In short
- McGill and Bonaventure Metro stations offer direct, well-lit access.
- Centre Eaton de Montréal provides a central street-level entry point.
- Entry is free, though riding the Metro costs ~$3.75 CAD.
In this article
With over 12 square kilometers of operational area, finding the right starting point for RÉSO can be confusing. First-time visitors should stick to the most visible, high-traffic entrances to get their bearings quickly.
What is the best street-level entrance?
Centre Eaton de Montréal is the easiest street-level entrance for first-time visitors.
You can enter the network directly from the street through major downtown malls. Centre Eaton de Montréal is a central hub. It offers immediate access to the underground pathways, bright lighting, and the massive Time Out Market food hall.
Which Metro stations connect directly?
McGill, Bonaventure, and Place-des-Arts are the best Metro entrances.
The underground city connects directly to 12 Montreal Metro stations. Taking the Green or Orange line to McGill or Bonaventure puts you right in the active center of the network. These transit hubs are well-lit and feature clear signage.
Where does the underground city start?
The network officially started at Place Ville Marie in 1962.
If you want to start where the system began, enter at Place Ville Marie. The first tunnel was built here in 1962. It originally linked the office tower to Central Station. Today, it remains a major entry point.
Do you need a ticket to enter?
No, walking into the network is completely free.
You do not have to pay to use the pedestrian pathways or enter the connected malls. You only need to pay if you board an STM Metro train or take a guided tour.
| Access Method | Type | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Street-level malls (Eaton Centre) | Pedestrian walk | Free |
| STM Metro (McGill, Bonaventure) | Public transit | ~$3.75 CAD per trip |
| Guided walking tour | Activity | ~$25-$30 CAD |
How do you know if an entrance is open?
Access doors follow individual building and mall operating hours.
Corridors generally close when the connecting Metro stations or shopping malls close. The Metro runs from 5:30 AM to 1:00 AM. However, retail stores and mall entrances close much earlier. Stick to major Metro station entrances late at night.
Is it easy to get lost inside?
Yes, navigating the 32-kilometer maze can be disorienting.
The network covers 1,600 retail stores and multiple building complexes. To avoid getting lost right away, many visitors book a guided walking tour. This helps you understand the layout and history before exploring on your own.
Questions travellers ask
Is the Montreal Underground City completely underground?
No. The 32-kilometer network includes both above-ground and below-ground complexes. You will walk through basements, street-level malls, and elevated pedestrian bridges.
Are there maps of the Montreal Underground City?
Yes. You should bring a physical or downloaded RÉSO map. Navigating the 12 square kilometers of pathways is challenging without one.
What stores are in the Montreal Underground City?
The network links over 1,600 retail stores. You will find popular international brands, especially inside large multi-level malls like Centre Eaton de Montréal and Place Montréal Trust.
