Montreal / Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport

Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL), commonly known as Montreal-Trudeau, is the busiest airport in Quebec and the third-busiest in Canada, serving over 22 million passengers annually. Located approximately 20 km west of downtown Montreal in Dorval, it serves as Air Canada's second-largest hub after Toronto Pearson.

The airport operates from a single two-story terminal divided into four zones:

• Public Area: Check-in counters, arrivals hall, ground transportation
• Domestic Jetty: Gates 1-12, 15, 17-34, 47-49 for flights within Canada
• International Jetty: Gates 50-57 for non-US international destinations
• Transborder Jetty (US): Gates 72-89 for US flights with US Preclearance

All zones are connected within one building, making navigation straightforward. The key distinction is that the US Transborder area operates as a separate secure zone due to US Customs and Border Protection preclearance—passengers bound for the US clear American immigration and customs before departure, arriving in the US as domestic passengers.

Montreal-Trudeau is located 20 km west of downtown Montreal in the suburb of Dorval.

Typical travel times:

• Downtown Montreal by taxi: 25-40 minutes (traffic dependent)
• Downtown Montreal by 747 bus: 45-60 minutes
• Downtown Montreal by REM: 20-25 minutes (opening 2027)

The airport is accessible via Highway 20 and the A-520 expressway. Rush hour traffic (7:00-9:00 AM, 4:00-6:30 PM) can significantly extend travel times.

Uber & Lyft

Both Uber and Lyft operate at Montreal-Trudeau Airport.

• Pickup location: Follow signs to rideshare pickup area on the arrivals level
• Fares to downtown Montreal: CAD $35-55 depending on destination and demand
• Wait times: Typically 5-10 minutes

Taxi

Licensed taxis queue outside the arrivals level, near the central exit (door 6). All taxis are metered but a flat rate applies to downtown Montreal.

Destination	Fare	Time
Downtown Montreal (flat rate, 5AM-11PM)	CAD $49.45	25-40 min
Downtown Montreal (flat rate, 11PM-5AM)	CAD $56.70	20-30 min
Old Montreal	CAD $50-60	25-40 min
Plateau/Mile End	CAD $55-70	30-45 min

Note: The downtown flat rate covers the area bounded by Avenue des Pins (north), Atwater Avenue (west), Papineau Avenue (east), and the St. Lawrence River (south). Destinations outside this zone are metered.

747 Express Bus

The STM 747 bus is the most economical way to reach downtown Montreal, operating 24/7.

Route: Airport → Lionel-Groulx metro → Berri-UQAM metro (Bus Terminal)

Detail	Information
Fare	CAD $11.25 (includes 24-hour transit pass)
Journey time	45-60 minutes to downtown
Frequency	Every 6-7 min (peak), every 15-20 min (off-peak)
Hours	24/7

How to ride:

1. Purchase fare via Chrono mobile app before boarding
2. Or pay exact cash fare (CAD $11.25 in coins) to driver
3. Board at the Arrivals level, door 14
4. Exit at Lionel-Groulx (metro connection) or Berri-UQAM (downtown)

The CAD $11.25 fare is a 24-hour pass valid for unlimited travel on STM buses, metro, and REM within Zone A (Montreal agglomeration).

Future: REM Light Rail (Opening 2027)

The Réseau express métropolitain (REM) will connect the airport directly to downtown Montreal when the airport branch opens in late 2027.

• Journey time: Approximately 20-25 minutes to Gare Centrale (Central Station)
• The station will be located underground, directly connected to the terminal

This will dramatically improve airport connectivity when operational.

Montreal-Trudeau offers several parking options. Due to ongoing construction, availability may be limited—book online in advance.

Current Parking Options

Facility	Rate	Notes
P4 Parking	CAD $34/day	Covered, 4 levels, 2,800+ spaces, free shuttle
P9 (EconoPark)	CAD $18-22/day	Economy lot, free shuttle
Cell Phone Lot	Free (30 min)	Wait for arrivals

Tips:

• First 40 minutes free at P4
• Book online at admtl.com for discounts
• Electric vehicle charging available at P4
• Free shuttle runs between P4, P9, and terminal every 5-10 minutes

Note: The multi-level parking (P5) in front of the terminal closed in October 2025 due to construction.

