Exploring Montreal: Free Bus Rides And City Vibes

Montreal has a comprehensive public transportation system, including an efficient metro system and bus service. The metro is the transport of choice for many locals, as Montreal's constant road construction often forces buses to change routes. However, the STM bus service covers a wider area, including the airport, West Island, and beyond. So, are buses free in Montreal? Unfortunately not. Bus fares are the same as the metro, at $3.75 CAD for a single ride, but you can only pay with cash or a pre-purchased ticket.

The metro is preferred over the bus by locals due to constant road construction

Montreal's public transportation system is quite popular among locals and tourists alike. The city offers an array of transit options, including buses, the metro, and other services. While the metro and bus systems cover much of the same areas in the city centre, the metro is generally preferred by locals over the bus. This preference can be largely attributed to the constant road construction in Montreal, which often forces buses to alter their routes.

The metro is widely regarded as a more efficient and pleasant mode of transportation compared to navigating the city's ever-changing detours by car or bus. It is considered clean, reliable, and expansive, covering the entire downtown core and extending into some Montreal suburbs, such as Lasalle, Laval, and the South Shore. In contrast, buses are more susceptible to delays caused by construction and are less consistent in their routes.

The metro system offers greater convenience with its extensive coverage and frequent service during rush hour, making it a more attractive option for commuters. During peak hours, trains arrive every 3 to 5 minutes, whereas bus schedules are more sporadic, with wait times ranging from 5 to 30 minutes. The metro also provides a more seamless travel experience, as transfers between lines can be made without exiting the station or purchasing additional tickets.

Montreal's metro system is also more accessible than buses in terms of fare payment options. While bus fares must be paid in cash or with a pre-purchased ticket, the metro accepts a variety of payment methods, including the popular Opus card, credit cards, and cash. The Opus card, in particular, is widely used by Montrealers and can be easily purchased and recharged at metro stations or through the Chrono app.

In addition to its reliability and accessibility, the metro offers advantages during specific times of the day. For commuters travelling after 6 pm, the evening pass provides unlimited rides until 5 am for a discounted price. Moreover, the metro's operating hours extend later into the night on weekends, making it a more attractive option for those seeking transportation beyond 1 am when the buses become the primary mode of transportation.

While the bus system provides coverage to areas beyond the city centre, such as the airport and the West Island, the constant road construction in Montreal makes the metro a more attractive option for locals and tourists seeking a seamless and efficient transportation experience.

The metro is reliable, clean, and covers the downtown core and suburbs

The Montreal Metro is a clean, reliable, and expansive rapid transit system serving Greater Montreal, Quebec, Canada. It covers the downtown core and extends into some Montreal suburbs such as Lasalle, Laval, and the South Shore. The metro is an excellent choice for commuters, as it is more efficient and pleasant than navigating the city's ever-changing road construction by car or bus.

The metro system is operated by the Société de transport de Montréal (STM) and consists of four colour-coded lines: the Green Line, the Orange Line, the Yellow Line, and the Blue Line. These lines serve the north, east, and centre of the Island of Montreal, with connections to Longueuil via the Yellow Line and Laval via the Orange Line. The metro has a total of 68 stations, with an average distance of 950 metres between each station. The system is also accessible for those with limited mobility, with over 26 stations equipped with elevators as of 2024.

The metro is very affordable, with single rides costing $3.75 CAD or $7 for two tickets. A 24-hour pass is available for $11, and an evening pass for unlimited travel after 6 pm until 5 am is $6. Children under 11 can ride for free when accompanied by an adult. The metro is very frequent during rush hour, with trains arriving every 3-5 minutes. During the evening, the service is less frequent, with wait times of up to 10 minutes from 9 pm onwards.

The Montreal Metro is an excellent choice for getting around the city, especially if you're staying in the downtown core or suburbs. It is reliable, clean, and extensive, making it a convenient and affordable way to explore Montreal.

Bus fares are the same as the metro but can only be paid with cash or pre-purchased tickets

Bus fares in Montreal are the same as the metro fares, but there is one crucial difference in how you can pay for your journey. Unlike the metro, where you have a variety of payment options, on the bus, you can only pay with cash or a pre-purchased ticket. This is an important distinction to make, as it means you must be prepared with the correct change or have already bought your ticket before boarding.

