Which means of transport to use Montreal?

From the airport to the city centre Montreal

The Quebec metropolis is served by Montréal-Trudeau International Airport (admtl.com). To reach downtown Montreal from the airport, the public transit system operates the 747 shuttle ($11 CAN, about an hour's drive), which runs 24 hours a day. Starting in 2026, the Réseau Express Métropolitain (light-rail metro system) will also serve the airport, making it the fastest way to get downtown (rem.info/fr). Of course, you'll also find cabs (including Uber), limousines, car rental companies and hotel shuttles at the airport. Regional shuttles (Aéronavette, Greyhound, Orléans Express) also link the airport to various regions of Quebec.

Arrival by train Montreal

The main train station is in downtown Montreal (Gare Centrale de Montréal, garecentrale.ca). VIA Rail serves all of Canada from east to west (viarail.ca) while Amtrak (francais.amtrak.com) allows you to reach the United States, especially New York (1 departure per day). If it is rather pleasant to travel by train, the prices are however higher than by bus.

Arrival by boat Montreal

Quebec has a vast network offerries, especially for crossing the St. Lawrence River. While most are managed by the Société des traversiers du Québec (traversiers.com), there are other independent companies, such as the Rimouski-Forestville ferry (traversier.com) and the Trois-Pistoles-Les Escoumins ferry (traversiercnb.ca), as well as the maritime shuttles serving Greater Montreal (navark.ca).

Public transport Montreal

Intercity buses service the Berri-UQÀM metro station (gamtl.com), except for Megabus (frca.megabus.com), which offers the Montreal-Toronto link from downtown Saint-Antoine. There are, of course, other bus stations in the greater Montreal area. The most frequent route is Montreal-Quebec City on Orléans Express buses (orleansexpress.com), with around ten departures a day. The Navettes Natures (navettenature.com) serve the region's national parks.

In the city, public transit is the best way to get around. The Société de transport de Montréal (STM) offers bus services as well as a metro (68 stations on 4 lines) that even goes as far as Laval (North Shore) and Longueuil (South Shore). If the metro is not in operation at night, more than twenty night buses take over, covering the entire metropolis. To use the bus and metro, purchase a rechargeable Opus smart card (6 CAN $) or pay cash (exact amount): 3.50 CAN $ for one trip (6.50 CAN $ for two trips), 11 CAN $ for one day, 14.75 CAN $ for unlimited weekend (valid from 4pm on Friday) and 21.25 CAN $ for 3 consecutive days. Full information is available on the STM website (stm.info). Each city in the Greater Montreal area has its own urban bus network, and there are also six commuter train lines departing from Montreal (info: exo.quebec). Finally, river shuttle services are offered in and around Montreal by Navettes Maritimes du Saint-Laurent (navettesmaritimes.com) and Navark (navark.ca). The gradual commissioning of the Réseau express métropolitain has begun and should be completed by 2027. A 26-station light rail system linking Montreal to the suburbs (Montérégie, Laval and Laurentides) and to Montreal-Trudeau airport (rem.info/en).

Bike, scooters & co Montreal

During the summer months, bicycles are very popular, especially the self-service systems. Montreal has nearly 1,000 km of bike lanes within its borders. The bike share company Bixi (montreal.bixi.com) is located throughout the city and makes it very easy to use a bike, whether occasionally or regularly, as long as you download the application. Also, be sure to return the bike in the predefined service areas.

With a driver Montreal

There are cabs everywhere in Montreal and most companies have their own app. One of the most popular companies is undoubtedly Taxi Coop (taxiscoop.com). Uber (uber.com/ca/en-ca/ride/) is also available in the city.

For longer distances, and to save money on trips, it is also worth looking into centralized carpooling systems. The two best known companies are AmigoExpress (amigoexpress.com) and Carpool.ca (carpool.ca).

By car Montreal

French, Belgian and Swissdriving licenses are accepted for periods of up to six months; otherwise, you'll need an international license. If you wish to rent a car in Quebec, you must be at least 21 years of age, or even 25 for certain models, and have a credit card.

Gasoline, sold by the liter, is cheaper than in Europe but more expensive than in neighbouring provinces, and prices vary greatly from day to day and from company to company, much to the annoyance of Quebecers.

In terms of regulations, the speed limit is 100 km/h on highways, 90 km/h on regional roads and 50 km/h (sometimes less) in town. Seatbelts must be worn by all passengers, as must car seats for the youngest. The maximum permissible blood alcohol level is 0.08 g/l, and impaired driving is punishable by fine or more (frequent checks). Snow tires are also compulsory in winter, from December¹ to March 15.

Traffic rules and signs are much the same as in Europe, with a few differences. Traffic lights are placed on the opposite side of street intersections. There is no right of way in Quebec (priority is given to the first on the right), and right turns are permitted at red lights everywhere except where a sign indicates that they are prohibited. You must come to a complete stop when following or passing a stopped school bus (almost always yellow) whose red flashers are working.

As for parking, no problem in the regions. But in town, parking is often difficult and, before stopping your vehicle, you may have to read three or four signs to find out if you're on the right sidewalk, in the right time slot and thus avoid a ticket, or worse, an impoundment! You should also check whether parking spaces are subject to a fee, which may well be the case. Please note: it is strictly forbidden to park in front of a fire hydrant. If you make a mistake, rest assured you'll get your ticket within 5 minutes. Also, be aware that you can only park in the direction of traffic.

Finally, it's worth noting that every big city has its share of traffic, and Montreal is no exception. Add to this the immense roadworks in the metropolis, which are likely to last for several more years...

Accessibility Montreal

Many city buses are adapted for wheelchairs, and some Montreal metro stations are now equipped with elevators. To find out more about accessible tourism, visit the Kéroul website (keroul.qc.ca).