Transfers to/from Montreal

When embarking on your trip, you will not only need to plan the best things to do in Montreal, you will also need to know the options to move comfortably, quickly and safely from the Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport to the city centre.

In this air terminal, located approximately 24 kilometres away from Montreal, you will find several transfer alternatives (shared, private, train, bus, taxi), with which you will be able to connect. Below, I will tell you about each of these options so that you can analyse them and select the one that best suits your needs, time and budget.

If you don't mind travelling by bus or minibus with strangers from the airport to Montreal, then a shared transfer is for you. This service, despite making a few stops in the city centre, will provide you with comfort and a very reasonable price.

To take advantage of this shared service you will have to book at least 24 hours in advance. This way, after getting off the plane and passing through customs, you will be able to connect with the driver assigned to your transfer at the arrival area of the airport. The driver will be waiting for you with a sign with your name on it.

Thanks to this shared service you will enjoy a series of benefits, some of them being the following:

• Availability: generally, this type of transfer is available 24 hours a day, every day. So, no matter when your flight arrives, any time is the best time to get to Montreal using this service.
• Comfort: when you board the bus or minibus, you will have a padded seat, Wi-Fi connection and power sources to charge your devices. You will also be able to store your luggage without having to carry it next to you.
• Reasonable price: you will save a considerable amount of money, as the price of this shared Montreal airport transfer service is lower than the price of private service and taxis.

Without a doubt, this is a good alternative for getting to the city, which will give you a different experience. You will be able to meet new people by sharing the transfer and even reduce costs a little, assuming you have a limited budget for your stay of 1 to 5 days in Montreal, or even more.

Interesting details

• Travel time: The shared transfer from the airport to downtown Montreal could take around 70 minutes or a little longer. This depends on traffic conditions, as the roads tend to be busier during rush hour.
• Price: The cost of this transfer service starts at approximately €80 per person.
• Advantages of using this method: you won't have to worry if your flight arrives very early or late at night, as this service works 24 hours a day.
• How to book this transfer: the booking procedure for this type of transfer from the airport to Montreal is very simple, as you will have to book it via the web. You only have to access the official website of the contracted company, provide some information such as an email, contact number, time and date of flight arrival, etc., and confirm the payment of the service.
• Recommended if... you do not mind sharing the transfer with other people.

A private transfer is another of the options available for travelling from the airport to Montreal. Especially if you want to travel comfortably in a car reserved exclusively for you, without having to share it with strangers.

With this option you will not waste time at the airport to start enjoying your trip of at least 2 days in Montreal. Once you get off the plane and have your bags in your hands, all you have to do is go directly to the arrival lounge at the airport.

There, the driver assigned to pick you up will be waiting for you. You will be able to identify him quickly because he will be holding a sign with your name on it. You will have to identify yourself to him and he will immediately escort you to the car, which will be for 1 to 3 people, or a minivan for up to 7 people.

You will then make your way to the door of your hotel without any stops or interruptions, so that you can start your itinerary of activities. For example, join one of Montreal's best tours, go exploring on your own, etc.

Details of interest

• Travel time: This transfer usually takes approximately 60 minutes. Of course, this time may vary according to traffic conditions, which worsen during the winter season in Montreal, due to road safety measures implemented because of the snowfall.
• Price: Private transfer service usually costs approximately €135 per car.
• Advantages of using this method: You will travel on a direct route from the airport to your destination in downtown Montreal. Plus, you won't have to share the car with strangers.
• How to book this transport: this private transport service can be booked from the comfort of your laptop or mobile phone. You just need to access the official website of the company you wish to hire, select the private transfer option and enter the destination of departure and arrival in the search engine. You will also have to provide the flight time, date, your name, among other information. Finally, you will need to pay electronically around 50% of the service.
• Recommended if... you wish to travel in a comfortable and exclusive way to the selected destination in Montreal.

If you are an environmental enthusiast, then the train transfer from Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport to Montreal is a good alternative for you. This type of transport, compared to buses or cars, is an environmentally friendly option. However, the duration of this route is a little longer.

Once you get off the plane and go through customs, go to Gate 8, which is the public departure area, and wait for the minibus to the VIA Rail station in Dorval, approximately 15 minutes away. There, you can board the train from Dorval, QC to Montreal, QC.

A total of four trains are available daily. Two of them in the morning and the remaining one during the afternoon hours. Also, please note that schedules vary from day to day. Therefore, when you book your ticket, you should make sure that the times are adapted to the arrival of your flight.

