If you’re sitting in a cafe in Old Montreal sipping a latte and thinking, "Hey, maybe I’ll just pop over to Quebec City for lunch," you’ve got the spirit, but your math might be a little off.
It’s a classic question for anyone hitting the road in La Belle Province. Honestly, the answer depends entirely on how much of a hurry you're in and whether you care more about the destination or the snack stops along the way. People usually think of these two cities as neighbors, and they are, in a Canadian sense. But Canada is big. Really big.
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How Far Is Montreal From Quebec City Canada by the Numbers?
Let’s get the raw data out of the way first. If you’re looking at a map and drawing a straight line—which, unless you’re a bird, isn't helpful—the distance is roughly 233 kilometers (about 145 miles).
But you aren't a bird. You’re likely driving, and on the road, that distance stretches to about 250 to 270 kilometers, depending on which bridge you take and where you start in the city.
The Quick Breakdown:
- Driving Time: 2.5 to 3 hours (if the traffic gods are kind).
- Train Time: 3 hours and 15 minutes.
- Bus Time: 3 hours on the nose.
- Flight Time: 45 to 55 minutes in the air.
Most locals will tell you it’s a "three-hour drive." That’s the standard unit of measurement here. But "three hours" can quickly turn into five if you try to leave Montreal on a Friday at 4:00 PM. Never do that. Seriously. You’ll spend the first hour just trying to see the skyline in your rearview mirror.
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The Two-Highway Dilemma: Route 20 vs. Route 40
There’s a bit of a rivalry here. When asking how far is Montreal from Quebec City Canada, you have to choose your side of the St. Lawrence River.
The South Shore (Highway 20) is the workhorse. It’s the fastest route. It’s also, and I say this with love, incredibly boring. It’s basically a straight line through flat farmland. If you want to get there, set the cruise control and go. You’ll pass Drummondville (home of the Poutine Festival, which is a valid reason to stop) and eventually hit the Pierre Laporte Bridge.
The North Shore (Highway 40) is slightly more scenic, though still a major highway. It takes you through Trois-Rivières. If you have an extra 15 minutes, this is generally the preferred route for people who don't want to look at nothing but cornfields for 200 kilometers.
The Slow Way: Chemin du Roy
If you aren't obsessed with the "how far" and care more about the "how cool," you take Route 138. This is the Chemin du Roy (the King’s Road).
It’s the oldest original road in Canada, dating back to 1737. Taking this route turns a three-hour trip into a six-hour odyssey, but you’ll pass through villages like Deschambault and Cap-Santé. These places look like they were plucked straight out of a French postcard. You’ll see old stone churches, ancestral homes, and actual bakeries that haven't changed their recipes since the 1800s.
Is it efficient? No. Is it better? Usually.
Trains, Buses, and Planes
Not everyone wants to deal with the 401/20/40 chaos.
VIA Rail is the classy way to do it. You head to Gare Centrale in Montreal, grab a coffee, and sit in a big leather seat. The train takes about 3 hours and 20 minutes. It drops you off at Gare du Palais in Quebec City, which is arguably the most beautiful train station in North America. You’re literally steps away from the Old City walls.
Orléans Express is the bus service. It’s surprisingly reliable. They have Wi-Fi that actually works (most of the time) and buses leave almost every hour. It’s basically the same timing as driving yourself, but you can nap.
Flying is a weird one. By the time you get to Trudeau International (YUL), go through security, wait for the gate, and then take a cab from Jean Lesage (YQB) into town, you’ve probably spent four hours. It’s only for people with business meetings or very specific connections.
Weather: The Great Distance Multiplier
In July, the drive is a breeze. In January? That 250-kilometer stretch can feel like 1,000.
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Quebec winters don't mess around. A "whiteout" on Highway 20 is no joke. If there’s a blizzard, that three-hour drive becomes a survival mission. If you’re visiting in winter and aren't used to driving on literal ice rinks, take the train. The conductors know what they’re doing, and you get to watch the frozen river from a heated carriage.
Actionable Tips for the Trip
If you’re planning this trek, here’s how to do it like someone who actually lives here:
- Avoid the rush: Leave Montreal before 2:00 PM or after 7:00 PM.
- The Midpoint Stop: Stop in Trois-Rivières. It’s almost exactly halfway. The downtown area near the water has great cafes and a vibe that’s totally different from the two big cities.
- Gas Up Early: Prices in Montreal are usually higher than on the highway or in Quebec City.
- Podcasts are Mandatory: The stretch between Saint-Hyacinthe and Lévis is long. You’ll need entertainment.
- Check the Bridges: Before you hit Quebec City, check your GPS for the "Pont Pierre-Laporte" vs. "Pont de Québec." One is almost always jammed.
The distance isn't just about kilometers. It’s a transition. You’re moving from the bilingual, multicultural, frantic energy of Montreal to the historic, Francophone, European soul of Quebec City. It’s a short trip, but it feels like traveling between two different worlds.
Pick your route based on your mood. If you want a burger and a quick arrival, take the 20. If you want history and a slow pace, take the King’s Road. Either way, you'll be in the shadow of the Château Frontenac before your playlist ends.