The fare for a single ride on the bus is $3.75 CAD, the same as the metro. You can also buy two tickets for $7, and there is a 24-hour pass available for $11, which is ideal if you plan to use the bus multiple times in a day. If you're travelling in the evening, there is an evening pass that offers unlimited travel from 6 pm until 5 am the next day for just $6. This evening pass could be a great option if you plan to enjoy Montreal's nightlife and will be out and about after dark.

It's worth noting that children under 11 can ride the bus for free, so if you're travelling with a family, you only need to worry about fares for the adults.

When it comes to where to buy your bus tickets, you won't be able to purchase them on the bus itself. Instead, you'll need to get them from a metro station or, less commonly, from some depanneurs (corner stores) or grocery stores. If you're buying single tickets, this may be a bit of an inconvenience, but if you plan to use the bus regularly, you might want to consider getting an Opus card.

The Opus card is a rechargeable card that you can use to pay for your bus fares, and it only costs $6. You can buy it at a metro station or through the Chrono app, and it's a very popular choice among locals. With the Opus card, you also have the option to buy weekly, monthly, or longer passes, which can save you money if you're staying in Montreal for an extended period.

So, while bus fares are the same as the metro in Montreal, the payment methods differ, and it's good to be aware of this to ensure a smooth journey.

The 747 Airport Shuttle Bus is an economical choice to get downtown from the airport

The 747 Airport Shuttle Bus is an extension of the STM bus service, providing a direct route from Montréal-Trudeau Airport to downtown Montreal and vice-versa. This bus service is one of the most economical ways to get downtown from the airport, costing $11 per person, which is a lot cheaper than a $40 taxi ride. The bus runs 24/7, with departures every 10 to 15 minutes during the day and every hour in the middle of the night. During peak hours, it's best to factor in at least 70 minutes of travel time to get to the airport.

You can buy your ticket in advance at Montréal-Trudeau Airport from the fare vending machines in the international arrivals area (door 28) or at the STM information counter. You can also purchase tickets at any Montreal Metro station, by credit card through Stationnement de Montréal's street parking pay stations, and at the tourist centres at Dorchester Square and in Old Montreal, as well as at the Central Bus Station.

If you're buying your ticket on the bus, you'll need to pay in cash with the exact amount in coins, as the driver does not accept paper bills. The bus offers a 24-hour pass for the bus, metro, exo train, and REM in zone A (the Montreal Agglomeration). This means you can use your ticket for unlimited access to Montreal's transit system for a full day after purchasing it.

The 747 Airport Shuttle Bus is a convenient and affordable option for travellers and locals alike. With its frequent departures and extensive operating hours, it provides a reliable connection between the airport and downtown Montreal.

The STM bus will take you further than the metro, including to the airport and West Island

The STM bus is a great way to get around Montreal and can take you further than the metro. The bus network extends beyond the city centre to the airport and West Island, as well as other areas beyond. This makes it a convenient option for those travelling to and from the airport, or those wanting to explore beyond the downtown core.

The STM bus is a good alternative to the metro, especially considering Montreal's road construction, which often forces bus routes to change. The bus is also a good option for those travelling at night, as the metro closes at 1 am. The night bus schedule is comprehensive, making it easy for commuters to get home.

The STM bus is also a good option for those travelling with children, as kids under 11 ride for free. This can be a more affordable option for families.

The STM bus is part of Montreal's public transit system, which also includes the metro, the 747 Airport Shuttle Bus, BIXI bike-sharing, and car-sharing services. The STM bus is a useful option for getting around Montreal and can take you to many places that the metro doesn't reach.

• Routes: The STM bus covers a wide area, including the airport, West Island, and beyond.
• Hours: Buses run 24 hours a day, filling in the gap when the metro is closed from 1 am to 5:30 am.
• Fares: Fares are the same as the metro at $3.75 CAD, but you can only pay with cash or a pre-purchased ticket. Transit cards are not sold on the bus.
• Transfers: You can transfer from the bus to the metro on a single fare, but re-entry into the metro is not included.
• Accessibility: Not all STM buses are wheelchair accessible, but there are wheelchair-accessible routes available.
• Delays: Be prepared for significant delays in the winter, especially after snowfall.
• Safety: If you're travelling alone at night, you can ask the driver to let you off between stops for added safety.

The STM bus is a great option for getting around Montreal and can take you further than the metro. With its extensive network, affordable fares, and accessibility options, it's a convenient and reliable choice for both locals and tourists.

Frequently asked questions