Montréal-Trudeau International Airport, known as YUL, serves as the main gateway to Montréal, located 20 kilometres west of the city centre in Dorval, Québec. Handling 22.4 million passengers in 2024, this Air Canada hub connects to nearly 150 destinations across five continents with airlines like Air Transat, Porter, and Delta. Its single-terminal design, modern amenities, and efficient transport links offer a practical experience for travellers exploring Québec or connecting globally.
The passenger experience at YUL is generally efficient, thanks to its well-organised layout. The two-story terminal is divided into four zones: public, domestic jetty (gates 1-12, 15, 47-49), international jetty, and transborder jetty for US flights. Check-in and security at Checkpoint A typically take 20 to 30 minutes, but peak summer periods or mornings can see queues up to an hour, especially for US departures requiring pre-clearance.
Passengers are advised to arrive three hours early for all flights to account for security, immigration, and customs. The ArriveCan app allows advance customs declarations to speed up arrivals, though international processing can take 15 minutes to several hours depending on flight volumes. Accessibility is strong, with ramps, lifts, and wheelchair assistance, though pre-booking with airlines is recommended. Signage is clear, but long walks in the international jetty may challenge some travellers.
Access to the airport is straightforward, with multiple transport options. The 747 bus, operated by STM, runs every 10 to 15 minutes from Lionel-Groulx and Berri-UQAM metro stations to YUL’s Door 28, taking 45 to 60 minutes for £11.25, including a 24-hour pass for Montréal’s metro and buses.
Taxis cost around £35 to downtown, available at arrivals, while Uber and Lyft operate from designated zones. Car rental agencies, including Avis, Hertz, and Enterprise, are in the arrivals area. By 2027, the REM train will link downtown to YUL in 20 minutes. The drive via Autoroute 20 takes 20 to 30 minutes, though winter snow or construction, such as ongoing roadworks, can add delays. Parking offers 40 minutes free in most lots, with CellParc providing two hours free for pick-ups, and ValetParc at £45 per day. Express drop-off zones in P4 and P10, with free shuttles every 5 minutes, ease terminal access.
The airport’s layout is intuitive, with check-in split for US and non-US flights in the public area, and gates spread across domestic, international, and transborder jetties. The main terminal’s 20. gates handle most traffic, with moving walkways aiding navigation. Congestion at security or US pre-clearance (done in Montrealk, as in Dublin and Shannon) can occur during peak times, and travellers recommend checking wait times on the YUL website or CATSA’s updates. A £10 billion renovation, set to expand capacity to 35 million passengers by 2035, aims to reduce bottlenecks.
Dining and retail options are plentiful. Airside, Pork & Pickle, Six Pints, and RYU serve local and international dishes, while Hurley’s Irish Pub offers a relaxed setting, open 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Three duty-free shops stock Canadian souvenirs, luxury goods, and electronics, though prices are higher than in Montréal. The Loop Duty Free is ideal for US or international travellers. RELAY and iStore provide last-minute gifts. Travellers suggest dining downtown for better value. Free Wi-Fi, via the “YUL Free Wi-Fi” network, is reliable, and charging stations are widespread.
Facilities cater to diverse needs. Baggage storage is available in the arrivals area, and wrapping services cost £9. Six lounges, including Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge and National Bank World Lounge, offer showers, snacks, and Wi-Fi for £20 to £40. The Montréal Airport Marriott In-Terminal Hotel provides soundproof rooms from £150, with a spa and pool. Family amenities include breastfeeding rooms, self-service strollers, and play areas near Gate 50. A multi-faith prayer room, currency exchange, and a 24/7 medical clinic are accessible. Smoking is restricted to outdoor zones landside. The airport operates 24/7, but armrest-equipped seating limits overnight comfort.
On-time performance is generally solid, with around 500 daily flights, though 43% of flights faced delays averaging 15 to 30 minutes in 2024 due to high traffic or weather. Connectivity issues, like a March 2025 system glitch delaying 118 flights, can disrupt operations. Real-time updates are available via the YUL website, Flightradar24, or SMS alerts to 23636. EU regulations allow up to €600 compensation for delays over three hours if airline-related.
Connections are efficient, with Air Canada’s hub facilitating minimum connection times of 40 minutes for domestic and 60 minutes for international flights. The single terminal simplifies transfers, though US-bound passengers must clear pre-clearance, adding time. Non-Schengen international arrivals require immigration, which can take 30 minutes. Checking gate and terminal details via the YUL app ensures smooth transfers.
