Flying in to Quebec Cityโs international airport and wondering how to get into town? As there are no trains that can take you this short distance, youโll need to use the roads to access downtown Quebec City from its airport. Although we are limited to the roads, donโt worry, itโs easy and biking isnโt one of them! Haha!
Once youโve landed at Quรฉbec City Jean Lesage International Airport, the hard part is over. Simply choose one of the following options to get from Quebec City Airport to Downtown, continue your trip, and enjoy this wonderful city.
1. Taxi to Quebec Cityโs Old Town
Cost: $$$
Time: 20-30 min
Frequency: anytime
Taxi is the most common and readily available mode of transportation to get you from the Quebec City airport to Old Town Quebec/downtown Quebec City.
Taking a taxi will cost you around $41.50 CAD during the day and $47.60 between 11 PM and 5 AM. If youโre going to the Sainte-Foy neighbourhood, then itโs going to be $18.15 and 20.85 at night.
You can pay with cash or credit card (mainly VISA and MasterCard, sometimes American Express), so no need to worry about exchanging currency right away although ATMs are available at the airport.
Taxis are available 24/7 at the airport, so you can catch a ride downtown no matter what time your flight arrives. The drive is approximately 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic.
Most taxi drivers speak English and French, so you can easily communicate with them. If youโre worried about language barriers, it may be helpful to write down or save your destination on your phone to show the driver.
As far as comfort level goes, taxis in Quebec City are typically clean and well maintained. You can also request a specific type of vehicle, such as a larger taxi for more passengers, luggage, and anyone with special needs.
How to Catch Some Cool Views of Quebec City?
Looking for an original activity during your trip to Quebec City?
– Scope out some amazing views thanks for a helicopter ride over the old town that’s bound to have you squealing with excitement!
– Hop aboard for a view of Old Quebec City from the water, a great way to catch the breeze in summer and change your perspective.
– Looking for a more sporty approach to visiting the old capital? Rent a fat bike and explore on your own the charms of the cobblestone streets.
2. Ride Apps (e.g. Uber)
Cost: $$
Time: 20-30 min
Frequency: frequent
There is only one ride-share app that operates in Quebec City: Uber. To make your arrival easier, I recommend you download and set up the app before your flight lands.
Once youโve landed at the Quebec City Airport, just log in and enter your destination as downtown Quebec City. The price may vary slightly depending on demand, time of day, and destination, but it will cost you around $25-30 on average.
I have to say, though, there arenโt that many drivers in town, so plan accordingly; sometimes youโll need to wait a bit.
The drive from the airport to downtown will take approximately 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic. But since youโve probably been on a longer flight, this will feel like a breeze.
3. City Bus from the Airport to Quebec City
Cost: ๏ผ
Time: 45-55 min
Frequency: Every 30 min
The public transportation system in Quebec City is run by Rรฉseau de transport de la Capitale (RTC) and offers bus routes from the airport to downtown. The journey takes around 50 minutes and costs $3.75e CAD per person.
To catch the bus from the airport, head to the stop right outside the arrivals terminal. You can purchase tickets directly on the bus using exact cash or your credit cardโs tap function, or you can download the RTC mobile app and purchase your tickets in advance. The bus is equipped with luggage racks, so you can easily stow your bags during the journey.
The comfort level is fairly average, with comfortable seating and air conditioning. Service is available from early morning until late at night, NOT 24/7. Take note of the stops beforehand to optimize your plans once you get off the bus. You may have to walk or hail a taxi/Uber to reach your destination.
4. Rental Car from Aรฉroport Jean-Lesage to Quebec
Cost: $$$$
Time: when booked
Frequency: anytime when booked
One of the most convenient ways to get from Quebec City airport to Old Quebec is by renting a car. Thankfully, this is a straightforward process.
To book a car, use an affordable website that is easy to book ahead of time. Youโll probably be able to rent one upon your arrival, but itโs risky, and you wonโt get the best deal doing it that way. On average, you can expect to pay around $60-75 CAD per day for a compact car through the website.
Once you pick up your rental car at the airport, the journey to downtown Quebec City will take approximately 20-25 minutes, depending on traffic. The route is well signposted and mostly on highways, making it easy for travellers to navigate. Many rental cars are even equipped with GPS.
Renting a car is unique to other commuting options because you can explore the city at your own pace, making fun stops and detours along the way.
How to Get to Quebec City Airport
Arriving at Jean Lesage International Airport is becoming easier, with over 350 flights passing over its runways every week. However, flying isnโt cheap anymore, so to get the best deal on Quebec City flights, use one of these two websites. Between them, you can compare basically every flight through Quebec City.
What to Do in Quebec City Once There
While youโre in this great city, cross these off your list to get the full experience.
- 12 Fun Indoor Activities in Quebec City
- Guide to Finding the Best Cafe in Quebec City
- One Day in Quebec City: the Perfect Daytrip
- Where to Enjoy a Christmas Dinner in Quebec City
- The Perfect Romantic Getaway in Quebec City: Original Ideas for an Unforgettable Weekend
- Ice Hotel in Quebec City: My Frosty Experience
- Well-Kept Secrets: 5 Best Photo Spots in Quebec City
- Best Nordic Spas in Quebec City: Which to Visit?
- 2 Days in Quebec City Itinerary: a Perfect Weekend Getaway
- 7 Best Sushi in Quebec City
- How to Get from Montreal to Quebec City
What to Do in Quebec City region and How to Organize Your Trip
Curious about how to spend your day in the Quebec City region? Hereโs a list of the top activities to consider adding to your plans:
- Admire Quebec City’s largest waterfall and take a cable car to the top of the Montmorency Falls.
- Experience a unique walking adventure in the heart of Old Quebec and learn about its history.
- Discover the food, beverages, and vineyards of รle d’Orlรฉans.
- Explore the wilderness near Quebec City with a hike in the Jacques-Cartier National Park.
- Introduce yourself to speed skating in Quebec City with top athletes on an inside ice ring.
- Ziplining above the Sainte-Anne canyon near Quebec City.
- Sleep comfortably at the Fairmont Chรขteau Frontenac and enjoy an incredible view of the St. Lawrence River.
- Enjoy a peaceful room at the Hilton Quebec and take a dip in the only year-round heated outdoor pool in Quebec City.
Preparing For Your Trip
When I look for things to do in my destination, I always have a look at Viator, GetYourGuide, Manawa, Civitatis and sometimes even Expedia.
Itโs first off a great way to find out what there is to do, but always a quick and easy method to book cheaply and efficiently with these renowned platforms.
Need a place to sleep? I find most of my accommodations on Booking.com but I also use Hotels.com for their rewards program (11th free night) as well as Expedia. When booking smaller places in Quebec, you might not find them here and need to contact them directly.
Looking for a cheap flight to the Outaouais through Montreal? Have a look on Cheapoair or Skyscanner I use regularly.
Once youโre there, rent a car to roam free with AutoEurope or RentalCars or hop on a bus around Gatineau, Montreal, Quebec, and surrounding cities with Busbud.
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