Getting There · Bell Centre · Montreal
Getting to Bell Centre — Transit, Rideshare & Walking Routes
Getting to Bell Centre without the parking-lot headache is usually faster and cheaper than driving — especially on Montreal Canadiens game nights and major concerts, when the roads around Downtown Montreal (Quartier des spectacles area), Montreal fill long before doors. Even at a mid-size venue holding 21,105, the streets around Downtown Montreal (Quartier des spectacles area), Montreal tighten up fast during the pre-game window. This guide covers the transit lines that drop you closest to the arena, the rideshare zones, walking routes from Downtown Montreal (Quartier des spectacles area), and what to know about late-night service after the final whistle.
About Bell Centre
Largest arena in the nhl and home of the montreal canadiens, formerly the molson centre. the arena has hosted events at this site since 1996. located at 1909 Avenue des Canadiens-de-Montréal, Montreal, QC H4B 5G0.
Transit Routes to Bell Centre
Directly connected to Bonaventure and Lucien-L'Allier Métro stations and the AMT/exo commuter rail hub via the underground city. The Downtown Montreal (Quartier des spectacles area), Montreal location means multiple transit connections are available within a short walk, giving you backup options if one line is delayed. Plan to step off at the nearest stop 45-60 minutes before doors. Transit is also the quickest post-event exit from Bell Centre — you are moving while the parking lots around Downtown Montreal (Quartier des spectacles area), Montreal are still emptying.
Rideshare Drop-Off at Bell Centre
Uber and Lyft both serve Bell Centre. On busy nights the apps route you to a designated drop-off zone near the arena rather than the front gates, keeping traffic and pedestrians separated. Pricing surges hardest in the 10-20 minutes right after the final whistle or encore; if you can wait that window out — or walk a couple of blocks away from Bell Centre before requesting — you will usually pay less and wait less.
Walking to Bell Centre from Downtown Montreal (Quartier des spectacles area)
Bell Centre is located at 1909 Avenue des Canadiens-de-Montréal, Montreal, QC H4B 5G0, in the Downtown Montreal (Quartier des spectacles area) area of Montreal. The central location makes Bell Centre walkable from many Montreal hotels, restaurants, and transit hubs. Fans staying in the Downtown Montreal (Quartier des spectacles area) area can often walk to the arena in under 15 minutes, which is frequently faster than driving and parking on event nights. Walking in from a few blocks away also sidesteps the worst of the event-night traffic and is often the single fastest way to leave once the show ends. The walk to Bell Centre is mostly outdoors before you reach the arena entrance, so check the forecast for evening events.
When to Arrive at Bell Centre
Bell Centre holds 21,105 for a typical event configuration. Arriving 45-60 minutes before doors is a comfortable window for most events. Sold-out nights for the Montreal Canadiens deserve an extra cushion — about 75 minutes total — since mid-size venue concourses can feel tight when everyone enters at once. Check Bell Centre's bag policy ahead of time; most arenas now enforce clear-bag rules.
Late-Night Exit from Bell Centre
If you took transit to Bell Centre, your post-event exit plan hinges on the last departure from the nearest stop. Before the event, look up the schedule for the specific line referenced in the transit section above — (Directly connected to Bonaventure and Lucien-L'Allier Métro stations and the AMT/exo commuter rail hub via the underground city) — and screenshot it. Evening events at Bell Centre typically let out between 10:00 and 11:00 PM, though encores and overtime can push later. Having the schedule saved means you can decide during the event whether to catch the last train or switch to a rideshare backup.