Montreal Public Transportation: Avoid This #1 Mistake That Trips Up Every Visitor

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Moving to a new city is exciting, but figuring out how to get around can feel like a big puzzle. If you’re looking at a map of Montreal’s public transit system and feeling a bit lost, you’re not alone. Let’s be honest, every big city’s transit map can look like a plate of spaghetti at first glance. We’re here to turn that confusion into confidence.

This article is designed for newcomers just like you. We’ll break down the entire Montreal public transportation system into simple, easy-to-understand parts. You will learn about the metro and bus network, find the simplest ways to pay for your ride, and get to know other great options like the BIXI bike service and the new REM airport train.

Table of Contents

Understanding Montreal’s main transit system (STM)

The Société de transport de Montréal, or STM, runs the city’s main public transportation network. It includes the metro and an extensive bus system, which are designed to work together to get you almost anywhere you need to go.

The Montreal metro

The metro is the fastest way to travel through the core of the city. The system is clean, safe, and easy to navigate once you understand its four main lines, each identified by a colour.

Line 1 (Green): Runs east to west across the city.
Line 2 (Orange): Forms a wide U-shape, connecting the north and south ends of the island through downtown.
Line 4 (Yellow): A short line that connects Montreal to the South Shore via Île Sainte-Hélène.
Line 5 (Blue): Runs through diverse northern neighbourhoods like Côte-des-Neiges and Villeray.

Two stations are especially important for transfers: Berri-UQAM connects the Green, Orange, and Yellow lines, while Lionel-Groulx connects the Green and Orange lines on the west side of downtown.

The metro generally runs from 5:30 AM to about 1:00 AM on weekdays and Sundays, with service extended to 1:30 AM on Saturdays.

The STM bus network: connecting the neighbourhoods

Montreal’s bus network is vast, with over 200 routes that reach areas the metro doesn’t. Buses are your key to exploring specific neighbourhoods and are essential for daily commutes outside the downtown core.

A key route for newcomers is the 747 YUL Airport bus, which offers 24/7 service between the airport and downtown. Buses are also the main form of transportation late at night after the metro closes.

Getting to know these systems is an important task that forms a key part of the essential checklist for your first month as a newcomer in Canada.

Paying your fare: the OPUS card and other options

The payment system for Montreal public transport is unified across the metro and bus network, making transfers simple. While you cannot use credit cards or bills on board, you can pay for a single trip with exact change (coins only) directly on the bus. However, for seamless transfers, using a pre-loaded OPUS card is strongly recommended.

The OPUS card: your reusable transit pass

Think of this as your golden ticket to getting around the city. The most common way to pay is with an OPUS card. It’s a smart card that you can load with different types of fares, from single trips to a monthly pass. You simply tap the card on the reader at the metro station or when you board a bus.

A Quick Guide to Montreal’s Fare Zones

Before you buy a ticket, it’s important to know that Montreal’s public transit system is divided into four fare zones, managed by the ARTM (Autorité régionale de transport métropolitain). The price of your ticket depends on how many zones you need to travel through.

Here’s a simple breakdown:

Zone A: This is the main zone and covers the entire island of Montreal. All standard STM metro and bus services are within this zone.
Zone B: This covers the areas immediately off-island, including Laval and the Longueuil metro station.
Zone C: This includes the suburbs further out on the North and South shores.
Zone D: This is the outermost zone for commuter travel.

👉 Pro-Tip for Newcomers: If you plan on staying on the island of Montreal, a standard “All Modes A” pass (like a 1-trip, 1-day, or monthly pass) is all you need. If you need to take the metro to Longueuil or Laval, you must purchase an “All Modes AB” fare, as a Zone A pass will not work.

Other fare options for visitors and occasional riders

If you’re not commuting daily, you can buy tickets for a set number of trips or for an unlimited period. These are loaded onto a disposable chip card or your OPUS card.

