In short
- Walking the 32-kilometer pedestrian network is completely free.
- Standard STM transit fares apply if you use the metro ($3.75 CAD).
- Guided walking tours cost around $25 to $35 CAD.
In this article
Visiting the Montreal Underground City does not require an admission ticket. As a massive urban district connecting malls, offices, and hotels, the public corridors are open to everyone without charge. However, understanding how transit fares work will help you plan your visit.
Is the Montreal Underground City free to visit?
Yes, walking through the corridors, malls, and public squares of the Underground City is 100% free.
You can explore the 32-kilometer (20-mile) network of pathways without buying a ticket. The tunnels function like indoor public streets, directly connecting over 1,600 retail stores, 200 restaurants, and numerous hotels. Accessing public art and major hubs like the Complexe Desjardins plaza is also free.
Do I need a ticket to ride the metro?
Yes, standard STM transit fares apply if you choose to board the metro trains.
The Underground City connects directly to 12 Montreal Metro stations. While walking through the station corridors is free, passing through the turnstiles to ride the Green or Orange lines requires a ticket. A single trip costs ~$3.75 CAD. If you plan to ride frequently, an OPUS card is recommended.
| Activity | Cost |
|---|---|
| Walking the tunnels | Free |
| Entering shopping malls | Free |
| STM Metro ride (single) | ~$3.75 CAD |
| Guided walking tour | ~$25-$30 CAD |
Should I book a guided tour?
A guided tour is a paid option highly recommended for first-timers to avoid getting lost.
Since the network is massive and spans over 12 square kilometers, navigating it can be confusing. Guided tours cost around $25 to $35 CAD and take 2 to 2.5 hours. A guide will show you the layout, point out public art funded by Quebec's '1% rule', and explain the history starting from the 1962 construction of Place Ville Marie.
Where does the Montreal Underground City start?
There is no single starting point or main entrance where tickets are checked.
You can enter the network from street level through major downtown malls like Eaton Centre or Place Ville Marie, or via connected metro stations like McGill or Bonaventure. Access doors follow the operating hours of individual buildings and malls. Best Entry Points.
What are the Montreal Underground City hours?
Corridors generally close when the connecting metro stations or shopping malls close.
The STM Metro runs from 5:30 AM to 1:00 AM, but many retail stores and malls close earlier in the evening. Service hallways and staff-only areas are restricted, and overnight access is not permitted. Keep an eye on the specific closing times of the building you enter.
Is the Montreal Underground City completely underground?
No, the network includes both above-ground and below-ground complexes.
While much of it is subterranean, many pedestrian pathways connect to street-level malls, offices, and cultural spaces like Place des Arts. It functions as a climate-controlled district to provide shelter from harsh Canadian winters, rather than a strictly underground cavern.
Questions travellers ask
Are there maps of the Montreal Underground City?
Yes, bringing a physical or downloaded RÉSO map is recommended, as the massive network can be tricky to navigate.
Why was the Montreal Underground City built?
The first tunnel was built in 1962 linking Place Ville Marie to Central Station. It was designed as a climate-controlled urban district to provide convenience and shelter during harsh winters.
Can you sleep in the Montreal Underground City?
No, overnight stays or sleeping in the corridors is not permitted. Overnight luggage storage is also prohibited unless using official VIA Rail facilities for ticketed passengers.
