Everything you need to know about living, working or studying in Montreal

Public transport

The Société de Transport de Montréal (STM) manages the public transport in Montreal. The STM offers different fares that you can find out about on their website. A single ticket costs CA$3.75 and a monthly pass costs CA$97.

If you want to buy passes, you must add these onto an OPUS card, which costs CA$6 to buy. You can buy an OPUS card at metropolitan ticket offices and fare vending machines located in various train and bus stations.

Be careful, as you risk a lot (a fine of CA$150-$500 or even prosecution) if you get caught without a valid fare.

The Montreal public transportation network includes four metro lines and multiple bus lines. It’s possible to connect between the metro and the bus (and vice versa) with the same ticket. Bus lines are divided between local networks (lines 10 to 249) and express lines (line 400, serving only major stops).

Directions are generally announced in directions, for example, “Line 411 eastbound.” Stops are rarely announced on the bus, so you need to know a little about Montreal’s geography, use your phone (Google or Apple maps), or ask the driver for help.

Note that you have to pay an additional CA$3.75, even if you already have a ticket, to take the yellow line to Longueuil on the south shore.

Walking in Montreal

If you wear comfortable shoes (Montreal is a large city), it can be enjoyable to explore on foot. The Underground City is particularly useful for getting around during the harsh winters. Be mindful, however, as some Montreal streets can be 10 km long, so it can take some time to “just pop down the street”!

Watch out for treacherous ice on the sidewalks during winter.

Cycling in Montreal

Cycling is the preferred means of transportation for Montrealers. Remember it is obligatory to wear a helmet in Montreal. Many cycle paths cross the city and will allow you to get to work or just go out for a ride. It is easy to find a used bike in shops or online.

Bicycle theft can be common and you ideally need a space (indoors) to store it during the winter season. If you don’t want to bother with buying a bike, you can borrow one for a few minutes or a few hours. The BIXI system offers simple rates (reductions are possible if you have an OPUS card) and prices range from CA$22 for one month to CA$107 for the season (the service does not operate in the winter months!). BIXI allows you to pick up and drop off your bike at one of the many BIXI stations.

You can consult the map of bicycle lanes in Montreal on the city’s website. In winter, not all of them will be maintained.

Buy or rent a car

Driving licence

Your home driving licence (possibly accompanied by an International Driving Permit) is valid throughout Quebec for up to six months. After this date, you will need to exchange your home licence for a Quebec licence.

Learn more about how to exchange your home licence for a Canadian licence in Everything you need to know to rent a vehicle in Canada.

The road network, buying a car, and parking in Montreal

Because Montreal is built on an island, you can experience a lot of traffic. Even though Montreal is connected to the south and north shores by several bridges, they are all congested during rush hour. It can sometimes take an hour to cross to the south bank. It is advisable to avoid driving into or out of Montreal at these peak times and to use the metro or the bus, which sometimes has reserved lanes.

Montreal is also a city that undergoes road work all year round. There are many detours and you have to be patient to cover even short distances.

Purchasing a car is only really necessary when you work outside of Montreal (public transport networks there are limited or sometimes non-existent). You might also need a car if you want to explore Quebec on the weekends!

Remember, too, that parking your vehicle outside your home requires certain logistics. Unless you have a rare parking space in your residence, you must request a sticker from your district of residence (this costs around CA$100 per year, depending on your situation and your vehicle).

Before you decide to buy a car, you should also think about the chore of clearing snow and defrosting your windshield in the morning, and moving your car when the snow plough passes through.

Check out our guide to Buying a car in Canada.

Car rental

A “community” car rental system is offered by companies such as Communauto. There are offers (with or without the need for a subscription) for intra-city rentals or to travel for a few days. Find your vehicle and choose it via the app!

Note that to register, you will need a local driving licence, a local credit card and a credit check… which you won’t necessarily have in the first few weeks after you’ve arrived.

Fortunately, in Montreal, all the major “classic” rental companies are also present: Avis, Hertz, Dollar, Budget, etc.