Fare Type	Cost (CAD)	Best For
1-Trip	$3.75	A single, one-way ride with a transfer.
2-Trips	$7.00	A round trip or two separate rides.
Unlimited Evening Pass	$5.75	Unlimited travel from 6 PM to 5 AM.
1-Day Pass	$11.00	A full day of exploring the city.
3-Day Pass	$21.25	A weekend trip or short visit.
Weekly Pass	$30.00	A full week of commuting (valid from Monday to Sunday).
Monthly Pass	$97.00	Regular commuting for a calendar month.

Selecting the most cost-effective pass based on your travel needs is a simple but powerful part of living a more affordable life in Canada.

Where and how to buy fares

You can buy and reload OPUS cards or purchase other passes at fare vending machines inside every metro station. You can also visit authorized retailers like pharmacies (Jean Coutu, Pharmaprix) and some convenience stores (couche-tard).

“Pro-tip for anyone new: Don’t wait until the 1st of the month to buy your monthly pass. The lines at the machines in major metro stations are insane. You can load the next month’s pass onto your OPUS card as early as the 20th of the current month. Do it then!”
— Comment from a Reddit user in r/montreal

Beyond the metro and bus: more ways to get around

While the STM covers most of the island, a few other services complete the transportation in Montreal, connecting you to the airport, suburbs, and even offering a fun way to see the city.

REM (Réseau express métropolitain): the new light rail link

The REM is a new, fully automated light rail train system. It’s a game-changer for getting to and from the YUL Montréal-Trudeau Airport, offering a fast and direct link to downtown’s Central Station. As the network expands, it will connect more of the Greater Montreal area.

BIXI bikes: Montreal’s public bike-sharing system

From April to November, you’ll see BIXI bike stations all over the city. This public bike-sharing service is perfect for short, one-way trips. You can rent a bike using the BIXI app and return it to any station near your destination. It’s a fantastic way to soak up that precious Montreal summer sun and enjoy the city’s amazing bike paths.

Exo commuter trains: connecting to the suburbs

If you live in or need to visit the suburbs, the Exo network operates commuter trains that connect the North and South Shores to downtown Montreal. This is a key part of the larger Montreal train system, with main terminals at Central Station and Lucien-L’Allier.

For many newcomers, the decision between city and suburban life is a big one, and the reach of the exo network is a major factor in how to choose a community to live in.

Putting It Into Practice: Your First Commute

Knowing the system is one thing, but using it for the first time can be a little nerve-wracking. This short walkthrough will guide you through a typical bus-to-metro trip, turning you into a confident rider in no time.

Step 1: Buying Your First Fare at the Metro Station

Before you can ride, you need a fare. For your first trip, we recommend starting with a simple 2-trip ticket.

Go to a fare vending machine inside any metro station and select your language.
On the screen, choose the option to “Buy a fare” and select the “2-Trip” fare. This gives you a disposable chip card good for a round trip.
Pay using a debit or credit card. The machine will dispense your new card, and you’re ready to go.

Step 2: Taking Your First Bus Ride

Find your bus stop outside—look for the sign with the bus number and route. When the bus arrives:

Get on through the front doors.
Tap your card on the reader located next to the driver. You’ll hear a beep and see a green light, confirming your fare is paid. This tap also automatically starts your 120-minute transfer period.
When your stop is approaching, press the red ‘Stop’ button on the poles or pull the yellow cord running along the windows to signal to the driver.

Step 3: Making the Bus-to-Metro Transfer

This is where newcomers often get confused, but it’s simple.

Get off the bus and walk into the nearest metro station.
At the turnstiles, tap your card again.
Don’t worry—you will not be charged a second time. As long as you are within the 120-minute window from your first tap on the bus, the system recognizes it as a transfer and the gates will open for you.

Step 4: Navigating the Metro

Once you’re through the turnstiles, look up.

Follow the overhead signs for your metro line’s color and the direction (which is the name of the last station on the line).
On the platform, wait safely behind the yellow line on the floor.
When you board the train, look at the map above the doors. It shows all the stations on the line, and a light will often indicate the next stop, so you’ll know exactly when to get off.

You’ve just completed your first trip. It’s that simple!

Tips for a smooth ride

Planning your trip with apps and tools

Don’t guess the schedule. Use the official STM website or a third-party app like Transit or Chrono. They provide real-time bus locations and metro schedules, helping you plan your trip and avoid long waits.

