How to Save Money on a Montreal Layover

Montreal guide: transit hacks. Real, specific, no fluff.

Getting to and Around Montreal: Transit Hacks

After landing at Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL), you'll want to get to your destination as quickly and efficiently as possible. One of the best ways to do this is by using the airport's efficient public transit system.

The YUL Airport Train (YUL-Train) is a convenient and cost-effective option, with departures every 5-10 minutes. The train takes approximately 25 minutes to reach Central Station, and tickets cost around $10 CAD. You can purchase tickets at the airport train station or on the STM (Société de transport de Montréal) website.

Alternative Transit Options

• Bus: The 747 bus takes approximately 60 minutes to reach Central Station and costs around $10 CAD. This option is less convenient but can be a good choice if you have a lot of luggage or prefer a more leisurely pace.
• Taxi: Taxis are available outside the airport terminal, but be aware that prices can be high, especially during peak hours. Expect to pay around $40-50 CAD to reach Central Station.
• Ride-hailing: Uber and Lyft services are available at the airport, but prices may be higher than taxis.

Free Transit in Montreal

One of the best things about Montreal's public transit system is its affordability. You can ride the STM bus or metro for free with a valid OPUS card or a single-use ticket. However, if you plan to use transit frequently, consider purchasing an OPUS card, which can be loaded with credit and used to pay for fares.

Additionally, Montreal offers a variety of free transit options, including:

• The STM's free shuttle service, which takes you between the airport and the city center.
• The free metro shuttle service between the Berri-UQAM and Mont-Royal metro stations.
• The free bus service on the Saint-Denis and Saint-Laurent streets during peak hours.

Exploring Montreal: Free Things to Do

Montreal is a city with a rich history and culture, and there are plenty of free things to do and see. Here are some of our top recommendations:

Outdoor Activities

Montreal has plenty of beautiful parks and green spaces, including:

• Parc du Mont-Royal, which offers stunning views of the city and a variety of hiking trails.
• Parc Jean-Drapeau, which features beautiful gardens, a beach, and a variety of outdoor activities.
• Parc La Fontaine, which is a popular spot for picnics and people-watching.

Cultural Attractions

Montreal is home to a variety of cultural attractions, including:

• The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, which features a diverse collection of art and artifacts.
• The McCord Museum, which explores the history and culture of Montreal and Quebec.
• The Atwater Market, a historic market featuring local produce and artisanal goods.

Exchanging Currency at the Airport

When arriving at the airport, you'll need to exchange your currency for Canadian dollars. The airport offers a variety of currency exchange services, including:

Airport Currency Exchange Services

The airport offers several currency exchange services, including:

• Travelex, which offers competitive exchange rates and a variety of services, including money orders and traveler's checks.
• Moneycorp, which offers competitive exchange rates and a variety of services, including currency transfer and prepaid currency cards.

However, be aware that airport currency exchange services often come with high fees and poor exchange rates, with markups of 8-15% or more. A better option is to use a currency exchange service like Portability, which offers competitive exchange rates and zero fees, with a markup of just 0.2%.

With Portability, you can exchange your currency online or in-person, and receive a prepaid currency card that can be used to make purchases or withdraw cash from ATMs. This can be a convenient and cost-effective way to manage your currency exchange needs while traveling in Montreal.

By following these transit hacks and exploring the city's free attractions, you can experience all that Montreal has to offer without breaking the bank.