The best ways to get to Circuit Gilles Villeneuve for the Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix 2024, plus advice on getting around in Montreal.
- The 2024 Canadian Grand Prix runs from June 7-9
- Tickets are now on sale / F1 Experiences Ticket Packages are also available
- This post contains affiliate links. We may receive a commission if you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links
Montreal is a modern city with a well developed and efficient public transport network – it’s also a great walking and cycling city with abundant parks and green spaces. If you are staying in the downtown area, the best way to get to the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve is to take the Metro.
Flights to Montreal
Montreal-Trudeau (airport code: YUL), 20km from the city centre, is the main international airport serving Montreal. It’s a busy hub with a range of direct flight connections to North America, Europe, Asia, Africa and South America.
- Domestic Flights: A choice of discount and full-service airlines serve domestic routes within Canada, with frequent daily flights between Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal. Airlines worth considering for domestic flights in Canada include Rouge (Air Canada’s discount carrier), Air Transat and WestJet.
- Flights from the USA: hundreds of regular flights connect major hubs in the USA with Montreal. Popular airlines serving Montreal with direct flights include Air Canada, US Airways, American Airlines, Delta, United Airlines, Air Transat and WestJet.
- Flights from Europe: Montreal is well served by a range of direct flights (7-9 hours) from major European hubs. If you are looking for the cheapest deal, be sure to check flights into New York, Chicago or Toronto, from where you’ll easily be able to arrange an affordable onward connection to Montreal.
- Other Long-Haul Flights: All flights from Australia have at least 1-2 layovers (in cities such as LA, Dallas, New York, Vancouver and Toronto) and a total travelling time averaging in excess of 24 hours. There are few direct flights to Montreal from either Asia or the Middle East – flights normally transit in either Toronto or New York. The main flight legs to North America from both Asia and the Middle East are amongst the longest non-stop flights in the world, taking 14-16 hours.
New York to Montreal on the Adirondack train
Rated one of the most scenic train journeys in the world, the daily “Adirondack” service from New York to Montreal passes through the beautiful wine country of the Hudson Valley and takes around 10 hours. On Grand Prix weekend, a seat on this train will set you back around $150 USD return. From New York’s Penn Station, onward connections are available to Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington, DC. More details on the Amtrak website.
Montreal Airport to the City
- Airport Taxis: Finding a taxi at the airport is as easy as walking out the door. Most drivers are fluent in English as well as French. Fares from the airport to the city centre are regulated by a maximum fare, which is currently set at $48.40 CAD between 05:00-23:00 and $55.65 between 23:00-05:00. The regulations and minimum fare are posted and visible inside the taxi, as well as at the taxi rank. It is customary, though not mandatory, to tip taxi drivers. If you are happy with the service, be sure to add a few dollars to the final fare. Click here for more information.
- Uber: order a car once you’ve cleared customs and wait for your driver near Door 6 at the Departures level. Click here for more information and fare estimates.
- Airport Bus: There is a 24 hour public shuttle bus from the airport. The 747 bus stops at Lionel Groulx Metro station and then regularly on Rene Levesque Boulevard West which runs through to Berri-UQAM station in downtown Montreal. A one-way ticket costs $11 CAD. Click here for more information.
How to Get to Circuit Gilles Villeneuve
- Circuit Gilles Villeneuve is located within Parc Jean-Drapeau on a man-made island in the St Lawrence seaway called Île Notre-Dame. The best way to get to the circuit is to take the Metro or other forms of public transport.
- The closest metro station, Jean Drapeau, is on neighboring St Helen’s Island near the Biosphere, accessible by bridge. It’s on the Yellow metro line and only one stop from Berri-UQAM station, which is the main interchange station in downtown Montreal. The metro can be pretty crowded on race weekend, but it is orderly and safe. Save queuing by buying your tickets in advance. Single trip tickets cost $3.50 CAD, but good value 24 hour, weekend and 3-day passes are also available.
