Getting There and Away

Written by Alexander Kopp, Hannah McKinsey, Jake Evans
30/07/2025
Stunning view of Château Frontenac above historic Québec City under a clear sky.
Coline Chazot, Pexels

Quebec City is served by Quebec City Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB) for air travel, and two main train and bus stations: Gare du Palais in Old Quebec and Sainte-Foy station in the western part of the city.

By Plane:

Quebec City Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB) is about 16 km (10 miles) from downtown. Direct flights are available from various cities in Quebec, other parts of Canada (e.g., Montreal, Toronto, Ottawa, Calgary, Vancouver), the United States (e.g., New York City, Philadelphia, Chicago, Charlotte, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando), and Europe (e.g., Paris, London). Airlines such as Air Canada, Air Transat, American Airlines, United Airlines, and WestJet offer services. Taxis from YQB to the city center typically cost around CAD 35-40. Public transit bus routes 76 and 80 connect the airport to the city, with a fare of $3.75 per ride (exact change required).

By Train:

VIA Rail Canada offers daily services to Quebec City, connecting it to Montreal, Ottawa, and Toronto. The main station is Gare du Palais, located in Old Quebec, which also serves as a bus terminal. Sainte-Foy station is another option located further west. A train journey from Montreal to Quebec City typically takes 3 to 4 hours and can cost as low as $32 CAD one-way. It is advised to book train tickets in advance.

By Bus:

Quebec City has two main intercity bus terminals: Gare du Palais (downtown) and Sainte-Foy Bus Terminal. Major bus companies like Orléans Express and Intercar operate routes to and from Quebec City. Travel from Montreal to Quebec City by bus takes an average of 3 hours and 15 minutes, with prices around $61 CAD. Buses from Trois-Rivières take about 1 hour and 40 minutes and cost around $39 CAD.

By Car:

Quebec City is connected by an extensive highway network. Car rental services are available at Quebec City Jean Lesage International Airport from companies like Avis, Budget, Enterprise, and Hertz, and also within the city. Driving from the airport to the city center takes approximately 20-40 minutes. SUV rentals are a popular choice.

By Ferry:

The Quebec City-Lévis ferry connects the north and south shores of the St. Lawrence River, offering scenic views of Old Quebec. The crossing takes about 10 to 15 minutes. Pedestrian fares are approximately $4.05 CAD, and vehicles can also board.

Check out our other pages on Quebec City

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