Montréal–Trudeau International Airport (YUL) is close to the city as major airports go — around 20 km west of downtown — and has long relied on a single, well-run express bus rather than a rail line. That is changing: a light-rail connection is under construction and will eventually offer a direct alternative. Here is how to get into the city today, and what is coming.
The 747 Express Bus: the standard route into town
The 747 Express Bus, run by the STM (Société de transport de Montréal), is the main public transport link between Trudeau Airport and downtown Montreal. It runs 24 hours a day, every day, with buses roughly every 10 minutes at peak times and less frequently overnight — a genuinely useful feature for red-eye arrivals or early departures that many cities cannot match.
The bus follows a fixed route through downtown, stopping at numerous points along René-Lévesque Boulevard and terminating near Berri-UQAM, a major metro interchange. Journey time is typically 45–60 minutes to central stops, longer in heavy traffic. The fare is a flat rate that includes onward transfer to the metro and local bus network for a period after validation, which makes it good value if your hotel requires a further short hop. Tickets can be bought from machines at the airport arrivals level using cash, card or contactless payment — no advance booking is needed.
The REM: Montreal's new light rail, arriving soon
Montreal is building the REM (Réseau express métropolitain), a new automated light-rail network, and an airport branch is planned as part of the network's expansion. Once open, it will offer a direct, frequent rail connection from Trudeau Airport into downtown and onward across the REM system, considerably faster and less traffic-dependent than the bus. Construction and opening timelines for the airport segment have shifted more than once, so check current status before relying on it — the 747 bus remains the dependable option in the meantime, and will likely continue running alongside the REM once it opens.
Taxi and rideshare
Taxis from Trudeau operate on a regulated flat fare to central Montreal, which removes any uncertainty around traffic-inflated meters — useful to know when comparing against rideshare pricing. Uber and other rideshare apps also serve the airport from a designated pickup zone. Typical journey time by road is 25–40 minutes outside rush hour, longer during the Monday–Friday peak or in winter weather. For late-night arrivals, groups, or travellers with a lot of luggage, a taxi is a comfortable and reasonably priced option compared with many other North American cities.
Car hire
Rental car desks are available in the terminal, and driving into Montreal is straightforward via the Autoroute network. It is worth noting that downtown Montreal parking is metered and can be expensive, and winter driving conditions from November to March call for some caution if you are not used to snow and ice. Unless you plan to explore Québec more widely — the Laurentians, Eastern Townships, or onward to Québec City — public transport comfortably covers a Montreal-only visit.
Choosing between the options
For most visitors staying downtown or near the Old Port, the 747 bus is the sensible default: cheap, frequent, running around the clock, and dropping you within walking distance of most central hotels. A taxi makes more sense late at night with heavy luggage, in a group where the flat fare splits cheaply, or when you simply want the least hassle after a long flight. Once the REM airport branch opens, it is likely to become the fastest option for destinations directly on its line — worth checking again if you are travelling after it launches.
Practical tips for arriving at YUL
- The 747 bus stop is clearly signed just outside the arrivals hall; buy your ticket at the machine before boarding.
- Keep some local currency or a contactless card handy — ticket machines accept both, but having options avoids delays.
- In winter, allow extra time for the road journey by taxi or rideshare, as snow can slow traffic significantly.
- If connecting onward to Québec City or elsewhere in the province, the airport is not directly linked to VIA Rail's main downtown station, so factor in the transfer into central Montreal first.
If you are continuing on from Montreal, see our guide to travelling from Montreal to Québec City, or our overview of the New York to Montreal route if you are arriving overland. For general trip planning across Canada and the US, see Canada's eTA guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best way from Montreal Airport to downtown?
The 747 Express Bus is the standard choice — it runs 24 hours a day, connects directly to downtown and Berri-UQAM metro station, and the fare includes onward transfer on the STM network. Journey time is typically 45–60 minutes.
Is there a train from Trudeau Airport to Montreal?
Not yet. An REM light-rail branch to the airport is under construction and will eventually provide a direct rail link, but timelines have shifted, so check current status before your trip. Until it opens, the 747 bus is the main public transport option.
How much does a taxi cost from Montreal Airport?
Taxis operate on a regulated flat rate to central Montreal, so the fare is fixed regardless of traffic. It is a predictable and reasonably priced option by North American standards, especially useful late at night or for groups.
Does the 747 bus run all night?
Yes, the 747 operates 24 hours a day, every day, though frequency drops overnight. This makes it a reliable option for early departures or late arrivals when many other cities' airport transport has stopped running.
Sources and further reading:
- Airport transport information: Montréal–Trudeau Airport (Aéroports de Montréal) official site.
- Bus route, fares and schedule: Société de transport de Montréal (STM), route 747.
- REM network and expansion plans: Réseau express métropolitain official site.