This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting our small business.
Montreal’s practical realities, from a flat-rate airport taxi to the bilingual tipping culture, are easy once you know them. This Montreal travel tips and FAQ page answers the questions that trip up first-time visitors, with current 2026 prices and addresses. For the underlying climate, see our Montreal weather by month guide. If you are deciding when to come, see our best time to visit Montreal guide.
Montreal Travel Tips: Airports and Getting In
Montreal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL) in Dorval is the main gateway, about 20km west of downtown. The STM 747 express bus runs 24 hours a day from the airport to downtown (Berri-UQAM metro) for $11 CAD one way, paid by card at the terminal, taking 45 to 70 minutes depending on traffic. Taxis run on a flat $41 CAD fare to downtown, and ride-hailing apps cost about $35 to $45. The older Mirabel airport handles only cargo, so ignore it when booking flights. Check our Montreal events and festivals calendar to time your trip around a festival.
Montreal Travel Tips: Getting Around the City
The STM metro has four color-coded lines, green, orange, yellow, and blue, and a single fare costs $3.75 CAD with a 120-minute transfer window, while a 24-hour pass is $11 CAD. Buy a reloadable OPUS card ($6 CAD) at any metro station to avoid paper tickets. The 32km underground city (RESO) links downtown malls and metro stations, so you can walk much of the core indoors in January. In summer, the BIXI bike-share system costs about $1.25 to unlock plus a per-minute charge, with over 800 stations. For staying near a metro line, see our where to stay in Montreal guide. For which district suits you, see our Montreal neighborhoods guide.
Montreal Travel Tips: Money, Tipping, and Payment
Canada uses the Canadian dollar (CAD), and Montreal is largely cashless, with cards and Apple Pay accepted everywhere from food trucks to corner stores. Tipping runs 15 to 18 percent at restaurants and bars, and $1 to $2 per drink, and taxis expect 10 to 15 percent. Sales tax totals about 15 percent (5 percent GST plus 9.975 percent QST), added at the register, so a menu price is never the final price. ATMs are plentiful, but airport currency exchange gives poor rates; withdraw CAD from a bank ATM instead. Return to our Montreal guide for the full city overview.
Montreal Travel Tips: Language and Tipping Culture
French is the official language and the majority language, but most people in tourist areas and hotels speak English, and a simple “bonjour” before switching to English goes a long way. Street signs are in French only, which is rarely a problem for navigation. Service staff will usually greet you in French first; reply “bonjour” and continue in English if you prefer, and do not assume a shop will switch until you ask.
Montreal Travel Tips: Safety and Practical Advice
Montreal is one of Canada’s safest large cities, with a violent crime rate far below comparable US metros, and the main risks are pickpocketing around festivals and bike theft, so lock rentals and keep phones out of back pockets in crowds. Tap water is safe to drink, and winters demand real gear: a parka, insulated waterproof boots, and a hat, because January wind chill can hit -30C (-22F). Emergency services are reached at 911, and pharmacies are marked by a green cross; the Jean-Coutu and Pharmaprix chains are the most common.
Montreal Travel Tips: Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa? Most European, US, UK, Australian, and Japanese citizens need only an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA, $7 CAD) to fly in, while US citizens can enter with a passport; check the IRCC site for your nationality before booking. Is English enough? Yes in tourism and hotels, less so in residential neighborhoods, where basic French helps. When are attractions closed? Most museums close Mondays, and many outdoor sites wind down between November and April, so check the things to do in Montreal list before a winter trip. How much should I budget? Roughly $150 to $250 CAD a day for a mid-range traveler including hotel, meals, and transit, less in January and more in July.
Suggested Hotels in Montreal
Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth
A 1,000-room downtown landmark above Central Station with direct underground-city access and a wellness centre with an indoor pool. Best for first-time visitors who want a central, well-connected base. Check rates and availability
Hotel Zero 1 Montreal
A modern budget hotel with kitchenettes and a rooftop terrace overlooking the Quartier des Spectacles, a short walk from Chinatown. Best for budget-conscious travelers who want a self-catering downtown base. Check rates and availability
Auberge Saintlo Montreal
A social hostel at 1030 Mackay with dorm beds from about $40 CAD, a bar, and free walking tours. Best for solo and budget travelers who want a friendly base near downtown. Check rates and availability
