Search Montreal Flight Tickets

Airport to Montreal City Center Transport

Travelers arriving at Montreal-Trudeau International Airport can reach Montreal city center by STM airport bus, limited shuttle-style services, taxi, rental car, or private transfer. The best option depends on your budget, luggage, arrival time, and final destination downtown.

Bus

Municipal STM buses are the main public transport option from Montreal airport to the city center. The 747 airport bus is the most convenient route, operating 24/7 between YUL and downtown Montreal. Average travel time is about 30 to 35 minutes to Lionel-Groulx metro station, or 45 to 70 minutes to the Berri-UQAM area, depending on traffic and route.

• 747 YUL Airport / Downtown: direct airport service to Lionel-Groulx, Berri-UQAM, and central stops.
• 209 Des Sources: local bus option with connections to the wider STM network.
• 356 Lachine / YUL Airport / Des Sources: night bus service with onward connections.
• 378 Sauvé / YUL Airport: useful for late-night or early-morning travel with transfers.
• 460 Express Métropolitaine: connects the airport area with other transit links.

Airport Shuttle

Montreal does not have a Havas or Havabus-branded airport shuttle to the city center. The regular shuttle-style public option is the STM 747 airport bus, which links Montreal-Trudeau Airport with key downtown stops throughout the day and night. Average travel time is about 45 to 70 minutes to central Montreal.

• Lionel-Groulx metro station.
• René-Lévesque Boulevard downtown stops.
• Berri-UQAM metro station and the downtown bus terminal area.
• Major hotel areas in central Montreal along the 747 downtown route.

Taxi

Taxis are available 24/7 outside the arrivals area at Montreal-Trudeau International Airport. They are a convenient choice for passengers with luggage or late-night arrivals. The average taxi ride from YUL to Montreal city center takes about 20 to 40 minutes, depending on traffic and weather.

• Direct service to hotels, apartments, and business districts downtown.
• Official taxi pickup area outside the terminal.
• Good option for groups, families, or travelers with heavy luggage.

Car Rental

Car rental offices are available at Montreal-Trudeau Airport, with vehicle pickup typically located near the terminal exit and airport parking facilities. Driving to downtown Montreal usually takes about 25 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic. Renting a car is most useful for travelers planning trips beyond the city center.

• On-airport rental counters from major car rental companies.
• Terminal-area pickup for convenient onward travel.
• Useful for visiting areas outside Montreal, such as Quebec road-trip destinations.

Transfer

A private airport transfer offers door-to-door transport from Montreal-Trudeau Airport to Montreal city center. It is recommended to book in advance, especially for early arrivals, late flights, families, business travelers, or passengers who prefer a fixed pickup arrangement. Average travel time is about 20 to 45 minutes.

• Meet-and-greet service at the airport arrivals area.
• Pre-booked sedan, minivan, or larger vehicle options.
• Direct transfer to downtown hotels, offices, cruise connections, or private addresses.

About Montreal

Montreal sits on an island in the St. Lawrence River in Quebec, Canada, blending French-speaking character with a cosmopolitan North American rhythm. It is a dense, walkable city known for historic streets, lively neighborhoods, universities, festivals, and a strong arts scene.

The city is well connected by road and rail, with VIA Rail and intercity buses linking it to Ottawa, Toronto, Quebec City, and beyond. Montréal-Trudeau International Airport, west of downtown, handles major domestic, U.S., and international routes, with shuttle, taxi, and public transit connections into the city.

Founded as Ville-Marie in the 17th century, Montreal grew from a fur-trading and religious settlement into a major port, industrial center, and cultural capital. Its layered identity is visible in Old Montreal, Notre-Dame Basilica, the Old Port, the Plateau, Mile End, and the museums and galleries around downtown.

Nature is never far away: Mount Royal offers broad views and year-round paths, while the Lachine Canal, Jean-Drapeau Park, and riverside trails add space for cycling, walking, and picnics. Winters are cold and snowy, summers warm and festival-filled, and daily life often feels informal, creative, and neighborhood-based.

Social life gathers around cafés, terraces, markets, music venues, comedy, hockey, and seasonal events. Local flavors include bagels, smoked meat, poutine, maple products, craft beer, and a wide range of French, Caribbean, Middle Eastern, and contemporary Canadian cooking.

Within the city, the STM metro and bus network covers most visitor needs, supported by commuter trains, taxis, ride-hailing, bike lanes, and the BIXI bike-share system in warmer months.

Montreal City Center to Airport Transport

There are several transport alternatives from Montreal city center to Montreal Trudeau International Airport, including public bus, taxi, car rental, and private transfer.

Bus

Municipal bus services are the most common public transport option between downtown Montreal and the airport. The average journey time is around 45 to 70 minutes, depending on traffic.

• STM 747 Express Bus from downtown Montreal to YUL Airport
• Stops include Berri-UQAM, René-Lévesque Boulevard, and Lionel-Groulx

Airport Shuttle

Direct airport shuttle services may operate from central hotels or transport points, but there is no Havas or Havabus service in Montreal. Average travel time is usually 30 to 60 minutes.

• Downtown hotel shuttle pick-up points
• Central transport hubs near major hotels

Taxi

Taxis are available 24/7 from Montreal city center to Montreal Trudeau International Airport. The average journey time is around 25 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic.

• Taxi stands near hotels and main streets
• App-based taxi and ride-hailing options

Car Rental

Car rental offices are available in Montreal city center, and many companies allow airport drop-off at Montreal Trudeau International Airport.

• City-center rental offices
• One-way rental with airport return

Transfer

A private airport transfer is a comfortable option for travelers with luggage or early flights. Advance booking is recommended for fixed pricing and guaranteed pick-up.

• Private car transfer from hotel to airport
• Minivan transfer for families or groups