Montreal to Chicago, IL USA from CA$53: 10 ways by bus, train, flight or car
Compare Travel Options and Prices
How to Get from Montreal to Chicago: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way
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$53 by trainBest price
1204 kmDistance
5h 51m Fastest
Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options
Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Montreal to Chicago with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.
Montreal - Chicago operators
Explore transport companies operating between Montreal and Chicago, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.
Website
aircanada.com
Plane from Montreal (YUL) to Chicago O'Hare (ORD)
Average Duration
2h 52mEstimated price
2239-8298Website
united.com
Plane from Montreal (YUL) to Chicago O'Hare (ORD)
Average Duration
2h 52mEstimated price
2239-8298Website
delta.com
Plane from Montreal (YUL) to Chicago O'Hare (ORD)
Average Duration
4h 43mEstimated price
537-8298Plane from Montreal (YUL) to Chicago Midway (MDW)
Average Duration
5h 6mEstimated price
538-539Contact phone
+1 888 842-7245Website
viarail.ca
Train from Montreal Central Station to Schenectady
Average Duration
7h 26mEstimated price
9643-4839Train from Schenectady to Chicago Union Station
Average Duration
15h 39mEstimated price
2109-8295Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245Website
amtrak.com
Train from Albany-Rensselaer Amtrak Station to Chicago Union Station
Average Duration
16h 7mEstimated price
2109-8295Contact phone
+1 214-849-8100Website
greyhound.com
Bus from Detroit Bus Station to Chicago Bus Station
Average Duration
7h 5mEstimated price
2109-1810Contact phone
1-866-488-4452Website
ca.megabus.com
Bus from Montreal to Toronto Union Station
Average Duration
6h 25mEstimated price
1812-2103Bus from Toronto to Detroit Bus Station
Average Duration
6h 25mEstimated price
9647-2103Contact phone
+1 (855) 626-8585Website
flixbus.com
Bus from Toronto to Detroit Bus Station
Average Duration
6h 25mEstimated price
9647-2103Contact phone
+1 800-858-8555Website
trailways.com
Other from Montreal to Albany - Rensselaer
Average Duration
6h 40mEstimated price
2105-4839Montreal to Chicago: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips
Traveling between Montreal and Chicago offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.
🚗 Embark on an exhilarating road trip from Montreal to Chicago, covering a distance of 852 miles. The journey promises stunning scenery and the thrill of exploring two vibrant cities.
💰 The cost of driving from Montreal to Chicago by car ranges between C$257 to C$378, offering budget-friendly options for travelers. With proper planning, you can enjoy a cost-effective journey without compromising on comfort and convenience.
🌆 Upon reaching Chicago after a drive of approximately 14 hours and 42 minutes, immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere of the Windy City. Discover iconic landmarks, indulge in deep-dish pizza, and create unforgettable memories in this dynamic metropolis.
Average price
C$263 - C$387
🚆 Starting from Montreal Central Station, travelers can embark on an exciting 24-hour journey to Chicago Union Station. The Amtrak-operated train takes passengers on a scenic route with a transfer in Schenectady, making for a memorable cross-border rail adventure.
🛤️ With a distance of 1,645 km to cover, the train trip from Montreal to Chicago offers a chance to relax and enjoy the changing scenery. The route involves one transfer, with the first leg taking around 7 hours and 26 minutes towards New York on the Adirondack train, followed by a second 15-hour and 39-minute journey towards Chicago on the Lake Shore Limited.
💰 Ticket prices for the Montreal to Chicago train ride can range from C$53 to C$481, offering budget-friendly options for travelers looking to explore the unique charm of both cities via rail. Whether it's for adventure or a leisurely ride, this train route provides a convenient and comfortable way to travel between these two vibrant destinations.
Departure Point
Montreal Central Station
Arrival Point
Chicago Union Station
Useful tips for train travellers
• On your train journey from Montreal to Chicago, Amtrak is the primary operator, offering a dining car that serves meals throughout the trip. You'll find a selection of meals, snacks, and beverages, including vegetarian options. Be sure to check the schedule of meal services as they can vary depending on your departure time.
• Amtrak provides several seating options on this route. You can choose from Business Class, which offers more spacious seating and complimentary meals, or Economy Class, which has more budget-friendly rates but still includes comfortable seating. For a more luxurious experience, consider upgrading to First Class on select routes, which provides additional perks such as exclusive lounge access.
• Amtrak is the primary operator for this route (see their website at (amtrak.com). Additionally, VIA Rail Canada offers services that may connect you at certain points along the route. It's advisable to check both sites for potential schedule overlaps and fare differences (VIA Rail: (viarail.ca). When you arrive at Chicago Union Station, you can leave your luggage at the station's checked baggage service and refresh yourself in the restrooms; however, showers are not available.
