You don't need a car in Quebec City, but if you're planning a day or two tour, you can rent a car in the city or at Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB), located about 8 miles west of Old Quebec. Another option to explore is by bicycle. Quebec City taxis can be identified by the sign on their roofs. We suggest you call one of them and they will send you a car or ask the hotel concierge.
Jean-Lesage International Airport (505, Rue Principale, G2G 0J) is located about 15 km from downtown Québec City. It's easy to get there by public transport and taxi. To get from point A to point B along or across the San Lorenzo River, take the taxi (zodiac type). Quebec City isn't the easiest city to live in without a car, but it can be done.
I know quite a few people who live here without a car, and not all of them live downtown. Public transportation is a good thing for a North American city, but it's horrible compared to similarly sized cities around the world. Quebec City is becoming more cyclist-friendly, and there are some charming bike paths in the city that wind around the marina and along the St. Lawrence River.
Parts of Quebec City are being built for a streetcar that will open in 2028, and it's a bit controversial among locals. Plan a trip to Quebec City to experience its history and European atmosphere, but stay to explore its laid-back neighborhoods, French culture and local terroir. Quebec City has recently added a shared e-bike system, ÀVélo, available from mid-May to the end of October. Quebec City can be a challenge if you have mobility problems, especially Old Quebec, where shops and restaurants often have stairs and ramps are scarce.
This can be confusing at times, as most Canadian cities only use the green arrows to indicate that drivers can turn left. One of the most developed networks of its kind in Canada, Québec City's highways make traveling around the city a breeze. The RTC bus system in Quebec City is decent, with services throughout the city center and in the suburbs; in recent years, the city has also added service to the airport. Quebec City draws crowds all year round, but you don't have to drive far for a more leisurely Québec experience; try these four fun day trips from Quebec City.
Quebec City Sightseeing Bus (Red Bus) Go directly to the outer upper deck to learn about the city's history and heritage buildings. Quebec City is quite dispersed, so a lot depends on where you work, where you plan to live, and your schedule. Safe and well-maintained, Québec City's many bike paths (page available in French only) are a blessing for cyclists. We recommend spending a minimum of 3 days in Quebec City to get to know the city, its people and the authentic French-Canadian culture.
The historic heart of Quebec City is compact and easily walkable, so it doesn't take long to see the most important sites.
