In April this year, I went on a fabulous mother-daughter trip to Quebec City. After weighing the options of driving, taking the bus, or even flying, the most cost-effective and seamless way was by train. After a great experience on VIA Rail previously from Toronto to Montreal, I was excited to take the train again. This time, we were lucky enough to be on one of VIA Rail’s new fleet trains, which feature ergonomic seats, large panoramic windows, wider aisles, and more. Here’s my full review and guide, including everything you need to know about taking the train from Montreal to Quebec City in economy class.
Train from Montreal to Quebec City: Quick Summary
Date: April 6, 2025
Departure: Montreal Central Station, 10:15 AM
Arrival: Quebec City Central Station, 1:48 PM
Train: VIA 624
Class: Economy
Duration: Just over 3 hours
Cost: $53 per person + tax (one way)
WiFi: Available, but slow for streaming
Power Outlets: Yes – power and USB ports
Food Service: Snacks, coffee, beer, and wine available for purchase
Luggage Policy: 1 personal item + 1 carry-on up to 23 kg (50 lbs)
Seats: Car 5, Seats 6C & 6D
Booking and Cost
Booking was straightforward through the VIA Rail website. We chose Train #624 and an economy fare for $53 per person, which included one personal item and one carry-on up to 23 kg. We booked five days in advance, so prices were slightly higher than if we had booked earlier—about $10 more per person. The website clearly outlined seat selection and baggage allowances. The whole process was smooth. If you’re planning to travel with VIA Rail, I recommend booking online in advance, as fares do go up closer to the departure date.
Montreal Central Station
Located at 895 de la Gauchetière West, Montreal’s Central Station is right in the heart of downtown, near Bonaventure or McGill metro stations. The station has a decent range of food options and services, ideal if you arrive early or want to grab something before your trip.
Boarding and Luggage
We arrived about 45 minutes before departure, as recommended by VIA Rail. We already had our boarding passes by email, so check-in was quick. One surprise: VIA Rail does weigh your carry-on bags, even though you carry them on yourself, so be careful to adhere to the luggage allowance. Boarding was well organized with staff guiding passengers to their assigned cars. Once our bags were weighed, we were allowed on board. There were luggage racks at the end of each car for larger items, and our two small suitcases and backpacks fit easily in the overhead storage above our seats.
Seating and Comfort
We were in Car 5, Seats 6C and 6D, and couldn’t believe how upgraded the new trains were! We were absolutely amazed at how spacious, well designed and luxurious the train was. Even in economy, it felt like a business-class experience. The new fleet offers:
- Wider aisles
- Touchless interior doors
- Adjustable tray tables
- Comfortable ergonomic seats
- Power outlets and USB ports
- Overhead reading lights
- Coat Hook
- In-seat recline that doesn’t impact the person behind you
There was under-seat storage, overhead bins, and seat pockets for essentials. My favorite feature was the panoramic windows—huge windows beside us, plus extra ones just under the luggage racks. It gave the space a really open feel and allowed for nearly uninterrupted views of the passing landscape.
The train uses a 2×2 seating layout, so we had a full row to ourselves. Each seat had a card with details about its features, including how to adjust the headrest, tray table, and outlets. Overall, the seats were incredibly comfortable, and the train was spotless.
Wi-Fi and Connectivity
VIA Rail offers complimentary Wi-Fi that worked well enough for browsing, emails, and messages. It wasn’t strong enough for uninterrupted streaming or large downloads, but it did the job. Each seat had both power and USB charging ports, which is a nice upgrade compared to older trains which do not have USB ports. By connecting to the Wi-Fi, we also had access to VIA Rail’s onboard portal, which displayed live updates, route info, and menu options. There were also digital displays in the aisles showing which stop was next, which made it easy to track the journey.
Food and Beverage
A food trolley passed by every hour or so, offering snacks, sandwiches, coffee, beer, and wine. Prices were what you’d expect for a train—more than a convenience store, but not unreasonable. We treated ourselves to a glass of wine and a cheese plate which was lovely, especially while watching the rolling countryside from our window.
Washrooms and Amenities
Each train car is equipped with a modern and clean washroom
Scenic Route
One of the biggest highlights was the changing landscape. Leaving Montreal, we passed the Lachine Canal, then rolling snowy fields and frozen rivers. As we got closer to Quebec City, the views became even more beautiful—snow-dusted bridges, frozen waterfalls, and picturesque countryside. We made brief stops in St-Lambert, St-Hyacinthe, Drummondville, Charny, and Ste-Foy, but the train kept a good pace and stayed mostly on schedule.
Arrival in Quebec City
We arrived at Quebec Central Station at 1:55 PM, just five minutes behind schedule. Disembarking was easy, and we quickly collected our luggage from the onboard racks. The station is centrally located and well connected to public transit, with taxis and ride-shares available right outside. It took us about 10 minutes to get to the Fairmont hotel via taxi.
Final Thoughts: Is the Train from Montreal to Quebec City Worth It?
Would I take VIA Rail again for this route? Absolutely. I would always opt for this train option over flying, if time allowed for it. Here’s a quick breakdown of the pros and cons:
Pros
- More affordable and stress-free than flying
- Shorter than taking the bus
- More relaxing than driving
- Extremely comfortable seats with generous legroom
- The new fleet adds a touch of luxury
- Beautiful scenic views
- Convenient baggage storage
- WiFi and charging ports
- Smoother and easier than dealing with airport security
Cons
- Journey time (just over 3 hours) is longer than flying
I absolutely loved taking the Train from Montreal to Quebec City! Iff you’re not in a rush, VIA Rail is an amazing way to travel between Montreal and Quebec City. It turns a travel day into part of the experience, and the new trains make it even better. I would absolutely take this route again. If you’re planning a trip, consider VIA Rail for a scenic, comfortable, and stress-free ride.
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