Greater Montréal can count on a varied and well-organized transportation network. Here’s a quick overview:
Metro and Bus
On the Island of Montréal, the Société de transport de Montréal provides public transit service by metro or bus. Visit its website or download its application to check routes, rates and schedules.
On the South Shore, public transit is provided by the Réseau de transport de Longueuil (RTL), whereas in Laval, you are serviced by the Société de transport de Laval (STL).
Commuter Trains
Greater Montréal residents can also rely on Agence métropolitaine de transport (AMT) commuter trains. Rates, schedules, service status: you’ll find all of this information on the AMT website.
Car-Sharing
A car-sharing pioneer in Québec, Communauto offers its members the possibility of reserving a car for short periods. As for its Auto-mobile service, it allows you to use a self-service car parked in the city.
Driver’s licence
If you plan to use a service such as Communauto, you must have a driver’s licence. The SAAQ (Société de l’Assurance Automobile du Québec – Québec automobile insurance corporation) is responsible for all matters concerning the Québec driver’s licence.
If you wish to take your driver’s licence while you are studying, you can do so. Among other things, you must provide proof that you are authorized to stay in Canada for a period of at least 6 months.
Already have a driver’s license in your home country? You could use it if it meets the SAAQ’s requirements.
If you decide to stay in Québec after your studies, you will need to obtain a Québec driver’s licence. There are agreements between Québec and certain countries; check if you can benefit from them.
Bike-Sharing System
Launched in 2013, BIXI has quickly become a favorite of Montrealers and tourists. With over 2,400 self-service electric BIXI’s and over 7,000 regular BIXI’s spread out across over 700 stations throughout Montréal, Westmount and Longueuil, this service is a must for life in urban Montréal.
Bike Lanes
Whether you get on a BIXI or your own bike, over 3,450 km of bike lanes criss-crossing Greater Montréal and its surroundings await you!
To head out on two-wheels and explore Montréal’s north or south shores, consult the following maps for bike route networks outside the Island:
- Ville de Longueuil bicycle network map;
- Ready to pedal in Montérégie;
- Bicycle and active transportation in Laval.
To Head Out to the Countryside or Leave the Province or Country
Interested in taking a weekend sightseeing trip or business trip to the city of Québec, Ottawa or Toronto? A coach departing from the Gare d’autocars de Montréal or VIA Rail train departing from the Central Station will take you there in just a few hours. In a hurry? Head out to Montréal-Trudeau airport for a flight with Air Canada, Air Transat, Porter or Westjet.
Did you know?
More and more Montrealers are no longer putting their bikes in winter storage as demonstrated by the growing number of members in the Facebook Vélo d’hiver- Montréal group. And the City is beginning to keep up with the pace: currently, 60 km of bike lanes are maintained all winter long in Montréal.
Find out more
- Transit, the application to plan your trips in Montréal
- Public Transport in Montréal (Ville de Montréal, in French only)
- Transport section on the Communauté métropolitaine de Montréal website (only in French)
- VIA Rail Canada : student and youth offers
