Quebec, Canada
Montreal’s public transit, operated by the Société de transport de Montréal (STM), offers a complete and reliable way to explore the city. The STM manages Montreal's integrated public transit system, with a Metro (subway) and a large bus network. The Metro 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 is mostly served by the Orange line, with easy stations like Place-d'Armes, Champ-de-Mars, and Square-Victoria-OACI. The Green line also has nearby stations like Place-des-Arts and McGill, a short walk from the northern edge of Old Montreal. 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 (Central Station). Metro maps are available at all stations and on the STM website. They are simple 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 Metro stations and all STM buses are wheelchair accessible. 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 known for their cleanliness.
System is efficient and generally on time.
Comfortable for passengers, even during busy times.
Shows a modern 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 metered, 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 app info before entering.
Follow Quebec Highway Safety Code. Winter tires mandatory Dec 1 - Mar 15.
Generally good; cobblestone streets in Old Montreal give a bumpy ride.
Limited and metered street parking. Costly garages ($20-30+/day). Consider parking outside district.
Old Montreal is ideal for pedestrian exploration, and Montreal offers good infrastructure for cyclists. Many streets 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 has some bike lanes and many Bixi stations. Cyclists should remain aware of pedestrians and traffic.
Double-decker hop-on-hop-off buses operate seasonally.
Convenient for sightseeing.
Boat shuttles on Lachine Canal; river cruises from Old Port.
Scenic views from the water.
Connects Old Port to Bonsecours Street near Bonsecours Market.
Short, unique ride.
This image shows a Bixi bike station in Old Montreal with bikes available for rent. It highlights the availability of the public bike-sharing system as a convenient transport option within the city. The station sits in an urban setting, indicating its accessibility for both residents and visitors.
Bixi is popular among locals and tourists, fostering an active community.
Stations are strategically placed near attractions and Metro stations.
Montreal's public transportation system is well-connected and a reliable way to get around. Using it can save you time and money compared to taxis or car rentals for city exploration.
For efficient navigation, download the STM's Chrono app or the Transit app for real-time updates and route planning.
