City to city
Montreal to Toronto by train
You can travel directly between these two major Canadian cities on the VIA Rail Montreal to Toronto train, a daytime service that takes about 5 hours to 5 hours 30 minutes.
| Train | Approx. time | Runs | Overnight | Change needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VIA Rail Montreal to Toronto | about 5 hours to 5 hours 30 minutes | Several trains a day | No | No, direct |
The train journey from Montreal to Toronto connects the largest city in Quebec with the largest in Ontario. This route is a major segment of the VIA Rail Corridor, serving both business and leisure passengers. You will travel through the St. Lawrence River valley and along the northern shore of Lake Ontario. Traveling by train avoids the traffic of the highway and the hassle of airport security. With frequent daily departures, it is easy to fit this trip into your schedule. Be sure to review booking tips to secure the best fares for your travel dates.
Your train options
The direct service is the VIA Rail Montreal to Toronto train. As of 2026, there are several trains a day running between the two cities. The trip takes about 5 hours to 5 hours 30 minutes. There is no overnight on this trip, as all departures are daytime or evening services.
Passengers can choose between two classes of service. Economy class provides standard seating and access to purchase food and drinks. Business class offers a more premium experience, with meals included in the fare and access to station lounges at major stops. VIA Rail is using newer Siemens trainsets on many of these Corridor trains as of 2026. When choosing your class, consider whether you want a meal provided or if you prefer to bring your own snacks. Both classes offer a comfortable ride for the five hour journey.
The journey
The VIA Rail Montreal to Toronto route travels through varied landscapes in Quebec and Ontario. Assuming you travel during daylight hours, you will see the St. Lawrence River and the Quebec and Ontario border area between Montreal and Cornwall.
The train makes several stops in between the two major cities. After leaving Montreal, the train calls at Dorval, Cornwall, Brockville, Kingston, Belleville, Cobourg, and Oshawa before arriving in Toronto. The scenery shifts as you move further into Ontario. Between Cobourg and Oshawa, passengers can enjoy views of the Lake Ontario shoreline. If you are traveling on an evening departure, these water views will be obscured by darkness. The route passes through a mix of agricultural land, small towns, and larger suburban areas as it approaches the Greater Toronto Area.
The stations
Your trip begins at Montreal Central Station, also known as Gare Centrale. This station is located downtown under the Queen Elizabeth hotel. It connects directly to the Metro at Bonaventure and the REM light rail. The station is served by VIA Corridor trains, the Ocean, regional trains to Jonquière and Senneterre, and Amtrak's Adirondack.
The train arrives at Toronto Union Station. Opened in 1927, this is Canada's busiest transport hub. It connects with the TTC subway, GO Transit trains, and the UP Express to Pearson airport. Toronto Union is served by VIA Corridor trains, the Canadian, and Amtrak's Maple Leaf.
Tips
- Book your tickets in advance to get the lowest fares in Economy or Business class.
- Business class passengers should arrive early to take advantage of the lounge access at Montreal Central Station.
- Check the VIA Rail timetable to see which departures use the newer Siemens trainsets.
- Bring a book or download movies for the journey, as the trip takes over five hours.
Questions travellers ask
Is there a direct train from Montreal to Toronto?
Yes, every train listed on this route is direct. You can take the VIA Rail Montreal to Toronto train without needing to change trains along the way. There are several departures a day as of 2026.
Can I sleep on the train from Montreal to Toronto?
There is no overnight on this trip, so there are no sleeper cars available. The journey takes about 5 hours to 5 hours 30 minutes, and all trains run during the day or evening. You can nap in your seat during the ride.
What are the stops between Montreal and Toronto?
The train stops at Dorval, Cornwall, Brockville, Kingston, Belleville, Cobourg, and Oshawa. Not every train stops at every station, so you should check the specific schedule for your departure if you need to disembark early.