Montreal Central Station Guide

Known locally as Gare Centrale, Montreal Central Station is the primary railway terminus for the city. It acts as a vital link between the Canadian rail network and the United States. Passengers will find a busy transit center that handles daily commuter traffic alongside long-distance travelers. The station is located entirely underground, situated directly beneath the Queen Elizabeth hotel in the downtown core. From here, you can board trains to major cities in Ontario, Quebec, and the Maritimes, as well as cross-border services into New York state. It is an essential starting point for exploring eastern Canada by rail.

Trains from Montreal

The station hosts a wide variety of services. Amtrak operates the Adirondack daily between New York and Montreal, taking about 10 hours 30 minutes to 11 hours. VIA Rail provides several trains a day on the VIA Rail Montreal to Toronto route and the VIA Rail Quebec City to Montreal and Ottawa route. For a longer journey, The Ocean departs three times a week for an overnight trip to Halifax, which takes about 22 to 23 hours. VIA Rail also runs regional trains three times a week to northern Quebec. The Montreal to Jonquière (Saguenay) train takes about 9 hours, while the Montreal to Senneterre (Abitibi) service takes about 12 hours. As of 2026, schedules remain subject to seasonal changes.

Getting to and from the station

Getting to and from Montreal Central Station is straightforward thanks to its integration with the local transit network. The station connects directly to the Metro at Bonaventure station, providing quick access to the rest of the city. Passengers can also transfer to the REM light rail system from the station concourse. If you are arriving for a long-distance train, allow plenty of time to navigate the underground corridors and find your departure gate. Always check local transit websites for the latest schedules and service updates before you travel.

Around the station

Because Gare Centrale is located downtown under the Queen Elizabeth hotel, passengers have immediate access to the heart of Montreal. The station connects to the famous underground city, allowing you to walk to nearby offices, shops, and restaurants without stepping outside. This is especially useful during the cold winter months. Above ground, you are within walking distance of major downtown attractions, businesses, and cultural venues. Since the station is centrally located, finding a taxi or rideshare to reach other neighborhoods is very easy.