Compare train and car
More and more travellers are choosing VIA Rail as their principal means of transportation for business and recreational trips. Why? Because the train saves time and money.
Compare the train to other means of transport and you be the judge!
Calculate just how much you or your company could save by choosing the train rather than taking the car. Simply enter the number of return trips you expect to make between the following cities provided as examples.
Your savings are calculated based on the adult regular fare in Business class and Economy class. Save even more with corporate fares, reduced fares and on certain packages!
Time savings
The train lets you make the most of your travel time, offering:
- Downtown to downtown service
- Less waiting time
- More work time
- More time for relaxation
- No airport detours
Consider this trip between Montréal and Toronto:
| VIA Rail | Road | |
| Leave for the departure point | 4:15 p.m. | |
| Departure time and trip time |
5:00 p.m. 4 hrs 45 min. |
5:00 p.m. 6 hrs 20 min. |
| Work time available |
4 hrs 15 min. No restrictions |
Very limited (cellular phone calls when conditions permit) |
| Arrival in Toronto | 9:45 p.m. | 11:20 p.m. |
| Arrival at the hotel downtown | 10:00 p.m. | |
| Total travel time | 5 hrs 45 min. | 6 hrs 20 min. |
Impressed by the results? There's more!
Our corporate fare plan offers substantial discounts for organizations whose personnel frequently travels between Québec City, Montréal, Ottawa, Toronto and other cities served by VIA. Several companies have already signed and are enjoying savings that extend far beyond the numbers calculated on this page.
"Trips" indicate downtown-to-downtown travel. Road travel is based on rate suggested by Canadian Automobile Association, $0.57 per kilometre. Distances are based on return trips: Montréal-Toronto: 2 x 540 km, Montréal-Ottawa: 2 x 196 km, Toronto-Ottawa: 2 x 446 km, Montréal-Québec City: 2 x 251 km (source: http://ca.maps.yahoo.com). In Business class, travel costs include a $25 value meal. Train costs are based on adult regular fare for Economy class and Business class as valid on January 13, 2010. Taxes not included. Fares subject to change without notice. Certain conditions apply. Discounts, conditions and schedules are also subject to change without notice.