- There’s not much chance of getting lost getting on the way to the circuit – just follow the crowds, most of whom will also be headed to the track. Be ready for a 15-30 minute walk from the Jean Drapeau metro station to the track, depending on where you will be sitting. The closest grandstands to the metro are located on the hairpin (number’s 15, 21, 24, 34). If you don’t feel like walking, look out for the 167 bus which travels from the metro station to the casino – this will get you a lot closer to the Main Grandstand and the Grandstands 11/12
- A ferry service also operates from the old port to Isle Ste. Helene, the island right next to the circuit where the metro is also located. It’s a quick trip and a one-way fare costs $5.50 CAD. The ferry is not widely used by F1 fans on Grand Prix weekend, so is less crowded than the metro. On the downside, the service only runs once an hour. Click here to find out more.
Hotel Bookings & Circuit Transfers with F1 Experiences
Book your hotel and circuit transfers for the Canadian Grand Prix with F1 Experiences! Circuit transfers are available for F1 Experiences guests who have booked their hotel together with an Official Ticket Package. F1 Experiences secures room allocations at some of the most sought-after hotels in Montreal on race weekend, and return bus transfers from your hotel to Circuit Gilles Villeneuve can be added to your booking. View Canada 2024 ticket packages & hotels
Public Transport in Montreal
Montreal has an efficient public transport network. For most visitors to the Grand Prix, getting a 3-day transport pass for $21.25 CAD will be the best option, as the circuit is most easily reached by metro anyway. Tickets and passes can be used on buses and the metro on the island of Montreal. Click here to access the website for Montreal’s public transport network (See the metro map opposite). If you are staying on the south shore, you will be able to access the metro, but buses are run by another public transport operator, RTL.
Montreal Taxis
There’s plenty of taxis in downtown Montreal, and Uber is also popular. Taxis can be hailed on the street, taken from a cab rank, or ordered by phone. As there are many taxi companies and they service different parts of the city, it’s best to ask a local which company they recommend. Short journeys in the city center should cost around $10-20 CAD. Don’t forget to tip the driver.
BIXI Bicycle Sharing
With its abundance of parks and green spaces, Montreal is an ideal cycling city. Hire a bike with the local rental service called BIXI. You can rent a bike for just $5 CAD per day or just take a bike from one location and leave it at another; one-way fares start from $2.95 and there are over 500 drop-off points around the city.
It’s a long walk from Jean Drapeau Metro station to Grandstand 1,2,11 & 12.
Here’s a tip: From Jean Drapeau Metro station you can take the 777 bus to the Casino for free & save about 1 mile of walking. If you ask the staff about the 777 bus, they will give you a vague answer. Obviously they’ve been instructed to discourage race goers from taking the 777 bus.
Thanks Roscoe, great advice
We are in Grandstand 12. Which casino bus should we take? Someone else said to take Bus 167 from Jean Drapeau Metro Station. I really do not like being on metro (underground). Is it possible to bike from Le Plateau?
We’re in GS12 too! The plan is to get to the metro and take 777 to the casino. Shorter walk to our seats. We plan to arrive at the track at 1000hrs.
Hey Roscoe, how do you enter the grand prix from the casino?
I’ve been to Fi races on previous years and seen small ferries bringing fans to a dock close to the 11 / 12 series of stands. Are they coming from Old port area and if so, where?
Read the post again, we mentioned the ferry service! Boats leave hourly from the quays of the old port. More info here.
Sounds like Gene is asking about ferry service grandstand 11/12. The ferry service in the article is from old town to Jean Drapeau. It is no closer to 11/12 than the metro.
Is there a ferry service on the interior lake? or outside the entrance in the back of grandstand 11/12?
Hi Mike, I don’t know about any other ferry service
There is an interior lake ferry service, however this is only for the grandstand 11/12 privilege members. I’m in the “normal” 12 this weekend so could look down on the fancy lounge-sets and bar-service you get there and these include the interior ferry service. Probably costs a small fortune though…
Wondering the closest train station to circuit.. I would be coming from kitchener ontario
We will be traveling to Montreal this year on Wednesday for the race weekend, but must fly home on Sunday night. We are sitting in grandstand 12. Our plan is to take a taxi from the casino after the race to our downtown hotel and then to the airport for an 8pm flight. Does this seem workable? Are there other options?
