Quebec Canada Travel Guide
Montreal’s public transit, managed by the Société de transport de Montréal (STM), offers a complete and reliable way to navigate the city. The STM manages Montreal's integrated public transit system, with a Metro (subway) and a large bus network. The Underground is efficient, clean, and covers most major areas of the city. Buses add to the Metro, serving neighborhoods not directly on Metro lines and having local links. The system is well-regarded for its promptness and ease of use.
The Metro has four lines: Green, Orange, Yellow, and Blue. Old Montreal historic district historic district is mostly served by the Orange line, with easy stations like Place-d'Armes, Champ-de-Mars, and Square-Victoria-OACI. The Verdant line also has nearby stations like Place-des-Arts and McGill, a short walk from the northern edge of Old Montreal historic district historic district. Berri-UQAM is a major transfer hub, linking the Orange, Green, and Yellow lines. Bonaventure station, on the Orange line, gives direct access to Gare Centrale (Main Station). Metro maps are available at all depots and on the STM website. They are basic to read and color-coded.
Opus Card is a rechargeable smart card (CAD $6 fee). Load fares: single fare CAD $3.75; 24-hour CAD $11; 3-day CAD $21.25. Pay with credit/debit at machines or exact cash on bus.
Many Subway terminals and all STM wheelchair users can take the buses. Older stations in Old Montreal may have stairs. Check STM website for accessible stations.
Use Transit app or STM's Chrono app for real-time bus/Metro schedules and route planning. These apps offer accurate arrival times.
Montreal Metro cars are famous for their cleanliness.
System is efficient and generally on time.
Pleasant for passengers, even during busy times.
Shows a up-to-date design of the train interior.
Taxis and ride-sharing services make for door-to-door transportation, especially useful for late-night travel or with luggage. Licensed taxis are typically white or black, with a roof light and visible meter. Hail them on the street, find at taxi stands (hotels, stations, airport), or book by phone (Taxi Coop, Taxi Diamond). Fares are based on a meter, beginning with a base rate plus distance and time charges. A flat rate of CAD $48 applies for trips from YUL to downtown Montreal. Most taxis take credit cards; confirm with driver. Tipping 10-15% is customary. Uber and Eva (local cooperative) are available. Taxis and ride-sharing are generally safe in Montreal. For ride-sharing, confirm driver and vehicle details match the software info before entering.
Follow Quebec Highway Safety Code. Winter tires mandatory Dec 1 - Mar 15.
Generally good; cobblestone streets in Old Montreal provide a bumpy ride.
Limited and metered street parking. Costly garages ($20-30+/day). Consider parking outside district.
Old Montreal is perfect for pedestrian exploration, and Montreal offers good infrastructure for cyclists. Many lanes are for pedestrians or have wide sidewalks. Rue Saint-Paul, Place Jacques-Cartier, and the Old Port promenade are good for leisurely walks. The district's compact nature means most attractions are close. Many guided historical, architectural, and ghost walking tours are available, often starting from Place Jacques-Cartier or Place d'Armes. Free self-guided tours with maps are online. Dedicated bike lanes are common throughout Montreal. Old Montreal features some bike lanes and many Bixi stations. Cyclists should remain aware of pedestrians plus vehicle flow.
Double-decker hop-on-hop-off buses work on a season-based basis.
Convenient for sightseeing.
Boat shuttles on Lachine Canal; river cruises from Old Port.
Scenic views from a boat.
Connects Old Port to Bonsecours Street near Bonsecours Market.
Short, unique ride.
This image shows a Bixi bike station in Old Montreal historic district with bikes available for rent. It highlights the accessibility of the public bike-sharing system as a convenient transport option within the city. The station sits in a metropolitan setting, indicating its accessibility for both residents and visitors.
Bixi is popular among locals and tourists, fostering an active community.
Terminals are strategically placed near attractions and Subway stations.
Montreal''s public transport network is well-connected and a reliable method of transit. Using it can save you time and money compared to taxis or car rentals for urban discovery.
For efficient navigation, download the STM's Chrono app or the Transit application for real-time-time updates and route planning.
