Navigating the Montreal Metro requires understanding four distinct color-coded underground lines operated by the Société de transport de Montréal (STM). Spanning 68 stations across the island and connecting to neighboring Laval and the South Shore, the network functions as the backbone of the city's transit system, integrating closely with the underground pedestrian network known as RÉSO.
Single-ride tickets cost $3.75 and include free transfers to regular bus routes within a 120-minute window, provided you use an OPUS card or valid contactless fare media. Trains run daily from roughly 5:30 AM until past midnight, with rush-hour frequencies dropping to every two to three minutes on major trunk routes.
Understanding the Four Metro Lines
The Montreal rapid transit system relies on four numbered and color-coded corridors. Because the network uses rubber-tired trains rather than traditional steel wheels, rides are remarkably quiet, though top speeds still reach 80 kilometers per hour.
Green Line (Line 1)
Running southwest to northeast from Angrignon to Honoré-Beaugrand, the Green Line cuts directly through the core of downtown. It serves major commercial districts, tourist hot spots, and cultural venues, making it the most heavily utilized route for visitors. Key stops include Atwater, McGill, and Place-des-Arts.
Orange Line (Line 2)
Shaped like a giant horseshoe, the Orange Line connects Côte-Vertu in the west to Montmorency in Laval via downtown. It handles massive commuter volumes, linking residential quarters in the north and northwest directly to commercial employment hubs in the city center. Berri-UQAM and Lionel-Groulx serve as critical transfer nodes along this loop.
Yellow Line (Line 4)
Spanning just three stations across 4.25 kilometers, the Yellow Line crosses the Saint Lawrence River from Berri-UQAM to Longueuil–Université de Sherbrooke on the South Shore. It provides the primary rail link for suburban commuters entering the city center from the south.
Blue Line (Line 5)
Running east-west in the northern sector of Montreal Island from Snowdon to Saint-Michel, the Blue Line serves dense residential neighborhoods. It intersects with the Orange Line at Snowdon and Jean-Talon, facilitating movement across upper midtown without requiring a detour downtown.
Fares, Tickets, and Payment Options
Paying for transit in Montreal depends on your travel zone and length of stay. The regional transit authority, ARTM, manages fare integration between the Metro, buses, commuter trains, and the newer Réseau express métropolitain (REM).
- Single Fares: A standard single trip costs $3.75 and must be loaded onto a reusable OPUS card or a disposable chip card purchased at station vending machines.
- Day and Weekend Passes: Unlimited 24-hour, weekend, or 3-day passes offer cost-effective travel if you plan to make four or more trips in a single day.
- Bus-to-Metro Transfers: When boarding a bus with a cash fare, you must request a paper transfer from the driver immediately upon payment. Digital fares loaded on OPUS cards handle transfer validations automatically.
Where to Buy Fares
Station booths staffed by transit agents and automated touch-screen kiosks located inside every station entrance accept cash, debit, and credit cards. Vending machines support English, French, and Spanish interfaces. Avoid buying tickets from unauthorized third parties outside stations.
Key Transfer Stations and Navigation Tips
Most journeys across the network require changing trains at least once. Mastering the layout of major hubs prevents missed connections and frustrating delays.
- Berri-UQAM: The undisputed heart of the system, connecting the Green, Orange, and Yellow lines. Expect heavy pedestrian traffic during peak hours, and follow clear overhead signage for platform changes.
- Lionel-Groulx: The primary western transfer point between the Green and Orange lines. Cross-platform transfers here allow you to step off one train and onto the opposite side of the platform for the connecting line.
- Snowdon and Jean-Talon: Essential interchange points linking the Blue Line to the Orange line network.
Announcements on trains are made exclusively in French, though major terminal stations and transfer hubs feature bilingual visual indicators and audio cues. If you miss your stop, simply exit at the next platform, cross over to the opposite side without exiting the turnstiles, and take the return train back.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Transit newcomers often run into predictable operational hurdles that waste time and money.
- Forgetting Zone Restrictions: Traveling beyond the Island of Montreal (such as to Laval on the Orange Line or Longueuil on the Yellow Line) requires specific regional fare zones. Standard island-only tickets will trigger an error at exit turnstiles.
- Discarding Paper Transfers: If you pay bus fare with cash, failing to take the physical transfer slip strips your right to transfer free of charge to the Metro or another bus.
- Depending on Credit Cards at Bus Boarding: While station turnstiles and ticket machines accept contactless bank cards, city buses require exact cash, pre-loaded OPUS cards, or ticket tokens. Drivers cannot sell tickets onboard or provide change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Montreal Metro run all night?
No. Regular service wraps up between midnight and 1:30 AM depending on the line and day of the week. Late-night travelers must rely on the STM night bus network, which covers major arterial corridors throughout the early morning hours.
Is luggage allowed on the Metro during rush hour?
Yes, standard luggage and backpacks are permitted at all hours. However, traveling with bulky bags during morning rush (7:30 AM to 9:30 AM) and evening rush (4:00 PM to 6:30 PM) is discouraged due to heavy commuter crowding.
How do I access the underground city (RÉSO) from the Metro?
Many downtown stations—including Place-Galeries-d'Anjou, McGill, Place-des-Arts, and Square-Victoria-OACI—feature direct indoor access to office towers, shopping malls, and universities. Follow the yellow geometric pedestrian logos marked "RÉSO" inside station corridors.
Are dogs allowed on the trains?
Dogs are permitted on the Metro during off-peak hours and weekends, provided they wear a muzzle and leash or travel inside a secure carrier. Guide dogs and service animals are welcome at all times without restrictions.
