Anyone who has stared at a map and wondered how to get from Montreal to New York without burning a hole in their wallet already knows it’s not a simple pick-a-mode problem. You can fly in 90 minutes, ride a train through the Adirondacks for ten hours, or hop on a bus that costs less than a dinner out—this guide lays out the real costs, travel times, and trade-offs so you can match the trip to your budget and your patience.

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Flight distance: Approx 336 miles (541 km) ·
Flight time: About 1 hour 25 minutes ·
Train time: 10 hours 20 minutes (Amtrak Adirondack) ·
Train starting fare: $104 one-way ·
Bus time: 8–10 hours ·
Driving time: 6–7 hours

Quick snapshot

1Flight
2Train
3Bus
4Car
  • Time: 6–7 hours driving (Rome2Rio driving route)
  • Cost: variable (fuel, tolls, parking ~$50–$100) — estimated (Rome2Rio driving route)
  • Flexibility: stops en route (Rome2Rio driving route)
  • Drawback: Traffic at border and NYC parking (Rome2Rio driving route)

Five numbers tell most of the story.

Metric Value
Distance 336 miles (541 km) by air
Flight time 1 hour 25 minutes (non-stop)
Train time 10 hours 20 minutes (Amtrak Adirondack)
Bus time 8–10 hours
Driving time 6–7 hours without traffic

Can you take a train from Montreal to New York?

Yes — Amtrak runs the Adirondack once daily from Montreal Central Station to New York Penn Station, a ride that takes roughly ten hours and twenty minutes. The train follows the old Delaware & Hudson line, hugging the shore of Lake Champlain and then the Hudson River all the way into Manhattan. It is not a high-speed service, but for travellers who value scenery over speed, it is a strong contender.

How long is the train ride from Montreal to New York?

Amtrak schedules the Adirondack at 10 hours 20 minutes, covering about 381 miles (613 km) of track. Border stops at Lacolle can add 30 to 90 minutes for customs inspection, so on-time arrival is never guaranteed. The Amtrak route page lists the standard schedule.

How much is the train from Montreal to New York?

Fares start at $104 USD one-way for a coach seat, according to Amtrak’s current pricing. Value fares can dip lower with advance booking, while flexible tickets run closer to $150. Compare that to a bus at $50 or a discounted flight at $88 — the train premium is roughly $50 for the experience.

Is the train from Montreal to New York scenic?

Amtrak itself calls the Adirondack “one of the most scenic train routes in North America.” The line passes through the Adirondack Park, parallels the shore of Lake Champlain for about 100 miles, and then drops into the Hudson Valley just north of Albany. Autumn foliage riders know this route well — it is routinely sold out in October.

One of the most scenic train routes in North America.

— Amtrak official website

The trade-off

The Adirondack is a daylight train (departing Montreal around 6:50 am). If you miss the sunrise over the lake, you lose the best part. For travellers who want dinner in NYC the same day, the train requires an early start and a late arrival — 8:10 pm.

Bottom line: The Adirondack is what Amtrak says it is: a scenic, not fast, ride. Scenic seekers: book a window seat on the right side. Time-pressed travellers: skip it.

How long is a plane ride from Montreal to New York?

Non-stop flights from Montréal–Trudeau (YUL) to New York–LaGuardia (LGA), Newark (EWR), or JFK average just 1 hour 25 minutes of air time, according to Kayak (flight search engine). But the total door-to-door trip — including getting to the airport, check-in, security, and transit from arrival to your hotel — stretches closer to 4.5 to 5 hours. That still beats the train by half a day.

How far is Montreal from New York by flight?

The great-circle distance between YUL and NYC airports is about 336 miles (541 km). That’s shorter than the driving distance (about 380 miles via I-87) because the flight path cuts straight south-southwest across Vermont and New York State.

What is the flight time from Montreal to New York?

Block time (gate to gate) is usually 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 33 minutes, per Kayak (flight data aggregator). The actual airborne portion is even shorter — around 55 minutes on a good tailwind. Airlines like Air Canada, American, Delta, and United compete on this corridor, with up to eight daily departures combined.

We offer multiple daily non-stop flights between Montreal and New York with a flight time of approximately 1 hour 25 minutes.

— Air Canada press release

What to watch

Cheapflights reports that average round-trip fares hover around C$484, but budget carriers can price one-ways as low as C$171. The catch: those super-low fares often arrive at secondary airports like LGA, which lacks a direct subway link to Manhattan. Factor in a $20–$30 taxi or bus transfer.

Bottom line: A Montreal–New York flight is the fastest option by far — the airborne part is shorter than most movies. Budget fliers: book American or Delta early; pack no checked bag. Anyone scared of tight seats: pay the small upgrade for legroom.

What is the cheapest way to travel from Montreal to New York?

If you define cheapest as “lowest ticket price,” the bus wins. Rome2Rio (multi-modal planner) lists bus fares starting around $40 USD, with operators like Greyhound, FlixBus, and Trailways running multiple daily departures. The trade-off: 8 to 10 hours on the road, with one rest stop and no reclining luxury.

Is it better to fly or take the train from Montreal to New York?

The answer depends on what you value most. Here is a side-by-side of the three main options.

Three modes, one clear trade-off: a direct flight saves 8+ hours but costs a premium; the train adds scenery; the bus saves cash but chews up a whole day.

