Getting Around in Montreal

Getting around in Montreal is relatively straightforward, thanks to the city’s excellent public transport system. If you live in the city centre or the surrounding areas and suburbs, you needn’t worry about having a car.

Be that as it may, a vehicle may be worthwhile if you have young children or want to explore the greater Quebec area. If you choose to drive, you’ll find Montreal’s roads to be of exceptional quality, although heavy traffic and snowy conditions in winter can be problematic. Frequent snowfalls and icy roads can lead to hazardous driving conditions. Fortunately, the city conducts extensive snow removal, but this can lead to temporary road closures and detours.

Best Neighbourhoods in Montreal
Weather and Climate in Montreal

Public transport in Montreal

Public transport in Montreal is clean, safe, and the most efficient way to move around the city. Montreal has an extensive bus and metro system, with regional trains available for intercity travel. The Société de Transport de Montréal (STM) operates the city's public transport system. 

If you use public transport frequently, you can purchase an OPUS card from the ticket booths at stations and approved retailers throughout the city. These reloadable smart cards can be used to access public transport across the Greater Montreal region. 

Recent updates to public transport include the new Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) system, which aims to improve service reliability, and the launch of the INFO-Neige MTL app, which provides real-time updates on snow removal operations. There are other single-card options available for pre-determined destinations.

Metro in Montreal

You can access the metro conveniently via Montreal’s Underground Pedestrian Network, the most popular and extensive mode of transport in the city. Its four lines are easily identifiable by colour, and maps are available at all metro stations. Services run from 5.30am to 12.30am on weekdays and extend to 1am on weekends.

Upcoming improvements include the extension of the Blue Line, which will add five new stations by 2031, extending service to Montreal’s east end. The new REM light-rail network will also integrate with the existing metro, enhancing connectivity.

Buses in Montreal

Buses in Montreal offer an efficient way to get around the city. You can identify bus stops by their numbers, and most are furnished with maps and bus schedules. Key routes like Route 24 (Sherbrooke) and Route 80 (Avenue du Parc) connect major destinations, making them ideal for newcomers.

Useful links

• STM Official Website
• OPUS Card Information
• Montreal Metro Map
• Transit App

Taxis in Montreal

Taxis in Montreal are readily available, and you can call them in advance, hail them off the street, or find them at taxi ranks across the city. Cabs in Montreal differ in appearance depending on the companies they represent, but they should always be clearly marked. The recent deregulation of the taxi industry has integrated ride-hailing services like Uber into provincial regulations, making it easier to get around. All qualified taxis are equipped with geolocation devices for passenger safety.

Ride-hailing apps such as Uber, Eva, and inDrive are also available throughout Montreal, offering a variety of convenient point-to-point transport options. Eva is a local cooperative that focuses on ethical practices and community involvement, providing a more sustainable option for ride-hailing. inDrive, on the other hand, allows you to negotiate fares directly with drivers, adding flexibility to your journey.

Useful links

• Uber Montreal
• Eva Ride-Hailing
• inDrive Montreal
• Montreal Taxi Information

Driving in Montreal

If you choose to drive in Montreal, you’ll have to deal with the traffic congestion characteristic of most big cities. If you’re commuting from the suburbs off the main island, you’ll bear the brunt of most of the terrible congestion. A car trip from the western part of the island to Downtown takes about 45 minutes on a good day but can be as long as 90 minutes during rush hour.

Montreal boasts excellent road infrastructure, but you should look out for potholes, especially in spring, when melting and thawing ice can cause holes and cracks in the road.

Non-residents can use their existing driver’s licences in Quebec for six months. During this period, you must either fill out an application for a Quebec licence or exchange your current foreign licence. Depending on where you obtained your licence, you may have to take a driving test. Driver’s licences from Western Europe, Canada, and America are eligible for a simple exchange.

To obtain a Quebec driver’s licence, check the Société de l’Assurance Automobile du Québec (SAAQ) for detailed information about the licensing process, required documents, and eligibility criteria. Driving schools in Montreal also offer practical training, helping newcomers meet Quebec’s driving standards.

Read more: Transport and Driving in Canada

Useful links

• SAAQ Official Website
• Quebec Driving Licence Information

Cycling in Montreal

Thanks to Montreal's extensive network of bike paths, cycling is an increasingly popular way to get around the city. Montreal is constantly working on new cycling infrastructure projects, with 125 miles (200km) of new bike paths planned by 2027.

The city also has a bicycle rental programme called BIXI, which is available from April to November, providing an eco-friendly option for short-term travel. You can rent a bike using an app or at automated pay stations using your OPUS or credit cards. If you intend to use this service regularly, you should consider purchasing a weekly, monthly, or annual pass.

To ensure a safe cycling experience, equip your bicycle with a bell, lights, and a rearview mirror. Obey all traffic signals, and avoid cycling on pavements unless absolutely necessary.

Useful links

• BIXI Bike Sharing
• Biking in Montreal
• Vélo Québec
• Transit App for Cycling

Walking in Montreal

Walking is another eco-friendly and healthy way to move around Montreal. The Montreal Underground Pedestrian Network, also known as RÉSO or the Underground City, is a great way to explore the city, especially during the bitter winters. This network spans over 20 miles (32km) and is lined with shops and restaurants, providing shelter and convenience during inclement weather.

Montreal also hosts several seasonal walking events and activities that are perfect for getting a feel of the city on foot. Montréal en Lumière, held every February, lights up the city with art installations, outdoor activities, and culinary events. Car-Free Day in September promotes walking and cycling by closing key downtown streets, and guided public art tours showcase the city’s rich cultural scene year-round.

Useful links

• Montréal en Lumière
• Car-Free Day Montreal
• Montreal Underground City