Flight

You have two main options:

1. Fly directly to Quebec City Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB).
2. Fly to Montreal Pierre-Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL) and continue by train, bus, or car.

Reaching Quebec City from Montreal adds 3.5–4.5 hours of travel, but flights to Montreal are often cheaper. Depending on your departure city, it may be worth comparing the cost savings with the additional travel time.

Bus

RTC Route 76 connects the airport to Sainte-Foy bus and train stations in 20–30 minutes, with easy transfers to high-frequency lines (800 and 801) serving downtown.
• Use the RTC Nomade app to purchase tickets in advance.
• The 5-day unlimited pass (RTC — 5 jours consécutifs — Général) is convenient if staying near Université Laval or Alt Hotel.
Website: https://www.rtcquebec.ca/en 

Taxi

Fixed fares: ~41 CAD to downtown, ~18 CAD to Sainte-Foy (Alt Hotel/Université Laval).
Slightly higher at night.
Taxis depart from the official rank outside arrivals; other destinations use the meter.
Website: https://www.aeroportdequebec.com/en/airport-access/taxis-and-limousine

Uber

Pick-up outside the domestic arrivals hall, under the footbridge (columns 13–14)
Website: https://www.uber.com/global/en/r/airports/yqb/pickup/?uclick_id=644b5ea6-7cd0-4fd8-804f-0bc7496959e2

Lyft

Pick-up outside the domestic arrivals hall, under the footbridge (columns 13–14)
Website: https://www.lyft.com/rider/cities/quebec-city-qc

Train

The train offers more comfort and space but is usually slower and more expensive than the bus.
Route: Via Rail shuttle to Dorval station, then train to Quebec City.
Stops:
• Gare du Palais (recommended if staying near the Conservatory, Château Laurier, or Old Town).
• Sainte-Foy (recommended if staying at Alt Hotel or Université Laval).
Price: 40–140 CAD (one way) – Rates are usually lower when you book in advance
Duration: 4–4.5 hours (plus shuttle time from the airport)
Website: VIA Rail Canada

Bus

The bus is generally the fastest and most affordable option.
Route: Orléans Express from Montreal-Trudeau Airport to Quebec City.
Stops:
• Centre-ville (for Conservatory, Château Laurier, Old Town).
• Sainte-Foy (for Alt Hotel, Université Laval).
Price: 70–90 CAD (one way)
Duration: 3.5–4 hours
Website: Orleans Express

Rent a car

Driving takes about 2.5–3 hours via Highways 20 or 40 (toll-free).
Rental Cost: 40–70 CAD/day (economy or compact, varies by agency, dates, and insurance).
Agencies: Enterprise, Budget, Avis, Hertz, Discount (at Montreal Airport or downtown).
Requirements:
• Valid driver’s license (international recommended for non-French speakers).
• Credit card (deposit required).
• Minimum age: generally 21; sometimes 25 for certain vehicles.
Fuel: Cars must usually be returned with a full tank.

For those planning to travel to Montreal after the pre-conference for ISME 2026, two main transportation options are available from Quebec City: bus and train.

Train

The train offers more comfort and space but is usually slower and sometimes more expensive than the bus.
Route: Via Rail from Quebec City to Montreal
Departures:
• Gare du Palais (if staying near the Conservatory, Château Laurier, or Old Town)
• Sainte-Foy (if staying at Alt Hotel or Université Laval)
Arrival: Montreal Central Station (Gare Centrale)
Price: 40–100 CAD (one way) Rates are usually lower when you book in advance
Duration: 3–3.5 hours
Website:VIA Rail Canada

Bus

The bus is generally the fastest and most affordable option.
Route: Orléans Express from Quebec City to Montreal
Departures:
• Quebec Centre-ville (for Conservatory, Château Laurier, Old Town).
• Quebec Sainte-Foy (for Alt Hotel, Université Laval)
Arrival: Montreal (centre-ville)
Price: approx. 70 CAD (one way)
Duration: 3 hours
Website:Orleans Express

Rent a car

Driving takes about 2.5–3 hours via Highways 20 or 40 (toll-free).
Rental Cost: 40–70 CAD/day (economy or compact, varies by agency, dates, and insurance).
Agencies: Enterprise, Budget, Avis, Hertz, Discount (at Montreal Airport or downtown).
Requirements:
• Valid driver’s license (international recommended for non-French speakers).
• Credit card (deposit required).
• Minimum age: generally 21; sometimes 25 for certain vehicles.
Fuel: Cars must usually be returned with a full tank.

Conference Dinner

• Date: July 20, 2026
• Time:7pm (local)
• Venue: Cochon Dingue St-Jean
• Other Details: https://cochondingue.com/en/
• Payment (pay on the night cash/card direct to restaurant and register to attend by email to mathieu.boucher@conservatoire.gouv.qc.ca

Walking tour

We’ll organise groups for various walking tours in the Old Town through the week, using a free guided tour app
• Date: Tuesday July 21
• Time: 6pm (TBC)
• Venue: meet at Hôtel Château Laurier Québec

Performance evening

• Date: Wednesday July 22
• Time: 7pm (TBC)
• Venue: Laval University

Close of conference celebration

• Date: Friday July 24
• Time: 4pm (TBC)
• Venue: Quebec Conservatorium courtyard

Canadian Visa information

Please request a visa invitation letter on the registration form only if you have not already done so for the ISME World Conference.

Helpful links:

• Check processing times at IRCC – Canada.ca
• Find out if you need a visa to travel to Canada
• Visitor visa (temporary resident visa) – Canada.ca
• Visiting
• How to check your application status – Canada.ca