How to get around Canada
Navigating Canada is straightforward with a variety of public and private transport options. Here's what you need to know about getting between and within its cities and towns.
Inter-City Travel
For traveling between cities in Canada, several options are available. Buses are generally the cheapest way for long distances, with companies like FlixBus, Orléans Express, Red Arrow, and Rider Express offering services. Typical intercity bus fares can range from approximately $15 for shorter routes like Toronto to Hamilton to around $263 for longer journeys such as Toronto to Calgary.
Trains, operated by VIA Rail Canada, offer a scenic but often more expensive option for long-distance travel across the country. A long journey like Toronto to Vancouver by train can cost between CAD $2500 and CAD $4500 per person for a Sleeper Plus cabin, or CAD $5500 to CAD $7500 for a Prestige Cabin, depending on the season. Shorter train trips, like Toronto to Montreal, can range from around $60 to $250.
Flights are the quickest way to cover vast distances in Canada. Budget airlines like Flair Airlines and Swoop offer more affordable domestic flights, while Air Canada and WestJet are larger carriers. Car rentals provide flexibility for exploring, with daily rates averaging around $66, though cheaper options can be found. Renting a campervan can save on accommodation costs for longer trips.
Travel Within Cities
Within cities, public transportation, taxis, and rideshare services are typical ways to travel. Public transit, including buses, subways, and light rail, is often the most economical choice. For example, a single public transit fare in major cities like Calgary can be around $3.60, Montreal $3.50, and Toronto $3.20. Monthly passes vary, with Toronto being around $156 and Montreal around $94.
Taxis are a more expensive option, with typical costs in Ontario around $4.40 per kilometer and in British Columbia around $3.30 per kilometer. Fares can increase during evenings, weekends, and holidays.
