Montreal Underground Map & Navigation Guide (How to Use the RÉSO Without Getting Lost)

Montreal’s Underground City — officially known as RÉSO — stretches over 30 kilometers (20+ miles) beneath downtown.

But here’s the truth:

It’s easy to use — once you understand how it’s structured.

This guide explains:

Where to find the official map
How the underground network is organized
The main navigation hubs
Which metro stations connect
How to avoid getting lost
Printable map options
Smart winter navigation strategies

Is There One Official Montreal Underground Map?

Yes — but it doesn’t function like a traditional subway map.

The official RÉSO map shows:

Connected buildings
Metro stations
Major complexes
Key corridors

However, it represents a network of buildings, not one continuous tunnel.

That’s the key to understanding navigation.

How the Underground City Is Structured

The Underground City is not one giant hallway.

It is a chain of interconnected hubs.

Think of it like:

Building → Corridor → Mall → Metro → Office Tower → Arena → Mall

The densest sections sit between:

Place Ville Marie
Centre Eaton de Montréal
Complexe Desjardins
Bell Centre

If you stay within this core zone, navigation is much easier.

Metro Stations Connected to the Underground Network

The metro is your best navigation anchor.

Major connected stations include:

Bonaventure Station
McGill Station
Square-Victoria–OACI Station
Peel Station
Place-des-Arts Station

If you feel disoriented, aim for metro signage — it will reorient you quickly.

The 5 Main Navigation Hubs

To avoid getting lost, think in hubs rather than corridors.

1️⃣ Place Ville Marie Hub

Central, iconic, and extremely well connected.

2️⃣ Eaton Centre Hub

Retail-heavy, links toward McGill and Peel.

3️⃣ Complexe Desjardins Hub

Near cultural district and festivals.

4️⃣ Bell Centre / Bonaventure Hub

Strong business district connectivity.

5️⃣ Quartier des Spectacles Hub

Linked to performance venues and events.

Move between hubs instead of wandering corridor by corridor.

How to Navigate the Underground Like a Local

✅ 1. Follow Metro Colors

The metro lines (orange and green) act as orientation anchors.

✅ 2. Use Building Names, Not Street Names

Street-level navigation logic does not work underground.

✅ 3. Look for “RÉSO” Signage

Branding markers help confirm you’re still in the network.

✅ 4. Take Photos of Directional Signs

If unsure, photograph signage to retrace your steps.

Common Mistakes Visitors Make

❌ Trying to walk the entire 30 km in one go
❌ Expecting one continuous tunnel
❌ Ignoring building closing hours
❌ Assuming Old Montreal is fully connected

The network is extensive — but not seamless.

Can You Walk the Entire Underground City?

Technically, you can traverse most of it during business hours.

However:

Some sections close evenings/weekends
Certain corridors depend on office hours
Full traversal takes several hours

Most visitors use it in segments of 10–30 minutes.

Printable & Downloadable Map Options

For available maps, visit the Maps page.

Best Routes for First-Time Visitors

🏨 Hotel to Metro Route

Stay near:

Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth
Hotel Bonaventure Montreal

Both connect directly into the underground core.

🏒 Hotel to Hockey Game Route

Many downtown hotels allow near-indoor access to the Bell Centre, home of the Montreal Canadiens.

Ideal during winter evenings.

When Is Navigation Hardest?

Late at night
Sundays
During construction detours
During major events

Always check metro and building hours.

FAQ

Is the Montreal Underground City hard to navigate?
It can be confusing at first, but using metro stations and major hubs as anchors makes it manageable.

Is there a Google Maps version of the underground city?
Some corridors appear, but Google Maps does not fully represent the entire indoor network.

How long does it take to cross downtown underground?
Most central routes take 15–30 minutes depending on distance and foot traffic.