One of the main concerns when traveling to a new city is figuring out how to get around, especially if you don’t plan on renting a car. Montreal is a fantastic destination for travelers who prefer public transit, walking, or cycling. With its efficient transportation system, getting around Montreal without a car is easy and enjoyable. Here’s how you can explore the city like a local using the city’s public transit, walking, cycling, and ride-sharing options.
Public Transit:
Montrealers have a joke about their transportation: they get around with a BMW – Bus, Metro, Walk. Thanks to Montreal’s Société de transport de Montréal (STM), you don’t need a car to see the city. Parking can be cheap, but finding a spot in popular areas can be tricky. Instead, embrace the local BMW and leave your car behind.
Bus:
If you’re flying into Montreal, the most cost-effective way to get downtown is the YUL Aéroport MTl-Trudeau (747) shuttle. It runs 24/7 between Montréal-Trudeau Airport and downtown, with a $10 fare. You can buy tickets at the 747 information booth and vending machines on the airport’s international arrivals level, or pay the driver in cash.
Once in the city, buses are a great option for getting around, especially since they travel above ground, giving you a chance to see the city as you move. The STM has 217 bus routes and 8,806 bus stops, so there’s likely a bus that will get you where you need to go.
Pro Tip: Use Google Maps to plan your bus trips. Enter your destination, select the transit option, and Google will tell you which bus to take, where to catch it, and where to get off.
Metro:
Montreal’s metro system is fast, efficient, and covers most of the city with its 4 lines and 68 stations. Metro stations are marked with blue-and-white signs featuring a down-pointing arrow in a circle. The metro operates daily from 5:30 a.m. to 1 a.m. (1:30 a.m. on Saturdays), with trains arriving every 5 to 10 minutes.
Fun Fact: Montreal’s metro is one of the few rubber-tired metros in the world, providing a quieter ride.
Walking:
Montreal is a large city, but its neighborhoods are walkable and full of charm. Walking is one of the best ways to explore areas like Old Montreal and Downtown. Even in winter, you can use the Underground City to get around comfortably.
For instance, you can walk from Hotel Bonaventure to Bota Bota spa in about 20 minutes (1.6km), or from the Bell Centre to Notre Dame Basilica in the same amount of time.
Tip: Always cross at street corners and only when you have a green light or a walk sign to avoid jaywalking tickets.
Cycling:
In warmer months, consider cycling to get around. Montreal has over 780km of bike paths and is considered one of the most bike-friendly cities in North America. The city’s bike-sharing program, BIXI, is easy to use. Pay for a one-way ride at a docking station, ride to your destination, and drop off the bike at another station. Rates are affordable, with regular bikes costing $0.50 + $0.10/min.
You can also rent bikes from places like Ma Bicyclette or join guided tours with companies like Montréal On Wheels.
Taxi and Uber:
For longer trips or when you’re in a hurry, taxis and Uber are convenient options. Taxis in Montreal can be any color but are identified by the sign on the roof. Initial fares are $3.45, with an additional $1.70 per km and a waiting charge of $0.63/minute. You can easily hail a taxi on the street, find them at taxi stands, or in front of major hotels.
Pro Tip: Save your address in your phone to avoid communication barriers with your driver.
Conclusion:
Montreal’s diverse and efficient transportation options make it easy to explore the city without a car. From the affordable and extensive public transit system to the bike-friendly streets, you can enjoy everything Montreal has to offer without the hassle of parking or driving.
