The drive from Montreal to New York takes approximately 7h 13min, covering 397 miles via I-95. Under normal conditions, expect to spend around $46 on gas.
Travel time can vary — during peak hours, weekends, or holidays, the journey may take 10–11+ hours. For the fastest trip, leave early morning (before 7 AM) or travel on weekday evenings.
Traffic Estimate
🟢 Light traffic
6h 8m
🔵 Typical
7h 13min
🔴 Heavy traffic
10h 28m
Traffic is usually worst during weekday rush hours (7–9 AM, 4–7 PM) and holiday weekends.
Trip Details
Distance397 miles (638 km)
Drive Time7h 13min
RouteI-95
Best TimeLate evening (8-10 PM)
Fuel Costs
Gas (30 mpg)~13.2 gallons
Est. Cost$46
Route Tips: I-95
Plan rest stops every 2-3 hours on longer drives. Check traffic conditions before departure and keep your tank above quarter-full.
This trip can typically be done on a single tank of gas.
Best Time to Drive from Montreal to New York
For a long drive like Montreal to New York, plan to depart early in the morning. This lets you cover most of the distance before afternoon traffic builds up. Consider breaking the trip with a lunch stop midway.
🟢 Best:Late evening (8-10 PM)
🔴 Avoid:Rush hour (4-7 PM)
Driving vs Flying
🚗 Driving
7h 13min
~$46 gas
✈️ Flying
3h 18m
~$80–$150 flight
✈️ Flying is faster when you factor in airport time. Flight time is ~48 min but add ~2.5 hours for check-in, security, and boarding.
All Travel Options
🚗 Drive
7h 13min
~$46
🚌 Bus
8h 49m
~$32–$71
🚂 Train
7h 13m
~$48–$119
Estimated times and prices. Bus/train availability varies by route. Driving gives the most flexibility for stops and schedules.
Suggested Stops
Popular cities along the route for rest, food, or fuel:
📍 Saratoga Springs
📍 Albany
📍 Rutland
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to drive from Montreal to New York?
The drive from Montreal to New York takes approximately 7h 13min covering 397 miles via I-95. Actual time may vary based on traffic, weather, and road conditions.
How much does gas cost for Montreal to New York?
At 30 MPG and $3.50/gallon, expect to spend approximately $46 on gas for this 397-mile trip. You'll need about 13.2 gallons of fuel.
What is the best time to drive from Montreal to New York?
Late evening (8-10 PM) to avoid heavy traffic. Weekday mornings before 7 AM or evenings after 7 PM typically have less congestion.
Are there tolls on the Montreal to New York route?
Yes, expect approximately $11 in tolls along this route. Consider getting an E-ZPass or similar transponder for faster toll payment.
