Bus from New York, NY to Montreal, QC

Travel Guide: NYC to Montreal via Greyhound 

Traveling from New York City to Montreal with Greyhound is a convenient and enjoyable way to journey between these two vibrant cities. With a bit of preparation, you can ensure a smooth, comfortable, and memorable trip.

Departing from New York City 

Greyhound offers multiple departure points across New York City, including popular locations like the Port Authority Bus Terminal, Chinatown, and Midtown. To ensure a smooth start to your journey, arrive at the bus stop at least 15 minutes before departure. Here's how you can reach your Greyhound departure point in NYC: 

• The Subway System: The New York City subway is the most efficient way to get around the city, with 24-hour service and extensive coverage across all five boroughs. Given the subway's comprehensive network, it's typically the fastest way to reach your Greyhound stop, especially during peak traffic hours. Be sure to check for any service changes or delays, particularly during late hours or weekends. 
• The Bus System: NYC's bus network is another option for reaching your Greyhound stop, especially if you prefer to stay above ground. Buses can be more convenient for shorter distances or when you’re carrying baggage. Remember to allow extra time for traffic, particularly in Manhattan. 
• Taxis: Taxis are readily available throughout New York City. If you’re in a rush or have heavy baggage, hailing a cab might be the easiest option. Simply look for a cab with its rooftop light on to signal that it’s available. Taxis are generally slower than the subway, especially during peak hours, but they offer door-to-door service, which can be a major convenience. 
• Ride-Sharing Services: Services like Uber, Lyft and more are also widely available in NYC, providing a convenient alternative to traditional taxis. These services allow you to book a ride directly from your phone and can be especially useful if you’re traveling with a group or have specific pickup and drop-off points in mind.

Arriving in Montreal and Navigating the City 

Greyhound drops passengers at the central Montreal Bus Station, conveniently located for easy access to the rest of the city: Downtown Montreal is just about 1.2 miles away. Montreal’s public transportation system is well-organized, making it simple to navigate and explore the city. 

Montreal’s Urban Transportation Options 

Montreal is divided into several distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character. Downtown Montreal is relatively compact and easy to explore on foot, but for longer distances, you’ll likely rely on public transportation. These are the most popular options: 

• The Metro System: Montreal's metro system is run by STM (Société de Transport de Montréal) and is the most efficient way to travel across the city. The system consists of four color-coded lines (Green, Orange, Yellow, and Blue) that connect various neighborhoods within the city and extend to key suburbs, including Laval to the north and Longueuil to the south. The metro operates from 5:30 AM to 12:30 AM on weekdays, with extended hours on Saturday nights until 1:30 AM. Tickets can be purchased at metro stations, and the same ticket can be used on the bus network. Consider buying an OPUS card, which is a rechargeable smart card that offers discounts on multiple rides. For short stays, opt for a 1-day or 3-day pass, which allows unlimited travel on both the metro and bus networks. Metro maps are available in both English and French, and station announcements are normally made in French. If you’re unfamiliar with French, using a translation app or familiarizing yourself with key phrases can be helpful. 
• The Bus System: Montreal’s bus network (also run by STM) complements the metro, covering areas that are not accessible by subway. The buses are an integral part of the city’s public transportation system, and many routes run frequently throughout the day and into the night. Buses generally run from 6:00 AM to 10:30 PM on weekdays, with night buses available on selected routes. Like the metro, bus fares can be paid with an OPUS card or by purchasing a ticket in advance. If you need to buy a ticket on the bus, you must have the exact change in Canadian coins. The STM website and mobile app provide real-time bus schedules and routes. Google Maps also integrates Montreal’s public transport system, making it easier for you to plan your trips. 
• Taxis and Ride-Sharing: Taxis can be hailed directly on the street or booked in advance through various apps or by phone. Most taxis accept credit cards, but it’s always a good idea to confirm with the driver before your trip begins. In Montreal, it's customary to tip around 10% for longer taxi rides, especially if the driver assists with your baggage. For shorter trips, a simple way to tip is by rounding up the fare to the nearest significant amount in Canadian dollars. Ride-sharing services like Uber also operate in the city, providing an additional transportation option. 
• Bixi Bikes: Montreal is a bike-friendly city with an extensive network of bike lanes. Bixi, the city's bike-sharing service, is readily available, allowing you to rent bikes at various locations across the city. It’s a great way to explore Montreal at your own pace. Bixi bikes can be rented using a credit card. You can choose between a short-term pass (24 hours or 72 hours) or a pay-per-ride option. Once you’ve rented a bike, you can pick it up at one station and drop it off at another. While cycling in Montreal is generally safe, be mindful of traffic and always follow local cycling laws. Wearing a helmet, although not mandatory for adults, is highly recommended for safety. Many streets have dedicated bike lanes, but in busier areas, cyclists share the road with cars. 

