Hertz Car Rental
Montreal

Once you clear customs and collect your baggage, look for the overhead signs directing you to "Car Rentals" or "Location de voitures." These signs are prominently displayed throughout the arrivals hall. The rental car counters for most major agencies, including Hertz, are conveniently grouped together in a dedicated area on the ground floor of the terminal building. Following the clear airport signage is the most reliable way to navigate directly to the service desk to begin your rental process.

The most straightforward route from the airport to Old Montréal generally involves taking Autoroute 20 East toward the city center. To minimize stress, it is highly recommended to set your hotel's address in your GPS before you start driving. As you approach downtown, your navigation will guide you to take the correct exits for "Centre-Ville" (Downtown) and then direct you onto the local streets leading to Vieux-Montréal. Paying close attention to your GPS and moving into the correct lane well in advance of your exit will help you avoid last-minute confusion at complex interchanges.

While it can seem intimidating, most visitors adapt quickly to Montréal's signage. Key traffic signs like "Stop" ("Arrêt") are easily recognizable, and major directional signs on highways are often bilingual or use universal symbols. It can be helpful to learn a few basic French words such as "Sortie" for Exit, and the cardinal directions: "Est" (East), "Ouest" (West), "Nord" (North), and "Sud" (South). Using a GPS with audio directions will also significantly ease the learning curve, allowing you to focus more on the road and less on reading every sign.

One-way streets are a defining feature of Montréal's older, denser neighborhoods, including Downtown and Old Montréal. It's essential to rely on a GPS, as it will account for these restrictions in its routing. Always look for the one-way arrow signs before making a turn, as they are not always obvious. If you miss a turn, it's often easier and safer to circle the block rather than attempting a risky maneuver. Expect to navigate a grid of one-way streets as a normal part of driving in the city's core.

The rule is simple and absolute: on the entire Island of Montréal, turning right on a red light is prohibited at all times, unless a specific sign explicitly permits it. This is a significant departure from the rules in most other parts of North America. Visitors most often get into trouble by acting on habit and making a turn after stopping at a red light. To stay safe and avoid fines, you must always wait for a green light or a dedicated green arrow before making any right turn.

The Décarie Expressway is a busy, sunken highway with many exits in close succession. A common mistake for unfamiliar drivers is not getting into the correct lane early enough for their exit, leading to unsafe, last-minute lane changes. The interchanges, especially the Turcot where multiple highways converge, can be particularly confusing. To navigate it successfully, review your route beforehand, pay close attention to overhead signs, and trust your GPS to give you advance warning for your specific exit.

When driving to the Bell Centre, it's best to choose a specific parking garage in advance and navigate directly to it. Approaching from major streets like Rue de la Montagne or Rue Peel can provide more direct access. However, given the prevalence of one-way streets and potential event-day road closures, relying on a real-time traffic app is crucial. Arriving well before your event starts is the most effective strategy to find parking calmly and avoid getting caught in frustrating traffic loops.

During festival season, many streets in and around the Quartier des Spectacles become pedestrian-only zones. Before you drive, check the official city of Montréal website or the specific festival's website for detailed maps of street closures. The most practical approach is often to park your vehicle in a garage on the outskirts of the main festival area, such as near the Palais des congrès or Complexe Desjardins. From there, you can easily walk to the venues without dealing with the traffic and detours.

For the smoothest experience, pull into the hotel's designated passenger drop-off lane whenever possible. It's most efficient to have one person stay with the car while others handle the luggage to ensure you can move if needed. If there is no designated zone, find a safe place to stop temporarily, being mindful of "no stopping" signs and bus zones. The key is to be quick and considerate, unloading your belongings onto the sidewalk promptly before finding a proper parking spot.

Reserved lanes are typically marked on the pavement with a large white diamond symbol and are accompanied by signs indicating the hours they are in effect. These lanes are strictly for buses and, in some cases, taxis. To avoid them, always pay attention to pavement markings and posted signs, especially on major arteries. Be particularly careful when preparing to make a right turn, as you may need to merge into the lane just before your intersection; signs will usually indicate where this is permitted.

Montréal's peak rush-hour times are generally from about 7:00 to 9:30 AM and from 3:30 to 6:30 PM on weekdays. A drive from the West Island to the Plateau during these periods will involve heavy congestion on major east-west arteries like Autoroute 40 or Autoroute 20. You should anticipate that a trip that might take 30 minutes in light traffic could easily take over an hour. If your schedule is flexible, planning your drive outside of these peak windows will result in a much faster and less stressful experience.

Summer in Montréal is synonymous with road construction, which can lead to unexpected detours and delays. The most effective tool for navigating this is a real-time traffic app like Google Maps or Waze, which constantly updates routes based on current conditions and reported closures. It's also a good practice to check the Québec 511 or city traffic websites for information on major long-term projects before you begin a longer drive. Allowing extra travel time is always a wise precaution during the summer months.

