Train from Montreal to Quebec City

Train from Montreal to Quebec City

The train from Montreal to Quebec City lets passengers travel easily between two of Quebec's largest cities. This Canadian province offers a rich blend of French culture and cuisine without needing to travel to Europe. Montreal is one of the most vibrant and diverse cities in Canada. It boasts exceptional dining experiences, historic sites, a thriving art scene, numerous festivals, and world-class museums. Canadian Train Vacations by Fresh Tracks Canada specializes in creating customized itineraries tailored to customers' specific preferences.

Travellers explore the best Montreal tours and attractions, enjoying the city at their own pace with expert advice. The answer to the question, ‘Is there a train from Montreal to Quebec City?’ is yes. The train route offers a comfortable and scenic journey, allowing passengers to experience both cities effortlessly. Travellers easily connect Montreal to Quebec City by train, enjoying the convenience and comfort of rail travel.

Published Mar 5, 2026

Best Montreal to Quebec City Train Trips in 2026

The best  Montreal to Quebec City train trips are listed below.
  • Montreal and Quebec City Getaway by Train: The popular five-day trip offers a direct route between Montreal and Quebec City. Passengers enjoy scenic views of the St. Lawrence River, historic sites in Quebec City, and vibrant Montreal attractions. Recommended months for travel are from May to October for visiting Montreal and Quebec City, and the price starts at 3,450 CAD.
  • Classic Eastern Canada by Train: An eight-day trip from April to October, with a price starting at 5,870 CAD, where travellers visit the cities of Halifax, Quebec City, and Montreal. The itinerary includes a daytime train and a sleeper train.
  • Canadian History and Culture by Train: A ten-day trip which features rail travel between Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, and Quebec City. Travellers enjoy guided tours in each destination and a two-night stay in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Visit from April to October, with a starting cost of 6,460 CAD/

How to get from Montreal to Quebec City?

To get from Montreal to Quebec City, take the train. The most reliable and frequent option is the intercity service provided by VIA Rail Canada. The journey takes about three hours and offers multiple departures throughout the day. All trains depart from Montreal Central Station and arrive at Gare du Palais in Quebec City. Travellers choose the regular Economy class for basic seating. or Business class for extra space and meal service.

Purchase tickets online through VIA Rail's official website or directly at the Montreal station. Booking in advance secures better fares and preferred seating times. Each ticket includes an assigned seat and access to luggage storage. Schedules remain consistent on weekdays and weekends, making the route convenient for day trips or overnight stays. VIA Rail manages the service as part of the VIA Rail Corridor.

What are the best things to do in Quebec City after your train ride?

The best things to do in Quebec City after your train ride are listed below.

Group of tourists exploring Petit-Champlain Street

Walk through cobblestone streets lined with French colonial architecture. Visit Place Royale, Petit-Champlain, and Terrasse Dufferin to see iconic landmarks and riverside views.

What are the train experiences from Montreal to Quebec City?

The train experiences from Montreal to Quebec City are listed below.

  • VIA Rail train: VIA Rail offers year-round service to major Canadian cities, including Montreal, Toronto, Halifax, and Quebec. Passengers enjoy scenic views from comfortable seats during daylight hours (7 a.m. to 6 p.m.). Overnight travel in a sleeper cabin is available on some routes. VIA Rail ensures convenience for travellers with special needs. Each train accommodates wheelchairs and provides accessible washrooms. VIA Rail staff assist with boarding and disembarking to ensure a smooth travel experience. Passengers take VIA Rail's Corridor train from Montreal to Quebec City. The Corridor route services cities in Ontario and Quebec, with frequent, regular departures. It is a commuter-style train with meals available onboard. 
  • Luxury options: Business Class is the highest level of service available on VIA Rail's Corridor train route, which connects Montreal and Quebec City. Business Class passengers enjoy premium perks, including priority boarding, business class lounge access at train stations, wide and comfortable seats with leg room, panoramic windows, and meal service with wine.
  • The Ocean train: Operated by VIA Rail, the Ocean train is the oldest continuously operated passenger train in North America. The train connects Montreal with Halifax, making it easier to plan Montreal tours with multiple stops.  As well as Montreal, The Ocean train also goes to Sainte-Foy station in Quebec (a suburb of Quebec City) rather than the Quebec City central station. Travellers heading to Quebec City must transfer to the day-time Corridor train in Sainte-Foy or Montreal.
  • Sleeper train: VIA Rail operates two routes that allow passengers to sleep on the train. The Ocean train, which connects Montreal with Halifax, is the one to take if interested in Montreal tours that include Canada's eastern coastline. The Montreal-to-Halifax route covers 1,346 kilometres. VIA Rail’s other sleeper train, The Canadian, does not connect through Montreal.