Montreal-Trudeau offers a good variety of dining options reflecting Quebec's culinary culture.

Public Area (Pre-Security)

• Tim Hortons: Canadian coffee chain, multiple locations
• Paramount YUL: 24-hour Middle Eastern and pizza, open around the clock
• Allô Mon Coco: Montreal breakfast chain, eggs and pancakes

Domestic & International Jetties

• La Fabrique de Bagel Montréal: Authentic Montreal-style bagels
• Archibald Microbrasserie: Quebec craft brewery, pub food
• Ryū: Modern Japanese, sushi and poke bowls
• Pub John Molson: Canadian pub classics, draft beer
• L'Auberge Saint-Gabriel: Upscale Quebec cuisine
• Hurley's à YUL: Irish pub, breakfast available

Transborder (US) Area

• Bijou Resto Bar: Full-service restaurant at the Marriott In-Terminal
• Pork & Pickle: Sandwiches near Gate 72
• Tim Hortons: Coffee and quick bites

Budget tip: Tim Hortons and Subway locations throughout offer affordable options. Paramount YUL is the only 24-hour restaurant.

Free WiFi is available throughout Montreal-Trudeau Airport.

Detail	Information
Network name	YUL Wi-Fi
Password	None required
Time limit	60 minutes per session (reconnect for more)
Speed	Adequate for browsing and email

For faster, more secure connections, airline lounges offer dedicated WiFi networks.

SIM cards are available at the airport, with major Canadian carriers represented.

Where to Buy

• Bell, Rogers, Telus stores: Located in the arrivals area and public zone
• Convenience stores: Basic prepaid options

Major Carriers

Provider	Prepaid Options	Coverage
Bell	From CAD $40/month	Excellent nationwide
Rogers	From CAD $40/month	Excellent nationwide
Telus	From CAD $40/month	Excellent nationwide
Fido/Koodo/Virgin	From CAD $25/month	Budget options (same networks)

Tip: For better prices and selection, visit carrier stores in downtown Montreal. Airport prices tend to be higher.

ATMs are located throughout the terminal in both public and secure areas. Major Canadian banks (RBC, TD, BMO, Scotiabank, Desjardins) have machines available.

Currency

• Currency: Canadian Dollar (CAD)
• Exchange rate: Approximately 1 USD = 1.35-1.40 CAD (varies)

Currency Exchange

ICE and Interchange currency exchange counters are located in arrivals and departures. Airport exchange rates include significant markups.

Better alternatives:

• Withdraw CAD from ATMs using a no-fee debit card
• Canada is highly card-friendly; Visa and Mastercard accepted almost everywhere
• Wise or Revolut cards for better exchange rates
• Many US visitors find they can use USD at some tourist locations, but CAD is always preferred

Montreal-Trudeau offers duty-free shopping and Quebec specialty stores.

Duty-Free

• Duty Free Americas: Main duty-free operator with locations in International and US departures
• Alcohol, tobacco, perfumes, and cosmetics
• Tax-free savings for international departing passengers

Quebec Products

• La Maison du Cheddar: Quebec cheeses and local products
• Boutique du Terroir: Quebec maple syrup, ice wine, local crafts
• SAQ (Société des alcools du Québec): Quebec wines and spirits

Other Shopping

• Hudson News for books, magazines, and travel essentials
• Electronics and tech accessories
• Fashion and accessories boutiques

Tip: Quebec maple syrup and ice wine make excellent gifts. The duty-free shop has a good selection.

Montreal-Trudeau has several lounge options across its different zones.

Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges

Domestic Lounge (between Gates 1-3):

• Hours: 4:15 AM - 10:00 PM
• Access: Air Canada Business Class, Maple Leaf Club members, Star Alliance Gold, Air Canada Altitude Elite status
• Amenities: Hot and cold buffet, bar, WiFi, workstations

International Lounge (between Gates 52-53):

• Hours: 5:30 AM - 9:15 PM
• Access: Same as domestic lounge
• Amenities: Similar offerings, views of the tarmac

Transborder (US) Lounge (next to Gate 75):

• Hours: 4:30 AM - 7:30 PM
• Access: Air Canada Business Class to US, Maple Leaf Club members, Star Alliance Gold
• Note: Not accessible to Priority Pass members

Priority Pass Lounges

Air France Lounge (International area, near Gate 57):

• Hours: Opens for Air France departures
• Access: Priority Pass (2-hour limit), Air France Business Class
• Notes: Renovated lounge, can be crowded at peak times; capacity limits may apply

National Bank Lounge (near Gate 53):

• Hours: 4:00 AM - 10:00 PM
• Access: Priority Pass, LoungeKey, DragonPass, National Bank World Mastercard
• Stay limit: 3 hours maximum
• Amenities: Buffet, drinks, workstations

Day Pass Options

Most lounges offer day passes for CAD $50-75 when space is available. Check availability at the lounge entrance.

At the Airport

Montreal Airport Marriott In-Terminal Hotel

• Connected directly to the terminal via indoor walkway
• 4-star, 280 rooms
• 2-minute walk to US gates, 10-minute walk to domestic/international
• Fitness center, pool, restaurant (Bijou Resto Bar)
• From CAD $180/night

Near the Airport

Sheraton Montreal Airport Hotel

• 7-minute walk from terminal (free shuttle every 30 minutes)
• 4-star, on airport property
• From CAD $150/night

Courtyard by Marriott Montreal Airport

• 8 km from terminal, shuttle service available
• From CAD $130/night

Aloft Montreal Airport

• Modern hotel, shuttle service
• From CAD $120/night

Budget Options

• Holiday Inn Express Montreal Airport: Shuttle service, from CAD $100/night
• Quality Inn & Suites P.E. Trudeau Airport: Budget-friendly, shuttle service

Montreal is a vibrant, bilingual city (French and English) known for its European character, exceptional food scene, and rich cultural life. The city center is 25-40 minutes from the airport.

Getting to Key Attractions

Destination	Travel Time	Route
Old Montreal	30-45 min	747 bus to Berri-UQAM, walk or metro
Mont-Royal	40-50 min	747 bus to Lionel-Groulx, metro to Mont-Royal
Plateau/Mile End	45-55 min	747 bus to Berri-UQAM, metro to Sherbrooke
Downtown (Ste-Catherine)	45-60 min	747 bus to Lionel-Groulx or direct
Jean-Talon Market	50-60 min	747 bus, metro to Jean-Talon

Montreal Highlights

• Old Montreal (Vieux-Montréal): Cobblestone streets, historic architecture, Notre-Dame Basilica
• Mont-Royal: The city's iconic mountain with panoramic views
• Plateau Mont-Royal: Trendy neighborhood with cafés, boutiques, and street art
• Mile End: Hipster district, home to the famous bagel shops (Fairmount and St-Viateur)
• Jean-Talon Market: One of North America's largest outdoor markets

French-Speaking Culture

Montreal is predominantly French-speaking, though English is widely understood, especially in tourist areas.

• Greetings: Start with "Bonjour" (hello)—locals appreciate the effort
• Signage: Most signs are in French; official language laws require French prominence
• Service: In tourist areas, staff typically speak both languages
• Tipping: 15-20% is standard at restaurants

Montreal Specialties

• Montreal bagels: Smaller, sweeter, and wood-fired (try Fairmount or St-Viateur)
• Smoked meat sandwiches: Schwartz's Deli is the legendary spot
• Poutine: French fries, cheese curds, and gravy—available everywhere
• BYO restaurants: Many Montreal restaurants allow you to bring your own wine

Layover Recommendations

• 4-hour layover: Take the 747 bus to Old Montreal, walk the waterfront, grab a smoked meat sandwich
• 6-hour layover: Add Mont-Royal viewpoint or Notre-Dame Basilica
• 8+ hour layover: Explore the Plateau, visit Mile End for bagels, dinner in Old Montreal

Seasonal Considerations

• Winter (Nov-Mar): Heavy snow, temperatures well below freezing. Dress warmly.
• Summer (Jun-Aug): Festival season—Jazz Festival, Just for Laughs, and more
• Fall (Sep-Oct): Beautiful foliage, pleasant temperatures
• Spring (Apr-May): Variable weather, snow possible into April