General etiquette and safety on board

Montrealers are generally polite on public transit. To fit right in, offer your seat to the elderly, pregnant individuals, or those with disabilities. If you have a backpack on when it’s busy, take it off and hold it to create more space. For safety, always be aware of your surroundings and keep your valuables secure.

A Practical Guide to Accessibility on the STM

The STM is actively working to make the network more accessible for riders with limited mobility. Here’s how to navigate the system.

Using the Bus

All STM buses are equipped with a kneeling function and an access ramp.

Getting the Driver’s Attention: When the bus approaches, make sure you are visible at the front of the bus stop line and signal to the driver that you need the ramp.
Boarding: The driver will lower the bus and deploy a ramp. Once you’re on board, head to the priority seating area, which is usually marked with blue seats.
Securing Your Spot: This area is designed for wheelchairs and mobility scooters. You can secure your device using the available mechanisms.
Requesting Your Stop: When your stop is next, press the blue wheelchair stop-request button. This signals to the driver that you will need the ramp to get off.

Using the Metro

A growing number of metro stations have elevators, but not all of them do.

Plan Ahead: Before you leave, always check the STM website for an up-to-date list of accessible stations. This will show you which stations have elevators and if they are currently in service.
Finding the Elevators: In stations, elevators are marked with the universal wheelchair symbol. At large, multi-level hubs like Berri-UQAM, you may need to follow signs carefully to find the correct elevator that takes you down to your specific metro line platform.

For those who are eligible, the STM also offers a paratransit service with door-to-door transportation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my partner and I share one OPUS card?

No, each person needs their own valid fare, so you cannot share one OPUS card for the same trip. For single rides, you can purchase separate disposable chip cards at the vending machine.

What happens if my 120-minute transfer expires before I finish my trip?

Your transfer is valid as long as your final tap onto a bus or into the metro is within the 120-minute window. You can then complete your journey without issue, even if it ends after the time is up.

I took the metro to Longueuil and my pass didn’t work. Why?

The Longueuil station is outside Montreal’s main fare zone (Zone A), so a regular city pass will not work. You must purchase a specific “All Modes ABC” fare to travel there.

Can I use my OPUS card on commuter trains?

Yes, you can load specific Exo fares onto your OPUS card to use the commuter train network.

I lost my OPUS card with my monthly pass on it. Is the money gone?

If your OPUS card was registered or had a photo ID, you can have the remaining balance transferred to a new card. Unfortunately, the value on an anonymous, unregistered card is lost.

How late does the metro run?

The metro typically runs from 5:30 AM to 1:00 AM, with extended hours until 1:30 AM on Saturdays. Night bus routes run after the metro closes.

My OPUS card stopped working but I know it has fares on it. What do I do?

This can happen if the card’s chip is damaged. You can take it to the main STM photo studio at Berri-UQAM station, where they can test it and transfer the remaining fares to a new card.

Can I bring a bike on the metro?

Yes, but with strict rules. Bikes are only allowed in the first car of the train, are not permitted during rush hours on weekdays, and may be restricted entirely during major festivals due to crowds.

How do the night buses work? Are the stops the same?

Night bus routes (marked with an owl symbol) often follow main daytime routes but may use different stops. It’s important to check the specific stop location for the 300-series night bus on a trip planner app, as it might be across the street from the daytime stop.

How do I use the system during a big festival like the Jazz Fest or Osheaga?

Expect huge crowds at nearby metro stations. The best strategy is to buy your return fare in advance to avoid massive lines at the machines after the event. Also, be aware of the last train times and have a night bus route planned as a backup.

Conclusion

Getting to know Montreal’s public transportation is the first step to truly discovering the city. With the metro, bus, REM, and BIXI bikes, you have a complete network ready to take you anywhere, from the top of Mont-Royal to the shores of the St. Lawrence River.

Now that you can navigate the city, a great next step is connecting with local support organizations; our guide to the best settlement agencies in Montreal lists free resources for housing, employment, and more.