Montréal Airports Guide: Terminals, Transport, and Essential Information

Montréal, the cultural metropolis of Québec, is served by two passenger airports: a major international hub located on the island and a smaller airport across the river handling primarily ultra-low-cost and charter flights. Understanding which airport you are using is crucial, as they are in different provinces and have vastly different transport links to the city. This guide explains both facilities.

Montréal–Trudeau International Airport (YUL)

Overview: Montréal–Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (IATA: YUL) is the primary international gateway to the city and the busiest airport in Québec. Located on the Island of Montréal in the borough of Dorval, approximately 20 km (12 miles) west of downtown, it is the main hub for Air Canada and Air Transat, serving destinations worldwide.

Terminals:

• Single Integrated Terminal: The airport operates from one large, recently expanded terminal complex. It is divided into four piers (A, B, C, D) but functions as a single, connected facility. Clear signage in French and English makes navigation easy. All services—check-in, security, customs, and baggage claim—are under one roof.

Getting to and from Trudeau Airport (YUL):

• Express Bus 747 (Société de transport de Montréal – STM):
  The official, 24/7 airport express bus. It runs from YUL to downtown’s central bus station, Gare d’autocars de Montréal (Berri-UQAM metro station), with intermediate stops along René-Lévesque Blvd. The journey takes 45-70 minutes depending on traffic. Payment requires a valid STM fare (preferably a 24-hour pass or an airport fare purchased from the machine at the airport bus stop). This is the most affordable dedicated airport link.
• Taxi & Ride-Hailing:
  Taxi: Official taxis are available on the arrivals level. Fares to downtown are a flat rate of $41 (as of early 2025), plus tip. The ride takes 20-45 minutes depending on traffic.

  Ride-Hailing (Uber): Uber operates at YUL. The designated pickup area is on Level 2 of the parking garage (P4), connected to the terminal by a skywalk. Often cheaper than taxis.

• Private Transfer / Limousine:
  Pre-booked limousine and private car services are available. Book in advance through your hotel or an online service.
• Car Rental:
  All major rental companies are located in the Rental Car Centre, a short walk from the terminal via a covered walkway on the Arrivals level.

Note: There is no direct train or metro link to YUL, though a future REM light rail connection is planned.

Best for: Most travelers, including all international arrivals, Air Canada passengers, and those seeking convenience and the widest range of flights.

Montréal–Mirabel International Airport (YMX)

Overview: Montréal–Mirabel International Airport (IATA: YMX) is located about 55 km (34 miles) northwest of downtown Montréal, in the province of Québec. Originally built as the city’s main airport, it now handles almost exclusively cargo and a limited number of passenger flights, mainly for ultra-low-cost carrier Flair Airlines and some charter/leisure operators.

Terminals:

• Passenger Terminal: A small, functional terminal used for the handful of scheduled passenger flights. Facilities are basic.

Getting to and from Mirabel Airport (YMX) to Montréal:

• Shuttle Bus (Navigo):
  The primary public transport is the Mirabel Airport Shuttle operated by Exo/Navigo. It connects YMX to the De la Concorde metro station (Orange Line) in Laval. From there, you take the metro into Montréal. Total travel time to downtown is approximately 1.5 hours. Schedules are limited and timed to flight arrivals/departures; check in advance.
• Taxi & Ride-Hailing:
  Available but prohibitively expensive for the long distance to downtown (can easily exceed $100 CAD).
• Car Rental:
  Available at the airport, and highly recommended if flying into YMX.

Best for: Budget travelers on specific Flair Airlines routes, those with access to a car, or travelers heading to the Laurentians region north of Montréal.

Which Airport Should You Choose for Montréal?

This is a critical decision that impacts your entire trip logistics.

• Choose Montréal–Trudeau (YUL) if: You are flying internationally, with a major airline (Air Canada, Delta, etc.), value convenience, or are staying in Montréal proper. It offers vastly superior and more frequent transport links.
• Choose Montréal–Mirabel (YMX) if: You are flying on a specific ultra-low-cost carrier (currently Flair Airlines), are on an extremely tight budget, have a car, or are visiting the Laurentians. Always verify the airport code (YUL vs. YMX) when booking.

Warning: A flight to “Montréal” could land at either YUL or YMX. Confusing them could lead to a missed flight or a very expensive and long taxi ride.

Airport Transfers Between YUL and YMX

The two airports are approximately 70 km (43 miles) apart, on opposite sides of the island. A transfer between them is a major undertaking.

Is it feasible to connect between YUL and YMX?
No, it is strongly discouraged for same-day connections. There is no direct shuttle. You would need to collect baggage and undertake a 60-90 minute road journey via rental car, taxi (very expensive), or a complex combination of public buses and trains. This is considered an inter-airport transfer on separate tickets and carries extreme risk.

If you absolutely must transfer: The only public option involves multiple buses and the metro, taking over 2.5 hours. Allow a minimum of 5-6 hours between scheduled flight times.

Golden Rule: Never book incoming and outgoing flights on separate tickets at YUL and YMX on the same day.

Key Tips for Montréal Airports

• Language: French is the official language, but English is widely spoken at both airports. All signs are bilingual.
• Currency: Have Canadian Dollars (CAD). While credit cards are widely accepted, you’ll need cash for some buses, tips, and small vendors.
• Pre-Clearance at YUL: For flights to the United States, you clear U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) before departure at YUL. This means you arrive in the U.S. as a domestic passenger. Allow extra time for this process before your U.S.-bound flight.
• Winter Weather: From December to March, allow significant extra time for travel to/from the airport due to potential snowstorms and traffic delays.
• Public Transit to YUL: The 747 Express Bus is reliable but can be slow in traffic. For a guaranteed seat and faster trip, consider a taxi or Uber during peak hours.

Bottom line: For virtually all visitors, Montréal–Trudeau Airport (YUL) is the correct choice. Use the 747 Express Bus for a budget-friendly transfer or a taxi/Uber for door-to-door convenience. If you book a flight to Mirabel (YMX), understand you are committing to a lengthy and less convenient transfer to the city.