The drive from New York to Montreal 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 TimeWeekday mid-day
Fuel Costs
Gas (30 mpg)~13.2 gallons
Est. Cost$46
Route Tips: I-95
One of the busiest highways on the East Coast. Expect congestion near major cities like New York, Philadelphia, and Washington DC.
This trip can typically be done on a single tank of gas.
Best Time to Drive from New York to Montreal
For a long drive like New York to Montreal, 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:Weekday mid-day
🔴 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 New York to Montreal?
The drive from New York to Montreal 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 New York to Montreal?
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 New York to Montreal?
Weekday mid-day to avoid heavy traffic. Weekday mornings before 7 AM or evenings after 7 PM typically have less congestion.
Are there tolls on the New York to Montreal route?
Yes, expect approximately $11 in tolls along this route. Consider getting an E-ZPass or similar transponder for faster toll payment.
