Is there a direct train?

No, you will likely need to transfer in Montreal or another hub.

How long is the drive?

It is roughly 15 hours of driving time.

What is the best way to travel?

Driving is the most flexible, while the train is more relaxing.

The 401, 20, and 2 are toll-free, but the Confederation Bridge has a toll.

Is Charlottetown a big city?

It is a small city with a population of over 35,000.

Bainsville

Charlottetown

Train Driving

Bainsville to Charlottetown

Updated: 30 May 2026

The journey from Bainsville to Charlottetown covers approximately 1350 kilometers. The most direct route is driving east on Highway 401, then switching to Highway 20 and Highway 2 in New Brunswick, and finally crossing the Confederation Bridge into Prince Edward Island. Alternatively, you can take the VIA Rail train from Cornwall to Moncton and then a bus to Charlottetown. Charlottetown is the capital of PEI and is known for its historic charm and beautiful scenery.

Total Distance: 1350 km driving distance; 1150 km straight-line air distance.

Fastest Way

Driving takes about 15 hours, depending on traffic conditions.

Cheapest Way

Driving is the most cost-effective option for this distance.

Compare Bainsville to Charlottetown Routes

	Train Connecting	Driving Direct
Duration	22 hours	15 hours
Avg Price	$260-$550	$230-$320 in fuel
Operator	VIA Rail	Personal Vehicle
Route	Cornwall Station to Moncton Station, then bus	ON-401 E, QC-20 E, NB-2 E, Confederation Bridge
Tip	VIA Rail provides a comfortable way to travel across the country.	The drive is long but offers beautiful scenery as you enter the Maritimes.

Travel Tips

Traffic Planning
Traffic can be heavy in Montreal; plan your route accordingly.
Parking
Charlottetown has several municipal parking lots in the downtown area.
Weather
Charlottetown can be quite cold in winter; dress in layers.
Local Transit
T3 Transit provides bus service throughout the city.
Time Zone
Prince Edward Island is in the Atlantic Time Zone, one hour ahead of Ontario.

Safety Tips

Highway Safety
Highway 401, 20, and 2 are busy routes; stay alert and maintain a safe distance.
Winter Driving
Ensure your vehicle is equipped with winter tires for the snowy conditions.
Emergency Kit
Keep a basic emergency kit in your car for long highway drives.
Distracted Driving
Prince Edward Island has strict laws against using handheld devices while driving.