Exploring Montreal: Travel Tips For An Unforgettable Journey

Montreal is a very walkable city, with pedestrian-friendly streets and an Underground Pedestrian Network. However, if you prefer not to walk, there are plenty of other ways to get around the city. Montreal has an excellent public transport system, including the STM metro (subway) and bus network, which is Canada's busiest rapid-transit system. The metro is clean, safe, and fast, with an average wait time of eight minutes between trains. The bus network fills in the gaps between metro stations, with over 200 lines that cross the city. Both the metro and bus cost CA$3.75 for a single ticket, with transfers between the two networks included in the fare. If you're travelling with a wheelchair or a stroller, note that while all buses are now wheelchair accessible, not all metro stations are. For a more scenic view of the city, you can rent a car, use a car-sharing service, or take a water taxi. Montreal also has an extensive network of bike paths, and you can rent a bicycle or use the BIXI public bike-sharing system.

Getting around Montreal on foot

Montreal is a very walkable city, with pedestrian-friendly streets and locals who love to walk. Walking is a safe, healthy, and budget-wise way to get around the city and see its neighbourhoods, architecture, and public art.

If you're walking through the Old Port, Chinatown, Little Italy, or the Plateau-Mont-Royal, you'll be in good company. Montreal's Underground Pedestrian Network is also a great option when the weather isn't ideal for walking outdoors.

For those who prefer to get around by foot, the city has a lot to offer. Montreal's public transit system, including its metro (subway) and bus, is also available if you need a break from walking. The metro is clean, safe, and fast, with four lines connecting downtown to major tourist sites, bus stops, and train stations. It operates daily from 5:30 a.m. to 1 a.m. (1:30 a.m. on Saturdays), with an average wait time of eight minutes and just three minutes during rush hour.

If you're looking to explore further or want to take a break from walking, you can also consider renting a car, using a car-sharing service, or even opting for a chauffeured limousine experience. Taxis are readily available and can be easily flagged down on the street or found at taxi stands and in front of major hotels.

Using Montreal's public transport

Montreal's public transit system is an affordable, clean, safe, and fast way to get around the city. The system comprises the STM metro (subway) system, buses, and other forms of transportation. The metro is generally preferred over the bus due to constant road construction that often forces buses to change routes. The metro is also more reliable and consistent. However, night buses are surprisingly efficient and a more economical choice than ride-sharing services like Uber, which tend to have surge pricing late at night.

The metro system operates daily from 5:30 a.m. to 1 a.m. (1:30 a.m. on Saturdays). Trains arrive on average every eight minutes, with a shorter three-minute interval during rush hour. The metro covers all of downtown and extends into some suburbs like Lasalle, Laval, and the South Shore. A single ride costs $3.75 CAD, or you can get two tickets for $7. A 24-hour pass is available for $11, and an evening pass for unlimited rides after 6 p.m. until 5 a.m. is also offered.

Tickets for the metro and bus can be purchased at metro stations, some corner stores, and grocery stores. You can also skip the lines by using the Chrono app to top up your Opus card, which is the most popular way to pay for public transportation in Montreal. The Opus card costs $6 and can be purchased at metro stations or through the app. A week pass or longer requires the purchase of an Opus card.

In addition to the public transit system, Montreal is also very walkable, with pedestrian-friendly streets and an Underground Pedestrian Network that includes 33 kilometres of walkways with shops, restaurants, services, performance venues, theatres, cinemas, hotels, attractions, and museums. Montreal has also been named one of the most bike-friendly cities in North America, with over 750 kilometres of bike paths and public bike rentals available through the BIXI system.

Renting a car or taking a taxi

If you want to travel around Montreal in a car, you can easily rent one or take a taxi. Renting a car in Montreal is a straightforward process, with companies like Turo offering a wide range of options, from economy to luxury vehicles, and even pet-friendly choices. You can also add extras such as booster seats and gear racks. The rental process is simple, with convenient pick-up and drop-off locations across the city, including the airport. Additionally, you have the option to add additional drivers for free. Rental cars in Montreal typically start from CA$36 per day, and you can rent for a day, a week, or even longer.

Taking a taxi is also a convenient option in Montreal. You can easily flag down a taxi on the street, find them at designated taxi stands, or in front of major hotels. Montreal taxis have adopted a uniform two-tone colour scheme, similar to the iconic Yellow Cabs of New York, making them easy to spot. Taxi Bonjour Montreal is one popular option, offering 24/7 services at affordable rates. They serve the Greater Montreal area and can take you wherever you need to go. Téo Taxi is another well-known dispatcher, providing traditional, hybrid, and 100% electric taxis throughout Montreal and the surrounding areas.

