The ultimate guide to the YUL Montréal-Trudeau International Airport

YUL Montréal-Trudeau International Airport is the third largest airport in Canada, located 20 minutes west of downtown Montréal. 

Airlines servicing the YUL 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, in 2023, more than 21 million passengers transited through the airport, a number that is growing each 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. To make the process easier, you can complete your declaration in advance using the ArriveCan app.

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 metres 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 $49.75 between 5 a.m. and 11 p.m., and $56.50 between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. For other destinations you canconfirm the 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.

You can take an Uber at Gate 28, arrivals level.

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, you can only place your order in the terminal. 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 YUL Montréal-Trudeau International Airport, it’s helpful to know that travellers to domestic and international destinations pass through the same security area: Checkpoint A. Regardless of your destination, it is recommended to arrive three hours before your scheduled flight time.

Travellers flying directly to the USA must 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 and using the Mobile Passport Control (MPC) app to speed up your customs clearance process.

Want to speed up your security check process? Book an appointment through the free YUL Express service up to 72 hours before your flight. This service is available at checkpoints A (Domestic and International) and C (United States).

Food and shopping options

YUL Montréal-Trudeau International Airport offers a full range of sustainable food and shopping options. 

Forget to pick up a gift? No problem. You will be able to find what you’re looking for in one of the boutiques at YUL. If you’re travelling to an international destination or to the United States, visit one of the three duty-free stores where you’ll find major brands as well as lots of products with a unique Canadian twist. 

Bonus tips and information

• At any point, you can see wait times at the Montréal-Trudeau airport, including security and international customs.
• Several other services are offered, such as currency exchange, VIP lounges, a multi-faith area for prayer and reflection, breastfeeding rooms, self-service strollers, dog relief areas and free Wi-Fi.
• 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.
• YUL Montréal-Trudeau International Airport has recently renewed its prestigious 4-Star Skytrax World Airport Star Rating, in addition to winning the “Best Airport Staff Service” award in North America in 2023.
• YUL offers you the free YUL Express service to speed up your airport process. Make an appointment up to 72 hours before your flight, free of charge.
• The #YULArt art program contributes to the artistic and cultural development of Montréal. Keep your eyes peeled throughout the airport for art installations, including Eric Wesselow’s “10 leadless glass panels”, each illustrating a Canadian province. It’s located in the passage between the international and American flight sectors. Several murals by Montréal artists, such as La Charbonne and Charles Paradis, can also be found in the terminal and outside.