Operated by the Montreal Transit Corporation (STM), Montreal’s metro system is the backbone of the city’s public transport system and integrates seamlessly with the bus network, also managed by the STM.
Consisting of 68 stations spread over 69 kilometres, this transit system comprises four interconnected metro lines, recognisable by their distinctive blue square logo with a white downward arrow in the centre.
Montreal’s metro system is not only the busiest in Canada, but also the third busiest in North America, behind only the New York and Mexico City metros. Despite its inception 52 years ago, it remains the city’s primary mode of transportation, providing over one million trips per day.
The Montreal Metro is a popular public transportation system in Montreal, Canada. On average, the Metro serves over 1,050,800 passengers daily.
The Montreal Metro does not operate 24 hours a day, with operating hours from 6:00 am to 12:30 am Monday through Thursday and 6:00 am to 1:30 am on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. There is no air conditioning on the trains and passengers cannot walk between platforms. The metro system does not have screen doors on the platforms and there are no driverless trains.
The subway system is managed and operated by the Société de transport de Montréal. The fare for a trip on the Montreal subway is $3. Trains travel at an average speed of 40 km/h, with a maximum speed of 72 km/h.
Montreal Metro Map
Map of Montreal Metro showing different lines. Click on the map to enlarge it or download the Montreal Metro map in PDF format.
Montreal Metro: Canada’s Key Transit Network
The path to the realisation of Montreal’s metro system was fraught with challenges. Beginning in 1910, several proposals were put out to tender, but world events, including two world wars and the Great Depression, caused delays. The final plans, which incorporated elements of previous proposals, were approved in 1961.
Groundbreaking for the first two lines – Green and Orange – began in 1962, with phased operation beginning in 1966.
The original plans included a third line to the north-west of the city, using existing railway lines. However, Montreal’s selection to host Expo 67, an international exhibition showcasing the achievements of nations, disrupted these plans.
The event led to the introduction of a fourth line to accommodate the expected influx of visitors. Line 4, or the Yellow Line, was inaugurated in 1967 and caused the third line to be suspended. As a result, the current metro system consists of lines 1, 2, 4 and 5.
After the success of the Yellow Line, Montreal was chosen to host the 1976 Olympic Games, which led to further changes. To cater for this global event, lines 1 and 2 were extended and an additional line, line 5 or the Blue Line, was introduced.
These approved proposals saw the metro system evolve with the city’s growth. The green line reached its current length in 1976, followed by the blue line in 1988 and the orange line in 2007. The yellow line, on the other hand, has remained untouched since its inception in 1967.
Several proposals are currently under consideration, with the emphasis on extending existing lines rather than adding new ones. While some plans have been approved, others are still under consideration.
Lines and Stations
The Montreal Metro system, managed by the Montreal Transit Corporation, consists of four distinct lines that cross the city and serve the northern, eastern and central regions of the island of Montreal.
These lines have a total of 68 stations spread over 69 kilometres. Each line is identified by a number and a colour to facilitate identification on transit maps. Typically, the colours are used to refer to the lines.
The Green Line
This line stretches 22 kilometres from the Angrignon terminal in the southwest to Honoré-Beaugrand in the northeast, crossing Montreal’s business district.
- Color: Green
- Number: 1
- Stations: 27
- Length: 22.1 kilometers
- Travel Duration: 38 minutes
- Hours of Operation: 5:30 am to 12:35 am (extended to 1:05 am on Saturdays)
Stations: Angrignon, Monk, Jolicoeur, Verdun, De l’Église, LaSalle, Charlevoix, Lionel-Groulx, Atwater, Guy-Concordia, Peel, McGill, Place-des-Arts, Saint-Laurent, Berri-UQAM, Beaudry, Papineau, Frontenac, Préfontaine, Joliette, Pie-IX, Viau, Assomption, Cadillac, Langelier, Radisson, Honoré-Beaugrand
The Orange Line:
This “U” shaped line, the system’s longest at 30 kilometers, connects the northwest Côte-Vertu terminal with Montmorency in Laval, north of Montreal.
- Color: Orange
- Number: 2
- Stations: 31
- Length: 30 kilometers
- Travel Duration: 49 minutes
- Hours of Operation: 05:30 am to 12:30 am (extended to 01:00 am on Saturdays)
Stations: Côte-Vertu, Du Collège, De La Savane, Namur, Plamondon, Côte-Sainte-Catherine, Snowdon, Villa-Maria, Vendôme, Place-Saint-Henri, Lionel-Groulx, Georges-Vanier, Lucien-L’Allier, Bonaventure, Square-Victoria-OACI, Place-d’Armes, Champ-de-Mars, Berri-UQAM, Sherbrooke, Mont-Royal, Laurier, Rosemont, Beaubien, Jean-Talon, Jarry, Crémazie, Sauvé, Henri-Bourassa, Cartier, De La Concorde, Montmorency
The Yellow Line:
At a mere 4 kilometers, the Yellow Line is the system’s shortest. Connecting Berri-UQAM with the Longueuil-Université-de-Sherbrooke terminal via a tunnel under the St. Lawrence River, it was built initially to accommodate Expo 67 visitors.
