inter-city

BUSES

Most intercity buses, operated by various carriers, leave from the gare d’autocars de Montréal, located at 1717 Berri, accessible via Berri-UQÀM metro station. Most routes are pretty cheap compared with trains or planes, and you can usually obtain a reduced fare with your institutional student ID or International Student Identification Card (ISIC). Unfortunately, Greyhound Canada permanently closed all of its services in Quebec and Ontario last year, but Greyhound USA has routes from Montreal to Boston and Montreal to New York. You can book tickets at greyhound.com. Please note that as of the time of publication, all non-U.S. citizens entering the States must still provide proof of full vaccination status.

Smaller carriers service the rest of Quebec, including Orléans Express (orleansexpress.com), Autobus Maheux (autobusmaheux.qc.ca), Groupe Galand (galland-bus.com) and Transdev Limocar (limocar. ca/en/home/). Note: Select Transdev Limocar buses depart from the Terminus Mansfield near Bonaventure metro at 997 St-Antoine W. +1 888-702-8726.

Additionally, Coach Canada’s double-decker Megabus (ca.megabus.com) is a popular option for those headed to Toronto, Kingston or one of their select stops along the way. There’s free wifi, and tickets operate on a sliding scale, with rates going up as the tickets sell — you’re likely to pay something in the $ 60–$100 range for a round trip. Please note: the Megabus departs from 997 St-Antoine W. (Bonaventure metro).

For the majority of intercity buses leaving and arriving at the Gare d’autocars de Montréal at Berri, call 514-842-2281 for bus schedules and prices, or visit gamtl.com and use their destination selector.

TRAINS

Inter-city trains arrive at and depart from Gare Centrale, at 895 de la Gauchetière W. (connected to Bonaventure metro), 514-989-2626. Canadian bookings can be made online at viarail.ca

Due to COVID-19, Amtrak routes to the United States remain suspended. For up to date information, please consult amtrak.com..

Although proof of vaccination is no longer required for rail travel, all passengers must wear a mask at all times. Exemptions are made for children under the age of six and individuals unable to wear a mask (medical certification required).

Fare finding tips

Check viarail.ca/en/offers/deals-discounts for special offers and best rates.

PLANES

As with rail travel, the proof of vaccination requirement has been lifted, but the mask requirement remains.

Passenger flights to and from Montreal go through Trudeau airport (YUL) in the West Island ’hood of Dorval. Track your flights at admtl.com. There are several ways to get to and from YUL:

STM

747 express bus

For $11 (or free if you have a monthly pass, day pass, three-day pass, weekend or full week pass), the STM airport shuttle gets you there or back in around 45 minutes. The 747 bus has two routes: the Berri-UQAM route conveniently stops at several places downtown and loops at the Gate d’autocars de Montreal main bus terminal; the Lionel-Groulx route makes one stop at Lionel-Groulx metro. Be sure to check the status of the 747 on the STM website before your trip.

STM bus

For a standard $ 3.50 fare, you can catch the 211 bus from Lionel Groulx metro to Dorval station, then transfer to the 204 bus. The trip takes a long time and you might end up waiting around between transfers, so this method is best for those who are truly adventurous, broke and have nothing better to do.

Taxi and Uber

If you catch a cab within the downtown area, it costs $ 41 even (plus tip, of course). Outside of that area, fares run on the meter, so they vary by time and distance. Uber can now pick up and drop off travelers at the airport.