VIA Rail train

VIA Rail offers efficient and scenic train travel across Canada, connecting major cities (Montreal, Quebec City, Toronto, and Vancouver). The trains provide comfortable daytime seating, spacious sleeper cabins, and access to onboard services like meals and Wi-Fi, depending on the train route. Routes offer views of Canada's diverse landscapes, from vibrant cities to stunning natural scenery.

VIA Rail trains are equipped with various classes to suit different needs (Economy, Business, Sleeper Plus, and Prestige), each with unique amenities and services. Classes available on the train vary by route. The train journeys provide a comfortable, stress-free travel experience.

Front view of a VIA Rail train going through a field of flowers

Luxury Options

Luxury options on VIA Rail offer passengers a high level of comfort and exclusive services during their journey. The options ensure a relaxed and comfortable journey, with exclusive features that set them apart from standard service classes. Business Class offers more legroom, priority boarding, and access to lounges at select stations. Meals and complimentary beverages and wine are served onboard and included in Business Class on the train from Montreal to Quebec City.

The Prestige Class provides spacious sleeper cabins, fine dining, and personalized concierge service, all designed for a premium travel experience. The Prestige Sleeper Cabin is popular for its additional space and luxurious amenities (private sleeper cabins, dining rooms, and personalized service).

Prestige Class is NOT available on the Montreal to Quebec City train.

Business Class seating on a VIA Rail Montreal to Quebec City train

The Ocean train

The Ocean train offers a unique travel experience between Montreal and Halifax, showcasing Eastern Canada's countryside and coastal areas. The Ocean connects Montreal with Halifax and stops in Sainte-Foy (a suburb of Quebec City). It does not continue to Quebec City central station, so travellers heading to Quebec City must transfer to the day-time Corridor train in Sainte-Foy or Montreal.

Passengers enjoy scenic views of the ocean and countryside throughout the journey. The train offers comfortable seating and access to onboard amenities (dining cars and lounges). Travellers relax in semi-private or private cabins, depending on the class selected. The route is ideal for passengers seeking a leisurely journey with breathtaking views and a relaxed pace.

Person reading a newspaper in The Ocean train lounge, views of fall foliage from the window

Sleeper train

The sleeper train between Montreal and Halifax (The Ocean) offers overnight travel for passengers who wish to journey comfortably while resting. Passengers wishing to travel to Quebec City must transfer to the day-time Corridor train in Montreal or Sainte-Foy.

Sleeper cabins are equipped with beds, allowing travellers to sleep while moving between destinations. Sleeper Plus Class is available on The Ocean train and includes a private sleeper cabin and meals served in the dining car. Prestige Class, with its more luxurious suites and additional amenities, is only available on The Canadian, which travels between Toronto and Vancouver.

Bunk beds in a VIA Rail sleeper train cabin on The Ocean train from Montreal to Halifax

Take the train in Quebec

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I find VIA Rail’s Corridor train is an easy, scenic way to travel between Montreal and Quebec City. I recommend choosing business class, which includes food and drink service, for the best experience.

Katherine Foxcroft
Director of Product: Hotels, Tours and Excursions

What are the best travel tips for experiencing Montreal to Quebec City by train?

The best travel tips for experiencing Montreal to Quebec City by train are listed below. 

Book Tickets Early

Book Tickets Early

Early reservations help secure the best seats and lower fares. Booking ahead is essential during peak seasons like holidays (Canada Day and Christmas Day) and summer (June to September).

Check for Travel Deals

Check for Travel Deals

VIA Rail offers special promotions and discounted passes for frequent travellers. Visiting the VIA Rail website for limited-time offers ensures savings on tickets. Alternatively, browse the promotions on the Canadian Train Vacations website for savings on Eastern Canada trip itineraries.

Arrive at the Station Early

Arrive at the Station Early

Arriving ahead of time gives enough space for check-in, seat selection, and a relaxed boarding process. It allows time to explore the station’s facilities.

Travel Light

Travel Light

Bringing simply essential items makes it easier to move around and store luggage in the overhead compartments or under the seat.

Pack Snacks and Drinks

Pack Snacks and Drinks

Bringing preferred snacks and drinks ensures comfort during the journey, although onboard meals are available. Meals are included in Business Class on the Corridor train, while light snacks and drinks are available for purchase in Economy Class.

Download VIA Rail App

Download VIA Rail App

The app provides real-time updates on train schedules, delays, and other important information, making travel more convenient.

Take Advantage of Online Brochures

Take Advantage of Online Brochures

Canadian Train Vacations offer online brochures that detail the trip route, VIA Rail train services, and what to expect on a trip to Montreal and Quebec City. Reading these beforehand helps set expectations and plan accordingly.