Great guides. Thanks
And thank you Roscoe!
Wondering the same for 2022. Would I make a 21:00 flight out?
I think you should be fine taking a 9pm flight, unless there’s some big delay to the race.
What would be the fastest way to get to the track from the hotel Brossard?
Which entrance is closest to Grand Stand 12?
I think the Concorde Bridge, but it’s still a long walk. Check the map here.
We just returned from our first F1 Canadian Grand Prix weekend. We stayed near Berri-UQAM Metro station and bought the 3-day Metro pass for $19. Thank you for that tip! Once at Jean-Drapeau station we walked the first day to the track (Grandstand 1) and back. The second day we took the 777 bus from Jean-Drapeau station which goes to the Casino, so you walk from there. And then we knew where to catch it afterwards, going back to the Metro station. One of the advantages of taking the bus is that you bypass one of the security checkpoints on the bridge which had a super long line when we passed it. There is a bit of a wait for the bus though, it seems there was maybe 2 or at the most 3 of them running.
Hi Laura, good to hear! I also took the metro the whole weekend, though I avoided the peak times where possible. The 777 Casino bus was also very handy! What a great circuit and fun city. I’ll definitely be back in Montreal!
Just booked Canada for next year…. we are in Grandstand 1, how far is the walk from the metro station? And can we pre book online the 3 day metro pass?
Hi Lesley, the walk from the metro to Grandstand 1 should take around 30 mins. But better to get the bus from the metro to the casino, then it’s only a 10 minute walk. Not sure if you can pre-book the metro pass, easier to just buy it at the station on your first day. I loved Canada this year, it’s really well organized and great atmosphere in the city
staying south of the city what would be the best way to get to the circuit?
Metro is by far the easiest way to get to the circuit. Try to stay near a Metro station and you will easily be able to get there.
i’m in the lance stroll grandstand… which metro station is closest to that location?
The closest metro is Parc Jean Drapeau. After that you need to walk across the bridge. It should take around 15-20 minutes to get to your grandstand.
Is there a place to store luggage at the circuit that’s easily accessible ? I’ll be going straight to the airport after Sunday’s race. Thank you!
I can’t think of anywhere to store luggage at the circuit, but you could ask the casino about that.
I live very near to Montreal so getting there is not an issue. What I want to ask about is how to get into the track itself? Where do I buy the tickets from? As I tried searching online but I wasn’t able to get my hand on any. Do I buy them when I reach to the race-track? And if anyone knows, how much do the tickets cost on average (for the three days).
Hi Amgad, you can find out more in our post about buying tickets for the Canadian Grand Prix. Most people buy tickets for 3 days, but 1 day tickets are available. You will need to buy in advance rather than at the gate. Tickets are not yet on sale for the 2021 Canadian Grand Prix. It’s likely there will be a reduced spectator capacity for the race this year.
Hi All – I’m driving up from NY for the race in 2022 (hopefully it happens this year), and was wondering if there is a way to walk to the track? Since it’s on the island is it only accessible by Ferry or other public transportation? I need to drive back to NY after the race so my plan was to park my car SE of the track and walk to the track so that I’d be able to walk to my car and head back home after the race. Is this a doable proposition or should I anticipate having to arrive at the track a different way. Thank you so much for the insight, fingers crossed we’re all able to attend this year.
Hi Chris, if you are arriving early, there’s a so-called “Open House” on Thursday morning when you can walk down the pit lane, and there’s normally a drivers autograph session too. I did this at the last race in 2019, but have to say it was pretty crowded – and you were also not able to walk on the track aside from the pit lane. (shuttle buses brought everyone from Metro station to pit lane and back). Honestly, not sure about Monday, but I think your plan seems feasible. Probably the area around the pitlane will be a little restricted due to the pack down of all the team’s equipment on Monday, but I think the rest of the island will be back to a city park and open. Can’t guarantee though. If you don’t mind paying for parking, the best place would be to park at Montreal Casino – though I suggest researching this before showing up.
