Montreal

๐Ÿš†

Trains

Sections

Overview of the Train System in Montreal

Montrealโ€™s train system is primarily operated by two entities:

  1. Exo (commuter trains): Exo operates the commuter train network, which connects Montreal to its surrounding suburbs and regions.
  2. VIA Rail (intercity trains): VIA Rail provides intercity train services, connecting Montreal to other major cities in Canada, such as Quebec City, Ottawa, and Toronto.

Montreal also has a Metro system (subway), operated by the Sociรฉtรฉ de transport de Montrรฉal (STM), which is separate from the train system but often complements it for local travel.

Types of Trains Available

  1. Commuter Trains (Exo):

    • Designed for daily commuters traveling between Montreal and its suburbs.
    • There are 6 commuter train lines:
      • Vaudreuil-Hudson
      • Saint-Jรฉrรดme
      • Candiac
      • Mont-Saint-Hilaire
      • Mascouche
      • Deux-Montagnes (currently under redevelopment as part of the REM project).

  2. Intercity Trains (VIA Rail):

    • Long-distance trains connecting Montreal to other cities in Canada.
    • Popular routes include:
      • Montreal to Quebec City
      • Montreal to Ottawa
      • Montreal to Toronto
      • Montreal to Halifax (The Ocean route).

  3. REM (Rรฉseau express mรฉtropolitain):

    • A new light-rail system currently under development, with some sections already operational. It will connect downtown Montreal to the suburbs, the airport, and other key areas.

Routes and Schedules

  • Exo Commuter Trains:

    • Routes radiate outward from Central Station (Gare Centrale) in downtown Montreal.
    • Trains typically run during peak hours (morning and evening rush hours) on weekdays, with limited service during off-peak hours and weekends.
    • Schedules vary by line, so itโ€™s essential to check the Exo website or app for up-to-date information.

  • VIA Rail:

    • VIA Rail trains operate on fixed schedules, with multiple departures daily for popular routes like Montreal-Toronto and Montreal-Quebec City.
    • Reservations are required for VIA Rail trains.

  • REM:

    • The REM is gradually being rolled out, with full service expected by 2027. It will operate frequently, similar to a metro system.

Ticket Costs

  1. Exo Commuter Trains:
    • Ticket prices depend on the zone you are traveling to/from. Montreal and its suburbs are divided into fare zones (A to H).
    • Example fares (as of 2023):
      • Zone A (within Montreal): $3.75 (single ticket).
      • Zone B (nearby suburbs