Montreal Airport Transfer (YUL)

Montreal-Trudeau International Airport (IATA: YUL, formerly Dorval) is Montreal's only commercial airport, handling over 20 million passengers annually. It is 20 kilometres west of the city centre. There is no metro connection to downtown — a persistent gap in Montreal's transit infrastructure. The STM 747 express bus to Berri-UQAM takes 45–60 minutes. Metered taxis and Uber operate from outside arrivals. A LocalsRide driver meets you inside the arrivals hall for direct transfers to any Montreal neighbourhood or for long-distance routes to Quebec City and the Eastern Townships.

YUL Transfer Times

Downtown Montreal (Peel, Guy): 20 km, 25–40 min. Plateau-Mont-Royal and Mile End: 22 km, 28–45 min. Old Montreal and Vieux-Port: 23 km, 30–50 min. Laval (North Shore): 30 km, 35–50 min. Longueuil: 35 km, 40–55 min. Quebec City: 240 km, 2.5–3 hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is there no metro from Montreal Airport to downtown?

Montreal's metro system does not extend to YUL. The STM 747 express bus is the primary public transport option (45–60 min to Berri-UQAM, $10 CAD). An REM extension to the airport has been discussed but as of 2026 remains unbuilt. The result is that taxis, Uber, and pre-booked private cars are the most practical options for arrivals with standard luggage — particularly for transatlantic flights arriving before 06:00 when bus frequency is low.

Can I get a transfer from Montreal Airport to the Eastern Townships or Quebec City?

Yes — private car transfers from YUL to Quebec City (240 km via A-20 or A-40, 2.5–3 hours) and the Eastern Townships (Bromont, Magog, Mont-Orford ski area — 100–140 km, 1.5–2 hours) are available. Many visitors arriving at YUL use a direct private car transfer to ski resorts in the Laurentians (Mont-Tremblant: 140 km, 1.5–2 hours) rather than renting a car at the airport after a long overnight flight.