1. Immigration
  2. Arriving in Canada & Kingston

Arriving in Canada & Kingston

Whether you are a new student or returning to Queen’s, we are excited to welcome you to Canada and to our campus community! Here are some resources to help with your journey to Canada and how to get to Queen's from major cities.

Please note that as of July 2024, the Kingston Airport is no longer operating commercial flights. The closest major airport is in Ottawa. See below for our guides on how to get from the closest airports to Kingston.

Canadian Point of Entry Checklist

Be prepared to produce the following documents upon arrival to Canada: 

  • Passport (with Temporary Resident Visa, if required) 
  • Port of Entry Introduction Letter from the Canadian visa office  (if you have one – only applicable to international students applying for a study permit for the first time from outside of Canada)
  • A copy of your letter of acceptance can be obtained by contacting Undergraduate Admission and Recruitment
  • Proof of financial support 
  • A list of any items which you are sending separately, or which are not cleared personally at the time of your arrival (have the list stamped by immigration, if possible) 
  • Any other documents that were recommended by the Canadian visa office (if applicable) 

Carry these items and all other valuable papers, cash, and/or traveller’s cheques  on your person rather than in carry-on or checked baggage.

 

Before you Leave Canadian Point of Entry

  • Everyone should check their permits for errors before leaving the border services officer. It is much easier to have the officer fix them immediately, than to try to get them fixed later
  • If you are a student that expects to work during your time in Canada, it is very important to check that your study permit conditions include the words “may work” or “may accept employment”
    • If your study permit does not include those words, please tell the border services officer that issued your permit, as all post-secondary students' study permits should include such conditions
    • If you can't tell the border services officer, see the International Student Advisors at the QUIC as soon as possible after arrival in Kingston

 

By Air  (from YYZ Toronto Pearson International Airport)

As of July 2024, the Kingston Airport is no longer operating commercial flights. Therefore, if arriving by air, you must either

  • Take a direct bus from the Toronto Airport to Kingston (see below), or
  • Take the Union Pearson (UP) Express train* (less expensive than a taxi) to Union Station in downtown Toronto, from where you can connect to either 
    • The Toronto Union Via Rail Station, to arrive to Kingston by train, or
    • The Toronto Union Station Bus Terminal, to arrive in Kingston by bus.

*As an alternative to the UP Express (which closes during off-peak hours), you may take a Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) public transit bus. Check combinations of routes to ensure that you can arrive to Union Station for your connecting transport. Note that public buses take significantly longer, and are subject to traffic delays.

Direct Buses from Toronto Airport to Kingston

  • Direct coach buses between the airport and Kingston are operated by Megabus, FlixBus, and several other companies. The bus picks up passengers at Toronto International Airport, and drops them off in Kingston.
    • You can search and compare options on the third party website BusBud, then purchase tickets directly from the retailer's website. Buses range from arriving directly at Queen's campus, the Kingston Bus Terminal, and other public locations, so double check the arrival destination in Kingston.
    • Make sure the origin location is set to Toronto Lester B. Pearson Airport, and not Toronto Union Station. These are different locations.
  • It is highly advised to purchase a ticket in advance, as buses may sell out during peak times. Prices increase as travel time approaches.
  • Check each company's bag limit policy, and prepare for any surcharges.
  • Once you arrive in Kingston, there is local bus transit available to get you to your home address. You may also use local taxi services such as Amey's Taxi and Modern City Taxi. Be advised Lyft is unavailable in Kingston, and Uber services are subject to surge pricing.

By Bus (from Toronto Union Station Bus Terminal)

  • Coach buses between Toronto Union Bus Terminal (downtown) and Kingston are operated by Megabus, FlixBus, and several other companies. The bus picks up passengers at the bus terminal, and drops them off in Kingston.
    • You can search and compare options on the third party website BusBud, then purchase tickets directly from the retailer's website. Buses range from arriving directly at Queen's campus, the Kingston Bus Terminal, and other public locations, so double check the arrival destination in Kingston.
    • Navigating Union Station: for video instructions on how to get to the Bus Terminal, see this website.
  • It is highly advised to purchase a ticket in advance, as buses may sell out during peak times. Prices increase as travel time approaches.
  • Check each company's bag limit policy, and prepare for any surcharges.
  • Once you arrive in Kingston, there is local bus transit available to get you to your home address. You may also use local taxi services such as Amey's Taxi and Modern City Taxi. Be advised Lyft is unavailable in Kingston, and Uber services are subject to surge pricing.

By Train (from Toronto Union Via Rail Station)  

  • Via Rail operates a train service between Toronto Union Via Rail Station (downtown) and the Kingston Via Rail Station. This is the fastest (but most expensive) option, with a duration of ~2.5 hours.
    • Navigating Union Station: for instructions on how to get to the Train Station, see this map.
  • It is highly advised to purchase a ticket in advance, as trains may sell out during peak times. Prices increase as travel time approaches.
  • Check the VIA Rail luggage policy, and prepare for any surcharges.
  • Once you arrive in Kingston, there is local bus transit available to get you to your home address. You may also use local taxi services such as Amey's Taxi and Modern City Taxi. Be advised Lyft is unavailable in Kingston, and Uber services are subject to surge pricing.

This information might change without us knowing. It is a good idea to visit each website and get the latest info. 

By Air  

Please note that as of July 2024, the Kingston Airport is no longer operating commercial flights. You will need to connect from the airport either by bus or train.

By Bus or Train  

  • The Montreal public transit service (STM) operates the “Express Bus 747“ shuttle service from Montreal’s Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport to the Montreal Central Bus Station. You can purchase tickets at the currency exchange on the international arrivals level. This service is much less expensive than a taxi
  • From downtown Montreal, you can take a bus or train to Kingston
  • Upon arrival in Kingston, local buses and taxis are available from the train and bus stations  

This information might change without us knowing. It is a good idea to visit each website and get the latest info. 

Please note that as of July 2024, the Kingston Airport is no longer operating commercial flights. You will need to connect from the airport either by bus or train.

By Bus or Train

  • You can find information about all transportation options from the Ottawa airport to downtown Ottawa on the MacDonald-Cartier Airport website
  • Train service is available through Via Rail and bus service through FlixBus
  • Upon arrival in Kingston, local buses and taxis are available from the train and bus stations

Once in Kingston, there are many ways you can travel within and outside the city. 

Come to QUIC to receive a welcome package (while supplies last), and get your questions answered, Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.

Please come to the centre the next business day to receive a welcome package (while supplies last), and get your questions answered. 

The student-run Walkhome program operates from sunset until 2 or 3 am and is available to walk students anywhere within downtown Kingston.  Use this service or call a taxi if you have any concerns about getting to your destination on your own.