Last Updated on April 10, 2024 by Pamela MacNaughtan
Getting around Quebec City may seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be! Whether you’re arriving by plane, train or automobile (Can you guess what we did there? Damn, I miss John Candy), getting around Quebec City can be fairly easy.
That being said, some modes of transportation may take a little pre-planning. For example, driving around Old Quebec City in summer can be quite challenging, so it may be best to park your vehicle in a parking garage and either walk or rely on public transportation.
Thankfully, there are plenty of transportation options throughout Quebec City!
Let’s look into the various ways of getting around Quebec City.
Getting around Quebec City on foot
One of the best ways to experience Quebec City is on foot, taking time to wander down quiet streets, stopping to relax, admire buildings or sit on a patio. Walking is truly the best way to experience the Historic District of Old Quebec, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In summer, the city is truly pedestrian-friendly as some streets are shut down during the weekends. Of course, this can make things a little difficult if you’re driving around the city, but we’ll address that below.
Consider going on a walking tour (if you prefer a private guide, we highly recommend one of these tour guides) to get a feel for the city, then continue exploring on your own.
Accessibility
Accessibility can be quite difficult in Old Quebec City, as well as several other neighbourhoods. This is partially due to the age of the buildings, many of which have narrow doorways and stairs.
That doesn’t mean everything is off-limits in Old Quebec City, there are some hotels and businesses with accessibility, and several with friendly staff willing to help.
The funicular in Old Quebec is wheelchair accessible in spring, summer and autumn (and free of charge for wheelchair passengers).
Driving in Quebec City
Getting Around Quebec City by car can be a tad frustrating at times, especially if you’re driving around the historic neighbourhoods. If you’re staying in a hotel in the old city, parking will likely be a challenge (especially in summer).
Don’t get us started on the one-way streets! If you don’t like using Google Maps, then we suggest picking up a Quebec City street map to help you get around. It’s also important to slow down and read road signs as some streets are closed to vehicles after 11 am.
Street parking
Metered parking is available throughout the city, including Old Quebec City. The majority of parking meters operate Monday to Saturday, from 9 am – 9 pm and on Sundays from 10 am – 9 pm.
In Old Quebec City and Petit-Champlain, most of the meters are good for two hours of parking and cost 2.50 CAD per hour. You can pay at the meter by credit card or coin, or you can download the Copilote app from iTunes and pay through the app (it does have an English setting).
- After parking, make a note of the number on the small pole marking the space. There will be a pay station nearby, which can be used in both French and English.
- In Old Quebec City, you can use metered parking for a maximum of 2 hours.
- Some parts of Quebec City (and on rue Dauphine in Old Quebec) you will find meters that are good for 3 – 5 hours.
- Before parking in a metered space make sure there are no orange signs stating that space is closed.
- If you are parking on the street after the hours of operation, it’s FREE.
Parking lots in Quebec City
There are several parking lots within the city of Québec. In Old Quebec, some hotels will use parking lots/garages for guest parking, which means they fill up quickly during high season.
Our recommendation is to drop your luggage off at your hotel, then park in a garage outside the old city walls. You’ll find more spaces, and sometimes the parking will be a little bit cheaper. Quebec City is a walking city, you won’t need your car unless you want to venture out to Île d’Orleans or into the city’s suburbs.
Parkopedia has a list of public parking spaces and costs here. In Old Quebec, the parking garage off rue Dauphine is quite large and reasonably priced.
Turning at traffic lights
Drivers wishing to turn left at a traffic light have the right of way when the traffic light flashes green or displays a green arrow. This can be confusing at times as most Canadian cities only use the green arrows to signify that drivers can turn left. Do not panic. Nobody wants to get into an accident when travelling.
Many streets in Quebec do not allow a right turn on a red light, so read traffic signs carefully.
Bus lanes
When driving in Quebec City you will see dedicated bus lanes with signs posted as to what times of day these lanes are restricted. If you need to drive into a bus lane to turn right, that is fine as long as you do so safely, however, if you drive in the lane to try to avoid traffic, there is a heavy fine. Do not stop or park in bus lanes.
