Fastest ~7–8h by bus
| 🚆 Train | ~10–11h | Amtrak Adirondack, scenic, on-train border check adds time |
| 🚌 Bus | ~7–8h | Greyhound/FlixBus, road border crossing faster than train's |
| ✈️ Flight | ~1h20–1h40 flight (~ | Fastest overall despite short air time |
| 🚗 Car | ~5–6h | 600km via I-87, Thruway tolls, border at Champlain/Lacolle |
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New York to Montreal is an international journey of around 600 km, crossing from the United States into Canada through the Adirondacks and the Champlain Valley. You have four realistic options: a scenic but slow Amtrak train, a budget coach, a flight that is quick in the air but less so door-to-door, or the drive up I-87 — the classic "Adirondack Northway". Each has its own character, and the right choice depends heavily on how much you value time versus money versus scenery.
The scenic way: Amtrak Adirondack
The Amtrak Adirondack is one of the most celebrated long-distance train journeys in the north-eastern United States, and the New York to Montreal route is its full run. It departs New York Penn Station daily and arrives at Montréal Central Station (Gare Centrale) in around 10 to 11 hours — a long day by the standards of the distance, but one that passes through some of the most beautiful landscape in New England. The train follows the Hudson River north before cutting through the Adirondack Mountains and then north along the shore of Lake Champlain into Canada.
The reason the journey takes as long as it does is partly the scenic routing and partly the international border stop. US Customs and Border Protection and the Canada Border Services Agency both process passengers on the train, typically at Rouses Point and Saint-Lambert. Officers board the train and check passports, and the process can add 30 to 60 minutes or more — delays at the border are not unusual. Ensure your travel documents are in order and that you have a clear answer ready for what you are visiting Canada for.
Reservations are required on the Adirondack, and the train runs once daily in each direction. Advance fares are significantly cheaper than last-minute walk-up prices. There is a café car, and the journey is comfortable if unhurried. Note that the train runs to a broadly punctual schedule but can be delayed — weather, freight-train priority and the border process all play a role.
Border formality: This is a real international border crossing. Bring your passport regardless of your nationality, and check in advance whether you need a Canadian visa or Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) for entry. Citizens of the United States do not need a visa but must carry a passport or passport card.
The cheapest way: Greyhound and FlixBus
Coach services between New York and Montreal are the budget option, with typical journey times of around 7 to 8 hours — faster than the train because coaches cross the border at a road crossing rather than undergoing the more involved on-train process. Greyhound and FlixBus both operate this route, with departures from the Port Authority Bus Terminal in midtown Manhattan and arrival near downtown Montreal. Fares are generally the lowest available, especially when booked in advance.
The border crossing on the coach also involves a passport check — all passengers disembark, pass through the control point on foot, and re-board. This adds time to the journey, but the overall process is typically quicker than the train's version. Plan for the possibility of some extra time at the border, particularly in peak summer months.
The fastest option: flying
Flights between New York (JFK, LGA or EWR) and Montréal Trudeau International Airport (YUL) take around 1 hour 20 to 1 hour 40 minutes in the air. Several carriers operate the route, with multiple departures per day. When you add airport transfers, security, check-in and the ride from Trudeau airport into central Montreal, the door-to-door time is typically around three to four hours from midtown Manhattan — still the fastest option overall, though not by the dramatic margin the flight time suggests.
Flying is most sensible if you can find a competitive fare, if you are starting close to a New York airport, or if you need to be in Montreal with minimum elapsed time. Air Canada, Porter Airlines and US carriers all serve the route; check current fares and note that luggage costs can erode budget fares quickly.
Driving on I-87
The drive from New York City to Montreal follows Interstate 87 (the New York Thruway and then the Adirondack Northway) almost the entire way before crossing into Canada at Champlain/Lacolle. The distance is around 600 km and under good conditions takes about 5 to 6 hours, excluding any time spent at the border crossing. The route is scenic — the Adirondacks section is particularly attractive — and gives you flexibility to stop in places like Lake Placid or Saratoga Springs.
Note that the New York Thruway charges tolls, and you will need either a cash payment or an E-ZPass transponder. The border crossing is a real customs and immigration stop; expect to show your passport and potentially answer questions from Canada Border Services officers. Queueing at the Lacolle border crossing can be significant during summer weekends and holiday periods — aim to cross on weekday mornings if you can.
International visitors driving a hire car across the border should confirm with their rental company that cross-border travel is permitted, as some firms restrict or charge extra for it. If your driving licence is not in English, carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) from your home country alongside your original licence.
Which should you choose?
The Adirondack train is the choice if the journey itself is part of the experience — the scenery is genuinely lovely, and arriving at Montreal's Gare Centrale in the heart of the city is a fine way to arrive. Accept the 10-hour day and possible border delays as part of the deal. Coach is the best pick if budget is your primary consideration and you want to arrive a little faster than the train. Flying wins if speed is everything and fares are reasonable. Drive if you want the flexibility to explore upstate New York and the Vermont border country at your own pace.
For more on travelling across North America by rail, see our guide to travelling the USA by train.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Amtrak Adirondack cross the border into Canada?
Yes. The Adirondack crosses from the US into Canada at the border near Rouses Point, New York. Customs and immigration officers from both countries board the train to check passports, which adds time to the journey.
How long does the coach from New York to Montreal take?
Greyhound and FlixBus services typically take around 7 to 8 hours, including the road border crossing. Coaches are generally faster than the Adirondack train on this route.
Do I need a passport to travel from New York to Montreal?
Yes — this is an international crossing. US citizens need a valid passport or passport card; all other nationalities need their passport, and many will also need a Canadian visa or eTA. Check Canada's official immigration website for your specific nationality.
Is there a direct train from New York to Montreal?
Yes. The Amtrak Adirondack runs once daily in each direction, taking around 10 to 11 hours including the border stop. Reservations are required.
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