Useful Tips for Traveling from New York to Montreal 

• Prepare for the Journey: The bus trip from New York City to Montreal takes approximately 7.5 to 8 hours. To ensure a comfortable journey, bring essentials like snacks, water, and entertainment (books, movies, music). Consider packing a travel pillow, blanket, and items like earplugs or noise-canceling headphones if you plan to sleep during the ride. Booking an overnight bus can help you arrive in Montreal rested and ready to explore the city in the morning. 
• Border Crossing: Since you’ll be crossing the US-Canada border, ensure you have all necessary travel documents, including a valid passport and any required visas. Be prepared for customs checks, which can add some time to your journey. Keep your documents and any items you may need to declare easily accessible. 
• Currency: Canada uses Canadian dollars, so make sure you have some cash or a credit/debit card that works internationally. While most places in Montreal accept card payments, it’s always useful to have a small amount of cash on hand for smaller purchases or places that may not accept cards. If you forgot to bring cash, there's no need to worry—you can easily find generic ATMs to withdraw money, though keep in mind that this may come with an additional fee. 
• Language: While French is the official language in Montreal, most people in the city are bilingual and can speak English, especially in tourist areas. It’s courteous to start a conversation with a simple “Bonjour,” but don’t worry if you’re not fluent in French—most Montrealers will readily switch to English if they notice you’re struggling. 
• Cultural Etiquette: Montreal is known for its laid-back and friendly atmosphere, but like any city, it’s important to be respectful of local customs and etiquette. In Montreal restaurants, it's typical to tip around 10-15%. The exact amount may vary depending on the venue, occasion, and the size of your order. It's customary to leave a slightly higher tip for your waiter or waitress than you would for a bartender, as they often share their tips with the kitchen staff. 
• Healthcare: If you need to visit a hospital in Montreal, it's essential to have travel insurance, as Quebec's healthcare is only free for RAMQ cardholders. Without insurance, medical costs can be extremely high if you have to pay out of pocket. 

 

Looking for Greyhound Bus Tickets from New York to Montreal?

Your search ends here! We've got all the info you need to plan your bus journey. The trip from New York to Montreal can be as quick as 8 hours 19 minutes and as cost-effective as $61.99. The first bus of the day departs at 12:01 am and the last bus departs at 10:30 pm. Greyhound offers 4 buses daily between New York and Montreal. Traveling with Greyhound guarantees free Wifi, access to power sockets, and a guaranteed seat for your journey. Don't miss any updates on your bus trip: stay informed with our real-time bus tracker and check the status of your ride to Montreal in seconds.

How to Book Your Bus Trip to Montreal from New York

With Greyhound, reserving a ticket for your bus trip is a breeze. You can easily complete your booking on this website or through the free Greyhound App, all within a few simple clicks. You will have a variety of rides to choose from, as on many of our routes you will be offered both Greyhound and FlixBus bus rides, so you can choose the option that best fits your schedule. When booking your ticket from New York to Montreal, you have a range of secure online payment options at your disposal, including both debit and credit cards. If you prefer, cash payments are also accepted at various sales points. If you're on the hunt for a cheap ticket to Montreal, remember to book early. Traveling on weekdays or during non-peak hours can also lead you to some of the most budget-friendly fares available!