Despite how limited this train transfer service can be, it will be a good alternative for you to start exploring the city. You will enjoy a panoramic journey that will serve as a prelude to the tours and visits planned for your itinerary. Such is the case of guided tours, or the best day trips from Montreal, among others.

Interesting details

• Journeytime: This transfer starts with a 15-minute minibus ride from the airport to Dorval VIA Rail station, followed by approximately 1 hour and 11 minutes on board the train to Montreal.
• Price: The minibus from the airport to Dorval VIA Rail station is free of charge. A ticket to board the train to Montreal usually costs an average of €21 per person.
• Benefits of using this method: Not only will you save money with this type of transfer, but you'll also be able to enjoy beautiful views as the train travels to its destination.
• How to book this transport: booking this transport can be done through the Via Rail website. All you have to do is look for the timetable of your convenience and click on the booking or purchase button. You can also go to the ticket offices located inside the airport to purchase tickets.
• Recommended if... you need an economical trip that doesn't sacrifice your comfort and takes care of the environment.

The shuttle bus is the cheapest option for getting between the airport and Montreal and is ideal if you plan to spend 1 to 3 days in Montreal or more, but are on a budget. You can save more than 50% compared to the cost of other shuttle services. Plus, you'll have the opportunity to travel like a local.

With your luggage in hand, you'll head to gate 28 on the arrivals level. You will immediately see the bus stop for the 747 Express route to Berri-UQAM station in Montreal. This line belongs to the Montreal Transit Company (STM) and is available 24 hours a day.

But first, you must buy tickets for this service. To do so, you will find some vending machines at the airport, where you can pay in cash, by credit card or debit card. Also, if you have the exact change (coins only), you can pay directly at the door of the bus.

You will have to wait at the bus stop for about 30 minutes or even a little longer to board the bus. When you get on, just place your luggage, which should be a small suitcase, in the right place and sit back and enjoy the ride. You'll soon be in the city, ready to start exploring its streets, sampling its cuisine, visiting Montreal's best museums and much more.

Interesting details

• Travel time: The transfer time from the airport to Montreal city centre is around 45 to 70 minutes. Of course, these times may vary according to traffic conditions.
• Price: The ticket for the bus route between the airport and Montreal costs approximately €11 per person. It is usually valid for 24 hours and can be used on Montreal Transit Company (STM) buses and trains.
• Advantages of using this method: with this type of transport, you save a considerable amount of money on each ticket (up to 50%), compared to other means of transport.
• How to book this transport: this service of the 747 Express route does not require a reservation, so you will be able to pay for the ticket moments before boarding the bus. Also, inside the airport you will find some STM vending machines, where you can easily purchase tickets.
• Recommended if... you're not in a hurry to get to your destination and want to save money on the transfer.

Taxi service is the best option if you need a quick transfer to Montreal. You will be able to reach your destination in record time and travel comfortably in the back seat of the car without being disturbed. However, you should be aware that compared to bus and train transfers, this is usually the most expensive.

When you get off the plane, you can go through customs and get your luggage without any hassle. You will then walk to gate 23 on the arrivals level. There, directly at Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport, you will find a number of taxis immediately available for your transfer.

This taxi service between the airport and Montreal is available at night, in the morning and throughout the day. So, no matter what time your flight arrives, you will find a taxi available for you.

You will then be able to arrive in the city to rest at your hotel and start enjoying the range of tourist activities on offer. For example, stroll around the city on foot, enjoy one of the cruises through Montreal to see a different view of the city, among others.

Interesting details

• Duration of the trip: the transfer time is about 45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions in the city. It becomes the fastest option because it allows you to make a direct transfer without delays at the airport when connecting with the driver, as it happens in shared and private services.
• Price: The transfer service from the airport to the city centre costs around 32€ (from 5:00 to 23:00) and around 37€ (from 23:00 to 5:00). However, if you are going to another part of the city, then the fare changes because the taximeter starts running.
• Advantages of using this method: If your flight is delayed, you don't have to worry about missing the transfer service, as taxis are available 24 hours a day, every day of the week.
• How to book this transport: Taxi services are not usually booked in advance. Just go directly to the central exit of the airport, right in front of the baggage claim area. There, you will find taxis available for your immediate transfer to Montreal.
• Recommended if... you want to get from the airport to your destination in Montreal in the shortest possible time.

Outstanding transfers between the airport and Montreal