Unlock Montreal’s charm with seamless, affordable transit—explore iconic metro and bus routes, among others, effortlessly in this vibrant city.
Navigating the vibrant streets of Montreal becomes an effortless and affordable adventure with the city’s well-established public transportation system. As a metropolis, Montreal offers an extensive network of buses and metro lines that seamlessly connect its various districts. Whether you’re a tourist exploring the city’s iconic landmarks or a local commuting to work, Montreal’s public transportation provides a convenient and efficient way to traverse the urban landscape.
In this guide, we’ll delve into the ins and outs of using public transportation in Montreal, making your journey as enjoyable as the city itself. From the metro’s art-filled stations to the extensive bus routes, we’ll uncover the key tips and tricks to help you make the most of this accessible and budget-friendly mode of transportation.
Metro & Bus: The key to navigating the city efficiently is to familiarize yourself with the metro and bus system.
Purchase an Opus card, which allows for easy access to both the metro and bus system, offering a more cost-effective option for frequent travelers. The metro system consists of four main lines and is a fast and efficient way to travel around the city.
Bikes: For a more eco-friendly and unique way to explore Montreal, consider using the city’s bicycle rental stations located throughout downtown. Bixi bikes are a popular option for short trips, and the city has designated bike lanes to ensure safer travel.
Plan your routes: To make the most of your public transportation experience, plan your routes ahead of time using the STM (Société de transport de Montréal) mobile app or website. With insider tips, you’ll be able to navigate Montreal’s public transportation system like a pro.
Is Public Transportation in Montreal Reliable?
Public transportation in Montreal is highly reliable and convenient, earning it a top 20 ranking in the world. The system is particularly effective in the downtown core and surrounding regions, providing easy access to popular attractions, dining, and entertainment. The interconnected bus, commuter train, and metro system ensures seamless travel throughout the city and its suburbs.
The Montreal Transport Society oversees the transportation options and has built a reputation for providing cheap, reliable, and convenient services. With an extensive network of bus routes, frequent metro trains, and efficient commuter trains, commuters and visitors alike can count on the system to get them where they need to go without hassle.
Why take public transit?
Public transit in Montreal offers numerous benefits for residents and visitors alike. The city’s celebrated metro system provides a convenient and reliable way to travel, with 68 stations spread across four coloured lines. This efficient mode of transportation allows for easy access to the city’s many attractions, without the stress of driving and finding parking.
Taking public transit in Montreal is also extremely cost-effective compared to driving a car, with affordable fares and the option to purchase convenient passes for regular commuters. In addition to the metro, Montreal’s extensive bus network provides further options for getting around the city, with a commitment to efficiency and accessibility.
Types of Public Transport in Montreal
Montreal is a bustling city with a wide array of public transportation options to help residents and visitors navigate the urban landscape.
City Buses
The Montreal city bus system is an integral part of the city’s transportation network, with over 200 routes servicing various neighborhoods and suburbs. Schedules are available online and at bus stops, with frequent service during peak hours and reduced service during off-peak times. Tickets can be purchased directly from the bus driver using cash or a reloadable OPUS card, which can also be used for the metro and commuter trains. Take a peek at the Montreal Transportation Page here.
Montreal has recently introduced new accessible buses, making it easier for individuals with disabilities to use public transportation. These buses are equipped with ramps, priority seating, and audio-visual announcements to aid those with visual or hearing impairments. Additionally, commuters can download the STL app for real-time bus tracking, route planning, and ticket purchases, providing a convenient way to navigate the city’s bus system.
The Metro System
The Montreal Metro system is a crucial aspect of the city’s public transportation network, accommodating over a million passengers daily. It operates from 5:30 am to 1:00 am, with trains running at intervals of 3 to 11 minutes, depending on the time of day and line. The fares for a single trip are $3.75 and discounted fares are available for seniors and children. A monthly pass will set you back by $97 CAD. Riders can also purchase daily, weekly, and monthly passes for unlimited travel.
Image credit: Société de transport de Montréal
The Metro system consists of four lines that cover a total of 68 stations and 69 kilometers:
- The Orange Line: This line runs east to north between Ville St-Laurent and Laval.
- The Green Line: From Angrignon metro in the Sud-Ouest to the Honoré-Beaugrand metro.
- The Blue Line: It runs north of downtown Montreal from Snowdon metro in Côte-des-Neiges–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce to Saint Michel. It also connects the Orange line at Snowdon metro.
- The Yellow Line: It runs from Berri-UQAM metro in Quartier Latin to Longueuil, connecting to both the Orange and Green lines.
Service alerts and disruptions are communicated through various channels, including the STM (Société de transport de Montréal) website, social media, and station announcements. Transfers between lines are free within a two-hour time frame to complete a one-way trip.
The Metro system is designed to be accessible to individuals with disabilities, with features such as elevators, escalators, tactile paving, and designated spaces for wheelchairs. Payment options include contactless credit/debit cards, OPUS cards, and mobile ticketing apps, providing convenience to passengers. Overall, the Montreal Metro system offers a reliable, efficient, and inclusive mode of public transportation for residents and visitors alike.
Exo Train
There are currently six train lines operated by Exo, serving a total of 52 stations across the region. Many of these stations also offer parking facilities for commuters.
To access train schedules and fares, individuals can visit the Exo website. On the homepage, there is a dedicated section for train services where users can easily find information about schedules for each train line, as well as details about ticket prices and any available discounts or promotions. The website also offers a trip planner tool to help users map out their journey and find the most convenient and cost-effective routes.
