Just like any big city, Montreal experiences rush-hour traffic, but the good news is it has a well-functioning public transportation system and several alternatives to using your own car. Use this guide to navigate the city effectively!
The Montreal Metro
The metro is the go-to mode of transportation for most Montrealers. With its four lines, it connects Longueuil on the South Shore to Laval on the North Shore. Operating daily from 5:30 am, the service concludes between 12:30 am and 1:00 am, depending on the day, with Saturday evenings having the last metro at 1:30 am on the yellow line. The system is known for its efficiency, and disruptions are infrequent.
A ticket is priced at CA$3.75 and allows you to use both the bus and metro for 120 minutes, excluding round-trip travel. Additionally, there are options like unlimited evenings, unlimited weekends, one-day and three-day tickets, as well as weekly or monthly subscriptions. Students and individuals aged 65 and over can benefit from preferential fares. For further details, please refer to the Société des transports de Montréal (STM) website and the fare grid.
The bus in Montreal
Montreal's bus network is highly dense, consisting of 218 daytime lines and 15 all-night lines. The majority of these run on weekdays from 6 am to 10:30 pm. Some lines have non-stop sections to facilitate quicker travel, such as Line 747, connecting downtown to the Montreal airport.
The fare is the same as for the metro: CA$3.75. You can use tickets purchased in the metro or take your ticket directly on the bus, although in this case, you'll need to have an exact change.
Good to know:
Montreal residents are quite courteous when it comes to waiting in line. You'll notice people patiently queuing up for the bus, boarding in the order they arrived. Additionally, if you spot your bus approaching, feel free to wave to the driver and signal for a stop, especially if there are multiple bus lines servicing your stop.
Cycling in Montreal
Between April 15 and November 15, Montreal provides a self-service bike rental called Bixi. The Bixi network spans 865 stations across Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, Boucherville, Terrebonne, Westmount, Ville de Mont-Royal, and Montreal East. To utilize a Bixi bike, visit a payment station and purchase a one-day access, a one-way ticket, or a package with ten one-way tickets. This grants you a 30-minute ride before needing to return the bike to a station, where you can then pick up another one. If you plan to use the service frequently, you can opt for a seasonal subscription and download the application.
The network of bicycle lanes in the Montreal region is commonly known as the Réseau Express Vélo (REV). As of November 2022, Montreal had a total of 889 kilometers of bike lanes, as reported by Radio-Canada. While some lanes are shared with cars, others are physically separated from vehicle traffic. You can check out a map of Montreal's bike lanes at exo.quebec. Although wearing a helmet is not obligatory, it is highly recommended due to fatal collisions that occur every year.
Self-service car rental in Montreal
In Montreal, it's not just self-service bicycles you'll come across — there are cars too! This can be a handy option for occasional errands or appointments. To access their cars, you'll need to subscribe or become a member of the Communauto service. For longer journeys or extended periods, it's advisable to opt for a conventional car rental company or check out the Turo website.
Road conditions in Montreal
Due to the challenging winter conditions, Montreal's roads may not always be in the best shape. It's crucial to drive cautiously and adhere to speed limits. Additionally, frequent roadworks can make navigation tricky, even for those familiar with the area. For real-time updates on traffic conditions, construction sites, and obstructions in the Montreal area, you can tune in to 730 AM on the radio. The peak hours with heavy traffic are from 7 am to 8 am in the morning and from 4 pm to 5 pm in the evening. Crossing bridges to and from the island of Montreal can be particularly congested during these times.
Parking in Montreal
Securing a parking spot in Montreal can be a bit tricky. Make sure to follow the signs, paying special attention to the direction of the arrows. Verify the zone, as well as the days and times when parking is allowed. Keep in mind that blackout periods are also in effect on public holidays. Some areas have designated stickers exclusively for local residents. For additional details, check out the City of Montreal website.
Taking a cab in Montreal
Montreal offers various taxi services, and you can easily hail them on the streets or refer to the city's list of designated waiting booths. All cabs are required to have a meter. As of September 2022, the city's newspaper mentioned a fare increase to C$4.10 per departure and C$2.50 per kilometer. For a trip from downtown to the airport, there's a flat daily rate of C$49.45. Alternatively, you can also opt for the services of an Uber driver.
Car-sharing to and from Montreal
If you lack a car, car-sharing is an excellent option for traveling to Montreal or exploring other cities in Quebec. Amigo Express is a widely used platform for connecting with drivers or passengers, and you can also find numerous car-sharing groups on Facebook. Make sure to have some cash on hand to settle the payment with your driver at the end of the trip.
Useful links:
Société des transports de Montréal
Mobilité Montréal (Help tools and network status)
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