Montreal Getting Around

Getting Around Montreal - Round the clock bus services
Despite its dense population Montreal has a surprisingly compact city centre that is mostly flat and easy to explore on foot. Traffic calming measures have ensured that many central streets are car free and it is an exceedingly pleasant city in which to stroll around at random. Getting around Montreal by public transport consists of bus and an underground metro system. Local buses are modern, value for money and punctual although disruptions are inevitable during heavy winter snowfall. Around a dozen city centre bus routes operate around the clock seven days a week. For less populated areas there is a taxi-bus service for getting around Montreal. As its name suggests it is a combination of a bus and taxi. A large saloon car able to accommodate 5 passengers runs at designated times on a fixed route and can be hailed from the kerbside. Fares are only marginally more expensive than a conventional bus.

Getting Around Montreal - A modern metro network
The city wide metro network is unsurprisingly the quickest and most convenient way of getting around Montreal with 5 separate lines which criss cross the city and business district. It runs from 7am until midnight and carriages are spacious with plenty of luggage space. Virtually all stations are accessible to disabled travellers with lifts and ramps. Bilingual self service ticket machines offer day, weekend and weekly passes. Montreal has a temporary bike hire service where cycles can be picked up and dropped off at any one of over 300 stations across town. It provides a relaxing and fun way of touring the city sights and is a sure way to keep fit while on holiday!

Getting Around Montreal - Enjoy a relaxing river cruise
Montreal has the lowest car ownership rate of any city in North America with over one third of all households relying completely on public transport. As a result roads are rarely congested. For most people content to stay within the city car hire is surplus to requirements. There are several other imaginative ways of getting around Montreal. During winter months adventurous tours of the city can be enjoyed by snowmobile and there are even guided tours on inline skates which are sure to be popular with energetic teenagers. Montreal city centre is essentially an island and a relaxing boat trip is a must for all visitors. Reward yourself with a Parisian style bateau mouche dinner cruise or a fun trip on an amphibious duck tour on land and water.