Toronto and Montreal are two
of Canada’s biggest cities,
and about 540 kilometres of
highway connect them. People
move between the two for work,
school, and family, and many
of them bring a vehicle. The
drive takes about five and a
half hours, so it is a
shorter trip than most
Canadian shipments, but there
are still good reasons to
hand it off to a driver.
Here is what to know about the route, the timing, and a few things that are specific to moving to Quebec.
The Route Between the Two Cities
A vehicle leaving the Greater Toronto Area follows Highway 401 east along the shore of Lake Ontario, passing Kingston, Brockville, and Cornwall. Near Lancaster the highway crosses into Quebec and becomes Autoroute 20, which runs northeast to Montreal. The corridor is mostly four lane or wider, well maintained, and heavily used, which is part of why professional shipping on this route is so frequent.
Highway 401 through the Toronto area is one of the busiest roads in North America, so traffic around the start of the trip can add time. Once past Oshawa, the highway generally runs smoothly until the Montreal area, where construction and traffic often slow things again near the island.
Transit Time
Most shipments on this route take about two to four days from pickup to delivery. The short distance means the main variable is how quickly your vehicle can be loaded with others going the same direction, not the length of the drive itself.
Winter adds only a little uncertainty compared to longer routes. Heavy snow near Kingston or in the Montreal area can slow trucks occasionally, but delays are usually brief. Toronto to Montreal car shipping is among the faster lanes in the country, which makes it a good fit for people with tighter schedules.
Booking Lead Time
One to two weeks is usually enough for most of the year, which is shorter than on cross country routes. The exceptions are the busiest moving periods. Late June and early July are especially busy because of Quebec’s July 1 moving day, when a large share of leases end at the same time. Late August is also busy as students head to universities.
If your move falls near either of those windows, book three weeks ahead so you have a wider choice of pickup dates. The same applies if your move date is tied to a closing or a job start.
The Other Direction
Montreal residents heading to Ontario use the same highways. Montreal to Toronto car shipping follows the same path and takes about the same time, though availability can shift depending on how many vehicles are moving each way. If you are shipping east to west, request a quote for your actual direction instead of assuming it matches the westbound figure.
Picking Up in Toronto
Toronto’s size makes pickup logistics worth thinking about. In the downtown core, many condos and apartments have tight underground entrances, and a large truck cannot enter. Drivers usually meet customers at the curb or in a nearby area, so check your building’s loading rules before pickup day. Suburbs like Mississauga, Brampton, Markham, and Scarborough are generally easier, with driveways and wider streets.
If you are moving from a building with strict move in rules, ask your property manager what hours are allowed and where a truck can stop. Car shipping from Toronto is common and drivers are used to working around tight spaces, but a quick heads up avoids delays.
Arriving in Montreal
Montreal has its own delivery quirks. Many neighbourhoods, including the Plateau, Mile End, and Griffintown, have narrow streets and restricted parking, and snow removal in winter can close a street for several hours. If your address is in one of these areas, tell the driver about any parking restrictions and whether a nearby spot would work better.
Areas outside the island, such as Laval, Longueuil, and Brossard, are generally simpler. In either case, confirm your delivery plan when you book so the driver knows what to expect.
What Changes When You Move to Quebec
Quebec has a few rules that Ontario residents may not expect. Winter tires are mandatory from December 1 through March 15, so if you plan to drive in Quebec during that period, make sure your vehicle has them. Vehicle registration is handled through the SAAQ, and new residents need to register their vehicle in Quebec after moving. Most documents and forms are in French, though English service is widely available in Montreal.
Insurance works differently too. Quebec uses a combination of public and private coverage, and your Ontario insurer will not necessarily cover you once you become a Quebec resident. Contact your insurer before the move so you are covered from the day the vehicle arrives.
Preparing Your Vehicle
Preparation is simple. Reduce fuel to roughly a quarter tank, remove personal belongings, and photograph the vehicle from every side before pickup. Note any scratches or dents so the condition report matches your records. On a short route like this, thorough documentation matters just as much as on a long one.
Planning a Move to Quebec
The Toronto to Montreal route is one of the easiest to arrange, and most people find the process fast and simple. Choose your dates, book early if you are near a busy period, and sort out insurance and tires before you arrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to ship a car from Toronto to Montreal?
Most shipments take about two to four days from pickup to delivery. Winter weather can add a short delay, but the route is generally fast and reliable.
When is the busiest time for this route?
Late June and early July, around Quebec’s July 1 moving day, and late August, when students head to university. Book about three weeks ahead if your move falls in either period.
Do I need winter tires in Quebec?
Yes, they are required from December 1 through March 15. If your move falls in that window, make sure the vehicle has proper winter tires before it arrives.
Will the truck be able to reach my address in Montreal?
In many cases, yes, but narrow streets and parking restrictions in neighbourhoods like the Plateau can make it difficult. Tell the driver about any restrictions in advance so a nearby unloading spot can be arranged if needed.
Is it worth shipping a car on such a short route?
It can be, especially if you are moving a second vehicle, have a tight schedule, or want to avoid a five and a half hour drive during a busy move. For a single vehicle with a flexible schedule, driving is also a reasonable choice.
