Thrifty Car Hire
Montreal

The Thrifty hire desk at Montréal–Trudeau Airport is conveniently located on the ground floor of the multi-storey car park, directly opposite the main terminal building. After collecting your luggage, simply exit the baggage reclaim area and follow the prominent overhead signs for "Car Rentals" or "Location de voitures." The route is entirely indoors or covered, leading you straight to the rental car centre. It's a short and straightforward walk, and you won't need to take a shuttle bus to reach the desk and collect your vehicle.

Finding the hire car area late at night is just as simple as during the day, as the airport handles arrivals 24/7. The route from baggage reclaim to the Thrifty desk in the car park is well lit and clearly signed with overhead signage. As the airport is quieter at night, following the signs for "Car Rentals" can actually be easier. The walk is direct and doesn't involve any complex turns, ensuring you can reach the desk efficiently even after a long flight.

When travelling with bulky items such as skis, plan to use one of the luggage trolleys available in the baggage reclaim area. These can be taken all the way to the Thrifty desk and your hire vehicle in the adjacent car park. Once you have your car, the car park provides a calm, covered space to load and organise your gear without feeling rushed. This allows you to secure everything properly and adjust your mirrors and sat-nav before you even start the engine, ensuring a relaxed start to your drive.

For a straightforward drive to Old Montréal, the best option is to take Autoroute 20 East directly from the airport. This highway eventually becomes Autoroute 720, also known as the Ville-Marie Expressway, which runs along the edge of downtown. Stay on this expressway and look for the well-marked exits for "Vieux-Montréal," such as Rue de la Montagne or Rue Berri. This route keeps you on a major highway for the majority of the trip, minimising complex city-street navigation until the final few blocks of your journey.

Driving from the airport to downtown during weekday rush hour (roughly 15:30 to 18:30) can be challenging due to heavy traffic. The most direct route, Autoroute 20/720, often experiences significant slowdowns. As an alternative that can sometimes feel less frantic, consider taking Autoroute 520 to Autoroute 40 East (Metropolitan Expressway), then Autoroute 15 South (Décarie Expressway) towards downtown. While not always faster, this route can have more consistent movement compared with the stop-and-go traffic on the main expressway.

Arriving in the Plateau requires a bit of strategy due to its charming but narrow one-way streets and complex parking rules. The best approach is to first locate a temporary paid parking spot or a public car park to unload your luggage without stress. Once you've checked in and unloaded, you can then begin the search for on-street parking, paying very close attention to signs indicating residential permit zones and street-cleaning times. Many visitors find it easiest to use a paid lot for the duration of their stay and explore the vibrant neighbourhood on foot.

Montréal's downtown core features a dense grid of one-way streets and specific turn restrictions that can catch newcomers by surprise. The most important rule to remember is that turning right on a red light is prohibited on the entire Island of Montreal. Always use a reliable GPS navigation app, as it will account for these one-way streets and turning rules. Pay close attention to all posted signs, especially those indicating bus lanes or restricted turns during certain hours, to ensure a smooth and compliant driving experience.

When your hotel is on a busy street, it's wise to call them in advance to ask about their specific procedure for guest arrivals. Many larger hotels have a designated short-term loading zone where you can pull over for a few minutes. Have your luggage organised and ready to unload quickly to minimise your time stopped in a traffic lane. If there's no designated area, the best plan is to locate the nearest public car park, park the car, and then walk over to the hotel to check in.

Right after leaving the airport, many visitors are surprised by the prevalence of French-only road signs; knowing key terms like "Sortie" (Exit), "Est" (East) and "Ouest" (West) is very helpful. Another major adjustment is the island-wide "no right turn on red" law. Local driving can feel assertive, so be prepared for quick lane changes and maintain a defensive posture. Finally, the city's numerous overpasses and complex interchanges require you to be in your desired lane well in advance of your turn or exit.

For a convenient stop with children after leaving the airport, head to the commercial area along Boulevard de la Côte-Vertu, just a few minutes' drive away. This area offers numerous family-friendly fast-food restaurants, coffee shops and large stores with ample parking and accessible toilets. It's an ideal spot to grab a snack, use the facilities and get everyone settled comfortably in the car. Making this quick stop here is much easier than trying to find a suitable place once you're in the denser city neighbourhoods.

