Do you live in Brossard and work or study in downtown Montreal? The REM has become the most direct way to cross the river. This guide is for commuters, students and newcomers who want to know the published travel time, choose the right ARTM fare and estimate their monthly budget. Last checked: October 2026.
At a glance
- According to the REM, the trip between Brossard and downtown Montreal takes less than 18 minutes.
- Brossard is in zone B and downtown is in zone A: you need an All modes AB fare.
- Regular fares since July 1, 2026 (ARTM): $5.00 per trip, $47.50 for 10 trips, $170.00 per month.
- The AB monthly pass becomes the better deal from about 36 trips a month compared with the 10-trip booklet.
- Reduced fare: $3.50 per trip and $102.00 per month for ages 6 to 17, 65 and over and, for the monthly pass, students 18 and over.
- For outings, the Unlimited evening ($6.75) and Unlimited weekend ($17.00) fares cover zones A to D.
The trip: from Brossard to Gare Centrale
The REM’s South Shore branch links the Brossard terminus to Gare Centrale via Du Quartier, Panama and Île-des-Sœurs, crossing the river on the Samuel De Champlain Bridge. When service launched in 2023, the REM advertised access to downtown Montreal ‘in less than 18 minutes’ from Brossard. The City of Brossard, for its part, gives estimates by station: about 15 minutes from Brossard station, about 13 minutes from Du Quartier and less than 10 minutes from Panama.
| Departure station | Estimated time to downtown | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Brossard (terminus) | less than 18 min (REM) / about 15 min (City) | REM, City of Brossard |
| Du Quartier | about 13 min | City of Brossard |
| Panama | less than 10 min | City of Brossard |
These times only cover the train ride. Add the time to get to the station (on foot, by bus or by car), the wait on the platform (about 3 min 30 s between trains at rush hour and 7 min 30 s off-peak, according to the REM) and the walk to your final destination.
Beyond Gare Centrale
In October 2026, trains leaving Brossard are shown heading to Deux-Montagnes or Anse-à-l’Orme: they don’t end their run at Gare Centrale. You can therefore stay on board to reach other REM stations in Montreal, such as McGill or Édouard-Montpetit, which connect with the metro. Check your route with the REM or ARTM trip planner.
Which ARTM fare should you choose?
The REM uses the ARTM’s zone-based metropolitan fare system. Your fare must be valid for the departure zone (B, in Brossard), the arrival zone (A, in Montreal) and any zone in between. All modes AB fares also give access to the metro, buses and trains in those zones.
| All modes AB fare | Regular fare | Reduced fare |
|---|---|---|
| 1 trip | $5.00 | $3.50 |
| 2 trips | $9.75 | $6.50 |
| 10 trips | $47.50 | $32.25 |
| 24 hours | $13.75 | — |
| 3 days | $29.25 | — |
| Monthly | $170.00 | $102.00 |
Source: ARTM fare schedule in effect since July 1, 2026. The reduced fare applies in particular to ages 6 to 17 and 65 and over; the reduced monthly pass is also available to eligible students 18 and over. The ARTM announcement published on Québec.ca (in French) notes that the REM’s transitional South Shore fares were withdrawn on July 1, 2026: to combine the REM and buses, get an All modes fare.
How much does it cost per month?
Here are a few scenarios calculated from the ARTM’s regular fares. With the 10-trip booklet, each trip works out to $4.75. The amounts below are estimates rounded to the cost per trip.
| Profile (round trips) | Trips per month | Cost with booklets ($4.75/trip) | AB monthly pass | Cheapest option |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 days a week | about 16 | about $76 | $170.00 | Booklets |
| 3 days a week | about 24 | about $114 | $170.00 | Booklets |
| 5 days a week | about 40 | about $190 | $170.00 | Monthly pass |
In short, 36 trips in booklets cost $171.00: from about 36 trips a month, the AB monthly pass is the better deal, especially since it also covers your metro and bus trips in zones A and B. If you drive to a station with paid parking, add the cost of parking: see our guide to REM park-and-ride lots.
For evening and weekend outings
- Unlimited evening: $6.75, valid from 6 p.m. to 5 a.m. the next day (first use before midnight), zones A to D.
- Unlimited weekend: $17.00, from Friday 4 p.m. to Monday 5 a.m., zones A to D.
- 24 hours AB: $13.75, handy for a full day of getting around Montreal.
Tips for a hassle-free trip
- Use the ARTM’s fare selector (on its website or in the Chrono app) to confirm the right fare.
- Reload your OPUS card with the Chrono app or at station vending machines; the Brossard terminus ticket office has been closed since June 30, 2026, but the one at the Panama terminus remains open.
- Check the REM’s service status before leaving: during planned interruptions, shuttle buses are announced.
- In the evening, check the time of the last train to Brossard on the REM website.
This is general information, not financial advice.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get from Brossard to downtown by REM?
The REM advertises less than 18 minutes from Brossard. Add the time to reach the station, the wait and the walk on arrival.
Is a zone A ticket enough?
No. Brossard’s stations are in zone B: you need an All modes AB fare to get downtown.
Does the AB monthly pass cover the Montreal metro?
Yes. All modes fares give access to the metro, the REM, trains and buses in the zones covered.
Is the REM faster than driving?
Driving time depends on bridge traffic. To compare, check Québec 511 and our article on bridges and traffic to Montreal.
Do children pay?
Ages 6 to 17 are eligible for the reduced fare. For younger children, check the free-travel conditions with the ARTM.
Learn more
For everything about schedules, see our guide to Brossard’s REM stations. To reach a station by bus, see Buses in Brossard: RTL and exo routes. Working out your overall budget? Our comparison of the cost of living in Brossard vs. Montreal and our analysis of renting vs. buying a condo near the REM can help. All our guides: Getting Around. Last checked: October 2026.
brossard.city is an independent guide, not affiliated with the City of Brossard. Information is provided for general guidance only; check with official sources before making any decision. Spotted an error? Let us know.