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Getting around Montreal

Public transport: 

Montreal is served by a métro system, an extensive bus network and commuter rail services. Public transport services for Montreal are run by the Société de Transport de Montréal (STM) (tel: (514) 786 4636; www.stm.info). Commuter rail and off-island bus services are co-ordinated by the Agence Métropolitaine de Transport (www.amt.qc.ca).

The Montreal métro is clean and efficient, and consists of four lines and 68 stations , 10 of which are linked to Underground City. The average wait time between trains is eight minutes and three minutes during rush hour. It is integrated with the STM bus routes that crisscross the island. The métro and buses run approximately 05:30-12:30 and are supplemented by a limited system of 20 night bus routes. You can transfer between the métro and bus at no extra cost, using the same magnetised ticket and within 120 minutes. Off-island buses have separate fare structures. Ideal for tourists are the one-day and three-day fare cards, which provide unlimited use of bus and métro systems, including the 747 airport shuttle.

Taxis: 

Hailing a taxi is never a problem in Montreal and there are obvious taxi ranks dotted about. Tipping is expected. Two recommended taxi companies are Taxi Diamond (tel: (514) 273 6331) and Taxi Hochelaga (tel: (514) 256 9033).

Driving: 

Montreal drivers have a bit of a reputation with the rest of Canada as being somewhat reckless. If you choose to drive, stay alert and don’t be afraid to use your horn. Parking can be pesky and pricey. Street parking costs $1-$3 per hour, 0900–1800 and parking lots charge between $10-$20 per day.

Car hire: 

In general, drivers must be at least 21 years old and possess a national driving licence, credit card and insurance. An International Driving Permit is not required.

Car hire firms in Montreal include Avis (tel: (514) 866 2847 or 1 800 321 3652; www.avis.com); Discount (tel: (514) 798-7235; www.discountcar.com); Hertz (tel: (514) 938 1717; www.hertz.com) and Thrifty (tel: (514) 845 5954; www.thrifty.com).

Bicycle hire: 

Montreal has an extensive network of cycle routes and a popular bike hire scheme known as BIXI (www.bixi.com/home). Cyclists (residents and tourists alike) can rent a bike for a fixed time at a small fee.

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