To reach the Olympic Stadium while bypassing downtown's complex interchanges, the most direct route is to use the highways north of the city centre. From the airport, take Autoroute 520 East to connect with Autoroute 40 East (Metropolitan Expressway). Continue on Autoroute 40 for several kilometres until you see the exit for Boulevard Pie-IX South. This boulevard will lead you directly to the Olympic Park area, offering a much simpler drive than navigating the downtown Ville-Marie tunnel system.

Navigating Montréal's frequent construction requires flexibility and modern technology. The single most effective tool is a real-time GPS app like Waze or Google Maps, which constantly updates routes based on live traffic data and reported closures. Always keep an eye out for the bright orange detour signs, which are usually well placed to guide you. It's also a wise practice to build an extra 15–20 minutes of buffer time into any planned drive across the city, especially during the summer months.

During major events like the Grand Prix or the Jazz Festival, extensive street closures can make driving in the city core nearly impossible. Before you head out, check the official event or city website for a map of the affected areas. The best strategy is to avoid driving into the festival zone altogether. Instead, park your car at a public garage or a metro station on the periphery and use the efficient public transport system to reach your destination without the stress of traffic and detours.

When arriving at an Airbnb on a narrow street, communication with your host is crucial; ask for their specific advice on the best place to stop for unloading. Plan to pull over as far as possible, put on your hazard lights, and unload your belongings quickly. It's helpful if one person can manage the unloading while the driver stays with the vehicle. Once your luggage is out, immediately move the car to find a legal parking spot, which may be several blocks away, to avoid causing congestion.

To access the Underground City (RÉSO), your best bet is to drive into the downtown core and park in one of the large multi-level garages. From the airport, take Autoroute 720 (Ville-Marie Expressway) and use one of the "Centre-Ville" (downtown) exits like Rue Guy or Rue de la Cathédrale. Follow the ubiquitous blue "P" signs, which will guide you to major parking structures. Many of these garages, such as those at Complexe Desjardins or the Eaton Centre, offer direct indoor access to the underground network, letting you explore comfortably on foot.

The Samuel De Champlain Bridge is a primary commuter route and experiences significant congestion during morning and evening rush hours. The traffic can be very slow-moving, adding considerable time to your trip. For a potentially less stressful alternative, consider using the Victoria Bridge, which often has lighter traffic flow, though it is narrower and has specific lane-direction rules depending on the time of day. Planning your river crossing for mid-day, between 10:00 and 15:00, is the best strategy to avoid the worst of the delays.

Driving up to the lookouts in Mont-Royal Park is a popular activity, which means parking can be very competitive, especially on fine weekends and during sunset hours. The main paid car parks near Beaver Lake and the Kondiaronk Belvedere fill extremely quickly at these times. To secure a spot, it's best to arrive early in the day or visit on a weekday. If the lots are full, you may need to park further down the mountain and enjoy a pleasant, scenic walk up to the viewpoints.

For a trip focused on exploring the regions around Montréal, staying in a neighbourhood with direct highway access is a major time-saver. Consider areas in the west end of the island, such as Dorval, Pointe-Claire or Saint-Laurent. These locations provide immediate access to Autoroutes 20, 40 and 13, allowing you to start your day trips to places like Ottawa or Mont-Tremblant without first navigating downtown traffic. This strategic location can easily save you 30–45 minutes of driving each morning.

A day trip to Mont-Tremblant is easily achievable, with a typical drive time of about 90 minutes to two hours each way. The most direct path is Autoroute 15 North. To make the most of your day, plan to leave Montréal by 08:00 to avoid traffic and arrive before the resort gets too crowded. For a pleasant break, the town of Saint-Sauveur, located about halfway, offers charming bakeries and cafés right off the highway. This allows for a quick stop to stretch your legs and grab a coffee.

