
Major Highways & Driving Tips in Montréal, Canada
1. Autoroute Décarie (Highway 20)
A major east-west highway connecting downtown Montreal with the west island. It's known for its heavy traffic during peak hours.
- Heavy Traffic: Be prepared for congestion, especially during morning and evening rush hours.
- Construction Zones: Regular maintenance work may cause lane closures and delays.
- Public Transit Alternative: Consider using the Metro if your destination is near a station.
2. Autoroute Métropolitaine (Highway 15)
An essential north-south highway linking the Greater Montreal area with Quebec City. It can be quite busy, especially during summer vacations.
- Heavy Seasonal Traffic: Summer months and holiday periods may cause increased traffic.
- Speed Cameras: Watch your speed, especially in construction zones. Speed cameras are prevalent along this highway.
- Toll Roads: Some sections of Highway 15 are toll roads, so have change ready or use the electronic pass system.
3. Pont Champlain (Champlain Bridge)
A key crossing connecting Montreal Island to the South Shore. It's one of the longest cable-stayed bridges in the world.
- Rush Hour Traffic: Expect heavy traffic during peak hours, particularly during morning and evening commutes.
- Tolls: The bridge has a toll for cars. You can pay electronically or with cash at the booths.
- Construction Zones: Occasional maintenance work may result in lane closures and delays.
4. Autoroute Dorval (Highway 20 West)
A major highway connecting downtown Montreal with the west island and the airport. It's one of the busiest routes in Montreal.
- Airport Traffic: Heavy traffic is expected during peak travel periods, especially around the airport.
- Construction Zones: Regular maintenance work may cause lane closures and delays.
- Public Transit Alternative: Consider using the airport shuttle or public transit options if your destination is near a station.
5. Autoroute Ville-Marie (Highway 720)
A crucial downtown Montreal highway connecting various neighbourhoods. It's known for its complex interchanges and heavy traffic.
- Complex Interchanges: Stay attentive when navigating the numerous ramps and intersections.
- Heavy Traffic: Expect congestion, especially during peak hours. Alternative routes might be quicker.
- Construction Zones: Regular maintenance work may cause lane closures and delays.
6. Autoroute Turcot (Highway 15 South)
A major highway connecting the Greater Montreal area with the U.S. border. It's known for its extensive construction project.
- Construction Zones: Due to ongoing work, expect lane closures and delays.
- Heavy Traffic: The highway can be very busy during peak travel periods, especially at border crossings.
- Border Crossing: Prepare for customs checks and delays when crossing into the United States.
7. Autoroute Henri-Bourassa (Highway 15 North)
A major north-south highway connecting Montreal with Laval and the Laurentian Mountains. It's known for its long stretches of traffic.
- Long Stretches: Prepare for long, open road sections that may cause monotony.
- Heavy Traffic: Expect heavy traffic during peak travel periods and on weekends.
- Rest Stops: Take advantage of rest stops for breaks, especially when traveling longer distances.
8. Pont Jacques-Cartier (Jacques Cartier Bridge)
A modern cable-stayed bridge that provides a scenic crossing connecting Montreal Island to the South Shore.
- New Infrastructure: Enjoy the sleek design and innovative technology of this recently built bridge.
- Construction Zones: Occasional maintenance work may result in lane closures and delays.
- Tolls: The bridge has a toll for cars. You can pay electronically or with cash at the booths.
9. Autoroute Bonaventure (Highway 15 East)
A major east-west highway connecting Montreal with the Eastern Townships. It's known for its heavy traffic during peak hours.
- Heavy Traffic: Expect congestion, especially during morning and evening rush hours.
- Construction Zones: Regular maintenance work may cause lane closures and delays.
- Public Transit Alternative: Consider using the train if your destination is near a station.
10. Autoroute A-40 (Laurentian Autoroute)
A major north-south highway connecting Montreal with the Laurentian Mountains and Quebec City. It's known for its scenic views and heavy traffic.
- Scenic Views: Enjoy the picturesque landscapes during your journey.
- Heavy Traffic: Expect heavy traffic during peak travel periods and on weekends.
- Rest Stops: Take advantage of rest stops for breaks, especially when traveling longer distances.
11. Pont Victoria (Victoria Bridge)
A historical bridge connecting Montreal Island to the South Shore. It offers panoramic views of the city and St. Lawrence River.
- Historical Landmark: Appreciate the architectural and historical significance of this bridge.
- Tolls: The bridge has a toll for cars. You can pay electronically or with cash at the booths.
- Construction Zones: Occasional maintenance work may result in lane closures and delays.
12. Autoroute A-30 (Côte-de-Liesse Express)
A major east-west highway connecting Montreal with the suburbs and the South Shore. It's known for its busy urban sections.
- Urban Sections: Stay alert when navigating through densely populated areas.
- Heavy Traffic: Expect congestion, especially during peak hours.
- Construction Zones: Regular maintenance work may cause lane closures and delays.
13. Autoroute A-4 (North Shore Autoroute)
A major north-south highway connecting Montreal with the North Shore and Lanaudière region. It's known for its scenic views and mountain passes.
- Scenic Views: Enjoy the picturesque landscapes during your journey.
- Heavy Traffic: Expect heavy traffic during peak travel periods and on weekends.
- Mountain Passes: Be prepared for steep inclines and declines when crossing the mountain range.
14. Autoroute A-520 (Ring Road)
A circular highway surrounding downtown Montreal, making it easier to bypass the city centre during peak hours.
- Circular Highway: Save time by using this bypass to avoid downtown traffic.
- Heavy Traffic: Expect congestion during peak hours, especially near the city centre.
- Construction Zones: Regular maintenance work may cause lane closures and delays.
15. Pont Mercier (Mercier Bridge)
A cable-stayed bridge connecting Montreal Island to the South Shore. It offers stunning views of the Saint Lawrence River and Montreal skyline.
- Scenic Views: Appreciate the breathtaking vistas during your journey.
- Tolls: The bridge has a toll for cars. You can pay electronically or with cash at the booths.
- Construction Zones: Occasional maintenance work may result in lane closures and delays.