Getting There & Around
Getting to the City
You’ll certainly appreciate that YUL Montreal-Trudeau International Airport is located just 12 miles (20 km) from downtown. Upon arrival, you’ll find everything you need, including tourist information and various options for making your way to the heart of the city: car rentals, limousine, taxi service and Uber, as well as airport shuttles. The 747 Express bus operates 24/7/365 and will get you to one of the 12 downtown stops in 45 to 70 minutes (depending on traffic).
The VIA Rail network connects many major cities to Montreal, and it is by far the easiest way to access downtown. You can choose from 17 daily departures from the Gare centrale, which also gives you access to the Bonaventure metro station, taxi, car sharing, bus, BIXI bike rentals and the Underground Pedestrian Network. You can bring your bike on certain VIA Rail trains too. If you are coming from the United States, the Amtrak trains usually offer daily departures from many American cities to downtown Montreal.
Coming to Montrealby car is made easier by the various highways and bridges leading right into the city centre. Did you know that Montrealis an island and it’s just 75 kilometres (46 miles) from the U.S. Border and right on the Trans-Canada Highway? Depending on your point of origin, you may take one of the major bridges—Champlain, Jacques-Cartier or Victoria—or the Louis-Hippolyte-La Fontaine bridge-tunnel to head downtown. Canada uses the metric system, so speeds are indicated in kilometres (100 km/h = 62 mph) and gas is sold in litres (3 3/4 litres = 1 US gallon). Keep in mind that you can’t turn right on red in Montrealor use a hand-held cell phone while driving.
Arriving by boat or by cruise ship has become an increasingly popular way to get to Montreal. Every year, thousands of cruise passengers choose Montrealas their cruise starting point or destination. In 2017, Montrealinaugurated a freshly updated passenger terminal at the Grand Quay of the Port of Montrealin the Old Port of Montreal. Several marinas host private vessels along the St. Lawrence River and elsewhere.
If you are planning a trip by bus, rest assured that many American and Canadian operators come to Montreal. You will arrive directly downtown at the MontrealBus Central Station, which is also connected to the Underground Pedestrian Network via the Berri-UQAM metro station.
Getting Around
Public transportation is an affordable way to get around Montreal. The metro (subway) system is clean, safe and fast. As a bonus, the public transit network is relatively simple, with just four lines connecting the downtown centre to major tourist sites, bus stops and train stations. The metro operates daily from 5:30 a.m. to 1 a.m. (1:30 a.m. on Saturdays). The average wait time between trains is eight minutes and three minutes during rush hour.
Come experience Montreallike a local by hopping on a bike this spring, summer and fall. 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, credited with inspiring other major cities around the world to build more bike paths, encourage awareness of cyclists and do it all in style. Go your own way by renting bikes, bringing your own or trying out Montreal’s BIXI system.
Whether you're walking through the Old Port, Chinatown, Little Italy or the Plateau-Mont-Royal, you'll be in good local company – Montrealers love to walk. In fact, this safe, healthy and budget-wise mode of transportation is one of the best ways to see the city’s lively neighbourhoods, day and night. From architecture to public art to stylish locals, there’s a lot to see in Montreal! When the weather isn’t inviting, you can still get your exercise by walking through the Underground Pedestrian Network. This practical network includes 33 kilometers of walkways with 2,000 shops, restaurants and services. It connects to some 40 performance venues, theatres and cinemas, not to mention many hotels, attractions and museums.
Please download the Official Tourist Guide and Official Tourist Map. You'll find everything you need to experience the city of joie de vivre.
Want to cruise around the city or take a scenic drive? In Montreal, it’s easy to rent a car, use car-share or even treat yourself to a chauffeured limousine service. If you prefer getting around by taxi, it’s easy to flag one down on the street. You’ll also find them at one of the city’s many taxi stands or in front of most major hotels.