Practical info
Montréal travel tips: getting here and getting around
The airport bus, the métro, the weather and the little things that surprise first-time visitors.
Bus 747, 24/7, to Berri-UQAM
- Leaves every 10 to 20 minutes, day and night.
- $11.25 fare = a 24-hour pass for bus, métro, exo trains and REM (zone A).
- Pay with exact change on board, in the Chrono app, or at the machines at arrivals door 28.
- Downtown terminus: René-Lévesque Blvd. at Berri St., next to the station. Berri-UQAM station guide →
Stops to Gare Centrale
VIA Rail trains arrive at Gare Centrale, under downtown: take the orange line to Bonaventure. Intercity coaches use the Gare d'autocars, right beside Berri-UQAM.
Métro lines, one fare system
Three of the four lines meet at Berri-UQAM. Buy a 24-hour, 3-day or weekly pass at station machines or in the Chrono app; check the STM website for current prices and tonight's last train.
Tax added at the till
Prices are shown before GST (5%) and QST (9.975%). Cards are accepted almost everywhere; carry a little cash for markets.
In restaurants, bars and taxis
Calculated on the pre-tax amount. The card terminal will suggest percentages; pick one or enter your own.
Bike share, spring to fall
Stations all over the central neighbourhoods, and protected bike lanes on major streets. Pay by the ride in the app or at the station.
Local tip: Shops often greet you with “Bonjour-hi”. Answer in whichever language you like and staff will follow.
What the weather is really like
A 40-degree swing between January and July. Snow usually covers the ground from late November to mid-March.
Average daily low and high, by month (°C)
Summer
Festival season. Hot, lively and the busiest time of year.
- International jazz festival
- Comedy festival in July
- Fireworks over La Ronde
- Book rooms months ahead
Fall
Our favourite. Mild days, red maples and lower hotel prices.
- Fall colours on Mount Royal
- Harvest at Jean-Talon Market
- Terraces still open in September
- Good deals after Thanksgiving
Winter
Real snow, bright cold days and a city that parties outside anyway.
- Outdoor electronic music parties in January
- Light and food festival in February
- Skating in the Old Port
- Underground city for cold days
Spring
Quiet and cheap, with the first terraces and sugar shack season.
- Sugar shacks just outside the city
- Few crowds at the big sights
- Grand Prix weekend fills hotels
- Pack for rain and mud
Questions visitors ask us
How do I get from the airport to downtown?
Take STM bus 747 from outside the arrivals level. It runs 24/7, ends at Berri-UQAM, and the $11.25 fare is also a 24-hour pass for the bus, métro, exo trains and REM in zone A. Pay with exact change on board, in the Chrono app or at the airport machines.
How many days do I need in Montréal?
Three days covers the highlights: Old Montréal, Mount Royal and the Plateau, plus a market and the islands. Add a fourth for a day trip to Québec City.
Do I need to speak French?
No. French is the official language, but English is widely spoken downtown and in tourist areas. A simple "Bonjour" when you walk in is always appreciated.
When is the best time to visit?
September and early October: warm days, fall colours and lower prices. June to August has the festivals but also the crowds and the highest hotel rates.
How much should I tip?
15 to 20% of the pre-tax bill in restaurants and bars, and for taxis. Card terminals suggest amounts; you can always choose your own.
Why is the price higher at the till?
Prices in Québec are shown before tax. GST (5%) and QST (9.975%) are added when you pay, about 15% in total.
Is Montréal safe for tourists?
Montréal is generally considered one of North America's safer big cities. Use normal big-city care at night around busy stations, including Berri-UQAM. Emergency number: 911.
Sleep one block from three métro lines.
Staying near Berri-UQAM means the airport bus drops you at your door and every sight on this site is a few stops away.
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