Montreal, the economical capital of Quebec province, is the second largest city in Canada. It is also the second largest French-speaking city in the world, after Paris.
The city is located on the banks of St. Lawrence River and offers plenty of things to do for those who come here for leisure. Make sure to spend some time in Old Montreal and visit the historical buildings.
Quebec City, the capital of Quebec region, is famous for its Old Town, an UNESCO World Heritage Site.
French is the official language in the region, but in the cities English is widely spoken as a second language.
Quick summary
The cheapest option for traveling between Montreal and Quebec is by train. Single fares start at CAD $43.87* and the journey time is about 3h 20 min (slowest train).
Bus fares are more expensive (CAD $56.28) and the travel time is the same as by train.
Airfare is the most expensive although you’ll get between the two cities in less than an hour.
Montreal is served by the busiest airport in Quebec: Pierre Elliott Trudeau Airport (YUL) . It is located 20 km from the city center and is also the third busiest airport in Canada. The airport is hub for Air Canada, Air Canada Jazz, Air Transat, CanJet and Sunwing Airlines.
Quebec is served by Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB) , located 11 km from the city center. It is the third busiest airport in Quebec but it’s not hub for any airline.
Direct flights from Montreal to Quebec are operated by: Air Canada Express and Pascan Aviation, as well as charter airlines Hydro-Québec and Nolinor Aviation. The flight time is about 1h.
If you plan to fly in late December 2011, expect to pay from CAD $253 one way on Air Canada. In mid-March 2012, single fares start at CAD $240 on Air Canada.
If you book on the Air Canada Express website, the tango (non-refundable, onboard snacks for free) single fare is late December 2011 is CAD $169 , while in mid-March 2012 is CAD $159.
VIA Rail Canada operates the Montreal – Quebec City train , which is an excellent choice since you’ll be traveling from downtown to downtown. There are four departures per day from Montreal and the travel time is about 3 h 20 min. The first train leaves Montreal at 7:10 a.m. and the last at 5:55 p.m. Single adult fare is CAD $43.87.
There are also four departures per day from Quebec City. The first train leaves at 5:35 a.m. and the last at 5:30 p.m.
There are two bus companies which operate buses between Montreal and Quebec:
You can rent a car and drive the 250 km between the two cities on Autoroute 20 E. The alternative route is 266 km on Autoroute 40 E. The drive times are similar (about 3 h).
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Note: * at the time the article was written
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