After leaving the airport, your best option is to visit a supermarket in one of the nearby suburban communities like Dorval or Pointe-Claire. These areas have large grocery stores (known as "épiceries" or "supermarchés") with spacious, free parking lots that are easily accessible from the main highways like Autoroute 20 or 40. This allows you to stock up on supplies conveniently before you navigate the more challenging parking environment of downtown Montréal.

For a quick and easy break after your flight, consider stopping at a park in a nearby suburb such as Dorval or Lachine. Many of these community parks have playgrounds and open spaces perfect for letting children stretch their legs. Another simple option is to find a suburban shopping center along your route out of the airport area. These centers typically have family-friendly restaurants, clean restrooms, and ample parking, making for a low-stress stop.

The most direct way to drive to Mount Royal Park is to use your GPS to navigate to one of the main access points, such as the Smith House or the Beaver Lake Pavilion. The route will take you from the highway onto city streets that wind up the mountain. The primary challenge for visitors is parking, which is limited and fills up quickly, especially on weekends. Arriving early in the day increases your chances of finding a spot in the main lots, otherwise be prepared to park further down and enjoy a scenic walk up.

Planning a visit to Saint Joseph's Oratory is quite straightforward from a driving perspective. The best approach is to navigate directly to the Oratory's address on Queen Mary Road. The site has a large, paid parking garage specifically for visitors, which is well-signed and easily accessible from the main road. Using this dedicated lot is the most efficient strategy and eliminates the stress of trying to find limited and often restricted street parking in the surrounding residential neighborhoods.

A great strategy is to start your day at Jean-Talon Market, as it has a large and convenient underground parking garage located directly beneath the market itself. After you've finished there, you can drive south to the Old Montréal area. Instead of searching for difficult street parking, head for one of the large public parking lots near the Old Port or the Palais des congrès. This two-stop parking plan minimizes hassle and allows you to explore both locations on foot from a secure base.

Montréal's parking signs can be complex, often featuring multiple regulations on a single post that apply on different days or times. It is crucial to read every line of the sign carefully to understand the rules for that specific spot. Pay attention to time limits, hours of enforcement, and days for street cleaning. In winter, also look for signs indicating a snow removal route. When in doubt, the safest and most stress-free option is to use a paid public parking lot or garage.

Winter driving in Montréal requires extra caution. You should expect main roads to be narrowed by large snowbanks, which reduces maneuvering space and visibility at intersections. Local drivers are accustomed to these conditions, but it's wise to drive more slowly, leave significantly more stopping distance, and be gentle with acceleration and braking to avoid skidding. Be especially careful on less-traveled side streets, which may be more slippery than the main arteries.

Accessing Parc Jean-Drapeau by car is done via the Concorde or Jacques Cartier bridges. While getting there is usually manageable, the main difficulty is leaving after a major event like a concert or race. The exit routes from the island become severe bottlenecks as thousands of vehicles try to leave at once. To avoid the worst of the gridlock, consider leaving the event a little early or plan to relax at the park for a while after it ends to let traffic subside.

Driving to the Olympic Park is relatively easy, as it's accessible from major city arteries like Sherbrooke Street and Pie-IX Boulevard. The complex is well-signed and contains a very large underground parking garage that serves all of its attractions, including the stadium, Biodome, and Planetarium. The key is to follow the signs for "P" (Parking) as you approach the site. Navigating the vast parking area to find the section closest to your destination is the only minor challenge.

Autoroute 40 (north of the St. Lawrence River) and Autoroute 20 (south of the river) are the two primary east-west highways for road trips out of Montréal. Both are modern, multi-lane highways but can experience heavy traffic, especially when leaving the city on Friday afternoons or the start of a holiday weekend. You should also expect a significant amount of commercial truck traffic on both routes. Be sure to plan for potential congestion around the city before the drive opens up in more rural areas.

When driving to Québec City along Autoroute 20, a convenient first stop is about an hour into your trip in the city of Drummondville, which has numerous gas stations and restaurants right off the highway. For a more integrated stop, look for the large, official service areas called "Halte routière," such as the one at La Seigneurie-de-Joly. These government-run rest stops offer fuel, food services, picnic areas, and clean restrooms, making them an ideal place for a planned break.

The most efficient driving route to Ottawa is Autoroute 40 West, which seamlessly becomes Highway 417 once you cross into Ontario. To minimize traffic delays, try to leave Montréal after the morning rush hour, around 9:30 AM. Similarly, plan your departure from Ottawa to be before 3:30 PM to avoid the afternoon peak traffic heading back into Montréal. This timing strategy helps you bypass the worst of the urban congestion at both ends of your trip.

The main artery to the Eastern Townships is Autoroute 10 East, which provides an easy drive out of the city. Once you exit the highway to explore the region, you'll be on scenic two-lane country roads. These roads are generally well-maintained but can be winding and hilly. It's important to drive with awareness, share the road with cyclists, and watch for slow-moving farm equipment, especially during the harvest season. The relaxed pace is part of the region's charm.