- Color: Yellow
- Number: 4
- Stations: 3
- Length: 4.25 kilometers
- Travel Duration: 6 minutes
- Hours of Operation: 5:30 am to 01:00 am (extended to 01:30 am on Saturdays)
Stations: Berri-UQAM, Jean-Drapeau, Longueuil–Université-de-Sherbrooke
The Blue Line
The Blue Line, the system’s newest addition, covers 9.7 kilometers from Snowdon station on the Orange Line to the northeast’s Saint-Michel terminal.
- Color: Blue
- Number: 5
- Stations: 12
- Length: 9.7 kilometers
- Travel Duration: 16 minutes
- Hours of Operation: 5:30 am to 12:45 am (extended to 01:15 am on Saturdays)
Stations: Snowdon, Côte-des-Neiges, Université-de-Montréal, Édouard-Montpetit, Outremont, Acadie, Parc, De Castelnau, Jean-Talon, Fabre, D’Iberville, Saint-Michel
Service Times and Frequencies
The Green Line and The Orange Line:
From Monday to Friday, the Green and Orange lines operate from 5:30 am to 12:35 am, extending to 1:05 am on Saturdays. During peak hours (7-9 am and 4-6 pm), the metro runs every 3 to 4 minutes and every 4 to 10 minutes off-peak. Over the weekend, the frequency drops to every 6 to 12 minutes.
The Yellow Line:
The Yellow Line operates daily from 5:30 am to 1:00 am, with service extended to 1:30 am on Saturdays. During peak hours (7-9 am and 4-6 pm), trains pass every 3 to 5 minutes, dropping to 5 to 10 minutes over the weekend.
The Blue Line:
The Blue Line operates from 5:30 am to 12:45 am, with service extended to 1:15 am on Saturdays. During peak hours (7-9 am and 4-6 pm), trains pass every 3 to 5 minutes, with a frequency of 5 to 10 minutes off-peak. Over the weekend, the frequency decreases to every 8 to 11 minutes.
Interline Connections
Connections Between Lines:
Interline transfers are free as long as you don’t leave the station.
- The Green and Orange lines cross at Lionel-Groulx and Berri-UQAM stations.
- You can change from the Green line to the Yellow line at Berri-UQAM station.
- The Orange and Blue lines cross at Snowdon and Jean-Talon stations.
- It is possible to change from the Orange line to the Yellow line at Berri-UQAM station.
Connections with Other Systems:
The Montreal subway system, operated by the Montreal Transit Corporation, also oversees the city’s bus system, allowing passengers to transfer freely between the two within 120 minutes of first validation.
The Réseau de transport métropolitain, which operates in the Montreal region, provides regional rail services within Montreal, Laval and surrounding communities. The company offers two types of tickets: Tram and Train. Tram tickets give free access to the entire Montreal metro and city bus system. However, the Montreal Metro does not offer tickets for Metropolitan Transport Network trains.
Ticket Prices, Records, and Passes
OPUS Card
The OPUS card is an electronic card that can be loaded with various tickets and passes. These cards can be purchased at all ticket machines and counters in metro stations. It is non-refundable and valid for four years. To benefit from reduced fares, eligible users (children or over 65s) must have an OPUS card with a photo. Card price: 6 Canadian dollars (about US$4.6)
Tickets
Different types of tickets are available from ticket machines and counters in all metro stations and at points of sale throughout the city.
- Single ticket: This ticket is for a single journey but includes transfers between bus and metro or vice versa. It is valid for 120 minutes from the time it is first validated. This is the only ticket that can be purchased directly on the bus, but the exact change is required (drivers do not give change). Price: 3.25 Canadian dollars (approx. US $2.49)
- Two-Ride Ticket: This ticket is valid for two rides and includes free transfers between buses and the subway. It is more economical than purchasing two single trip tickets separately. Both trips must be taken by the same person. Price: 6 Canadian dollars (approximately US$4.6) concession fare: 4 Canadian dollars (approx. US $3)
- Ten-Ride Ticket: This ticket is valid for ten trips and includes free transfers between buses and subways on each trip. It offers a lower cost per trip than a single trip ticket. Each of the ten trips is valid for 120 minutes from the time of first validation. Price: 27 Canadian dollars (about 12.6 US dollars) Discount: 16.50 Canadian dollars (approx. US $12.6)
- Evening Unlimited Ticket: This ticket offers unlimited travel on buses and subways from 6 p.m. to 5 a.m. the following day. Price: 5 Canadian dollars (about 3.8 US dollars)
- One-Day Unlimited Travel Ticket: This ticket provides unlimited travel on buses and subways for one day from the time it is first validated. Fee: 10 Canadian dollars (approximately US$7.65)
- Three-Day Unlimited Travel Ticket: This ticket provides unlimited travel on buses and subways for three consecutive days (72 hours) from the time of first validation. Fee: 18 Canadian dollars (approximately US$13.8)
Passes:
In addition to single tickets, the Montreal subway system offers several passes for frequent users.
