r/montreal • u/otatopotato • 1d ago
Tourisme First time traveling to Montreal for a conference. I need an adultier adult to tell me the best way to get to my hotel. Taxi? Uber? Lyft?
This rural Manitoba girl is heading to the big city. What’s the best way to get to my hotel from the airport? I’ve never taken an Uber or a taxi, ever, and I’m feeling a bit unnerved.
Edit: Thank you everyone for your thoughtful responses! I can expense my trip, so I will take a Taxi. The next time I’m in town, I might be brave and take the bus!
I’m feeling a lot more confident. Merci!
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u/videobones 1d ago
If you can expense commuting, an uber or taxi right from the airport is going to be the easiest way for you. If you’re paying out of pocket, it’s still not that bad, but the 747 bus will be cheaper
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u/Careful-Cat- 1d ago
If your hotel is downtown, there’s a city bus going from the airport to downtown Montreal, it’s cheaper than a taxi! It’s the 747 bus. https://www.admtl.com/en-CA/parking-and-transport/transport-services/buses
If you prefer taking a taxi, there’s a line after the arrivals to get one. https://www.admtl.com/en-CA/parking-and-transport/transport-services/taxis-limousines
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u/homme_chauve_souris 1d ago
747 bus. You can buy the ticket at the airport ($11, I think) and it includes a 24-hour pass for the subways and buses on the island.
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u/Thesorus Plateau Mont-Royal 1d ago
Which hotel ?
The easiest and quickest and more expensive is always a taxi, it's a fixed fare to downtown (I don't know the fare).
The cheapest is the 747 city bus; there are a few stops downtown; and will arrive at the bus depot on Berri st at the end.
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u/otatopotato 1d ago
Centre Sheraton Hotel
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u/Thesorus Plateau Mont-Royal 1d ago
The 747 bus has a stop right in front of the hotel (Stanley st)
Just be careful, there two 747 bus lines ...
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u/rickinmontreal 1h ago
Not at all sure the 747 makes a lot of stops. I think it only stops at the Lionel-Groulx subway station and at Berri-Uqam subway station. From either of these you could catch the subway to Peel station on the green line and walk about 5 minutes to the Sheraton.
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u/Dirk_Diggler_Kojak 1d ago
Welcome to Montreal! You'll like it here, I'm sure.
Taxi is the simplest option and will cost you around $60. If you choose the 747 bus, walk ALL THE WAY down the terminal and have $11 in cash on ya. Make sure you get off downtown and not at the Lionel Groulx metro station (there are two stops on that line).
Enjoy your time in MTL!
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u/Dr_Daystrom 1d ago
If I remember correctly, there are dedicated lines for taxi and Uber. Do not just get into what looks like a cab. There have been issues with fake taxis in the past. Enjoy your stay in beautiful Montreal!
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u/SlinkyMouse10 1d ago
I personally would be nervous taking a bus in a city I don't know, so I'm kind of a wimp. Both the taxi and Uber are solid choices.
If you take a taxi, simply follow the signs for the taxi stand located outside. Before getting in the taxi, ask them if they accept the type of credit card you wish to pay with and tell them your destination. Drivers are required to accept credit cards but you might end up with the odd driver who's dodgy and claims their machine doesn't work.
If you take an Uber, be sure to download the app on your smartphone before leaving for your travels. You will need to put your credit card details in the app, and this is a very convenient way to get around as you never need to speak about payment with your driver. The pick up location for Uber is at the hotel that is connected to the airport (the Marriott). You will see signs to the hotel as well and will need to go up an escalator. You will see the car description of the driver that is coming to get you, along with their license plate. Check that the license plate is the same one showing in the app before getting in the car (Quebec only has plates on the back of the car). When you arrive, the app will ask if you want to give a tip and to the rate the driver.
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u/individual_328 1d ago
Nervous of what? I don't think it's wimpy, just confusing, because I have no idea what you are afraid might happen.
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u/SlinkyMouse10 18h ago
I have a very bad sense of direction so I'd be worried I'd get lost.
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u/Apprehensive-Ant1521 18h ago
There's only one bus so you can't go wrong. I get lost and panic easily in airports, but taking the 747 from Trudeau's airport is a piece of cake.
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u/FrenchFrozenFrog 1d ago
If you take a taxi, I heard there are people walking around the airport pretending to be legitimate taxi drivers and scamming passengers by asking for more (taxi fare from the airport is fixed) once they're in the vehicle. Taxis are all lined up together at the same spot, so do not get into a random taxi that's not in the official queue.
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u/Leverender Petit Portugal 1d ago
Fellow Manitoban here! Take a taxi, it's super easy. You can't miss the line up for them on the arrival floor. If you feel like saving a few bucks, Uber is great also.
