting for your train.
You also get priority boarding, so you don’t have to wait in a long line to board the train.
While on board, you’re served a snack, a meal, and unlimited drinks throughout the ride.
If the price difference isn’t too much, I recommend Business Class.
The extra comfort, free food and drinks, and access to the lounge make it a much more enjoyable experience.
Looking for a Hotel?
Explore Booking.com for your hotel needs – they offer budget-friendly prices and a variety of room types!
Need a Rental Car?
For all your rental car needs, head over to Expedia! It’s user-friendly and offers plenty of affordable options!
Guided Tours/Activities
When it comes to booking guided tours and excursions, my top pick is Get Your Guide!
My Experience on the Montreal to Quebec City Train
The train ride is comfortable and smooth, with minimal bumps. It never really felt like I was on a train!
The seats are roomy, and the ride is generally quiet, so it’s easy to relax or get some work done.
In Business Class, the seats are even more spacious, and you get free Wi-Fi, which is great for catching up on emails or watching something.
The café car in Economy has snacks and drinks for purchase, and in Business Class, you get a free meal and drinks.
On our evening train ride from Montreal to Quebec City, we were served a hot dinner with two options to choose from.
I had ravioli, which came with a few sides and dessert. We also got a small snack after boarding, and drinks (water, soda, or alcohol) were included.
On the morning train ride from Quebec City to Montreal, we had the option of a warm or cold breakfast.
I went with the cold breakfast, which was great and free drinks were included again.
Final Thoughts
Taking the train from Montreal to Quebec City was the perfect choice for our winter trip, especially to avoid the stress of driving on snowy roads.
It was a comfortable, hassle-free way to travel between the two cities.
Both my mom and I agreed that we would definitely choose the train again for future trips!
P.S. If you’re traveling internationally, I highly recommend purchasing the Airalo eSIM. It’s a great way to avoid those excessive roaming charges and eliminates the need for plastic eSIMs!
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much is the Train Ride from Montreal to Quebec City?
Ticket prices for the Montreal to Quebec City train can range from around $40 CAD to $150 CAD, depending on when you book and the class of service you choose.
Economy tickets are the most affordable, while Business Class tickets are more expensive but offer additional comfort and perks.
Booking in advance can help you find better prices, and you can get a discount if you book on a Tuesday and use the discount code “TUESDAY” at check out.
Is the Train Ride from Montreal to Quebec City Scenic?
Yes, the train ride is scenic at times, but mostly it is passing through suburban areas, so there is not many sights to see.
As you travel, you’ll pass through small towns and suburban areas. It was neat to see the residential homes near the train line.
It was also cool to see the Montreal skyline in the distance while heading into Montreal from Quebec City.
What is the Cheapest Way to Get from Montreal to Quebec City?
The cheapest way to get from Montreal to Quebec City is usually by taking the Orléans Express bus.
You can find bus tickets for around $35, but it’s a longer ride than the train and not as comfortable.
I haven’t taken the bus myself, but I have heard from others that it is still a great option!
The train is a good middle ground, especially if you book in advance and choose Economy Class.
I have plenty of other blog posts about my trip to Montreal and Quebec City if you’re looking for more resources to help plan your trip!
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