Taxibus
The Taxibus service in Montreal is a shared transportation option that operates in specific less densely populated areas of the city. To use this service, passengers must book in advance by calling the reservation center. Once booked, passengers are picked up at a designated location and can be dropped off at another designated location based on the route.
This service is a convenient and cost-effective way for people in these areas to commute when traditional public transportation options might be limited. The Taxibus service helps to bridge the gap in transportation accessibility for residents living in less densely populated areas of Montreal, providing a reliable and flexible travel option.
Transfers
When transferring between metro and bus lines in Montreal, passengers can obtain a transfer ticket upon payment of their initial fare. Transfers allow for continued travel on another mode of transportation within a certain time frame.
To obtain a transfer ticket, passengers can use an OPUS card, which can be loaded with value at vending machines in the metro stations or at various retailers. Passengers can also pay in exact change on the bus, where they will receive a transfer ticket from the driver.
The transfer ticket is valid for 120 minutes from the time it is issued, allowing passengers to transfer between metro and bus lines without having to pay an additional fare. When transferring from the bus to the metro, passengers can simply insert their transfer ticket into the fare gate to continue their journey.
Bike Rentals
Bixi Bike Share offers various rental options for bike rentals in Montreal. Single rides start at $2.95, while monthly passes are available for $29 and full year passes for $159. Bixi Bike Share stations are conveniently located throughout the city, including close proximity to metro stations for easy access.
Using the bike share service not only provides a convenient and affordable way to get around the city, but it also helps reduce vehicle emissions and congestion. By opting for a bike instead of a car, individuals can contribute to a cleaner environment and save money on vehicle costs. Additionally, riding a bike is a great way to stay active and explore the city at a leisurely pace.
Ride Sharing Apps
Ride sharing apps offer convenient transportation options in Montreal. Popular ride sharing apps like Uber and Lyft provide on-demand rides with options for carpooling, private cars, and premium rides. To use these apps, simply download the app, enter your pickup and drop-off locations, select a ride option, and confirm your request. You can track your driver’s arrival and pay through the app.
Ride sharing can complement Montreal’s public transit and bike share services by providing flexible transportation options for areas not easily accessible by public transit or for late-night travel. It also offers a convenient alternative when the weather is not suitable for cycling.
Car sharing in Montreal
One of the major players in Montreal’s car sharing market is Communauto. One of the many benefits of using Communauto is the integration of the OPUS card, making it even easier for users to access their services.
By integrating the OPUS card with Communauto, users can seamlessly switch between public transit and car sharing, giving them more options for their daily commute. This integration also allows for more flexibility, as users can easily access a car when needed without having to rely solely on owning a vehicle.
The convenience of finding and using Communauto vehicles is also enhanced through their user-friendly app. Users can quickly locate nearby vehicles, book them on the spot, and unlock them using the app. This makes the entire car sharing experience hassle-free and efficient.
Where to buy tickets?
Tickets for public transportation in Montreal can be purchased from different locations, including medical and grocery stores. Use cash or credit card. In the Metro, tickets can be bought from dispensers located in each station.
Additionally, there are around 500 businesses throughout the city where tickets can be purchased, such as convenience stores and pharmacies. Fare collectors on the platforms are also available for ticket purchase.
For regular riders, passes can be purchased at kiosks inside metro stations and loaded onto an OPUS card, which is the reusable smart card for TRAM fares. This allows for easy access to the Metro, buses, and commuter trains.
When it comes to bus fare, there are options to pay in cash upon entering the bus at the driver’s door. Alternatively, tickets and passes can also be used as payment for bus fare. Overall, there are several convenient options for purchasing tickets and passes for public transportation in Montreal.
Using an OPUS Card
The OPUS card is a highly convenient and versatile smart card designed for public transit and car sharing in Montreal. It offers numerous benefits, such as discounted fares, convenient access to multiple transportation services, and the ability to easily reload funds.
To purchase an OPUS card, individuals can visit designated points of sale, including transit stations and customer service centers. The card can be reloaded at these same locations, as well as online or through the mobile app.
When using public transit, simply tap the OPUS card on the card reader machines upon entering and exiting the bus or metro. The card can also be integrated with car-sharing services, allowing users to easily access and pay for car rentals with participating car-sharing companies.
How to Plan Your Trip?
To plan your trip using the STM and Exo trip planning tools, start by entering your starting location, destination, and preferred departure or arrival time into the online resources. Visit the STM website or download the STM and Exo apps to access the trip planning tool. Once you have entered your details, the tool will generate a list of recommended transit options for your trip. These options will include bus, metro, and commuter train routes, along with estimated travel times and transfer points.
Review the recommended transit options and select the best route for your trip based on your preferences for travel time, number of transfers, and mode of transport. You can also view real-time schedules, service disruptions, and fare information to better plan your trip.
By using the STM and Exo trip planning tools, you can easily calculate your optimal transit routes and travel with confidence and peace of mind. These tools are essential for anyone navigating the expansive public transit network in Montreal and its surrounding areas.
Some basic things to remember
Metro or bus? If you had a choice you can opt for metro over the bus. Much like any other place in the world, train lines are devoid of traffic jams especially during peak office hours. Trains also do not have to worry about diversions on account of any temporary construction work, say.
Night buses, on the other hand, are quite efficient given that metros do not ply during the night. You may want to explore this option over ride-hailing cabs which, through their surge pricing system, may charge a premium to carry passengers at odd hours.
Express buses: If you have a long commute between two stops, choose an express bus. It will save you time.
