Kingston
Kingston
Train Driving

St Andrews West to Kingston

Updated: 28 May 2026

The trip from St Andrews West to Kingston spans approximately 180 kilometers along the Highway 401 corridor. Driving takes about 2 hours, following the scenic St. Lawrence River for much of the way. Alternatively, you can take a VIA Rail train from the nearby Cornwall station. Kingston is a historic city known as the Limestone City, situated at the confluence of the St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario. This route is a popular path for those traveling between Montreal and Toronto.

Total Distance: 180 km driving distance, 170 km straight-line air distance.
Fastest Way
VIA Rail is the fastest and most relaxing way to reach Kingston's city center.
Cheapest Way
Driving is the most economical choice for families or groups of two or more.
Compare St Andrews West to Kingston Routes
Train
Direct from Cornwall
Driving
Direct
Duration 1 hour 45 mins 2 hours
Avg Price 50-90 CAD 35-45 CAD in fuel
Operator VIA Rail Personal Vehicle
Route Cornwall Station to Kingston Station. Highway 401 West.
Tip The train station in Kingston is a short taxi or bus ride from the downtown core. The 401 West is generally smooth, but watch for speed traps near Brockville.
Travel Tips
  • Booking
    Book train tickets in advance to avoid price surges during weekends.
  • Navigation
    Use the 401 West exit for Sir John A. Macdonald Blvd to reach downtown Kingston quickly.
  • Dining
    Try the local restaurants in the downtown core near Princess Street.
  • Weather
    Kingston can be windy due to its location on Lake Ontario; dress in layers.
  • Parking
    Use the municipal parking lots downtown; they are well-marked and reasonably priced.
Safety Tips
  • Highway Safety
    The 401 has high truck traffic; maintain a safe following distance.
  • Water Safety
    If taking a boat tour, always wear a life jacket if required by the operator.
  • Emergency
    Keep your phone charged and have a car charger for long drives.
  • Pedestrian Safety
    Downtown Kingston is very walkable; use designated crosswalks.
People Also Ask
  • Is Kingston worth visiting?
    Yes, it is a historic city with great waterfront views and museums.
  • How far is Kingston from St Andrews West?
    It is approximately 180 kilometers away.
  • Can I take a bus?
    Yes, there are bus services from Cornwall to Kingston, but they are less frequent than trains.
  • Is the train station far from downtown?
    It is about a 10-minute drive or bus ride from the downtown area.
  • Are there tolls?
    No, there are no tolls on this route.
Quick Info
  • From St Andrews West, Ontario, Canada
  • To Kingston, Ontario, Canada
  • Modes
Best Time to Travel

May to October to enjoy the waterfront and the Thousand Islands boat tours.

Things to Do in Kingston
1
Fort Henry
Visit this 19th-century military fortification. It offers historical reenactments and stunning views of the harbor.
2
Kingston Penitentiary
Take a guided tour of this former maximum-security prison. It is a unique piece of Canadian history.
3
Thousand Islands Cruise
Board a boat to explore the beautiful islands. It is a must-do activity during the summer months.
4
Queen's University Campus
Walk through the historic campus grounds. The limestone architecture is iconic to the city.
Tags
St Andrews West to Kingston Cornwall to Kingston train Highway 401 travel Kingston tourism Ontario travel VIA Rail Kingston St Andrews West commute Eastern Ontario