The ultimate guide to the Montréal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL)

Montréal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL) is one of Canada’s most important transportation centres. Located a short ride—typically 20 minutes—west of downtown Montréal, the airport is named in honour of Pierre Elliott Trudeau, the 15th Prime Minister of Canada and father of current Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Airlines servicing the Montréal-Trudeau International Airport offer year-round, non-stop flights from nearly 150 destinations across Africa, Asia, Europe, North and South America. This means that for millions and millions of people around the world, Montréal is accessible within one or two flights. In fact, approximately 20 million passengers pass through the airport during an average year.

Perhaps you’ll be one of them soon?

Landing in Montréal

Arriving Internationally/from the USA

Since 2016, visitors from other countries who fly to or transit through Canada need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). Exceptions include U.S. citizens and travellers with a valid Canadian visa. The application is completed online and costs $7. Apply now for an eTA! 

Everyone arriving via an international flight must pass through border services. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is responsible for providing integrated border services in Canada, including customs, immigration, and luggage inspection services. Expect to answer simple questions around the purpose of your travels, where you’ll be staying, and what you’ll be doing in Canada. Depending upon your citizenship and the number of arriving flights, this process can take anywhere from 15 minutes to several hours.

Arriving domestically

It’s straightforward. Follow the signage to either the baggage carrousel or the exit.

Transportation options to/from the airport

Public transit

With 24-hour service, seven days a week, 365 days a year, the 747 shuttle service offers convenient transportation between the airport and downtown, and with ample space for your luggage.

Two route options are available from the airport. The short route is direct, offering a single stop at Lionel-Groulx Métro station. The long route offers 11 stops, including Lionel-Groulx and Berri-UQAM Métro stations, plus stops at hotels on René-Lévesque Boulevard. Ask your driver which route is being served.

Don’t miss this step! Whether you’re leaving the airport or going to the airport, it’s best to get your ticket before boarding. At the airport, buy a ticket at one of the four vending machines in the international arrivals area. If you’re downtown, visit any of the Métro stations. You can pay in cash, by debit card, or with VISA or MasterCard credit card. You will need the 24-hour ticket, which currently costs $11. (Note: it is possible to purchase a ticket on board, but you’ll need exact fare: $11 in coins.)

At the airport, you’ll catch the 747 shuttle bus a few meters from the exit at Door 28. Simply look for the signs.

TIP:

Buy your ticket at one of the kiosks before you board! In addition to the in-person kiosks, you can purchase tickets electronically on the Chrono or Transit apps.

Taxi

You can nab a taxi at the arrivals level at Door 23, where a dispatcher will assist you. The current flat rate to downtown Montréal is $49.45 between 5 am and 11 pm, and $56.70 between 11 pm and 5 am (confirm rate here). Drivers accept cash or cards.

For travellers with limited mobility (such as wheelchair users), there are also a certain number of adapted taxis that are available. Simply ask the dispatcher.

Uber

The cost of an Uber trip from YUL to downtown depends on factors that include the type of ride you request, the estimated length/duration of the trip, and current demand for rides. You can see an estimate of the price by entering your pickup spot and destination in Uber’s price estimator. When you request a ride, you’ll see your actual price in the app based on real-time factors.

There are two possible locations for passenger pick-up:

• Door # 8 - Departures level

• Door # 21 - Arrivals level

Follow the instructions provided in the app and it will tell you where to meet your driver.

Limousine

Ready to roll into Montréal in style? For limousine service, head to the terminal located at Door 24 on the Arrivals level. You’ll need to place an order on site by providing your first name, destination, and a valid email address before boarding a vehicle.

Unfortunately, it is not possible to book limousine service prior to arriving at YUL. However, limousines are usually available at the door at all times.

Hotel options

YUL’s only in-terminal hotel is Montréal Airport Marriott In-Terminal Hotel. Conveniently located beside the USA departures terminal, the hotel offers a spa, a pool, a 24-hour fitness facility, and rooms with soundproof windows. Grab a bite to eat at Café Illy or pull up a stool at the Bijou Resto Bar.

Here are several other hotels close to Montréal’s airport.

Departing Montréal

When departing from the Montréal-Trudeau International Airport, it’s helpful to know that travellers to domestic and international pass through the same security area: Checkpoint A. Head to the departures level and access any of the entrances between 1 to 6. For international flights, it is recommended to arrive three hours before your scheduled flight time.

Travellers flying directly to the USA will head to the departures level and use entrances 7 to 12. Keep in mind that you’ll pass through USA border control before boarding your flight, so budget enough time for this process. It is recommended to arrive three hours before your scheduled flight time.

Food + shopping options

The Montréal-Trudeau International Airport offers a full range of food and shopping options. If you’re flying internationally, you’ll also have access to duty-free shopping.

Forget to pick up a gift? Not a problem. Découvrir Montréal is a tourist shop with a unique Canadian twist, located in the domestic/international terminal near Gate 50.

Other services in the departures level include foreign currency exchange, VIP lounges, a post office, a prayer area, nursing spaces, and free Wi-Fi.

Bonus tips + information

• At any point, you can see wait times at the Montréal-Trudeau airport, including security and international customs.
• For even more information about the airport, such as travelling with a pet or details for disabled travellers, visit the Montréal-Trudeau International Airport guide page.
• The airport is now offering direct routes to cities such as Amsterdam and Copenhagen, as well as service from Flair Airlines.
• The Montréal-Trudeau International Airport has recently renewed its prestigious 4-Star Skytrax World Airport Star Rating.
• The Aérogalerie Art program helps support Montréal’s artistic and cultural development. Keep your eyes peeled throughout the airport for art installations, such as Eric Wesselow’s “10 leadless glass panels,” which each illustrates a Canadian province. It’s located in the passage between the Domestic and USA terminals.