Getting to Montréal
Montréal is an international destination of choice, easily accessed by land, water and air (downtown is a mere 20 minutes from the YUL Montréal-Trudeau International Airport).
By plane
You’ll certainly appreciate that YUL Montréal-Trudeau International Airport is located just 20 minutes from downtown. Upon arrival, you’ll find everything you need, including tourist information and various options for making your way to the heart of the city: car rentals, limousine and taxi service, as well as airport shuttles. The 747 Express bus operates 24/7/365 and will get you to one of the nine downtown stops in 40 to 60 minutes (depending on traffic).
By train
The VIA Rail network connects many major cities to Montréal, and it is by far the easiest way to access downtown. You can choose from 17 daily departures from the Gare centrale, which also gives you access to the Bonaventure metro station, taxi, car sharing, bus, BIXI bike rentals and the Underground Pedestrian Network. You can bring your bike on certain VIA Rail trains too. If you are coming from the United States, the Amtrak trains usually offer daily departures from many American cities to downtown Montréal.
By car
Coming to Montréal by car is made easier by the various highways and bridges leading right into the city centre. Did you know that Montréal is an island and it’s just 75 kilometres (46 miles) from the U.S. Border and right on the Trans-Canada Highway? Depending on your point of origin, you may take one of the major bridges—Champlain, Jacques-Cartier or Victoria—or the Louis-Hippolyte-La Fontaine bridge-tunnel to head downtown. Canada uses the metric system, so speeds are indicated in kilometres (100 km/h = 62 mph) and gas is sold in litres (3 3/4 litres = 1 US gallon). Keep in mind that you can’t turn right on red in Montréal or use a hand-held cell phone while driving.
By ship
Arriving by boat or by cruise ship has become an increasingly popular way to get to Montréal. Every year, thousands of cruise passengers choose Montréal as their cruise starting point or destination. In 2017, Montréal inaugurated a freshly updated passenger terminal at the Grand Quay of the Port of Montréal in the Old Port of Montréal. Several marinas host private vessels along the St. Lawrence River and elsewhere.
By bus
If you are planning a trip by bus, rest assured that many American and Canadian operators come to Montréal. You will arrive directly downtown at the Montréal Bus Central Station, which is also connected to the Underground Pedestrian Network via the Berri-UQAM metro station.