Taking a taxi in Quebec City
If you’re arriving in Quebec City by plane, there is a good chance you’ll need to take a taxi into the city and to your hotel. The good news is that there is a flat rate of 41.40 CAD during the day and 47.60 CAD at night (11 pm to 5 am) for trips to Old Quebec City (and nearby neighbourhoods).
In terms of getting around Quebec City, a taxi comes in handy after a night of drinking or if you are not a fan of public buses. Uber is also an option.
The taxi starting tariff is generally 4.10 CAD, and the cost per kilometre is 2.05 CAD.
Taxi Coop (418.525.5191) is recommended. Service is good, and they have English-speaking dispatchers. Other options include Taxi Coop Sainte-Foy-Sillery (418.653.7777) and Taxi Laurier (418.651.2727).
Getting around Quebec City by bus
The public bus system in Quebec City is good with stops throughout the city, including stops in Old Quebec and near popular tourist attractions. All buses are operated by Réseau de Transport de la Capitale (RTC). While it is possible to search their website for bus routes and times, we highly recommend downloading the RTC Nomade app from iTunes, which gives real-time bus information.
Fares & Passes
A single fare (one-way ticket) costs 3.75 CAD. If you purchase a single ticket in advance from one of these retailers the fare is reduced to 3.40 CAD for adults, 2.75 CAD for seniors and children under 18 years of age.
A Day Pass is recommended if you plan to take three or more buses in a single day. The pass costs 9.25 CAD and can be purchased at the same retailers as the single-fare tickets.
Unlimited Weekend passes start on Friday at 5:30 pm. A great value if you want to take the bus to places like Montmorency Falls, Wendake and other points of interest outside Quebec City’s downtown core. The cost of this pass is 16.75 CAD per person.
5 Day Pass is ideal if you’re staying for a week and plan to explore local neighbourhoods. The cost for this pass is 32.50 CAD for adults, and 26.50 CAD for students, seniors and children under 18 years of age.
Children 5 years old and under ride for FREE on all RTC buses when accompanied by an adult.
Note: Many buses are wheelchair accessible, but to make sure you get one look to the app and look for a wheelchair symbol beside the bus number. Several drivers speak a little English, especially those driving downtown near tourist sights and neighbourhoods.
Hop-on Hop-off Double Decker Bus
In summer, the double-decker tourist buses are a fun way of getting around Quebec City. The buses are hop-on hop-off, with commentary and stops at popular tourist attractions throughout the city. It’s not the cheapest option, but great if you don’t want to figure out bus stops on public transit or if you want to see a lot of things in one day. On sunny days the open-top deck offers superb views, just remember to wear sunscreen! Tickets can be purchased online.
Riding the ferry to Lévis
We love riding the Quebec-Lévis ferry, not just for the views of Quebec City, but because Levis is fun to explore. Not many tourists take the time to visit Levis, which is a shame as there are fabulous walking tours, cafés, restaurants, architecture, and more.
If you’re looking for a beautiful view of the Quebec City skyline, the view from the ferry is one of the best, especially in autumn! The fare for the ferry is 4.05 CAD one-way for foot passengers and 9.70 CAD for a vehicle (including driver).
Riding the Funiculaire
The Funiculaire du Vieux Québec is a fun and relatively quick way to travel between Upper Town and Lower Town in Old Quebec. At the top of Cap Diamant, the funicular entrance is on Dufferin Terrace near Fairmont Château Frontenac. In Lower Town, the entrance is in Petit-Champlain, close to the base of the Breakneck Steps.
The funicular’s glass elevators provide a beautiful view of the historic Lower Town and the Saint-Lawrence River. Lines can be long in summer, but if you don’t want to walk up the steep hill that is Côte de la Montagne or take a bus, this is the next best option. The price is 5 CAD one way and must be paid in cash.
Getting around Quebec City by bike
The streets of Quebec City are fairly cycle-friendly. Bring your bike or rent one for a day, weekend, or more. You can also take a bike tour of the city and surrounding areas. Renting à Vélo e-bikes is another option. There are 115 stations spread throughout the city and 1,300 bikes available. They’re perfect if you want to make short trips around the city. It costs 1 CAD to unlock the bike, then 0.30 per minute. To get started, download the aVelo app.
Quebec City Tourism’s website offers quite a bit of information on bike paths in Quebec City, including downloadable maps. Check out their site here.