Weekly pass: This pass offers unlimited travel from Monday to Sunday midnight. Price: 25.75 Canadian dollars (approx. US $19.7) Discount: 15.75 Canadian dollars (approximately US$12)
Monthly Pass: Valid from first to last day of month. Price: 83 Canadian Dollars (approximately US$63.4)
Rules, Tips, and Notices
- Children under the age of 5 travel free.
- Pets are allowed provided they are in a suitable pet carrier.
- Smoking, alcoholic beverages and bicycles are prohibited in stations.
- To ensure a safe and enjoyable journey, the Montreal subway system recommends that you
- Keep a safe distance. Wait for the metro to come to a complete stop before approaching and follow the painted lines on the floor.
- Keep an eye on your personal belongings.
- Do not hold the doors open after the closing signal.
- Never venture onto the metro tracks.
Interesting Facts
Montreal’s metro system is the busiest in Canada.
As well as being the busiest in Canada, the Montreal Metro system is the third busiest in North America, behind the New York Metro and the Mexico City Metro.
The Montreal Metro system was inspired by the Paris Metro, which is evident in the design of the stations and the types of trains used.
The original plans called for five separate lines. Line 3 was eventually cancelled, but Lines 4 and 5 retained their names. This has resulted in a non-consecutive numbering of the lines, with the Montreal Metro System having Lines 1, 2, 4 and 5, without ever having a Line 3.
Future Expansions
Several plans have been approved to expand the system and adapt it to the city’s development, but not all of them are currently under construction. Some have been approved, while others are still under discussion. Some of the most important extensions are
- Extension of the Blue Line from Saint Michel station to Saint Leonard and Anjou, with five new stations.
- Extension of the Orange Line from Côte Vertu station to Bois Franc regional station, to the north-west.
- The extension of the Yellow Line to Longueuil with six new stations.
- The City of Laval is considering the extension of the Orange Line to its territory.
Airport Connection
Montréal has two airports, but only one, Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (commonly known as Trudeau Airport), receives commercial passenger flights. None of the four lines of the Montreal subway system serve the airport directly, but a bus service connects passengers to two subway stations.
The 747 Bus is part of the company that runs Montreal’s Metro and bus system, so a ticket for the 747 Bus allows you to travel on the Metro, and certain Metro tickets also allow you to use this service:
747 Bus Ticket: The ticket costs 10 Canadian dollars (approx. 7.64 US dollars) and, in addition to travel on the 747 Bus, allows unlimited travel on buses and metros for 24 hours from the time of first validation.
Metro Tickets That Allow Travel on the 747:
- One-Day Unlimited Travel Ticket
- Three-Day Unlimited Travel Ticket
- Weekend Unlimited Travel Ticket
- Weekly Pass
- Monthly Pass
The 747 service operates 24 hours a day, every day, and offers two different services:
- A non-stop bus service between the airport and the Lionel Groulx terminal. From this terminal you can take the green or orange line to continue your journey. The journey takes between 25 and 35 minutes.
- Bus service between the airport and Berri UQAM metro station, with 11 stops. The entire journey takes between 45 and 70 minutes. From Berri UQAM station you can take the green, orange and yellow lines to continue your journey.
Sightseeing with the Montreal Metro
Old Montreal (Vieux Montreal): This historic neighbourhood is a must-see for tourists and a favourite among residents. Filled with cobbled streets, galleries and restaurants, it has a charming European feel. Its 17th and 19th century buildings include the twin towers of Notre Dame Basilica and Place Jacques Cartier. Place d’Armes station on the Orange Line takes you directly to Old Montreal.
Parc Jean Drapeau: The site of the famous Expo 67 World’s Fair is now a park that houses an ecological museum and offers activities for the whole family. Nearby attractions include La Ronde amusement park and the Stewart Museum. The yellow line takes you straight to the island where all these attractions are located.
Botanical Gardens: Known as Parc Maisonneuve, Montreal’s botanical gardens feature Japanese gardens, Chinese gardens, greenhouses, and exhibitions of orchids and bonsai. Pie IX station on the Green Line is a five-minute walk from the Botanical Gardens.
Rue Sherbrooke: This is one of the most elegant areas of the city and is home to some of the most important museums and institutions, such as the McCord Museum, the Musée des Beaux Arts and McGill University. McGill station on the Green Line is within walking distance of the McCord Museum and McGill University, while Peel station on the Green Line is closer to the Musée des Beaux Arts.