Getting There

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By Plane

Located only 20 minutes from downtown, Montréal-Trudeau International Airport is one of the most important in Canada with direct flights from some 40 carriers to over 130 international destinations in Canada, the United States, and abroad.

An array of information and services is available upon arrival, including several options for making your way to the heart of the city: car rental and limousine transportation companies are on site as well as airport shuttles, like the 747 Express bus. Featuring 24-hour service, 7 days a week, 365-days a year, the 747 Express bus costs only $7. The route features nine downtown stops conveniently located near major hotels and takes approximately 25 – 30 minutes each way, depending on traffic. If you are going by taxi, a trip downtown will cost you a flat rate of $38, tip not included.

Before leaving, ensure you have a valid passport and visa (if needed).

By Train or Bus

VIA Rail Canada serves more than 450 Canadian cities. If you are coming from the United States, hop aboard an Amtrak train, with daily departures from several American cities to downtown Montréal. Visitors pull into Montréal’s Central Station, which is conveniently linked to the Underground Pedestrian Network and the Bonaventure metro station.

If you are planning a trip by bus, many American and Canadian operators come to Montréal, including Orléans Express. You will arrive directly downtown at the Montréal Bus Central Station, which is also connected to the Underground Pedestrian Network via the Berri-UQAM metro station.

By Car

If you are traveling by car from elsewhere in Canada or the United States, Montréal can be easily accessed by highway. The island of Montréal is only 75 kilometres (46 miles) from the US border, and many roads and expressways lead to the city, including the Trans-Canada Highway. Depending on your point of origin, you may take one of the major bridges—Champlain, Jacques-Cartier or Victoria, or the Louis-Hippolyte Lafontaine bridge tunnel—to head downtown.

For US Citizens

US Citizens with a passport containing at least one blank page can travel to Canada for up to 180 days without applying for a visa. Canada currently has no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements, and also does not have currency restrictions for entry and exit.

The US Consulate General in Montreal can be reached at +1.514.398.9748. The after-hours number for emergencies is +1. 416.645.9125. US citizens can alert American Embassy officials of their visit, and receive travel alerts for Montreal by enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). Link is https://step.state.gov/step/

For Non-US Citizens

Either an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) or visa is required to fly to, or transit through, a Canadian airport. To determine your specific need, please complete the online questionnaire at https://ircc.canada.ca/english/visit/visas.asp.

If you require an eTA the application can be made online (https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration- refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/eta/apply.html) for $7 CAD. You will need your passport, a credit card and a valid email. Following your application, you will receive approval by email; usually within minutes. Your eTA will remain valid for 5 years unless your passport expires sooner.

If you require a visitor visa, you can apply online (https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/about-visitor-visa.html), however the process is takes longer and requires significant documentation and submission of your passport. Prices range from $100 CAD to higher. Your local Canadian Consulate office can help facilitate the visa process for your visit to Canada.

Official Information Sources

For specific questions regarding guidelines and government regulations, or about travel to and within Montréal, we recommend consulting these sites for official, up-to-date information.