getting here I'm convinced Kingston has the perfect geographic location. You're sandwiched right between three of Canada's greatest cities (Montreal, Toronto, & Ottawa) and it's easy to get to all three. If you are coming from further afield, do not fret, Kingston isn't as hard to get to as you might imagine.
If you live in Southern Ontario, somewhere along the Windsor-Montreal corridor, you will most likely drive to Kingston. If you do this, follow the signs on the 401, it is not hard to find. To get to the university, follow either the John A Macdonald Blvd. or Division St. (both are exits off the 401) until you reach Union St. If you take division, it will be pretty obvious when you’ve hit the school. If you’re on the John A, hang a left at Union and you will find yourself at Queen’s before long. Taking the plane directly into Kingston is very convenient and often very expensive. Flights leave from and arrive at the Norman Rogers Airport on a regular basis throughout the day. Book well in advance of your trip to school, as there are often hundreds of other students who are thinking exactly the same thing you are. A cab from or to the airport is around $12.00, but you can often find someone to split it with you. Air Canada will happily hail a cab for you while you are still on the plane, should you need one. If you choose not to fly into Kingston and into Toronto instead, the best way to get from the airport to the university is the Coach Canada bus. It leaves three times from Pearson throughout the day: once in the afternoon and twice in the evening. It is in your best interest to book your flights according to this schedule, as you do NOT want to be waiting for a long time at the arrivals level of the Toronto airport. It is the most boring period you will ever spend, and the bus can take 3 or 4 hours anyways. It drops off right at the JDUC on campus. You can also catch the bus there early in the morning, in the evening and at night- check the schedule online. The bus drivers appreciate it if you book your ticket in advance, as this speeds the whole process up, and you’ll be more likely to make your flight on time. Cost is around $50.00. Students pay less with ID. Be prepared for lineups at busy times- get to the JDUC early! Run by the AMS Service Destinations, the Tricolour bus service is a cheap and easy way to get out of town. They offer buses to Toronto on Thursday and Friday (returning Sunday) for $28; to Montreal on Friday (returning Sunday) for $29; and to Ottawa on Friday (returning Sunday) for $22. Additionally, during peak times like Thanksgiving and Christmas more locations are offered. Book your tickets ahead of time since the buses can fill up fast on holiday weekends. Visit their website for more info. Via rail has service into Kingston regularly throughout the day. It’s a good idea to get to the station early if you need to pick up your ticket, as lineups can be longer than you have time for. A cab to or from the station costs approximately $13.00. |
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Above: Taking the train into Kingston is one of my most vividly beautiful memories of my time at Queen's. Sap.
Above: I know more people that have met their partners on trains than any other method of transportation.