Getting Around Quebec City

The Funiculaire du Vieux-Québec, a small elevator up the side of the steep embankment, travels between Upper and Lower towns. Another option, and a good workout, is to take one of the sets of stairs that start in Upper Town and end at the Quartier du Petit Champlain in Lower Town. Renting a car isn't recommended unless you're taking day trips outside the city.

Air Travel

If you're flying in, Jean Lesage International Airport is about 19 km (12 miles) northwest of downtown. Driving into town, take Route 540 (Autoroute Duplessis) to Route 175 (boulevard Laurier). The ride takes about 30 minutes. Taxis are available immediately outside the airport exit near the baggage-claim area. A ride into the city costs about C$34.

Bus Travel

The electric Écolobus, which shuttles around Vieux-Québec, costs C$1 and runs every 10 minutes in both directions.

Car Travel

Montréal and Québec City are linked by Autoroute 20 on the south shore of the St. Lawrence River and by Autoroute 40 on the north shore. On both highways, the ride between the two cities is about 240 km (149 miles) and takes about three hours. U.S. I-87 in New York, U.S. I-89 in Vermont, and U.S. I-91 in New Hampshire connect with Autoroute 20, as does Highway 401 from Toronto. Driving northeast out of Montréal on Autoroute 20, follow signs for Pont Pierre-Laporte (Pierre Laporte Bridge) as you approach Québec City. After you've crossed the bridge, turn right onto boulevard Laurier (Route 175), which becomes the Grande Allée.

Cruise Ship Travel

Charming shops and cobblestone streets greet visitors arriving to Québec City by boat. The cruise port, located on rue Dalhousie in Petite Champlain is on the same street as the Musée de la Civilisation and just a few streets away from Place Royale. Take the ($2) funicular on Petit-Champlain to get close to the Chateau Frontenac and stroll along Terrasse Dufferin.

Train Travel

VIA Rail, Canada's passenger rail service, has service between Montréal and Québec City. The trip takes less than three hours and costs C$76.35 one-way. A taxi from the train station to the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac is only about C$6.