How to Use the Metro in Montreal is the easiest way to get around the city—assuming the Metro serves your destination. At first glance, the instructions may seem a bit detailed, but in reality, everything is mostly common sense. This guide is designed for complete beginners, especially if you’ve never used the Montreal Metro before and aren’t quite sure where to start.
Steps
Step 1: Find the Nearest Montreal Metro Station
Start by locating the closest Montreal Metro station. Stations are easy to identify by their distinctive blue sign with a white downward-pointing arrow inside a circle.
In downtown Montreal, many stations are connected through an extensive underground tunnel network, so entrances may appear inside:
- Office buildings
- Shopping malls
- Underground passageways
Montreal Metro Lines Overview
- The Green Line runs mainly under De Maisonneuve Boulevard and continues east and west.
- The Orange Line runs under Viger Street and Saint-Jacques Street, then curves north on both sides of downtown.
Understanding the general layout helps you orient yourself before entering the system.
Reference:
- STM Metro Network Map: https://www.stm.info/en/info/networks/metro
Step 2: Know Your Destination Station
Before boarding, have a general idea of where you’re going and which metro station you need to reach. Even if you don’t know the exact station name, help is readily available:
- Large city maps are posted in every station
- Metro maps appear in every train car
- Pocket-sized maps are available from booth attendants
You’ll also find Montreal maps at many bus stops and throughout the city streets.
Reference:
- STM Maps and Schedules: https://www.stm.info/en/info/networks/metro/metro-map
Step 3: Enter the Metro Station
Enter the station through any entrance. Unlike some other metro systems, all Montreal Metro entrances work for both directions of travel.
With the exception of Longueuil–Université-de-Sherbrooke, every station allows you to change directions inside the paid area without exiting through the turnstiles. This makes correcting mistakes quick and easy if you ride too far.
Step 4: Buy a Metro Ticket or Pass
Purchase your ticket either from a vending machine or from the booth near the turnstiles. Some entrances, such as the Laurier Street entrance at Laurier Station, are unstaffed but still have ticket machines.
Important Ticket Tip
Keep your ticket with you at all times—it serves as:
- Proof of payment
- Your transfer to the Montreal bus system
Reference:
- STM Fares and Tickets: https://www.stm.info/en/info/fares
Step 5: Understand Train Directions
Montreal Metro trains are labeled by direction, which is defined by the last station on the line.
How to Choose the Correct Direction
- Find your current station on the map
- Locate your destination station
- Note the end-of-line station in that direction
Example:
If you are at Berri–UQAM and want to go to Pie-IX, take the Green Line in the direction of Honoré-Beaugrand.
Step 6: Plan for Transfers if Needed
Some trips require changing lines. Before boarding, note:
- Which station you will transfer at
- Which direction you’ll need after transferring
If you forget, don’t worry—maps are posted inside every train car and throughout stations.
Step 7: Follow the Correct Color and Direction Signs
Look for signs showing the correct line color and direction, then head downstairs to the platform. Wait for the train and board.
Montreal Metro Service Notes
- There are no express trains that skip stations
- Trains do not share tracks with different destinations
- During rush hour, some Orange Line trains may terminate at Henri-Bourassa instead of continuing to Montmorency
Station names are announced in French as the train departs and again upon arrival.
Reference:
- STM Service Information: https://www.stm.info/en/info/service-updates