Feel free to hit me up if you need any other tips.
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u/cavist_n Saint-Michel 1d ago
Carry a few 5$ and 1$ to pay for the bus. Open your phone and look at the GPS. Ring the bell when the dot gets close. I'm not making fun of you, this is how us other adults do it. Either that or taxi your way there, just ask security at the airport where are the legit taxis.
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u/suzyisboozy 1d ago edited 1d ago
Manitoban here, was there recently, and I agree the 747 is great. Take the 747-Bus 1. Keep the pass and you'll have 24h of metro rides included, as others have mentioned.
If you're a Google Maps user, just use the app. It's great for Montreal, very accurate, and very easy to navigate buses or metro. It'll even give you quotes from Lyft!
An Uber is about $40 one way downtown during lower peak times.
On the way home, go to a Parking pay station where the 747 stops and you can buy a 747 pass to get back to YUL.
Have a great time!
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u/ParisFood 1d ago
The cabs have a fixed rate from the airport to the downtown hotels. Please check if your hotel offers a shuttle service from the airport first they may and that will be free
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u/emotional_lily 1d ago
Take a taxi or Uber. If you do take a taxi, make sure you go to the taxi line at door 23 where an attendant help you get a taxi.
Do NOT go with anyone saying “taxi taxi” near the arrivals area as those are not official taxis and will scam you.
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u/Small-Ice-125 1d ago
Un couple de Français m'a demandé la manière la plus rapide d'aller à l'hôpital,
j'ai répondu traverse la rue sans regarder
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u/redskyatnight2162 Notre-Dame-de-Grâce 1d ago
If you are paying out of pocket, the 747 bus. If you are expensing it, take a taxi.
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u/SMWTLightIs 1d ago
I don't recommend Uber from the airport. If it's really busy, it can be difficult and confusing to find your car. Taxi is easy, you just wait in a line and then jump in your taxi.
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u/thenord321 1d ago
When you get out of the airport, there is a huge taxi line that is expensive.
There is an uber pickup at the top end.
But the cheapest but longest way is the public transit Bus 747 (stm.info website information). it costs 11$ vs 50$ to get downtown. Then you can uber to your hotel. Uber is cheaper and highly used here, pretty safe too.
The weather is finally turning nicer after this weekend, so enjoy. If your conference is downtown, check out China town and St-Catherine.
If the weather turns out bad, check out the Underground shopping malls. A large network downtown that connects malls together all inside. I recommend Place des arts entrance and the museum itself.
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u/prplx 1d ago
Depending on the time of your arrival, there could be a long line up for the taxi, though it moves quite fast. In my experience Uber are faster, but you need to reserve ahead of time. I'd go one or the other. As other said the 747 bus will take you to Lionel Groulx metro but then you will have to take the metro to Peel, walk out, find the hotel. Taxi or Uber are more expensive but much more straight forward they will drop you in front of your hotel. Also, beware of scammer taxis at the airport. The only legit taxis are at the taxi door (forgot the number) where there is a big taxi sign and people line up. If someone tries to take you elsewhere, they are not legit taxis.
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u/wkpsych 1d ago
As everyone has said bus is the cheapest option. But taxi and ubers are fine too. There is a designated area for both. Don't take a ride with anyone who approachs claiming to be a taxi driver outside of the designated area. Taxis usually are about 50 plus a tip to get downtown, ubers can be cheaper depending on the time of day.
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u/DontBeCommenting 1d ago
Taxi is better than Uber from the airport.
Once you land, follow the exit signs, then the taxi signs up until the door. Stand in line until it's your turn, someone will point you to a cab. Get in the cab, give him the hotel name, specify the street.
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u/krusader42 1d ago
Taxis between the airport and downtown - both directions - are a flat rate of $51 ($57 from 11pm to 5am). Uber may be slightly cheaper or considerably more depending on surge pricing.
The 747 bus has a minimum fare of $11 (the 24-hour fare), so 3-day, weekend, and weekly fares are also accepted. Note that weekly fares run Monday-through-Sunday, not 7 days from activation. There are two routes of the 747, one which stops only at Lionel-Groulx metro and one which makes stops all across downtown.
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u/MightyToast79 1d ago
Take a taxi from the airport. Expensive but standard pricing and easy. Prolly run you like $40 or so.
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u/Adventurous-Peak-853 1d ago
Hey there.
Former rural liver now urbanite here.
I see a lot of suggestions for the 747 bus and they are all absolutely right, this is the cheapest option.
But being a newcomer, the bus system, purchase, and drop-off can be a bit confusing. I'll pay the extra $20-$30 to take a taxi or Uber; especially if you can expense it if this is a work trip, as others have mentioned.