Attend a festival in Montreal

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Montreal’s event calendar includes nearly 90 festivals per year, featuring everything from music to art to comedy. I always check to see if my travel dates coincide with any special events.

Blog Author - Hannah Poaros-Mcdermott
Hannah Poaros-McDermott
Travel Writer and Senior Content Coordinator

What are the attractions to Visit in Montreal?

The attractions to visit in Montreal are listed below.

Old Montreal

Old Montreal

Visiting Old Montreal is like stepping back in time and experiencing life during the 17th century. World-class museums, high-end shops, and tranquil open spaces are just a few of the places to enjoy as travellers explore everything Old Montreal has to offer. Travellers feel like they are exploring Europe instead of a city in North America as soon as they take the first step on the historic neighbourhood's cobblestone streets. 

Notre Dame

Notre Dame

The Notre Dame Basilica is nearly 200 years old, making it a popular historic site. The imposing building is filled with colourful paintings and stained-glass windows designed in the Gothic Revival style. Take a moment to appreciate the graceful spires and niches filled with statues of religious figures before stepping inside.

Cruise on the Saint Lawrence

Cruise on the Saint Lawrence

Montreal tours include a cruise on the Saint Lawrence River, and for good reason. Travellers get to relax and enjoy open views of the city's skyline while enjoying the tranquil waters around them. A river cruise is the perfect activity for a romantic getaway. 

Montreal Botanical Garden

Montreal Botanical Garden

The Montreal Botanical Garden is a must-see attraction for any nature enthusiast. Garden staff have recreated several biomes, making it possible to see plants and animals from the Labrador Coast, the tropical rainforest and the sub-Antarctic islands all in one day. 

Montreal Planetarium

Montreal Planetarium

Take a journey to the stars with a visit to the Montreal Planetarium, part of the largest natural science museum complex in Canada. Visitors learn about astronomy through immersive videos and engaging exhibits, making the planetarium a great place to visit with younger family members. 

Day tour to the Laurentians

Day tour to the Laurentians

The Laurentian Mountains are a 540-million-year-old natural wonder in Montreal, making them some of the oldest mountains in the world. The Laurentian area has a little something for everyone, whether travellers like to hike or prefer less physical activities (hiking trails, golf courses, shopping centres, and spas).

Compare top Montreal to Quebec train tours and choose the right one for you

Montreal and Quebec City Getaway by Train

Montreal and Quebec City Getaway by Train is a five-day journey that provides an immersive experience through two of Quebec's most iconic cities. The trip highlights historical landmarks, cultural attractions, and scenic views along the way, allowing travellers to explore the best of Montreal and Quebec City.

  • Available:

    May – October
  • Length:

    5 days
  • Time on train:

    Half a day
  • Price from:

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  • Train type:

    VIA Rail

Classic Eastern Canada by Train

Classic Eastern Canada by Train offers an 8-day journey that explores the cultural and historical richness of Eastern Canada. The trip highlights major cities in Quebec and Nova Scotia, stunning coastal landscapes, and historic landmarks, making it ideal for travellers seeking a deep connection with the region.

  • Available:

    April – October
  • Length:

    8 days
  • Time on train:

    2 days / 1 night
  • Price from:

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  • Train type:

    VIA Rail

Canadian History and Culture by Train

Canadian History and Culture by Train is a 10-day journey that immerses travellers in the rich history and diverse culture of Canada. The trip covers Toronto, Niagara-on-the-Lake, and Ottawa as well as historical landmarks, and scenic landscapes in Quebec, offering an educational and scenic exploration of the country.

  • Available:

    April – October
  • Length:

    10 days
  • Time on train:

    3 days
  • Price from:

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  • Train type:

    VIA Rail

What Our Customers Say

Our customers consistently praise the exceptional service, comfort, and engaging experiences offered on our Montreal-area train adventures, from scenic journeys through the city and countryside to unforgettable travel memories. Discover what others have loved about riding with Fresh Tracks and why they return time and again.

Why book your train journey in Canada with Canadian Train Vacations?

The reasons to book your train journey in Canada with Canadian Train Vacation are listed below.
  • Handle all the details: Allowing clients to relax and enjoy the trip without getting overwhelmed by the planning. Let Canadian Train Vacations make all of the bookings for you, including rail tickets, hotels, excursions and activities, meals and transfers.
  • Independent travel with expert support: Enjoy local expertise and guidance with a personalized itinerary. Passengers' preferences and needs are the priority. The company takes care of clients from the moment they land until the moment they leave.
  • Get help when needed: Clients get the inside scoop before they even leave home, and relax during their vacation because Canadian Train Vacations is just a phone call away if they have any questions while in Canada.

Montreal to Quebec City Train FAQs

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