Old Montréal covers an area of about one square kilometre (or 0.4 square mile). The historical district is located between the Saint Lawrence River and nearby downtown Montréal. It is easily accessible, and once there, the best way to discover its charms is undoubtedly on foot.

The area is served by three metro stations, all on the "orange" line. From west to east, they are:

• Square-Victoria
• Place-d'Armes
• Champ-de-Mars

715 BUS–Dedicated link–Old Montréal / Old Port / Downtown

Several other bus lines also serve Old Montréal; the main routes are:

• 55 (north along Saint-Laurent Boulevard to the Plateau Mont-Royal)
• 129 (north, then west to Mount Royal and Outremont)
• 14 (north, then east to the Gay Village, Lafontaine Park and Plateau Mont-Royal)
• 36, 61 and 168 (to the southwest and Nuns' Island)

View the Metro system map, as well as bus schedules and routes here: Société de transport de Montréal

View a map of the Island of Montréal's bicycle path network here:
http://www.velo.qc.ca/fr/reseaux_cyclables/index-MTL.lasso

Travelers driving from points west and east in Canada can get to Old Montréal via highways 20 and 40.

From the United States: at the border, the New York State Thruway (I-87) becomes Highway 15 North; while I-89 in Vermont becomes Route 133 North, which eventually merges with Highway 10 West, leading to Montréal. From I-91 (Connecticut/Massachusetts/Vermont), Highways 55 and 10 lead to Montréal.

Speed limits in Québec are in kilometres per hour (100 km/h equals 62 mph). Gasoline is sold by the litre (there are about 3¾ litres to one U.S. gallon).

View driving distances between major cities

Some Web sites allow you to create custom itineraries, e.g.:

maps.yahoo.com/dd
www.mapquest.com/directions/main.adp?bCTsettings=1

To view the map of parking lots in Old Montréal and nearby

St. Lawrence Shuttles (Jacques-Cartier Pier) provide a novel way of crossing the Saint Lawrence. Take the ferry to get to Old Montréal, or extend your bicycling or in-line skating excursion to the South Shore, Parc Jean-Drapeau and the surrounding islands, Île Sainte-Helene and Île Notre-Dame, where you can spend the day exploring and relaxing. Schedules and rates :
http://www.quaysoftheoldport.com//en/services/shuttles.aspx

The Port d'escale du Vieux-Port (Jacques-Cartier Basin) has berths for more than 130 craft of all sizes, ready to welcome you for a few hours or several days. Weekly and monthly rates also available. For more information: http://www.escalemontreal.com/english.html

The Yacht Club de Montréal (Clock Tower Basin) offers boating enthusiasts a home port with a splendid view of the city and the Saint Lawrence River. The marina is designed mainly for seasonal pleasure craft but can also host visitors staying nine days or longer.
For more information: www.ycmi.com/en/home

The Iberville Passenger Terminal (Alexandra Pier) is where cruise ships tie up. View the docking schedule here: www.port-montreal.com/site/7_0/7_1_1.jsp?lang=en

National and cross-border trains arrive at and depart from Central Station (Bonaventure metro station).

Commuter trains arrive at and depart from Lucien-L'Allier Station (Lucien-L'Allier metro station) as well as Central Station (Bonaventure metro station).

From there, you can reach the historical district in just a few minutes, as these metro stations are on the same line (orange) as the three stations serving Old Montréal. Take the train bound for Henri-Bourassa station.

View national and cross-border train schedules at Via Rail or Amtrak

For commuter train schedules (French only): Agence métropolitaine de transport

National and cross-border buses stop at Montréal's central bus terminus, the Station centrale, which connects directly to Berri-UQAM Metro station. From there, take the metro (orange line, bound for Côte-Vertu station) and you will be in Old Montréal in minutes.

View national and cross-border bus schedules at Orléans Express or Greyhound

Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (Montréal-Trudeau) is located approximately 20 km (12 mi) from downtown Montréal.

Shuttle bus service (Aérobus)

Buses leave for downtown Montréal every 25 minutes (see the airport's Web site for rates and schedules). The trip lasts about 40 minutes and takes you to Montréal's central bus terminus, the Station centrale, which connects directly to Berri-UQAM Metro station. From there, take the Metro (Orange line, train bound for Côte-Vertu station) and you will be in Old Montréal in minutes. You can also take a second shuttle bus (free) from the Station centrale straight to your downtown or Old Montréal hotel.

Taxi and limousine service

No reservations are required for departures from Montréal-Trudeau. Visa, MasterCard and American Express credit cards are accepted. Some drivers will accept U.S. currency, but provincial regulations state that the client must pay in Canadian dollars. We recommend that you agree with the driver on a fixed price for the trip before taking a taxi or limousine.

By automobile

To drive to Old Montréal from the airport, follow signs for Montréal / Centre-ville (Highway 20 East; take Exit 74 for direct access to the historical district).

For more information on the airport and available services: www.admtl.com