La carte OPUS — votre passe pour le métro et les autobus de Montréal.
1. What is the STM?
The STM is the Société de transport de Montréal. It runs the metro and the bus network on the island of Montreal. To use its services, you need an OPUS card loaded with a valid transit pass.
2. The OPUS card
The OPUS card is a rechargeable smart chip card. It stays with you for all your years in Montreal. It comes in two versions:
- The basic card — for the regular adult fare
- The photo OPUS card — required for reduced fares (students, 65 and over, children 6 to 11)
3. Where to get your OPUS card
For the basic card: buy it at automatic ticketing machines in metro stations, or from an agent at the booth.
For the photo card: go in person to an STM service point with proof of identity.
4. Transit passes
Several passes exist based on how often you ride:
- 1 trip — a single ride, valid for about 2 hours with transfers
- 2 trips or 10 trips — for occasional use
- 24 hours — unlimited travel for 24 hours, handy for visitors
- 3 days — for a short stay or tourist weekend
- Weekly — from Monday 0:00 to Sunday 23:59
- Monthly — for a full calendar month, the best fare if you ride every day
- 4 months — long subscription for students and regular commuters
Fares are updated every year, usually in July. Check the official fare grid on stm.info for exact amounts.
5. Compare passes at a glance
Here is a summary of the main passes for Zone A (Montreal agglomeration):
All the passes above are valid in Zone A, i.e. the entire Montreal agglomeration. If you travel to Laval, Longueuil or the suburbs, you'll need a pass from the Réseau métropolitain (ARTM) — a separate system.
Exact fares are updated each year, usually in July; check stm.info for current amounts.
| Pass | For whom / when | Particularity |
|---|---|---|
| 1 trip | One-off trip | Valid about 2 hours with transfers |
| 2 trips or 10 trips | Occasional use | Grouped purchase, no expiry |
| 24 hours | Visitors / one-day outing | Unlimited travel for 24 hours |
| 3 days | Short stay or tourist weekend | Ideal for visitors |
| Weekly | Monday 0:00 to Sunday 23:59 | Good fit for daily commuters |
| Monthly | Full calendar month | Best fare if you ride every day |
| 4 months (annual OPUS) | Students and regular commuters | Long subscription, possible reduced fare |
| Reduced fare | Students, 65 and over, children 6–11 | Photo OPUS card required |
6. How to reload your card
You can reload your OPUS card:
- At the automatic ticketing machines in any metro station
- At certain retailers: participating pharmacies and convenience stores
- Online, via the STM website (the pass is loaded automatically the next time you use the card)
7. Zone A and beyond
STM passes are valid in Zone A, i.e. the entire Montreal agglomeration.
If you travel to Laval, Longueuil, or the suburbs, you'll need a Réseau métropolitain (ARTM) pass. It's a separate system.
8. Frequently asked questions
The most common questions from new Montreal residents about the STM: where to buy your first OPUS card, whether you can pay cash on the metro or bus, when the monthly pass becomes worth it, and what to do if you lose your OPUS card.
Where should I buy my first OPUS card?
For the basic OPUS card (no photo), buy it directly at the automatic ticketing machines in any metro station. Take it within minutes, then load a transit pass on the same machine.
For the photo OPUS card — required for reduced fares (students, 65 and over, children 6–11) — go in person to an STM service point with proof of identity (passport or driver's licence). Bring your photo ID; an STM agent handles the rest.
Can I pay cash on the metro or the bus?
On the metro, no — to get through the turnstile you need an OPUS card with a valid pass loaded, or a paper ticket bought at the ticketing machines.
On the bus, you can pay cash to the driver, but you must have the exact amount — drivers do not make change. The amount changes occasionally; check stm.info for the current single-trip cash fare. Simplest: buy an OPUS card or a 1-trip ticket at the metro machine before your first ride.
How many trips do I need before the monthly pass pays off?
The general rule: from about 25 trips per month, the monthly pass becomes more economical than per-trip fares. So if you take transit for work or studies every weekday, the monthly pass almost always pays off.
Math: 25 trips × single fare ≈ price of the monthly pass — beyond 25, every extra trip is essentially free. If you only take transit a few times a week, stick with single trips, the 10-trip booklet, or the Weekly pass depending on your rhythm.
What should I do if I lose my OPUS card?
The OPUS card costs money to replace, so keep it in a safe place. If you lose it, the response depends on the type:
- Basic OPUS card (no photo): the balance loaded is lost — the basic card is anonymous and not tied to your identity.
- Photo OPUS card: report the loss to the STM as quickly as possible. You can recover your remaining balance after the replacement.
To replace, go in person to an STM service point. Reach customer service at 514 786-4636 (514 STM-INFO).
9. See also
To go further on daily life in Montreal:
- Read Your first 48 hours in Montreal to organize SIN, bank and OPUS in the right order.
- Consult Finding housing in Montreal to choose a neighbourhood well-served by metro and bus lines.
- Prepare your move-in with Signing a lease in Quebec before committing for 12 months.
10. Official sources
For official, up-to-date information, see these pages:
You can also reach STM customer service at 514 786-4636 (514 STM-INFO).
Author's Note: In Montreal, public transit is fast and reliable. Get an OPUS card in your very first week — you'll use it daily, summer and winter.
