Getting to Quebec City

Quebec City’s central location makes it easy to reach by a number of means. The most convenient access is by air via Jean Lesage International Airport, located about 20 minutes drive northwest of downtown. Quebec City is also well-connected by train and bus, with frequent arrivals every day of the week from Montreal. If you are driving, the city lies along the path of the main provincial motorway.

By car

There are several ways to approach Quebec City, depending on where you are coming from. Drivers from the east coast of the United States should take I-91 to the Canadian border, where it turns into Quebec Autoroute 55. From there, the quickest way is to join Autoroute 20, which leads straight into the city. A slower but much more scenic route is to take Route 116. From Montreal, Autoroute 40 runs along the north shore of the St Lawrence River and it takes 3 hours to reach Quebec City.

By rail

All train travel to Quebec City passes through Montreal. There are at least four trains per weekday and three services per day at the weekend, which make the 3 hour journey from Montreal, departing between 07:00 and 23:00. From Montreal, there are excellent connections to other major cities such as Toronto, Ottawa and even New York City via Amtrak. The trains are clean and quiet, with large windows to offer a great view of the passing countryside. First class seats include a good meal and Canadian wine.

All trains arrive in Quebec City at the central rail station, Gare du Palais, located just a short walk northwest of Old Quebec; the main bus station is just across the street. Tickets can be purchased in advance at VIA Rail offices, through travel agents, at the station or online. Call VIA Rail’s information line for assistance (tel: +1 888 842 7245). 

By bus

All long-distance bus travel to Quebec City passes through Montreal first, where you’ll likely need to make a transfer. Greyhound operates frequent service from cities in the United States such as Boston and New York to Montreal (tel: +1 800 229 9424). There are dozens of buses departing from Montreal for Quebec City every day, almost on the hour, from 07:00 to 01:00. Orleans Express operates all the buses along this route (tel: +1 514 842 2281). Buses also link Quebec City to the rest of Quebec Province, and tickets can be purchased at the bus terminal.  

By air

Access to Quebec City by air is handled by Jean Lesage International Airport, located 19kms from the city centre. Several major airlines provide regular service from the United States, but most flights come through Montreal or Toronto first. From the airport, taxis and limousines are available to take passengers to Quebec City.

Jean Lesage International Airport

Jean Lesage International Airport is just 20 minutes northwest of the city centre by car and offers the quickest and most convenient way to get to this popular French-Canadian destination. This small but efficient airport has a single terminal, which handles all domestic and international flights. 

Quebec City’s airport mainly handles domestic flights from Montreal and Toronto, although there are a few direct international flights from the United States as well as charter flights from London and Paris. Most of the international flights arrive in Montreal or Toronto first before making a transfer to Quebec City. Air Canada operates the majority of the flights into the airport as well as their low-cost subsidiary, Tango. Continental and Northwest offer a number of weekly flights from the United States.

The airport’s terminal has all the usual facilities which a traveller might need. ATMs, a currency exchange office and a bank can be found in the main terminal area as well as restaurants, bars, a news stand, gift shop and duty-free shopping. An airport information desk is located in the Arrivals Hall to assist with any help or questions you might have.

Jean Lesage International Airport transportation

There is no public transportation or shuttle bus from the airport into the city. The only option for visitors is to hire a taxi, with flat rates to most destinations around the city. Taxis are available outside the Arrivals Hall. A more expensive but certainly luxurious option, is to take a private limousine. Limos can be hired at the reservation and information desk in the Arrivals Hall.