To ensure a smooth start for your drive to Québec City, timing your departure from Montréal is key. The heaviest traffic leaving the island typically occurs during the afternoon rush hour, especially on Fridays. The ideal time to leave is either mid-morning on a weekday, between 09:30 and 11:30, or early on a weekend morning before 09:00. This timing allows you to miss the local commuter traffic and get onto Autoroute 40 or 20 East before the main exodus of travellers begins.

For an efficient day trip to Ottawa, plan to depart from Montréal around 08:00 to allow for the two-hour drive on Autoroute 40 West (which becomes Highway 417). This arrival time gives you a full day to explore. Once in Ottawa, one of the most convenient places to park is the large underground garage at the National Arts Centre. This central location provides easy walking access to major attractions like Parliament Hill, the Rideau Canal and the ByWard Market, allowing you to park just once for the day.

Driving to the Eastern Townships is a highlight in itself, and you can easily choose a scenic route. While Autoroute 10 East is the fastest way, you can opt for a more picturesque drive by exiting onto secondary roads like Route 112. For an even more curated experience, follow the signs for the "Route des Vins" (Wine Route), which winds through charming villages and beautiful countryside. These routes are well maintained and easy to follow with a GPS, offering a relaxing drive without complex navigation.

Driving from Montréal to northern suburbs like Laval involves crossing a bridge, which can be a bottleneck during peak times. On weekends, expect heavy traffic on Autoroutes 15 and 13, particularly on Saturday mornings heading north and Sunday afternoons heading south, as people flock to shopping centres. To avoid the worst of it, try to travel during off-peak hours, such as mid-day. Using a real-time traffic app is essential for choosing the least congested bridge at the moment you're travelling.

The road network immediately surrounding the airport can be confusing for first-time visitors. The Dorval Circle, a large traffic roundabout, requires you to pay close attention to signs to ensure you get on the correct ramp for Autoroute 20 East towards downtown. Similarly, the interchange where Autoroute 520 meets Autoroute 13 has several lanes that split, so it's important to be in the correct one ahead of time. Using your GPS with voice guidance from the moment you leave the rental lot is the best way to navigate these areas confidently.

Winter driving in Montréal requires extra caution and slower speeds. Your hire car will be equipped with mandatory winter tyres, which significantly improves handling on snow and ice. Be particularly careful on hills and bridges, as they can be extra slippery, and avoid sudden braking or acceleration. Snowbanks often reduce the width of driving lanes, so it's important to be aware of your car's position and give extra space to other vehicles, especially on narrower residential streets.

On a winter morning, always budget an additional 15 to 20 minutes before you plan to leave. This allows you enough time to thoroughly clear all snow and ice from every window, mirror, light and the roof of your hire car for maximum visibility. You'll also want to let the engine run for a few minutes to warm up and allow the demister to clear any fog or frost from the windscreen. This simple preparation routine is essential for a safe and stress-free start to your winter drive.

Spring driving in Montréal is often characterised by challenging road conditions after the winter thaw. Be prepared for numerous potholes, which can appear suddenly, by maintaining a safe following distance and keeping your eyes on the road ahead. This is also the beginning of construction season, so expect frequent lane closures and detours. Lane markings can be faded from winter salt and sand, so pay extra attention, especially at night or in the rain, and always drive defensively.

For a low-stress departure, timing is everything. Plan to begin your road trip on a weekend morning, ideally between 07:00 and 09:00, when traffic is significantly lighter than on weekdays. Before you leave, review your route so you know exactly which highway you need to get on. This strategy allows you to get onto a major autoroute quickly, minimising your time on congested city streets and helping you start your journey with confidence and ease.

Montréal prioritises safety in its neighbourhoods, so drivers must be extra vigilant. School zones have strictly enforced, reduced speed limits during set hours, so always watch for the signs. In pedestrian-heavy commercial areas like Rue Sainte-Catherine or Avenue Mont-Royal, drive slowly and be prepared for people to cross the street. Speed limits are enforced by police and speed cameras, so adhering to the posted signs is crucial for a safe and ticket-free trip.