• To get from Chicago Union Station to the city center quickly, take the 'L' train, specifically the Orange Line to the Loop. This is a direct route with frequent service. The station is conveniently located within walking distance from Union Station. Alternatively, you can grab a taxi or rideshare service for a more direct option to your hotel.
🛫 Flying from Montreal to Chicago is convenient with a direct flight that takes just 2 hours and 39 minutes. Multiple major airlines like American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta, and Air Canada operate flights between the two cities.
🌆 Upon arrival in Chicago O'Hare Airport, travelers can expect a flight time of 5 hours and 51 minutes from Montreal. The vibrant city of Chicago offers a diverse range of attractions, from iconic architecture to world-class dining and cultural experiences.
💸 Prices for flights between Montreal and Chicago can range from C$223 to C$827, providing travelers with flexibility and options to choose the best fare that suits their budget and preferences. Whether for business or leisure, flying to Chicago from Montreal offers a seamless travel experience.
Departure Point
Montreal Airport
Arrival Point
Chicago O'Hare Airport
🚌 Heading from Montreal to Chicago by bus is an adventurous journey with a total travel time of approximately 21 hours and 55 minutes. There are multiple transfers along the route, making the trip more exciting.
Departure Point
Montreal station
Arrival Point
Chicago Bus Station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Make sure to book your tickets in advance through multiple operators such as Megabus Canada (ca.megabus.com) for the Montreal to Toronto leg and Greyhound (greyhound.com) or Indian Trails (indiantrails.com) for the Detroit to Chicago leg, to ensure availability and secure better prices.
• During your layover in Toronto, check out nearby dining options at Union Station, where you can find casual eateries like 'Tim Hortons' and 'Panera Bread' for a quick meal before your next bus, or take a short walk to grab something from St. Lawrence Market if time permits.
• Upon arriving at the Chicago Bus Station, familiarize yourself with the layout by checking the station map at greyhound.com If you need public transport, the 'Chicago Transit Authority' offers nearby bus and train services through the link transitchicago.com
Frequently asked questions
Find out more about the route from Montreal to Chicago.
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The distance between Montreal and Chicago is 1204 km by air and 1372 km by road. Typical travel times by various modes of transportation are as follows: by train, it takes 17 hours and 40 minutes; by taking a night bus to Burlington and then flying to Chicago O'Hare, it takes 8 hours and 30 minutes; by plane, it takes 5 hours and 48 minutes. To travel from Chicago to Montreal, it takes approximately 14 hours and 42 minutes by car and 21 hours and 43 minutes by bus.
The most cost-effective way to travel from Montreal to Chicago is by train, with prices ranging from C$48 to C$493 and a travel time of 24 hours and 5 minutes. However, if time is a priority, flying would be the most time-efficient option, taking only 5 hours and 48 minutes and costing between C$192 and C$821.
When traveling from Montreal to Chicago, the prices for a train ticket range from C$134 to C$443. On the other hand, the prices for a bus ticket from Chicago to Montreal vary from C$49 to C$291.
To travel from Montreal to Chicago without using public transportation, your best option is to drive. The distance between the two cities is approximately 1371 km, and it takes around 14 hours and 42 minutes to complete the journey by car. The prices to rent a car for this trip vary from C$260 to C$383.
To travel from Montreal to Chicago without a car, you have a few options. The most convenient way is to take a flight, which takes around 5 hours and 48 minutes and costs between C$192 and C$821. Another option is to take a train via Toronto, which takes about 17 hours and 40 minutes and costs between C$130 and C$452. If you prefer a more budget-friendly option, you can take a bus, which takes approximately 21 hours and 43 minutes and costs between C$48 and C$301.
There is no direct train link between Montreal and Chicago. However, there is a train service that departs from Montreal Central Station and arrives at Chicago Union Station, with a transfer in Schenectady. The journey takes approximately 24 hours and 5 minutes. Similarly, there is no direct bus link between Montreal and Chicago, but there are bus services that depart from Gare d'Autocars de Montreal and arrive at Chicago via Albany, NY, Ithaca Commons - Green St, and Ithaca, NY. The bus journey takes approximately 21 hours and 43 minutes, including transfers.
The flight between Montreal and Chicago typically takes around 2 hours and 38 minutes. The prices for a flight range from C$198 to C$769. Once you arrive in Chicago, you can easily reach the city center from the airport by taking a taxi, using a ride-sharing service, or using public transportation such as the train or bus. The best way to get from Montreal to Montreal Airport is by taking the line 747 bus, which takes around 21 minutes and costs between C$3 and C$11.
There are plenty of accommodation options near Chicago. There are over 1116 hotels available in the city for visitors to choose from. Prices for these hotels start at C$79 per night, catering to a range of budgets.