Toronto to Montreal gas cost
About 5.5–6 hours via Highway 401 and Autoroute 20. No tolls on the main route.
Quick answer: driving one way from Toronto to Montreal takes about 38 litres of gas in a compact car and about 49 litres in a mid-size SUV. At $1.90 per litre, that's an estimated $72 for a car and $92 for an SUV. Enter a different price below to update the costs.
Costs use a typical Toronto gas price.
Estimated gas cost by type of vehicle
| Vehicle | Fuel use | Litres | Est. one way | Est. round trip |
|---|
These are estimates based on 540 km and typical combined fuel ratings. Your actual cost depends on your car, speed, traffic, weather and the price you pay at the pump.
Splitting the cost
Driving is often the cheapest way to make this trip with friends or family. In a compact car at $1.90 per litre, a round trip costs about $144 in gas. Split four ways, that's around $36 per person, which is often less than a one-way bus or train ticket between the two cities.
Where to fill up
Gas is usually a few cents per litre cheaper in Ontario than in Quebec because of differences in provincial taxes. On a full tank, that can save you a few dollars, so it's worth filling up on the Ontario side before you cross into Quebec.
Good places to stop:
- Kingston, roughly halfway, with plenty of stations and food just off the 401.
- Cornwall, the last larger Ontario city before the Quebec border.
- ONroute service centres along the 401, which are convenient but often charge a little more than stations in town.
Tolls on the way
The standard route, Highway 401 east to Autoroute 20, has no tolls. If your GPS sends you onto Highway 407 ETR to get around Toronto traffic, you'll be billed by licence plate, which can add a noticeable amount to the trip. Set your map app to avoid tolls if you'd rather skip it.
Driving this route in winter
Eastern Ontario and southern Quebec get regular snow and freezing rain from December to March. Cold weather, winter tires and slower speeds all raise fuel use, so budget roughly 15–25% more gas than in summer. Check road conditions on Ontario 511 and Québec 511 before you leave, and keep your tank above half in case of closures.
How to spend less on gas
- Keep to the speed limit. Driving at 120 km/h instead of 100 km/h can use noticeably more fuel.
- Leave Toronto before 7 a.m. or after 9 a.m. to avoid stop-and-go traffic.
- Check your tire pressure before you leave.
- Take off empty roof racks or cargo boxes.
Common questions
How much gas does it take to drive from Toronto to Montreal?
About 540 km each way. A compact car using 7 L/100 km needs about 38 litres, a mid-size SUV about 49 litres, and a pickup truck about 68 litres.
Can I make it on one tank?
Most cars can. A car with a 50-litre tank using 7 L/100 km can go about 700 km, so you'd arrive with fuel to spare. Larger trucks and SUVs may need a stop, especially in winter.
Are there tolls between Toronto and Montreal?
No, not on the main 401 and Autoroute 20 route. Highway 407 ETR near Toronto is optional and charges tolls.
Is gas cheaper in Ontario or Quebec?
Usually Ontario, by a few cents per litre, so fill up before you cross the provincial border.
How long is the drive?
Usually 5.5 to 6 hours without major traffic. Rush hour in Toronto or Montreal, or winter weather, can add an hour or more.
Other trips
For any other trip, use the trip fuel cost calculator: enter your route and your car to see the estimated cost with today's gas prices.