FAQs

International visitors to Canada, including residents of the United States, require a passport or other appropriate secure document to enter Canada by land, water or air. Find details about what travel documents you need to visit Canada and Kingston on the Government of Canada website.

To visit Kingston by car from the United States, use the Thousand Islands Bridge located at the Lansdowne Port of Entry. View the Canada Border Services Agency website for more details.   

Kingston is approximately 32 miles (51 kilometres) from the border crossing and is easily accessible via Highway 401. View Google Maps directions.  

 In the summer, Kingston is also accessible via the Horne’s Ferry, which operates between Cape Vincent, New York and Wolfe Island, Ontario. From Wolfe Island you can take the free Wolfe Island Ferry, which will bring you into Kingston’s downtown core.  

The Canada Border Services is located at the port of entry on Wolfe Island. When travelling back to the United States, U.S. Customs and Border Protection is located at the port of entry at Cape Vincent.  

 Charges apply for the Horne’s Ferry and their schedule varies. It’s best to call ahead or check their Facebook page for service details. Canada: 613-385-2402. United States: 315-783-0638. 

Border wait times vary by crossing and based on traffic volume. The Government of Canada maintains a website where you can check current wait times. The crossing near Kingston, Ontario is the Lansdowne Port of Entry or Thousand Islands Bridge. View current wait times.

You can expect to pay a toll when crossing the Thousand Islands bridge both entering Canada and on your return to the United States. Toll rates vary by vehicle type. View toll rates.

Kingston, Ontario is located between three major Canadian cities: Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal. All three have international airports that offer connections to Kingston. Kingston is also accessible by air from Syracuse, New York.

Ottawa 

Ottawa International Airport is located in Ottawa, Ontario, which is approximately 122 miles (196 kilometres) from Kingston. From Ottawa, Kingston is easily accessible by car via Highway 401. Kingston is about a two-hour drive from Ottawa. View Google Map directions.  

Ottawa International Airport offers car rentals. 

You can also travel by train from Ottawa to Kingston with VIA Rail or by motor coach with FlixBus.

Toronto 

Toronto Pearson Airport is located in Toronto, Ontario, which is approximately 170 miles (274 kilometres) from Kingston. Toronto Pearson Airport welcomes flights from around the world daily.  

Billy Bishop Airport is also located in Toronto, Ontario on Toronto Island with Porter providing service from Boston, Massachusetts; New York-Newark, New Jersey; and Washington-Dulles, Virginia. There is a short 90-second ferry ride to access the airport from downtown Toronto. Read how to get to/from Billy Bishop Airport.  

From Toronto, Kingston is accessible by car via Highway 401. Kingston is about a three-hour drive from Toronto. View Google Map directions. 

Car rentals are available at Toronto Pearson Airport and Billy Bishop Airport.  

You can also travel by train from Toronto to Kingston with VIA Rail. The UP Express provides quick and convenient service between Toronto Pearson Airport and Union Station, where VIA Rail departs. Billy Bishop Airport offers a free shuttle service between the airport and Union Station.  

Both Mega Bus and FlixBus offer service between Toronto and Kingston.

Montreal  

Montreal-Trudeau International Airport is located in Montreal, Quebec, which is approximately 170 miles (274 kilometres) from Kingston. Montreal-Trudeau International Airport connects to destinations around the world.  

From Montreal, Kingston is accessible by car via Highway 401. Kingston is about a three-hour drive from Montreal. View Google Map directions.  

Car rentals are available on site at the airport.    

You can also travel to Kingston from Montreal by train with VIA Rail. The airport provides a shuttle service to the train station.  

Mega Bus offers bus service between Montreal and Kingston.  

Syracuse, New York  

Syracuse Hancock International Airport is located in Syracuse, New York, which is approximately 132 miles (212 kilometres) from Kingston. The airport sees arrivals from major U.S. cities like Orlando, Detroit, Philadelphia, New York City, Chicago, Washington, and Boston.  

Kingston is accessible from Syracuse by car via the I-81. Kingston is about a three-hour drive from Syracuse. View Google Maps directions.  

Car rentals are available at the Syracuse Hancock International Airport.  

The exchange rate for U.S. to Canadian currency can change daily. Generally, U.S. visitors will see a favourable exchange rate. Visit the Bank of Canada website for today’s exchange rate.  

Need to exchange U.S. cash? You can obtain Canadian dollars in Kingston by visiting a local bank or the Wellington Foreign Exchange, a specialized currency exchange service in downtown Kingston located at 153 Wellington St.

Ontario’s harmonized sales tax (HST) may apply to goods and services you purchase during your stay in Kingston. The HST rate is 13%. Some visitors may qualify for tax rebates under the Foreign Convention and Tour Incentive Program. Visit the Revenue Canada website for details.  

When returning to the United States, you will need to declare your purchases when crossing the border and they may be subject to Customs Duty. Learn more about Customs Duty.

While Canada’s two official languages are English and French, you can expect to speak and receive service in English throughout your visit to Kingston.  

Our team of Tourism Ambassadors at the Visitor Information Centre would be pleased to help you plan your trip to Kingston, Ontario or provide recommendations when you arrive. Stop by 209 Ontario St., call 1.888.855.4555 or visit our website.