Hi going in June 2022 and in stand 47 – where is best to be dropped off by car? Thanks
Hi Janie, I’m not 100% familiar with driving to the circuit – we normally recommend that people get to Circuit Gilles Villeneuve by public transport (Metro). I think the best driving route will depend on which side of the city you are coming from. If there are no local restrictions, you should be able to get dropped off at Montreal Casino – this is close to Grandstand 47. Alternatively, it may be possible to get dropped off somewhere on the Jacques Cartier Bridge, but this will be a longer walk to your grandstand.
Andrew thanks you for all information on getting to the track this is extremely helpful. I am staying in a hotel a few mikes from metro I will either Uber or Taxi to the Metro and then take your directions.
I have F 1 Tickets for Fri 6/17 in Grandstand 16 and Race Day 6/19 Grandstand 47. I have a Digital Nikon D300 SLR with a 28-200mm Zoom Lens, do you know the official rule, can I get in with my Camera with Grandstand Seats?
Hello, I don’t have the exact Canada entry restrictions to hand, but general rule of thumb is that you should be able to enter the circuit with a camera and lense not exceeding 200mm. I think you will be fine taking that in.
Andrew thanks you for the info if you know of a direct Canadian authority on entry with cameras I’ll verify with them I am staying at Motel ideal-St Rose in Laval, any advice on me getting to metro from my hotel location
Nothing on the GPCanada.ca website about cameras being forbidden, check the FAQs: https://www.gpcanada.ca/en/faqs/
I have checked your location on Google Maps. It seems you are quite a way from the circuit and it will take about 90 minutes each way using public transport. First a bus (nr 65 or 151) to Metro Cote-Vertu, followed by the orange line metro to Berri-UQAM. You swap there for the yellow line and take the metro one stop to Jean Drapeau.
Hi Andrew,
Do you know if they allow helicopters to drop people off at the circuit avoiding all of the crowds and delays? Thanks.
SC
Sorry, I don’t know
They do not. The airspace is very restricted.
You mentioned avoiding peak times for taking the metro, do you have an idea when those are?
Straight after the race, for example
Hey! Sorry if anyone has asked this already, but do you think it could be advisable to Uber to the Jean-Drapeau station and then take the 777 bus to avoid the metro? Just trying to figure out how to make it there easiest!
Not sure why you want to avoid the Metro. It’s fine most of the weekend and only gets crowded at peak times. If you do want to go ahead with your Uber plan, it’s better to get dropped off at the Casino. Then you can just walk to the track.
Would anyone be able to advise about parking around Montmorency Metro station on Grand Prix days please? Can parking be booked or is there plenty available? Thank you
I’ve read from different people that from Jean Drapeau, take Bus 167 and take Bus 777 to the casino and from there, walk to our seats in Grandstand 12. Can we take either of those buses?
Also, does anyone know yet if there are going to be the ferrari, porsche, and Touring Car races on Sunday?
I’m not 100% sure about these buses, but when you are there you can check Google Maps and it will give you timetables etc. Or just ask, Canadians are very friendly and happy to help. You can view the full on-track schedule for the Canadian Grand Prix in our Trackside post.
We are coming to the race weekend with our RV and Bikes. If we park somewhere within biking distance to the track, can we bike there and leave our bikes safely locked somewhere?
I don’t know of a specific guarded parking area for bicycles, but I’m sure it will be possible to leave somewhere in the park near either the Metro or one of the entrance gates. I’d suggest going there on Thursday if possible to scope it out and ask where you can leave your bike.
Hi Scott. Where are you parking your RV? We were thinking of doing the same.
We are in Grandstand 1 on Saturday and Sunday, no club or paddock access, with two teenagers and an 11yo. What recommendations do you have for food and drinks by Grandstand 1?
You will find lots of food and drink concessions right behind the grandstand. You could also consider walking over to the Casino, they have some restaurants on the higher levels – but it could be really busy there on Saturday and Sunday.
Is there anywhere to park at Parc Jean Drapeau or even the Biosphere and do a park and ride type thing? I’m in grandstand 31 but staying at my aunt’s in Outremont but will have a car so I have some flexibility.
