Getting from Vancouver to Montreal (and return)
Vancouver is the largest metropolitan area in Western Canada and is well known for its natural beauty. Nested between the mountains and the ocean, the city offers a lot of interesting things to do and see. Thanks to the mildest weather in Canada , the city enjoys warm winters (it hardly ever goes below freezing) and drier summers.
The economical capital of Quebec, Montreal, is also the second largest city in Canada. The city is located on the banks of St. Lawrence River and if you plan a vacation here don’t worry about getting bored. Plan to spend some time in Old Montreal and visit the historical buildings, or just soak up the city’s atmosphere when you walk from sight to sight.
Quick summary
The cheapest option for traveling between Vancouver and Montreal is by bus. The single fares start at CAD $219.60* and the journey time is about 3 days.
Flights take almost 5 hours and the single fares start at CAD $248 on Air Canada Jazz.
Flights from Vancouver (airport code: YVR) to Montreal
The most important airport serving Vancouver is Vancouver International Airport (YVR) , which is located about 12 km from downtown. It is the second busiest airport in Canada and a hub for Air Canada, Air Canada Jazz and Air Transat.
Montreal is served by Pierre Elliott Trudeau Airport (YUL). It is the busiest airport in the Quebec province and also the third busiest airport in Canada. The airport is located 20 km from the city center and is hub for Air Canada, Air Canada Jazz, Air Transat, CanJet and Sunwing Airlines.
Flights from Vancouver to Montreal are operated by Air Canada and West Jet. The flight time is 4h 45min.
If you want to fly from Vancouver to Montreal in late December 2011, expect to pay from CAD $467 one way on Air Canada. In mid-March 2012, single fares start at CAD $345 on WestJet.
On Air Canada Jazz, the tango (non-refundable) single fare in late December 2011 starts at CAD $349 , while in mid-March 2012 , starts at CAD $248.
Read more about:
>>Airfare to Montreal
>>Airfare to Vancouver
Trains from Vancouver to Montreal
There isn’t a direct train route between Vancouver and Montreal; but you can travel between the two cities with a connection in Toronto. VIA Rail Canada operates trains on the entire length of the journey.
- Vancouver to Toronto train : services one of the most legendary long haul train rides in the world. You can enjoy the scenery, while traveling very comfortably.
The journey time is 3d 10 h and the train leaves Vancouver at 8:30 p.m. The single adult fare is CAD $330.96.>>read more about Getting from Vancouver to Toronto
- Toronto to Montreal train : offers excellent travel conditions connecting the cities’ downtown areas. All cars have outlets so you can plug your laptop and use the time to catch up on your work. There are seven departures per day from Toronto. The first train leaves at 6:45 a.m. and the last at 6:35 p.m. The travel time is between 4h 48 min and 5 ½ h and the adult single fare is CAD $77.97.
>>read more about Getting from Toronto to Montreal
>>read more about Train Travel in Canada
Buses from Vancouver to Montreal
You can travel by bus between Vancouver and Montreal on Greyhound Canada but there are three transfers along the way. There are two buses departing Vancouver each day, at 6:30 a.m. and at 6:15 p.m. The journey time (including transfers) is between 3d 40 min and 3d 2h 35 min. The web only adult single fare is CAD $219.60.
Buses from Montreal leave daily at 7 a.m. and 9 p.m.
>>read more about Bus Travel in Canada
Driving from Vancouver to Montreal
You can consider renting a car and drive the 4900 km between Vancouver to Montreal. The journey time (excluding any stop along the way) is 2 days 2 hours , along I-90 E and I-94 E (or along I-90E , but the distance is 4987 km).
According to Google Maps, all routes go through the USA, so make sure to ask the car rental company whether you are allowed to take the car across the border.
Also, since the driving distance is so long, make sure to plan to sleep at least a night along the way.
Note: *at the time the article was written
Photo credits: Vancouver Airport , Vancouver Train Station