by Ihor Cap

Every now and then I travel to various city destinations across Canada. I always look for the local Shuttle Bus service to take me to my hotel, especially when I am short on cash.   This time I was in Montreal.  

Shuttle Bus services go by different names in most cities across Canada. In Montreal it’s called the 747 Express Bus. It operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This is one of the best bus rides I have ever had and the most inexpensive of all. Two thumbs up Montreal! It is fast, air conditioned, roomy, and it only cost me $8 dollars for the ride. Much cheaper than the $38 dollar cab fare which did not include a tip that my friend Fred felt obliged to pay. It's $45 dollars for cab fare for 2 individuals.  I felt no such pressure to tip on the 747 Express Bus.

Purchasing a ticket to get to your hotel
Purchasing a one-way ticket to get to your hotel is easy. The 747 Express Bus boarding cards are available at the airport exit (international arrivals level), the central bus terminal (Gare d’autocars de Montreal), at the Infotourist Centre and in every metro (subway) station. Look for the blue and white signs with the number 747 on it or ask for assistance. Most everyone is bilingual in Montreal so don’t be afraid to ask for help.  I purchased my express ticket at the international arrivals exit where an attendant assisted me with the purchase of my ticket on the machine. She provided me with a boarding pass card and a receipt. It's about a 35 minute ride to and from the Montreal-Trudeau airport and the downtown Berri-UQAM station.

Cautionary Note
Be sure you have exact fare in coins on hand, not paper money, when climbing aboard on your return trip to the airport, otherwise the conductor will not let you board the bus.

More Good News
There is more good news. The 747 Bus is now equipped with WI-FI. Moreover, my friend Fred also paid another $3 dollars for each of his city bus and metro (subway) rides that day, but I did not. Why? Having paid my $8 dollar fare, I received an “occasional” pass card with which I could board not just the 747 Express Bus but also all STM bus and metro lines for the next 24 hours for free. Isn’t that a deal? I’d say so. So, don’t be like my friend Fred. Use the 747 Express Buses and save. Then go out and buy yourself a nice meal or gifts for your wife or children with the money you saved.

En Route Shuttle Bus Express Stops
Check the Table below for the list of all 747 Express Bus Hotel stops and Metro Station Stops. I counted 62 hotels and metro stations on the brochure. There are eleven numbered stops in all.  Because the hotels are all in close proximity to each other (no more than a block), they are grouped into one corresponding number or zone. You can check the brochure for the streets that correspond to these numbers and hotel stops. Wait for the driver to call out your street. Ask ahead of time if you are not sure. Don’t wait until the last minute. Last, but not least, pick up a time schedule to and from the airport for shuttle bus service stop times. You can also check their web site for any changes or updates at their web site (http://www.stm.info/English/bus/GEOMET/A-GEO747.htm ) as well as other useful city transport (bus, metro, taxi, train, other) information and links at www.stm.info. Enjoy your stay in Montreal. It’s a great city!

Table

Hotel and Metro Stops

Hotels with free shuttle bus service

Complimentary shuttle bus services are available to and from the airport and a limited number of nearby hotels close to the airport). Check the list of hotels below to see if your hotel offers this service or call the hotel directly to inquire.

Aloft Aeroport Montreal
Best Western Aeroport de Montreal
Comfort Inn Aeroport Dorval
Comfort Inn Pointe-Claire
Crowne Plaza Mtl Aeroport
Days Inn Aeroport Montreal
Hampton Inn & Suites
Hilton Garden Inn
Holiday Inn Aeroport
Holiday Inn Pointe-Claire
Mariott Aeroport adjacent to the terminal
Mariott Coutyard Montreal Aeroport
Mariott Fairfield Inn & Suite
Mariott Residence Inn
Novotel Montreal Aeroport
Park Inn and suites
Quality Hotel Dorval
Quality Suites Pointe-Claire
Rodeway Inn
Travelodge Dorval
Wyndham Montreal Aeroport

Author Information:
Ihor Cap is a web author at http://articlesandblogs.ezreklama.com.