Montréal's bridges are frequent points of congestion, and it's best to trust a real-time navigation app like Waze or Google Maps, as it will have the most current data on accidents and slowdowns. If your app is constantly changing the route, it often signals a major incident on one of the primary crossings like the Champlain or Jacques Cartier Bridge. In such cases, it can be wise to find a safe place to pull over for a few minutes to let the app stabilize and provide a more reliable route.

To reach the cruise terminal, set your GPS for the specific address of your departure point, such as the Iberville Passenger Terminal on Rue de la Commune. This street runs along the waterfront and provides the most direct access. While this area does have commercial and truck traffic, following the official blue signs for the "Port of Montréal" will guide you along the designated routes. Be patient, drive cautiously, and be aware of large vehicles maneuvering in the port area.

A rental car is excellent for reaching spread-out destinations like the Olympic Park, Saint Joseph's Oratory, or Parc Jean-Drapeau. However, for densely packed neighborhoods with challenging parking like the Plateau Mont-Royal, Mile End, and Old Montréal, a better strategy is to drive to a central location, park your car for the day in a garage, and then explore these areas on foot or by using the efficient metro system. This approach combines the convenience of a car for distance with the pleasure of a walkable urban experience.

Québec has a reputation for strict speed enforcement, and all speed limits are posted in kilometers per hour (km/h). Visitors should be particularly vigilant about their speed on the major autoroutes just outside the city limits where traffic begins to flow more freely. Another common area for tickets is within construction zones, where speed limits are significantly reduced and fines are doubled. The most prudent approach is to remain aware of the posted speed limit and adhere to it at all times.

Montréal uses automated photo radar cameras to enforce speed limits and red light violations in specific, clearly marked zones. You will typically see warning signs indicating the presence of photo radar as you enter these areas, which are common near schools, parks, and active construction sites. The system operates automatically, so the best way to avoid a ticket is to be extra vigilant about your speed and to come to a complete stop at red lights in these designated zones.

The "urban canyon" effect from tall buildings downtown can sometimes interfere with GPS signals. To counteract this, it's helpful to have your co-pilot watch the navigation or to use the audio turn-by-turn feature so you can focus on the road. Before you start, take a moment to review the first few turns of your route to have a mental map. Keeping an eye on street signs to anticipate your next turn, rather than relying solely on the real-time dot on the map, will also help you navigate more smoothly.

Instead of attempting a difficult pickup on a busy downtown street, arrange to meet at a location with easy and safe parking. A coffee shop or restaurant in a small shopping plaza with a dedicated lot is an excellent choice. Another option is to use the parking lot of a large park or a metro station on the outskirts of the downtown core. This allows you to park your car and wait comfortably without causing traffic congestion or risking a ticket.

For any major event downtown, you should plan to be in the area at least 90 minutes to two hours beforehand. This gives you a comfortable buffer to account for heavy event traffic, navigate inevitable road closures or detours, and find your pre-booked or chosen parking garage. Checking traffic conditions before you leave and having a backup parking garage in mind is also a wise strategy to ensure a stress-free arrival.

The most convenient way to visit this area is to navigate directly to the Atwater Market, which has large, accessible parking lots. The easiest driving approach is typically via Rue Notre-Dame. Once you have parked at the market, you can easily access the Lachine Canal's pedestrian and bike paths on foot, as they run directly behind it. This strategy avoids the need to navigate the narrow and sometimes confusing residential streets that border the canal.

If your hotel lacks parking, the best solution is to find a nearby public indoor parking garage that offers a 24-hour or multi-day rate. You can research options and compare prices online before your trip. This allows you to park the car securely upon arrival and leave it there while you explore the city via transit or on foot. You then have the vehicle readily available for any planned day trips outside of Montréal.

After collecting your rental car from the designated garage, the most efficient place to load bulky items is at the departures level upstairs. This area is often less congested than the arrivals curb. Pull into an active loading zone, and have your luggage and gear ready on the curb for a quick transfer into the vehicle. It's helpful to have one person manage the loading while the driver stays with the car, ensuring you can depart promptly without causing delays.

When renting a vehicle in a different country, it is a standard and important part of the process for staff to verify your driving credentials. Before you travel, it is always recommended to check with your home country's licensing authority about requirements for driving abroad. Ensuring all your official travel and driving documents are valid and organized will help make the vehicle pickup process at the rental counter smooth and efficient.

A cross-border trip requires careful planning. First, confirm that your rental agreement permits the vehicle to be taken into the United States. Before you go, check the official government websites for both Canada Border Services Agency and U.S. Customs and Border Protection for the latest entry requirements and to get an idea of current wait times. Planning your crossing for off-peak hours, such as mid-morning on a weekday, can also help reduce potential delays at the border.

A frequent mistake when returning a rental car is missing the specific exit for "Car Rental Returns" from the main airport roadway. To prevent this, be sure to enter the exact address for the Hertz return location into your GPS, not just the general airport address. As you get close to the airport, slow down, stay in the correct lane, and pay very close attention to the overhead signs. The turn-off can appear quickly among the other signs for departures and arrivals.