Gare centrale de Montréal
Located in Ville Marie, the historic and business centre of downtowl Montreal. Central Station (Gare Centrale) serves intercity trains (VIA Rail, Amtrak) along with commuter rail (EXO) and rapid transit (REM) plus remote train services to the hinterland of the province.
Good to know …
Hotels
Queen Elizabeth Hotel
Parking
Paid parking garage
Restaurants
Staffed Station
Vending machines
VIA Rail Canada lounge
For Business class and Sleeper passengers on the Ocean
Waiting room
Washrooms
Wheelchair Accessible
Wi-fi
Pros
- Central transport hub connecting travellers
- Impressive art deco architecture
- Grand Main Concourse
- RÉSO (commonly known as Underground City) connects retail, hotels, and offices via an underground network (great to avoid Montreal’s notoriously cold winters
Cons
- Lack of a grand, formal entrance makes finding the station entrance a challenge
- Crowded (especially during rush hour and sporting events)
- Confusing Navigation (separate levels with not so clear directions)
- While fully accessible, out of the way elevators and sudden ramps make for stressful journey
- Skylights to let natural light in would improve the main concourse experience (and Vitamin D exposure)
Notes
- The station is a labyrinth. Since completion in 1943, Central Station has seen multiple additions including hotels, shopping centres. Combined with the lack of natural light, orienting yourself can become difficult.
- Montreal Metro does not serve the station directly. The closest station is Bonaventure which can be accessed by walking through the RÉSO underground to make the connection.
