Montreal can be reached by air from dozens of countries, with many carriers flying direct or via Toronto. Air Canada is the countries international airlines. Montreal has two international airports, Trudeau in the city and Mirabel to the north, in the Laurentian's region. Mont Tremblant has recently inaugurated an international Airport of its own. The St-Hubert regional airport is located on the south shore in the Monteregie region, just to the south of the city.

Via Rail and Amtrak provide passenger rail service to the city, with connections into Atlantic Canada, the U.S., Ontario and points west.

Bus service from the U.S. is provided by Greyhound, which also provides service from Ontario and the west. From the Atlantic Provinces Acadian Lines has service to Montreal.

  
 

If you're traveling by automobile the major border crossings from the U.S. are at Rock Island (Highway 91/55), Phillipesburg (Highway 89/133) and Lacolle ( Highway 87/15). Entry points from New Brunswick include Edmundston (Highway 2/185) and Campbellton (Highway 11/132 or 17/132). From Ontario the main points of entry to the province are Rigaud (Highway 417/40) or Riviere Beaudette (Highway 401/20). Access Map of the Montreal & Laval Regions Detailed Maps from the City of Montreal (French)

Montreal has an excellent urban transit system which is (dare I say it) efficient and well coordinated, which wasn't always the case. Buses generally hold to their schedule and connections between the different systems are becoming seamless thanks to the STC and AMT joint efforts. The jewel of the system is the Metro (the subway) which is a tourist attraction all to itself, It's clean, comfortable (except at rush hour, where it's passable) and fast. Each of it's innumerable stations was designed by a different architect and overall provide a fascinating exploration of the use of public space in an interconnected but far flung collection of stations. Most of Montreal's landmarks and tourist attractions are accessible by Metro.The AMT regional train and bus system provides access to certain off island locations. Check with their web site in our resources section for details.

Bicycles are permitted (with restrictions) on the Metro and certain lines of the AMT train system. Have a look at the Metro and AMT websites in our resources section for more information.

Air

Pierre Eliot Trudeau International Airport (formerly Dorval Airport) is located in the west central region of the city in Dorval, about 25 minutes from downtown (the trip gets significantly longer as rush hour approaches). Mirabel International is located in the Laurentian's region, off of Highway 15 (the Laurentian Autoroute). It takes about 50 minutes from downtown without traffic delays, but the route in or out of the city is often congested, sometimes even outside rush hours. Most of the air traffic has been moved back to the Trudeau airport in Dorval. Charters may fly in and out of Mirabel, check with your carrier to determine where you touchdown.

From downtown taxis fares to the Trudeau Airport are over $25 Canadian, while Mirabel, will set you back over $60, your best bet is to inquire before you get in the cab. You might want to look for alternatives such as shuttles from the major hotels downtown. As this is written there is a $10 airport improvement fee which you'll be charged as you leave the airport. For information on city buses, commuter trains, the Metro (subway) or other urban transit in Montreal click on the link.

Pierre Eliot Trudeau International Airport - (Dorval) Montreal, Quebec

Trudeau Airport
975 Romeo-Vachon North
Dorval, Quebec
H4Y 1H1
514-633-3105

The airport website provides information on parking, car rental, shuttle, limousine service, departure/arrivals and much more.

Mirabel Airport - Mirabel, Laurentians, Quebec

600 Commerce Street A4
Mirabel, Quebec
J7N 1E1
514 476-3010

The airport website provides information on parking, car rental, shuttle, limousine service, departure/arrivals and much more.

Mont Tremblant International Airport - Laurentians, Quebec

The airport is a short drive north of Mont Tremblant and can be reached from New York, Boston or Toronto in 2 to 2.5hrs. There is a shuttle service to the resort as well as packages available for skiing and golf.

Airlines - National and Regional

 

Rail

The main train terminus, Gare Central, is located in the downtown area. The station is just south of Rene Levesque Blvd, on La Gauchetiere, between Mansfield and University. It can be accessed from the Queen Elizabeth or Bonaventure Hotels. The nearest Metro (subway) is Bonaventure which can be accessed via the underground pedestrian walkway. West bound Via trains may stop at the Dorval station, inquire with the rail line.

  • Via - National Passenger Service
  • Amtrack - To and from the US 
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    There are also several commuter lines running in and around the city controlled by the ATM. These lines reach Rigaud (Monteregie) in the northwest, Blaineville and Deux Montagne in the Laurentians, Delson in the southwest (Monteregie) and St-Hilaire on the south shore (Monteregie). For information on city buses, commuter trains, the Metro (subway) or other urban transit in Montreal click on the link.

     

    Bus

    The main bus terminus, Station Centrale (Telephone 514-842-2281), is located in the eastern section of the downtown core at, 505 Blvd.du Maisonneuve Blvd. East, on the corner of Berri. The terminus has direct connections into several of the Metro (Subway) lines. In turn the Metro system connects into the commuter train network as well as the national and international services, allowing you to reach most anywhere in North America.