Mode Time (door-to-door) Typical cost (one-way) Key advantage Key drawback
Flight ~4.5 hrs $100–$300 Fastest Airport overhead
Train ~11 hrs $104–$150 Scenic, downtown stations Slow, customs delay
Bus ~9 hrs $40–$90 Cheapest Uncomfortable, long

How much does a bus ticket from Montreal to New York cost?

Data from Rome2Rio (transport comparison site) shows $40 as the lowest seen for a standard one-way ticket, with prices climbing to $90 on peak weekends. FlixBus and Greyhound both offer Wi-Fi and power outlets, but legroom is tight. For a 9-hour ride, that’s important.

The implication: if you can handle the discomfort, the bus frees up $60+ that you can spend on a Broadway show or a decent meal in New York.

Is $1000 enough for 4 days in New York?

It depends on how you travel from Montreal and where you sleep. A $1000 budget for four days in NYC — including lodging, food, local transport, and attractions — is tight but possible if you cut your transport costs.

What is a realistic budget for 4 days in New York from Montreal?

Let’s run the numbers: a round-trip bus from Montreal costs roughly $80–$180, a hostel dorm in Manhattan runs $60–$80 per night ($240–$320 total), and daily food on a budget is around $40–$50 ($160–$200). That leaves $300–$520 for attractions, metro rides, and incidentals. It works, barely. If you fly, the transport cost alone eats half the budget.

How much does accommodation and food cost in NYC?

A mid-range hotel in Manhattan averages $200–$300 per night, according to Kayak (travel pricing platform) data. That would consume $800–$1,200 of a $1,000 budget before food or transport. The math is brutal: $1000 is enough only if you stay in a hostel, eat street food, and walk most places. Kayak lists average hotel prices for NYC that confirm this.

The pattern: $1000 covers a frugal trip from Montreal — bus down, hostel bed, pizza slices, and free museums. Anyone expecting sit-down dinners and a Times Square hotel should bring at least $1,500.

Which US city is closest to Montreal?

Montreal sits about 60 miles (97 km) north of the US border, making Plattsburgh, New York, the closest American city. Many Montrealers drive down for gas, groceries, or outlet shopping. But for travellers heading to New York City, the distance is much greater.

How far is Montreal from the US border?

The border crossing at Lacolle (I-87) is roughly 45 minutes south of Montreal. That’s why the Amtrak Adirondack reaches US soil within the first hour of its journey.

What are the closest US cities to Montreal?

Besides Plattsburgh (60 miles), Burlington, Vermont is about 95 miles (153 km) southeast — reachable in 1.5 hours by car. Albany, New York, is 220 miles south (3.5 hours drive). For most travellers, the target is New York City, which is 336 miles by air and about 380 miles by road.

Why this matters: the proximity to the US border means Montrealers have easy access to US carrier flights from Burlington or Plattsburgh airports, which sometimes offer cheaper fares than YUL — though the extra leg drive cuts into the savings.

Additional sources

youtube.com, seat61.com, edreams.qa

For budget-conscious travelers, exploring the bus options from Montreal to New York can save significantly compared to last-minute flights or peak-season train fares.

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Frequently asked questions

Do I need a passport to travel from Montreal to New York?

Yes. The US requires a valid passport for all air and land travel from Canada. A passport card is not accepted for air travel but can be used at land border crossings. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (federal travel authority) confirms this requirement.

Is there a direct bus from Montreal to NYC?

Yes. Greyhound, FlixBus, and Trailways all run direct services from Montreal’s Terminus to New York’s Port Authority Bus Terminal. The trip typically takes 8–10 hours with one rest stop.

Which New York airport should I fly into from Montreal?

LaGuardia (LGA) is the closest to Manhattan but has no subway. Newark (EWR) is a bit farther but has a direct train ($8 to Penn Station). JFK is the largest but farthest from midtown. Kayak routing data shows that EWR is the most popular for YUL–NYC flights.

Can I use Canadian dollars in New York?

No. US dollars are the only widely accepted currency. Some hotels and tourist shops near Times Square may accept CAD at a poor exchange rate. Use a credit card with no foreign transaction fees instead.

What is the best time of year to travel from Montreal to New York?

Spring (May) and fall (September–October) offer mild weather and manageable crowds. Summer is peak season with higher prices and humidity. For foliage, late September to mid-October is spectacular on the train route.

Are there any overnight trains from Montreal to New York?

No. The Amtrak Adirondack is a daylight-only service, departing Montreal in the early morning and arriving in New York in the evening. There is no sleeper option.

How far in advance should I book a flight from Montreal to New York?

For the best prices, book 4–6 weeks ahead. Last-minute fares (within 7 days) can be 30–50% higher. Kayak data shows that booking on a Tuesday often yields lower prices on this route.

Related reading

For Montrealers planning a New York trip, the choice boils down to time versus money — and how much you value your comfort during those hours. Fly if your schedule is tight and your budget can flex. Take the train if you want the ride itself to be a memory. Ride the bus if you want to stretch every dollar. The real trap isn’t picking the wrong mode; it’s ignoring the hidden costs of airport transit, tolls, and parking that can easily add $100 to the final bill. Plan with those in mind, and the corridor opens up.