Megabus Toronto to Montreal: Prices, Schedule & Comparison
Few bus routes in Canada have sparked as many conversations as the Megabus Toronto–Montreal service—once famous for $1 tickets and now back under new ownership. After going dark in 2021, the brand was revived by FlixBus, and the corridor is again humming with up to 26 daily departures.
Fastest travel time: 6 hours 25 minutes · Daily departures: Up to 26 · Price range (one-way): $10 – $110 · Distance: Approximately 540 km
Quick snapshot
- Megabus departs from Toronto Union Station Bus Terminal (Megabus Canada route guide)
- Travel time as low as 6 hours 25 minutes (Megabus Canada) (Megabus Canada route guide)
- Fares range from $10 to $110 one-way (Megabus Canada) (Megabus Canada route guide)
- Over 26 buses per day (Megabus Canada) (Megabus Canada route guide)
- Exact reasons for the 2021 bankruptcy (Megabus Canada does not detail the financial collapse)
- Whether the Megabus brand will remain long-term under FlixBus ownership (Megabus Canada)
- Whether the $10 minimum fare will persist through 2026 (Megabus Canada)
- If FlixBus will eventually replace Megabus branding entirely (Megabus Canada)
- Whether scheduled changes in June 2026 will affect frequency (Megabus Canada)
- 2021: Megabus Canada suspends operations
- Early 2022: FlixBus acquires Megabus North America
- June 2026: Planned schedule changes announced (Megabus Canada)
- FlixBus continues operating the route under the Megabus brand
- Planned schedule changes in June 2026 (Megabus Canada)
- Potential further integration of FlixBus network
The table below summarises the key figures from the official Megabus route guide.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Fastest time | 6h25min |
| Cheapest one-way price | $10 |
| Daily departures | Up to 26 |
| Current operator | FlixBus (under Megabus brand) |
| Pickup location (Toronto) | Union Station Bus Terminal, 81 Bay St |
| Drop-off (Montreal) | St-Antoine O. @ Rue Mansfield |
| Number of stops en route | 3 |
| Earliest departure | 12:30 AM |
| Latest departure | 11:30 PM |
One quick comparison: the cheapest bus ticket can be as low as $10, while a same-day Via Rail fare often starts above $50.
What is the cheapest way to get to Montreal from Toronto?
How much is the Megabus from Toronto to Montreal?
Megabus fares on this corridor range from $10 to $110 one-way, depending on how far ahead you book and demand. According to the Megabus Canada route guide (official operator), prices shift dynamically. A recent CheckMyBus listing for a May 29, 2026 departure showed a fare of $54 for a 2:00 PM bus (CheckMyBus, a third-party aggregator).
How much is a train ride from Toronto to Montreal?
Via Rail tickets start around $50 but easily exceed $200 for peak-time Economy Plus or Business class. CheckMyBus quoted $183 for a May 29, 2026 departure at 5:08 PM (CheckMyBus – duplicate link).
Is Megabus Canada cheaper than train travel?
Usually, yes. Megabus offers a budget entry at $10, whereas Via Rail rarely dips below the $50 mark. But the bus takes 6 hours 25 minutes at best, while Via Rail crosses the distance in roughly 5 hours (CheckMyBus – duplicate link). The savings come at the cost of an extra 90 minutes.
What this means: travelers on a tight budget should always check Megabus first, but must accept the extra travel time.
Mega Bus or Via Train?
Is the train from Toronto to Montreal scenic?
Yes — the Via Rail route hugs the northern shore of Lake Ontario and follows the St. Lawrence River valley, offering rural and waterfront views. Megabus takes Highway 401, a mostly industrial corridor.
Which is faster: Megabus or Via Rail?
Via Rail is faster: around 5 hours versus Megabus’s best of 6 hours 25 minutes. CheckMyBus data lists one Via Rail trip at 5h06min, while a Megabus option came in at 7h15min (CheckMyBus – duplicate link).
Which is more comfortable?
Via Rail offers wider seats, a dining car, and free Wi-Fi. Megabus reclining seats and Wi-Fi are standard, but no meal service. For long journeys, the train provides a more relaxed experience.
Here is a side-by-side comparison of the two services.
| Feature | Megabus | Via Rail |
|---|---|---|
| Typical price | $10–$110 | $50–$200 |
| Travel time | 6.5–7.5 hours | ~5 hours |
| Departures per day | Up to 26 | Multiple |
| Legroom | Standard | Spacious |
| Wi-Fi | Included | Included |
| Food service | No | Dining car |
| Scenery | Highway views | Lake Ontario / St. Lawrence |
Two very different experiences: Megabus gets you there cheap, Via Rail gets you there comfortable and faster.
The pattern: choice depends entirely on whether you prioritise cost or comfort.
Megabus upsides
- Lowest fares – as low as $10
- Up to 26 daily departures
- Free Wi-Fi
- Convenient downtown pickups
Megabus downsides
- Longer travel time (6.5–7.5 h)
- No food service
- Less legroom
- Scenery limited to highways
Via Rail upsides
- Faster – about 5 h
- Spacious seats
- Dining car and café
- Scenic route along lake and river
Via Rail downsides
- Higher cost – $50 to $200+
- Fewer departures than bus
- Requires advance booking for best price
Where does the Megabus leave from Toronto?
Where does the Megabus stop in Toronto to Montreal?
The official pickup point is the Union Station Bus Terminal, 81 Bay St at Lakeshore Blvd, 2nd Floor (Megabus Canada – duplicate link). The terminal moved to this location in recent years. Some buses also stop at Yorkdale or Scarborough, but the primary departure is Union Station. In Montreal, buses arrive at St-Antoine O. @ Rue Mansfield (central downtown).
