With a rich history and modern facilities, YUL has become a hub for both domestic and international travel, connecting Montreal to destinations around the world. Here’s more information about YUL Airport, including its airport code and amenities.
What airport is YUL?
YUL is the airport code for the Montréal–Trudeau International Airport. In French, it is Aéroport International Montréal-Trudeau. The airport was formerly known as Montréal-Dorval International Airport. It is the busiest airport in the province of Quebec and the fourth-busiest in Canada, serving over 20 million passengers annually.
About Montreal Terminal
The main terminal is composed of the following five primary areas:
- The All-Arrivals Area has an ICE currency exchange and a cloakroom.
- The Public Departures Area is open to all passengers and has an ICE currency exchange and Safebag.
- Gates 1 through 15 and 17 through 30 are in the Restricted Domestic Departures Area (for Canada). The ICE currency exchange and Walter’s Shoe Care are available here.
- Gates 47 through 68 are within the Restricted International Departures Area.
- Gates 72 through 89 are located within the Restricted Transborder Departures Area (for the United States). An ICE currency exchange, a player’s area, and Walter’s Shoe Care are among the services found here.
YUL Airport parking
YUL offers parking at six onsite lots for $35-$75/day. Valet Parking is also available and costs $60/day.
Offsite Montreal Airport Parking offers the cheapest rates, starting at $9.50/day when you book on Way.com.
Sleeping in Montreal Airport
The check-in section of the terminal appears to be the best place to sleep landside. The area can be bright, chilly, and noisy, so bringing a blanket, an eye mask, and noise-canceling headphones or earplugs can be helpful.
The International Departures area has several seating areas without armrests as well as designated rest areas airside.
We have more information on airport hotels and hotels near Montreal Airport below.
Facilities and services at Montreal Airport
- Baggage handling and storage
- Cafes, bars, and restaurants
- Help desk
- Lounge and business conference rooms
- Stores and duty-free shopping
- WiFi and mobile charging points
Amenities at Montreal-Trudeau International Airport
There are a few more amenities that Montreal Airport passengers can enjoy. These include:
- ATMs
- Baby care facilities
- Bank
- Children’s play area
- Currency exchange
- Pet relief area
- Postal services
- Prayer room
- Recliner seats
- Shoeshine
- Spa and salon
Montreal Airport transportation
Montreal Airport to the city center
Taking a cab or a private transfer is the best way to get to and from Montreal Airport. But the 747 Express line is also a great choice.
Bus
One of the most popular routes from the airport, the 747 Express, runs from YUL to downtown Montreal. There are also regional coaches serving different parts of the country, shuttle buses to hotels, and regular bus routes to both the west and east sides of Montreal.
Taxi
A taxi ride to downtown Montreal takes about 25 minutes and costs a fixed fare of CAD 49.45 during the day, between 5 a.m. and 11 p.m. The price increases between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m., costing a flat rate of CAD 56.70. Taxis have meters, so you can use them to get to destinations outside downtown.
Train
There is no direct train service between Montreal Airport and the city center, but you can take a free minibus from YUL Airport to the closest train station, Dorval.
Transfers
You can book a ride if you want to go to and from Montreal Airport by private transport.
Rental cars
If you want to see the Quebec area on your own, renting a car at Montreal Airport is a great idea.
Montreal Airport Lounges
You can enter lounges by paying at the door, buying a lounge pass, or using a membership program, irrespective of the class of ticket in which you are traveling.
- The Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge is inside the Domestic Terminal, after passing through security.
- The Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge is inside the International Terminal, after passing through security.
- The Air France/KLM Lounge, operated by Plaza Premium Group, is located in the International Terminal, after passing through security.
- The Desjardins Odyssey Lounge is inside the International Terminal, after passing through security.
- The Montreal National Bank World Mastercard Lounge is inside the International Terminal, after security.
- The Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge is inside the Transborder Terminal for U.S. flights after passing through security.
Hotels near Montreal Airport
There’s a hotel inside the airport – Montreal Airport Marriott In-Terminal Hotel. There are also several hotels nearby. These include:
- Montreal Airport Marriott In-Terminal Hotel
- Courtyard Montreal Airport
- Hilton Garden Inn Montreal Airport
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Montreal Airport
- Sheraton Montreal Airport Hotel
- Residence Inn Montreal Airport
- Aloft Montreal Airport
- Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Montreal Airport
- Novotel Montréal Aéroport
- Quality Inn & Suites Aéroport P.E. Montréal-Trudeau
Things to do on a layover at Montreal Airport
If you have a short layover at Montreal Airport, you can squeeze in a visit to Old Montreal, which is to the south of the city. Leave your belongings in a locker and take the 747 bus or a cab to the Old Town.
If you have a longer layover, you can visit multiple attractions in one day and get a better feel for the area.
You could take a stroll along the St. Lawrence River and through the historic district of Old Montreal, which is paved with cobblestones. The magnificent Notre-Dame Basilica, the Bonsecours Market, and many shops and cafes await your exploration.
Mount Royal Park, the hill from which the city takes its name, is an excellent vantage point. You could also check out the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts or the Museum of Archaeology and History if you’re in the mood for some culture and history.
Can I leave my car at Montreal Airport?
You can leave your car at Montreal Airport or at any of the parking lots near the airport.
How much does it cost to park at Montreal Airport?
Short-term parking costs $75 a day, while parking on multiple levels costs $45 a day. The EconoParc Lot costs $35 per day. Valet parking is available for $60 per day.
Where is the cheapest place to park at Montreal Airport?
Novotel Montreal YUL Airport is one of the most affordable parking options in Montreal. To find the cheapest Montreal Airport parking rates, visit websites like Way.com or download the Way app.
Where can I park for free at Montreal Airport?
You can park for free in the CellParc waiting lot for up to two hours. This helps keep the roads from getting too crowded and keeps you from circling the airport.
How early should I be at the Montreal Airport?
CATSA recommends that travelers arrive at least 3 hours before their flight is scheduled to take off. Many airlines recommend that travelers arrive at least 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international flight
Fanny Dorris is an author with four years of experience in travel and automotive topics. She provides readers with clear guidance on airport navigation, travel planning, and vehicle ownership.
