Montreal Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport guide
How to Get from Montreal Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport to Montreal
You can reach central Montreal from YUL by taxi, by private transfer, by express bus or by ride-hailing app. Each option suits a different budget, amount of luggage and level of planning, so it helps to decide before you land.
Taxis from Montreal airport
Taxis wait at the official taxi rank outside the arrivals hall at YUL, and this is the most direct way to start a journey without booking ahead. Journey times into Montreal depend on traffic, particularly during rush hour and in winter weather. Confirm the destination address with the driver before you set off.
Express bus from YUL to downtown Montreal
The 747 express bus runs from the airport to downtown Montreal and is a useful option if you are travelling light and staying near a stop on its route. Check the current route and stops on the official transit information before you travel, as services can change. Bus travel takes longer with heavy luggage and is less convenient late at night.
Ride-hailing and car rental at YUL
Ride-hailing vehicles use a designated pick-up area at the airport, and car rental desks are located within the terminal for travellers who plan to drive. Driving in Montreal involves one-way streets and winter road conditions, so think carefully about whether a car suits your stay.
Montreal Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport Private Transfer and Taxi
A private transfer from YUL is a pre-booked car that meets you at the airport and drives you directly to your Montreal address. The fare is agreed when you book, so you know what you will pay before you travel.
How Vonaride transfers work at YUL
Your driver follows your flight, so if an international arrival is delayed at Montreal airport, the pick-up time is adjusted without you needing to call. Drivers wait in the arrivals area holding a name sign, which makes it easy to find them after a long flight. Free waiting time is included, and its length depends on the airport and the provider; it is shown before you book.
Drivers speak English, and you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before your pick-up. Customer support is available 24/7 if your plans change close to your arrival.
Private transfer or taxi: which is better for YUL?
A taxi suits travellers who are happy to join a queue and pay the metered or quoted fare on the day. A private transfer suits those who prefer a fixed fare, a known pick-up time and a driver waiting for them after a long flight.
Montreal Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport Terminals and Arrivals
Most passengers arriving at YUL come through the main passenger terminal, where the arrivals hall is the meeting point for taxis, transfers and ride-hailing. Check the terminal shown on your airline ticket before you travel, so you know where you are heading.
Where to meet your driver at YUL
After you clear immigration and collect your bags, follow the signs for ground transportation to the arrivals area. Your Vonaride driver will be waiting there with a name sign, so look for your name rather than searching every sign on the wall. Allow extra time for baggage collection on busy flights.
Facilities and Services at Montreal Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport
The main terminal at YUL offers shops, restaurants, currency exchange and Wi-Fi in its public areas. Services can change, so check the current airport information before your trip if a particular facility matters to you.
Assistance for passengers with reduced mobility can be requested through your airline before you travel. Luggage trolleys are available in the arrivals and departures areas, which helps when you are heading to a taxi or transfer pick-up point.
Arriving in Montreal: What to Know
Montreal is a bilingual city where French is the main language, but English is widely spoken in hotels, shops and transport. A few French phrases such as bonjour and merci are appreciated by locals. Winter brings snow and ice, so pack sensible footwear and allow extra time for journeys across the city.
Downtown Montreal is easy to reach from the airport and sits close to the Métro, the city's underground metro network. The historic Old Montreal district and the green space of Mount Royal are popular with visitors. Tipping taxi and transfer drivers is customary, so keep some cash or a card ready for the end of your ride.
To check prices or request a quote for your Montreal transfer from YUL, use the form on the Vonaride website. Fares are shown before you book, so you can compare options and choose the arrangement that suits your trip.
Updated November 8, 2026