The implication: travelers should head to Union Station for the most reliable departure, and allow extra time if using secondary stops.
How to pay for Megabus Canada?
Making reservations on Megabus
Book online at ca.megabus.com. The website lists all departures and lets you choose seat preferences.
What payment methods are accepted?
Megabus Canada accepts major credit cards, debit cards, and PayPal (Megabus Canada – duplicate link).
Can I pay with cash?
No. Cash is not accepted on board. All tickets must be purchased in advance online. This policy helps keep fares low.
No cash means no last-minute impulse tickets. You must plan ahead and have a payment card ready when booking.
What this means: digital payment is mandatory, so ensure you have a card or PayPal account before booking.
Why did Megabus go bust?
How FlixBus took over
In 2021, Megabus Canada suspended all operations due to financial strain (Megabus Canada – duplicate link). Early in 2022, German mobility giant FlixBus acquired the North American division and gradually revived the network.
Is Megabus still operating?
Yes—under FlixBus ownership the Megabus brand continues to sell tickets for the Toronto–Montreal route. The service uses the same buses and schedules, but the corporate parent is now FlixBus.
What happened to Megabus Canada?
The company collapsed in 2021, impacted by pandemic travel drops and rising costs. FlixBus stepped in, buying the brand and assets.
The long-term identity of the Megabus brand is uncertain. If FlixBus decides to rebrand fully, the classic yellow coach may disappear from Canadian highways.
The catch: while the service runs today, its future branding remains an open question.
Step-by-step booking guide
- Step 1: Go to ca.megabus.com and enter “Toronto” as departure, “Montreal” as destination.
- Step 2: Select your travel date. Note that fares are lowest when booked at least 14 days in advance.
- Step 3: Browse the schedule. Megabus offers up to 26 daily departures; pick one that fits your timing.
- Step 4: Add optional extras (extra legroom, additional luggage).
- Step 5: Pay with credit card, debit, or PayPal. Remember: no cash.
- Step 6: Receive your e-ticket via email. Show it on your phone at check-in.
The pattern: advance booking is key to securing the lowest fares.
Timeline: Megabus Toronto–Montreal
- 2021: Megabus Canada suspends all operations.
- Early 2022: FlixBus acquires Megabus North America.
- June 2026: Planned schedule changes announced (Megabus Canada – duplicate link).
The catch: the June 2026 changes may alter departure frequencies.
Clarity: confirmed vs. uncertain
Confirmed facts
- Megabus departs from Toronto Union Station Bus Terminal (Megabus Canada – duplicate link)
- Fares range from $10 to $110 (Megabus Canada – duplicate link)
- Travel time can be as low as 6h25min (Megabus Canada – duplicate link)
- Up to 26 daily departures (Megabus Canada – duplicate link)
- FlixBus currently owns the Megabus brand (Megabus Canada – duplicate link)
What’s unclear
- Exact reasons for the 2021 bankruptcy — Megabus has not published a post-mortem.
- Whether the Megabus name will survive long-term under FlixBus.
What this means for travelers: act while Megabus still operates under its historic name.
Quotes from the road
“Our Toronto–Montreal service can take as little as 6 hours 25 minutes, and we offer over 26 buses a day.”
Megabus Canada route guide (official operator)
“For the May 29 departure we checked, a Megabus ticket was $54 while Via Rail was $183.”
Jämfört med tåget är buss från Toronto till Montreal ett betydligt billigare alternativ, med priser från under 15 dollar vid kampanjer.
Frequently asked questions
Can I bring a suitcase on Megabus?
Yes, each passenger can bring one checked bag and one carry-on. Additional bags cost extra.
Is there Wi-Fi on Megabus?
Yes, free Wi-Fi is available on most Megabus coaches serving the Toronto–Montreal route.
What is the luggage policy for Megabus?
One checked bag (up to 50 lbs / 23 kg) and one personal item are included. More bags cost around $10 each.
Can I change my Megabus ticket?
Yes, but change fees apply. Free changes are only allowed within 24 hours of booking. Check the Megabus Canada – duplicate link for details.
Is Megabus wheelchair accessible?
Yes, Megabus offers accessible buses with lifts and designated spaces. You must notify the company at least 48 hours in advance.
How early should I arrive at the bus stop?
Megabus recommends arriving 15–20 minutes before departure. Buses leave on time.
Do Megabus buses have restrooms?
Yes, all long-haul coaches including the Toronto–Montreal service have an onboard restroom.
The Toronto–Montreal route is a classic budget backbone. Megabus (now FlixBus) offers the cheapest seats by a wide margin, but you trade time and comfort. For a traveler leaving from Toronto on a tight budget, the choice is clear: book your Megabus ticket early, bring snacks, and enjoy the ride—because the alternative (Via Rail) will cost you three times as much. If you’re headed to Montreal, don’t forget to check out What to Do in Montreal Today and Free Things to Do in Toronto to plan your stopover.
More related posts
How to Make Pancakes: 5 Top-Rated Recipes Compared
The Social Bar and Lounge: Menu, Reviews, Location & More
Debi Mazar: Ethnicity, Career, and Friendship with Madonna
100 Grams to Oz – Accurate Conversion Guide
Craigslist Sault Ste. Marie: Top Alternatives & Safety Guide (2026)
Can Dogs Eat Honey? Safety and Dosage Guide
Keira Knightley: why she stopped acting and her family
Best Mid Size SUV in Canada: Honda Passport #1 for 2026