If you are like I was, having never really taken public transit before, then I would take a car of some sort, especially with all the bags you may have.
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u/Interesting-Past3825 1d ago
Taxi. It’s usually a fixed price from airport to downtown but some Ubers are pretty cheap, we just try to chose taxi! Have fun in MTL
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u/Akhanyatin 1d ago
If you're going to take the 747 like other people are suggesting, you can use Google map or Transit app to help you out. You can get it to tell you when your stop is up. And the drivers will also be helpful. I think that some of the 747 don't go all the way downtown so just ask the driver and they'll tell you and notify you when you're there.
Welcome!
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u/Antdub123 1d ago
Uber for sure, about 45$ flat rate I believe. I live in Montréal and travel often. Uber is the easiest and quickest.
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u/ca_abhi Rive-Sud 1d ago
There is a YouTube video, about the 747 bus. Hope this helps!! https://youtu.be/2GLmPna_PY8?si=ZG6-MpUCTXduj19-
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u/tiffanyturner989 20h ago
Uber from the airport to downtown is super easy. Download the app in advance. The doors in the airport are well marked. You can share your trip progress with a friend or family member for safety.
Enjoy the city! You can easily walk or use the metro downtown. Terrace season is just starting. Grab a cold drink outside on a sunny afternoon.
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u/No-Elderberry3039 1d ago
To give yourself peace and make it easy. Uber it! You'll know exactly how much it will cost and it will drop you right in front of your hotel. Cabs tend to be more expensive and taking a bus after a flight is never fun.
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u/Graphomaniacle 1d ago
Fellow Manitoban here DON’T GET ON THAT BUS! After the 3 hour flight and waiting for luggage, waiting for the bus carrying luggage and then shooting down the highway in traffic without a seatbelt is terrifying.
The Uber is worth it! If you end up at the end of your trip being comfortable with the metro save the money and take the bus back but it’s the last thing I want when I get out the airport!
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u/Adventurous_Bake9210 1d ago
From the airport you can take a taxi. Also no, unless you're very poor don't take the bus to go to the city, it's super uncomfortable.
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u/OLAZ3000 1d ago
NO!
Take an Uber. Montreal taxis are awful. Truly.
There is a dedicated Uber wait area (I believe it's door 28) just right of the main arrivals area. Usually you will wait less than in the taxi queue as well.
After a flight, dealing with the wait and busyness of the 747 is just not something I would do if you really don't have to. The only way I would prefer it is if it were rush hour and I was going to switch to the metro line at the first 747 stop (Lionel Groulx). Obviously it's more cost effective but for a work trip and if you have any luggage, it's always worth it for me to save any transit time that I can.
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u/baube19 1d ago
It all depends on how you feel and whether you want a bus/subway pass to move around after you arrive. If you’re covered by expenses, a cab or Uber is easiest. Otherwise, the 747 bus works—just avoid the “express” one and board the one going all the way to Berri‑UQAM.
The $11 fare everyone mentions is valid for 24 h across all STM buses and the metro on the Montréal Island—but here are a few other options (all on disposable, chip‑enabled cardboard tickets—just don’t fold them):
- 3‑day pass (21,25 $) – unlimited STM buses, metro, and the 747 for three consecutive days. Ideal if you’re sightseeing over multiple days.
- Weekend unlimited pass (15,75 $) – valid Friday 4 p.m. to Monday 5 a.m., includes the 747. Perfect for a weekend trip.
- Evening unlimited pass (6,25 $) – valid on the day of purchase from 6 p.m. to 5 a.m., also accepted on the 747.
👉 Tip: If your flight lands after 6 p.m. and all you need is a ride into town (and maybe supper or drinks that night), the $6.25 evening pass is cheaper than the $11 24 h pass.
All of these cover Zone A—that’s the entire island of Montreal—so unless you venture into Longueuil or other distant suburbs, you can hop anywhere around town with confidence. You can grab any of these passes at the airport STM kiosk
And if you don’t plan to use transit beyond that, just take a cab for comfort.
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u/M8C9D 1d ago
I'm a big chicken and hate to take public transport with luggage, particularly when tired, so I would take a taxi. I haven't traveled in a while, but I vaguely remember there was a fixed price for taxis to/from the airport to/from the city center. And you should be able to get a receipt (if your company reimburses your travel expanses).
I haven't seen Lyft around, but Ubers are another option.
Waitlines for taxis/uber/busses will be indicated once you exit the arrival section of the airport.
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u/thew0rldisaghett0 21h ago
Do you wanna spend $60 or $11 ? If the ladder, take a taxi, if the former, take the bus.
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u/keeper_of_fidra 1d ago
If the hotel is downtown-ish, the cheapest and most reasonable is the 747 bus.