No parking on Parc Jean Drapeau. Best idea is to park somewhere safe next to a metro station and take the train to the track.
What do you think is the earliest viable flight to catch after the race ends? We are in grandstand 1 and thinking about booking a car service to get us at the closest location they possibly can then drive us to the airport.
Sorry for slow reply, I assume you already organized your departure. I wouldn’t be booking a flight to leave before 9pm on Sunday night
Hi, thank you for the info here! I’m curious as to what’s a more efficient means to get to the track with my dad (he’s in his late 60s, in good shape, doesn’t mind walking, but isn’t the fastest): metro or ferry? Specifically looking to optimize for comfort / convenience for him! It’s the first time for both of us.
We’re fine with taking an uber / taxi, but I imagine the traffic will be absolutely insane? Thanks for any and all guidance here!
I should also add here, we’ll be staying at a house that’s a 4-5 min walk from the Old Port (where the Ferry departs from). Thank you!!
Are backpacks allowed, and is there a max size requirement?
Hi there! Coming in from the States, we are staying in Brossard and plan to Uber/Taxi to the Longueuil University Sherbrooke metro station. Are Ubers plentiful outside of the main city? Should we just attempt to park at the Metro instead? Are water shuttles running from that side of the water? (I saw that they were shut down due to COVID) Any tips for entering the circuit from outside city-proper would be appreciated!
Hey! I live in Brossaed and there are plenty of ubers. Parking at Longueuil metro is hiked up to 20$ for the day.
HI All – Very excited with less than a week until lights out. I’m staying in Longueuil and was trying to find out which metro station I should park at to get to the track. It seems like most of the recommendations are if you’re coming from the West side of the river. Any input for the best way to get the track from the East side? Thank You!
Hi CK, I think the best idea is to use Google Maps – make sure you have the app on your phone in Canada. This will give you the best options for public transport to the track from the east side.
Longueuil metro, it’s 20$ for the day but the lot is not huge. So it’s probably first come, first serve.
I took the ferry from the Old Port today. They have a Grand Prix schedule for Sat/Sun that runs express every 30 minutes (instead of once an hour). One warning about this service: I missed my return boat due to the long lines at the open house and they made me purchase another ticket. No big deal, but you might want to wait to purchase a return until you are at the dock.
Looks like the ferry from Jacques Cartier Pier leaves you on Ile Ste. Helene – then you have to walk across the Island and get across the St. Lawrence to the track? Is that right?
Hi Shelly,
Correct, you have to walk across the river. That’s true if you take the Metro too.
Todd
Hello –
Looking at staying east of the track in Longueuil – tickets in Grandstand 11. Is there any track access from Victoria bridge at Isle Notre Dame? Would be super close as opposed to having to go all the way around the island… looks like there is a walking/bike bath there behind the two grandstands toward the SE. Please advise –
As far as I’m aware, there’s no way to enter the circuit from Victoria Bridge. You would need to use Jacque Cartier bridge to the north, walk across to St Helen’s Island and then access the circuit from there.
Hi Taras, interested to know the route you took to get to the track from Longueuil. Please share the specifics. Thank you in advance.
Hello!
I’m sitting in stand 34. I’m looking to take a train that leaves Montreal central at 6:22pm. hoping the race takes 1.5 hours do you think there’s enough time to catch the train?
I think the train is a bit early. What if there is a delay to the race or red flag? I think even without delay to the race, you will be stressed about missing your train and won’t enjoy the end of the race etc. In my opinion, it would be better to book a train that leaves at 8-9pm.
Hi, my mate and I are coming to the canadian f1 race this year for the first time, I believe we take the concord bridge for grandstand 12, can you tell me how many minutes it takes, thankyou.
Assume you will take the metro to Parc Jean-Drapeau station? From there, you are looking at around about a 30 minute walk. See screenshot from Google Maps. And you are correct, you will walk across the Concorde Bridge.
Hi! We have a package and are provided transportation from our hotel, is there any issue taking the later bus in the am? That leaves 1:45 before practice starts?
Thanks!
No, I think it will be fine. Traffic is very restricted on the island, so your bus should be quick into the circuit.