     

    Automobile

    The Coast-to-Coast Trans Canada Highway forms one of the main routes through the city from east to west (or west to east if you like). Locally, referred to as the Trans Canada, the T-Can or Highway 40, the central section of the Highway within the city is know as the Metropolitan. A second major highway, which lies to the south, and effectively parallels the Trans Canada, is Highway 20, which turns into the Ville Marie Expressway in the downtown area. The main north -south route in the city is the the Decarie Expressway, which connects the two east west arteries. Montreal is an island city and as such must be accessed by bridge or tunnel. These access points and the main highways get bottlenecked and get very slow during rush hours, particularly if your route includes the north or south shores. To access the island of Montreal the main highways are: from the north - Highway 13 or 15, from the east - Highway 40 or 30 (via the Louis-Hippolyte-Lafontaine Tunnel), from the south - Highway 10/15 and from the west - Highway 40 or Highway 20.

    The major border crossings from the U.S. are at Rock Island (Highway 91/55) and Lacolle (Highway 87/15). Entry points from New Brunswick include Edmundston (Highway 2/185) and Campbellton (Highway 11/132 or 17). From Ontario coming from the northwest you'll enter the province at Rigaud (Highway 417/40) or if you're coming from the west, at Riviere Beaudette (Highway 401/20). Access Map of Montreal and Laval Detailed Maps from the City of Montreal (French)

    The City of Montreal is hundreds of years old and grew without significant planning until recently. Montreal planners are a big believer in one way streets which make a lot of sense in many cases but often give visitors the willies. You may experience difficulty navigating parts of the city and our first recommendation is to leave the car at the hotel and use taxis or public transportation, particularly the Metro (subway) if it makes sense. Failing that make sure you have a good map and check the road and traffic reports before you go.

    For information on city buses, commuter trains, the Metro (subway) or other urban transit in Montreal click on the link.

    Gasoline is sold by the lit re (4.54 liters to an Imperial gallon which is 5/4th of an American gallon or about 3.6 liters to the American gallon - got that? ) and this is being writing a lit re of regular costs about 85¢ cents Canadian.

     

    Road Reports

    Road Reports - Quebec Road Reports

    Traffic Reports & Cams

    Montreal Traffic - 40 live cameras

    Border Crossing

    Boarder Crossing Wait Time - Updated every 10 minutes

    Automobile Rental

    All of the major rental companies have locations in Montreal. Most have kiosks at the Airports, along with other sites throughout the city. Use the links to find the appropriate location and to make reservations.

     

    RV's, Motor homes and Campers

    Eastern Townships

    • Caravans 55 - (819) 846-6055, Boomtown, Eastern Townships
    • Roulettes Evasion - Sherbrooke, Eastern Townships

     

    Driving Distances

    National & International

    • Boston - Montreal 520km (325 miles)
    • Buffalo - Montreal 610km (382 miles)
    • Detroit - Montreal 910km (569 miles)
    • Monkton - Montreal 1030km (644 miles)
    • New York - Montreal 610km (382 miles)
    • Ottawa - Montreal 220km (138 miles)
    • Quebec - Montreal 250km (156 miles)
    • Sherbrooke - Montreal 150km (95 miles)
    • Toronto - Montreal 550km (344 miles)

    Regional

    Monteregie - West and south (the south shore) of the Island

    • Saint-Jean-sr-Richelieu - Montreal - 40km (25 miles)
    • Sorrel - Montreal - 88km (55 miles)
    • Slobbery - Montreal - 61km (38 miles)
    • Saint-Hyacinth - Montreal 64km (40miles)

    Laurentians - North and Northwest of Montreal

    • Bosnian - Montreal - 20km (12.5 miles)
    • Steel - Montreal - 85km (53 miles)
    • La chute - Montreal - 75km (49 miles)
    • Mont Tremblant - Montreal - 125km (78 miles)
    • Morin-Heights - Montreal - 75km (49 miles)
    • Okay - Montreal - 52km (33 miles)
    • Piedmont - Montreal - 58km (36 miles)
    • Provost - Montreal - 55km (34 miles)
    • Rosemary - Montreal - 20km (12.5 miles)
    • Saint Agate - Montreal - 86km (54 miles)
    • Saint-Antoine - Montreal - 40km (25 miles)
    • Saintliest - Montreal - 42 (26 miles)
    • Saint - Montreal - 120 (75 miles)
    • Saintlier - Montreal - 43 (29 miles)
    • Sainte - Montreal - 68 (43 miles)
    • Sainte-There se - Montreal - 23 (14.5 miles)
    • Val-Morin - Montreal - 75 (47 miles)
    • Val David - Montreal - 80 (50 miles)

    Eastern Townships - South and southeast of Montreal

    • Sherbrooke - Montreal 147km (91miles)
    • Drummed - Montreal 111km (69 miles)
    • Grabby - Montreal 84km (52 miles)
    • Lac Megantic - Montreal 260km ( 162 miles)
    • Magog - Montreal 115km ( 71 miles)
    • Hertford Mines - Montreal 240km ( 149 miles)
    • Victoria ville - Montreal 165km (103 miles)

    Lanaudiere

    • Earthier - Montreal 80km (50 miles)
    • Joliet - Montreal 75km (47 miles)
    • St Do nat - Montreal 130km (81 miles)

     

    Urban Transit

    Montreal and Laval bus network is extensively woven throughout the two cities. The Montreal bus system, Taxi bus Service, the Commuter Train links and the Metro (subway) are closely coupled and between all of them, you can get pretty close to any island destination, along with many locations in the surrounding regions. There are transit passes which you might want to consider, depending on your schedule, your needs and most importantly the length of your stay.

