Public Transportation in Québec City
Québec City’s bus network, Réseau de transport de la capitale (RTC), takes you to most of the tourist attractions in the city centre, the central neighbourhoods, and the suburbs. With stops at Jean-Lesage International Airport and both train stations, it’s a very eco-friendly way to get around the city.
How To Take the Bus in Québec City
1. Planning your trip
Enter your departure and arrival points into the RTC’s online tool for a full itinerary, including bus numbers and travel times. You can also use the app to find bus stops near you and view bus schedules. RTC real-time Nomade is available on Google Play (Android) and the App Store (iOS).
RTC Métrobuses (buses with numbers in the 800s) run frequently, making them a great option for getting around without having to worry too much about the schedule.
2. Choosing a payment method
How much is the bus fare in Québec City? There are actually several fares, so it depends on the option you choose. The best thing to do is to check the RTC fare schedule. Note that children 12 years and under accompanied by an adult ride free at all times. Here are the different payment options:
- Cash: You can pay your fare in cash when you board the bus. But you’ll need to have the exact amount, because the drivers can’t give you change. If your itinerary involves multiple buses, simply ask the driver for a paper transfer when you pay and show it to the driver when you board the next bus. Paper transfers have a time limit and can’t be used for your return trip.
- Occasional Card: Individual fares cost less with a card than when you pay with cash. There are also different passes that you can pick up for unlimited trips (1-day, unlimited weekend, and 5 consecutive days). RTC fares are available from some 170 different retailers, most of which are pharmacies and corner stores. Look for the RTC logo in the window or find the nearest vendor.
Mobile app: If you plan to use public transit in Québec City often during your stay, the RTC Nomade payment app is the best way to buy fares anywhere, any time, without having to find a vendor. You can download the app from Google Play (Android) or the App Store (iOS).
3. Going to the bus stop
Each bus stop is identified by a panel with the names and numbers of the buses that stop there. You should be at the stop a few minutes before the bus is scheduled to be there.
4. Getting on the bus
When the bus arrives, check the number at the front of the bus, then board through the front door.
How to pay your bus fare
Cash: Deposit the exact change in the fare box beside the driver. Ask for a transfer if you need one.
Occasional Card: Hold the smart card in front of the reader at the front of the bus. You’ll see a green light and hear a short sound indicating that you can get on the bus.
Mobile app: Activate your fare and show your screen to the driver.
During the trip, the names of the different stops will appear on a screen at the front of the bus and will be announced over the PA system.
5. Getting off the bus
To let the driver know you want to get off at the next stop, you’ll need to push one of the buttons found near the seats and grab bars. Always use the back door to get off the bus. For more helpful advice, see the RTC website.
Québec City Public Transportation Map
Shuttles for Major Events
The RTC runs a shuttle service for certain major events in the city centre as well as for shows at the Videotron Centre, taking riders from free parking lots directly to the events.
Public Transportation between the Québec City Airport and the City Centre
The RTC has buses that run to and from Jean-Lesage International Airport. Bus 80 runs between the airport and Saint-Roch, a Lower Town neighbourhood in the city centre. The last stop is Dorchester, where you can catch several different buses to Old Québec, including Métrobuses 800 and 801.
Public Transportation for Passengers with Limited Mobility
Public transit in Québec City is an option for people with limited mobility. Some vehicles in the RTC fleet can lower down to curb height to let wheelchair users on. Riders do need to be able to get on and off the bus without driver assistance, though, either with or without a companion.
Free Public Transit in Québec City for Visitors
If you spend two nights or more at a participating hotel, you’ll be eligible for a smart card that gives you free unlimited access to the entire RTC bus network for three consecutive days. See offer details and a list of participating hotels here.
