What do you need to know about flights from Canada to the USA?
Flights from Canada to the USA are among the busiest and most competitively priced routes in North America. One-way fares can start as low as C$42–C$130 on budget carriers, the cheapest month to fly is September, and booking roughly 4–8 weeks before departure usually secures the best price. Most travellers need a valid passport plus an ESTA or US visa, depending on their nationality.
Most popular Canada-to-US flight routes
Cross-border demand is concentrated on a handful of city pairs that link Canada’s largest hubs with major US business and leisure destinations. The busiest routes include Toronto–New York, Toronto–Chicago, Vancouver–Los Angeles, Vancouver–San Francisco, Calgary–Las Vegas, Montreal–New York and Toronto–Orlando. These routes see frequent daily departures, which keeps fares competitive year-round.
How much do flights from Canada to the USA cost?
Fares vary by route, season and how far ahead you book. The table below shows typical one-way economy price ranges and flight times for popular routes (approximate, in Canadian dollars).
| Route | Typical one-way fare | Flight time |
|---|---|---|
| Toronto – New York | C$120–250 | 1h 30m |
| Montreal – New York | C$110–240 | 1h 30m |
| Vancouver – Los Angeles | C$130–280 | 3h 00m |
| Calgary – Las Vegas | C$140–300 | 3h 00m |
| Toronto – Orlando | C$160–340 | 3h 10m |
For a route-by-route breakdown of where to find the lowest fares, see our guide to the cheapest Canada-to-US flight routes.
When is the cheapest time to book?
September is the cheapest month to fly from Canada to the USA, with January the next-best option. As a rule, booking 4–8 weeks before departure gives the strongest fares, and Thursday is generally the cheapest day to purchase a ticket. Evening departures also tend to cost less than afternoon flights. Our detailed guide on the best time to book Canada-to-US flights covers booking windows month by month.
Which airlines fly from Canada to the USA?
Both Canadian and US carriers serve cross-border routes. Air Canada and WestJet offer the widest networks, with Porter Airlines expanding rapidly on eastern routes. US carriers — American, United, Delta and Alaska Airlines — add capacity, while leisure carriers such as Air Transat compete on sun destinations. Comparing bundled and unbundled fares matters: an ultra-low-cost base fare can rise quickly once a carry-on bag and seat selection are added.
What travel documents do you need?
Every traveller needs a valid passport to fly from Canada to the USA. Beyond that, requirements depend on nationality: citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries need an approved ESTA, while others need a B1/B2 visitor visa. Canadian citizens generally do not need a visa for short visits but still need a passport. See our full guide to Canada-to-US travel documents before you fly.
Book your Canada-to-US flight with Metairfare
Metairfare helps Canadian travellers find competitive fares on cross-border routes, with personal support from search to booking. Whether you are flying Toronto to New York for business or heading south for a holiday, contact Metairfare for a tailored quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a flight from Canada to the USA?
Flight time depends on the route. Short hops such as Toronto–New York take about 1 hour 30 minutes, while transcontinental routes like Vancouver–Miami can take 6 hours or more.
What is the cheapest month to fly from Canada to the USA?
September is typically the cheapest month, followed by January. Summer and the winter holidays are the most expensive periods.
Do I need a visa to fly from Canada to the USA?
You always need a valid passport. Depending on your nationality you may also need an ESTA (for Visa Waiver Program countries) or a US visitor visa. Canadian citizens usually do not need a visa for short visits.
How far in advance should I book Canada-to-US flights?
Booking 4 to 8 weeks before departure usually secures the best economy fares. For peak travel dates, book even earlier.