While Montreal is a walkable city, with many attractions accessible on foot, having a car or taking a taxi can be a comfortable way to get around, especially if you're covering longer distances or exploring the areas outside the city centre. Renting a car gives you the freedom to travel at your own pace and venture beyond the city limits to explore the idyllic lakes, rivers, and mountains of Quebec. On the other hand, taxis provide a hassle-free option for getting around the city, especially if you're not familiar with the roads or prefer not to drive in a new place.

Whether you choose to rent a car or rely on taxis, both options offer flexibility and convenience for getting around Montreal and its surrounding areas. Consider your specific needs, budget, and preferences to make the choice that suits you best.

Cycling in Montreal

Montreal is a world-class cycling city, consistently ranked as one of the top biking destinations in the world. The city's 780 kilometres (480 miles) of bike paths, high-quality bike rentals and tours, and a popular bike festival make it a breeze to discover neighbourhoods, get to and from events, and see the city sights. Montreal's ever-expanding bike system has been named one of the most bike-friendly in North America by the Copenhagen Index, and the city is an influential frontrunner when it comes to cycling infrastructure.

Montreal's BIXI bike-sharing system is a great way to get around the city. You can pick up a public rental at BIXI racks located around town. The city has also added hundreds of kilometres of bike-friendly zones and pathways, bringing the total number of bike paths to nearly 1,000 kilometres. The Express Bike Network (REV) will soon reach 191 kilometres of traffic-separated bike lanes, with plans to expand throughout the island of Montreal.

Montreal offers a range of cycling routes to explore, from the historic Old Port to the trendy Quartiers du Canal district. The Lachine Canal multipurpose path is a must-ride route, gently weaving from the Old Port to the township of Lachine through the Quartiers du Canal. The Berri Street bike path takes riders from the Plateau towards the water, passing by the Grande Bibliothèque and UQAM campus, and onwards to Old Montreal and Old Port on the banks of the St. Lawrence River. For a more modern experience, turn off Berri Street onto Maisonneuve Boulevard and head for Downtown Montreal's towers and shopping malls.

Parc Jean-Drapeau, located in the middle of the St. Lawrence River, offers over 25 kilometres of cycling pathways and the Formula 1 Grand Prix du Canada race track, which is open to cyclists when not in use for races. The park's bike paths provide unbeatable views of Montreal's skyline and are part of Quebec's Route Verte and the Trans-Canada Trail, the world's longest recreational trail. Access the park by bringing your bike on the metro (first cars only) or by crossing the Jacques-Cartier Bridge, preferably after sunset to take in the city's nightly light show.

Taking the Exo train

Montreal is a very walkable city, but if you're looking for a quick and easy way to travel longer distances, taking the Exo train is a great option. Exo operates public transit services by train and bus, as well as specialised transit services in the Montreal Metropolitan Community. The Exo network consists of five train lines, 52 stations, 242 bus lines, 61 taxibus routes, and 66 parking lots offering 28,160 parking spaces and 3,585 bicycle spaces.

The Exo train is a commuter rail service that serves the Greater Montreal area. It is operated by Alstom, using a combination of Exo-owned trackage and trackage owned by the Canadian National Railway and Canadian Pacific Kansas City. The five commuter train lines include the Vaudreuil-Hudson, Saint-Jérôme, Candiac, Mont-Saint-Hilaire, and Mascouche lines. The Saint-Jérôme line also runs on some Exo-owned trackage between Sainte-Thérèse and Saint-Jérôme. The trains use diesel-electric push-pull technology and are known for their comfort and efficiency.

To plan your trip using the Exo train, you can consult the map and schedules to find the nearest station to you and plan your train trips accordingly. The Exo website provides a trip planner that can help you organise your journey. The trains operate daily from 5:30 am to 1 am, with the service extending until 1:30 am on Saturdays. The average wait time between trains is eight minutes, and just three minutes during rush hour, making it a very convenient option for travellers.

The Exo train is part of Greater Montreal's integrated public transit network, which includes bus, regional rail (REM), and Metro services. Many train stations also serve as local bus terminals, and some provide connections to the Metro, REM, and national rail services such as Via Rail and Amtrak. Exo operates within the Autorité régionale de transport métropolitain (ARTM)'s integrated fare structure, which manages its fare schedule and zones.

So, if you're looking for a convenient and efficient way to travel around Montreal, the Exo train is definitely worth considering. With its extensive network, frequent departures, and connections to other transit services, it can make getting around the city a breeze.

Frequently asked questions