Montréal's extensive network of bike lanes requires drivers to be more aware of their surroundings. When making a right turn at an intersection with a protected bike lane, you must yield to any cyclists and often wait for a specific traffic signal. Always check your blind spot for cyclists before turning or opening your car door when parked. It is illegal and dangerous to stop or park in a bike lane, so always look for a designated parking spot.

To avoid the stress of picking someone up on a busy downtown street, arrange a specific and easy-to-access meeting point. Suggest a location slightly away from the main chaos, such as a quieter side street, the entrance to a public library or a coffee shop with a clear storefront. Another great option is to use the passenger drop-off zone of a major hotel or metro station. Clear communication is key, so ask them to be waiting outside and ready to go when you arrive.

The most efficient way to do a large grocery run is to stop at a supermarket in the suburbs between the airport and your final destination. Along major routes like Autoroute 40, you'll find large grocery stores like IGA or Provigo that have spacious car parks, making it easy to park and load your car. This is far less stressful than trying to find parking at a smaller grocery store in a dense urban neighbourhood. A quick search on your GPS for a supermarket along your route will reveal several convenient options.

To drive to Jean-Drapeau Park, you will need to take either the Concorde Bridge or the Jacques Cartier Bridge, following the clear signs for the park. Once on the island, there are several large, paid car parks available for visitors. However, on weekends or during major events, these lots fill up very quickly and traffic can be heavy. On such days, a much easier and stress-free option is to park your car near a metro station on the mainland and take the Yellow Line, which has a dedicated stop right in the park.

The Space for Life museum complex, which includes the Biodôme and Botanical Garden, is easily accessible by car via major arteries like Rue Sherbrooke or Boulevard Pie-IX. The complex is served by large, dedicated car parks that are well signed as you approach the Olympic Park area. While parking is generally ample, it is a paid service and the lots can become quite full on weekends, holidays or school break periods. Arriving earlier in the day is a good strategy to secure a convenient spot.

To have a successful hiking day in the Laurentians, an early start is crucial for avoiding traffic. The main bottleneck is Autoroute 15 North, which gets very congested with weekend travellers. Plan to be on the highway from Montréal no later than 07:30 to get ahead of the main rush. This not only ensures a smoother drive but also dramatically increases your chances of finding a parking spot at popular trailheads, which are often full by 10:00.

Driving to the U.S. border at Saint-Bernard-de-Lacolle takes about an hour from Montréal via Autoroute 15 South. Border crossing times can vary significantly, with the heaviest congestion typically occurring on weekend mornings heading south and on Sunday evenings heading back north. Long weekends and holidays on either side of the border will also see longer waits. For a smoother experience, try to travel on a weekday or check online border wait time trackers before you depart.

Returning your car from downtown during morning rush hour requires generous time planning. The drive on Autoroute 720 West can be very slow between 07:00 and 09:30, so it's wise to at least double the travel time estimated by your GPS. As you approach the airport, slow down and carefully follow the overhead signs for "Car Rental Return" ("Retour de voitures de location"). These signs will guide you off the main airport loop and directly to the correct entrance in the car park.

For an early morning flight, a good timeline is essential. From downtown, plan on a 30-minute drive to the airport in the pre-dawn hours when traffic is minimal. Allow about 15 minutes for the car return process itself, including the vehicle check and gathering your bags. The walk from the rental facility to the terminal check-in counters takes about 5–10 minutes. To be safe, you should aim to arrive at the hire car return area at least three hours before an international departure.

The key to a low-stress return is to slow down and focus on the signage as you enter the airport grounds. Look specifically for the signs that say "Car Rental Return," which will appear well before the main terminal drop-off lanes. These signs will direct you to a dedicated entrance for the rental car centre, keeping you separate from the departures and arrivals traffic. If you miss the turn, don't panic; simply follow the loop around again and be ready for it on the next pass.

For an efficient one-day hire, pick up your car at the airport and immediately head to your destination outside the city, such as a scenic drive in the Laurentians or Eastern Townships. This approach avoids the hassle of navigating and parking in downtown Montréal. At the end of your day trip, you can drive back towards the airport area for dinner before returning the vehicle that evening. This plan maximises your sightseeing time while minimising your exposure to dense city traffic.