    AMT (Agencies metropolitan de transport) - Montreal Region Commuter Trains

    You'll find fares, schedules, maps and much more on their site. The ATM reaches Rigaud (Monteregie) in the northwest, Blaineville and Deux Montagne in the Laurentians, Delson in the southwest (Monteregie) and St-Hilaire on the south shore (Monteregie)

    STCUM - Montreal's Buses and Metro (Subway)

    The STCUM site is a comprehensive site with fares, schedules and maps of the subway and bus system. You'll also find information on the Taxi bus Service and the Para transit service for the disabled.

    Societies de Transport de Laval - Laval's Transit Authority

    Laval has it's own transit authority which has worked closely with that of Montreal to ensure efficient connections into the Montreal commuter train system. Work is underway to connect Laval into the Montreal Metro system.

    Longueil Transit - Monteregie

    The Montreal transit system connects to the Longueil on the south shore via the Metro's Yellow Line.

    Metro - Montreal's Subway System

    Montreal has an excellent and safe subway system, know locally as the "Metro". There are over 60 stations, everyone distinctive in design and architecture. Exploring the Metro is almost a tourist attraction unto its self. Of course it's also a great way to take in the cities major sites, such as the Olympic Stadium, the Botanical Gardens, Old Montreal, Ste-Catherine Street and more. Metro Map from Metro Montreal

    The system has four lines. The Orange Line forms a deep U shaped path from Cote Vertu in the west to Henri Bourassa in the east, providing the major north south connections in the system. The Blue Line which travels roughly east west through the center of the city from Snowdon, on the western arm of the Orange Line, to Jean Talon on the eastern arm, then onto Saint Michel. The Green Line runs from Angrinon in Lasalle, intersecting the Orange Line at Lionel-Groulx in the west and Berri-UQAM in the east, then on to Honore-Beaugrand. The Yellow Line connects the Berri-Uqam station to Longueil on the south shore. The Metro is currently being extended into Laval.

    The Metro is closely coupled with the bus and commuter train, national and the international train systems. Like any urban transit service it gets very crowded during rush hours.

    You can take bicycles on the Metro but a number of restrictions apply, consult the STCUM website for details.

    The Unofficial Web Site for Montreal's Metro, has lots of excellent information, particularly in areas that are often overlooked. You'll also find some good photos of the cities subway system. We'll leave you with the question, is the Montreal Metro the world's largest object d'art?

     

    Taxis

    There are several companies which service the island and it's generally easy to get a cab. Of course this isn't always true, storms, holidays, festivals can prove exceptions. While taxis can be readily hailed, calling the dispatcher is definitely more dependable (if you have a cell phone, why not). All cabs have an initial fee, then additional mileage/time charges, which makes up the total fare. From the Airport the fare is metered but there is a minimum charge which is currently over $10.00 Canadian (some minimum).

    • Diamond - (514) 273-6331
    • Co-Op - (514) 725-9885
    • Veterans - (514) 273-6351

     

    Limousines

    Montreal has limousine service to and from its airports. Arrangements must be made prior to your departure or arrival.

     

    Airport Shuttle

    L'Aérobus

    L'Aerobus shuttle provides shuttle services between downtown Montreal and the two major airports. It also provides shuttle between the airports, if you need to make a connection. The shuttle is a less costly means of reaching the airport than either taking a taxi or a limo. For more information look in the Passenger Services section of the Airports de Montreal

     

    Ferries

    • Hudson/Okay / 450-458-4732
    • Longueil/Il-Charron / 450-442-9575
    • Longueil/Montreal / 514-281-8000
    • Parc Boucherville / 450-928-5088
    • Pointe Fortune/Carillon / 450-537-3412
    • Saint Denis/Saint Antoine-sur-Richelieu / 450-787-2759
    • Saint-Marc-sur-Richelieu/Saint-Charles-sur-Richelieu / 450-584-2813
    • Saint-Paul-de-L'Ile-aux-Noix/Ile-aux-Noir / 450-291-5700
    • Saint-Roch-de-Richelieu/Saint-Ours / 450-785-2161
    • Sorrel / 450-743-3258
    • Saint-Ignace-de-Loyola / 450-836-4600

     

    Maps

    Detailed Maps from the City of Montreal (French)

     

    Weather

    Montreal & Laval

     
     

    Resources

    Montreal

     

    Out-There's Destinations

     

     
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