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Public transportation in Montreal is cheap, reliable and convenient. It’s no wonder why Montreal’s Urban transportation system is one of the best in North America. The Montreal bus system, commuter Trains and Metro (subway) system are closely intertwined. Between all these urban transportation options, you can pretty much get anywhere on the island as well as the surrounding regions. The STM (Montreal Transport Society) is responsible for Montreal’s buses and metro (Subway) system. Their Network of buses and metro span the entire island of Montreal. They also offer various passes that give you unlimited access to their buses and metro. You’ll find fares, schedules, maps and much more on the STM website.

North America’s Best Transportation Network

Public transportation in Montreal includes 68 Metro stations over 200 bus lines. Nearly 4 million people use Montreal’s public transportation system, making it one of the best public transit systems in all of North America. In fact, Montreal’s public transportation has been recognized by the American public transit Association as the best public transport agency in North America for 2010.

Public Transportation in Montreal: City Buses

Depending on how long you are staying in Montreal, you might want to consider the various transit passes that are available. Buses depart from various stations between 06:00 to midnight each day and travel around more than 150 different routes. Bus drivers in Montreal do not actually sell tickets on board and these can be purchased from convenience stores and metro stations, where there are often manned booths and ticket machines.

Public Transportation in Montreal: The Metro System

Montreal’s Metro is closely coupled with the bus and commuter train, as well as the national and the international train systems. Like any urban transit service it gets very crowded during rush hours. The Montreal metro is such an important part of the Urban transportation in Montreal that a separate page has been created for it. You can view the Montreal metro transportation page here.

Public Transportation in Montreal: Transfers

You can pay for your bus trips using coins, but it’s important to note that you must have exact change. After payment, you should keep the card that comes out of the reader. This card serves as both your transfer ticket and your proof of payment. If you need to use more than one STM vehicle for your trip, you can use the transfer card after you’ve paid your single fare. Transfers are good for a period of two hours.

Where to buy tickets

Public transportation tickets can be purchased from the dispensers in the Metro, from the clerks and the Metro boots, and at nearly 500 businesses around Montreal, some of which include pharmacies or convenience stores.

One day and three-day passes

If you are planning on visiting Montreal for couple of days, then it is recommended to purchase the one-day or three day passes. These passes allow you to visit Montreal without having to worry about the number of trips you’re going to make. These passes allow you to board any of Montreal’s buses, and use the Metro as many times as you like.

Buses to Montreal’s airport

The 747 bus line connects Montreal’s downtown area with Montreal’s Montreal-Trudeau airport. This bus line runs seven days a week with buses leaving every 20 min. during peak hours and every 20 min. during off hours. The one-day and three-day passes are also valid on this bus.

Montreal’s Surrounding Areas (Laval and South Shore) Public Transportation

The STL (Laval Transport Society) is responsible for connecting Montreal to its Northern Laval Area. The STL has its own buse and metro (Subway) system and works closely with the STM to insure that connections into the Montreal commuter system is smooth and efficient. The Metro’s Orange line can be used to connect to Laval. The Longueil Transit is used to connect Montreal with its surrounding South Shore area. Montreal’s transit system connects to the Longueil on the south shore via the Metro’s Yellow Line.