Airport Hubs:
YUL → Downtown Montréal (Centre-Ville, Sainte-Catherine & Bell Centre) Updated for 2026

Montréal Airport to Downtown Montréal: 2026 Transit Guide

Distance 20 km
Fastest 25 min
From $11.25 CAD
Top Pick STM 747 Express Bus (24/7 Direct Service)
Quick 10-Second Verdict:

The #1 recommended option is the STM 747 Express Bus, operating 24 hours a day directly from the terminal curb into Downtown Montréal (Lionel-Groulx & Berri-UQAM) in 30–45 minutes for $11.25 CAD (~$8.30 USD). The ticket includes a full 24-hour unlimited transit pass for all city buses and metro. Official taxis charge a guaranteed flat rate of $49.45 CAD (~$37 USD).

Montréal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL) is located 20 km (12 miles) west of Downtown Montréal (Centre-Ville) in Dorval. The city’s public transit agency (STM) operates the iconic 747 bus 24 hours a day, providing one of North America’s best transit bargains.

All Transfer Options Compared (2026 Fares)

Transport Option Typical Time 2026 Fare Frequency Best For Booking / Info
STM 747 Express Bus (24/7 Service) Best Overall
30–45 min
$11.25 CAD (includes 24h pass)
$8.30 USD (~€7.70)
 Every 10–15 min (24/7) Best value transit to Downtown Montréal, running around the clock See Boarding Steps ↓
Official Regulated Flat-Rate Taxi / Uber Door-to-Door
25–40 min
$49.45 CAD flat rate
$36.50 USD (~€33.80)
 On demand Fastest door-to-door arrival at downtown hotels with heavy bags or traveling as a group Book Private Montréal Transfer

Detailed Step-by-Step Transfer Options

Option #1 Best Overall

STM 747 Express Bus (24/7 Service)

$11.25 CAD (includes 24h pass) $8.30 USD (~€7.70)
Travel time 30–45 min
Frequency Every 10–15 min (24/7)
Operating hours 24/7 continuous
Where to buy tickets STM ticket machines near terminal exit door 28 or tap contactless.
Main advantage: Operates 24/7; only $11.25 CAD; includes full 24-hr unlimited bus/metro pass; luggage racks inside bus.
Keep in mind: Subject to traffic on Autoroute 20 during weekday peak rush hours.

Step-by-step from arrivals:

  1. Follow signs to "Bus 747" on the arrivals level near Door 28.
  2. Buy an $11.25 CAD "24-hr Pass" at the STM kiosk or tap contactless.
  3. Board the bus and stow your suitcase on the central luggage racks.
  4. Exit at Lionel-Groulx (for Green/Orange metro lines) or ride down Boulevard René-Lévesque to your hotel.
Option #2 Door-to-Door

Official Regulated Flat-Rate Taxi / Uber

$49.45 CAD flat rate $36.50 USD (~€33.80)
Travel time 25–40 min
Frequency On demand
Operating hours 24/7 continuous
Where to buy tickets Official curbside taxi line outside terminal arrivals.
Main advantage: Guaranteed flat rate of $49.45 CAD; driver loads bags; drops directly at your hotel lobby.
Keep in mind: Night surcharge applies ($56.70 CAD from 23:00 to 05:00); tip expected.

Step-by-step from arrivals:

  1. Follow signs to the official taxi rank on the arrivals level.
  2. The dispatcher directs you to the next available cab with a flat-rate downtown ticket.
  3. Pay via card terminal in the cab upon arrival at your hotel.
Book Private Montréal Transfer
ARRIVAL CONNECTIVITY & RIDE-HAILING TIP

Need Mobile Data at the Terminal for Uber / Eva & Maps?

Airport Wi-Fi often drops outside the terminal curb where Uber / Eva pickup zones are located. Install a local eSIM before your flight so you can order a ride, translate station signs, and show digital train QR tickets immediately after landing.

Get Canada eSIM on Airalo →Compare Canada Airport eSIM on Klook →
STRESS-FREE DOOR-TO-DOOR OPTION

Prefer a Driver Waiting at Montréal (YUL) Arrivals?

Traveling with heavy suitcases, young children, or landing after midnight? Pre-book a fixed-price private airport transfer or express rail pass on Klook with instant confirmation and no meter haggling.

Check Montréal Transfers & Rail Passes on Klook →View Airport & City Hotels on Klook →

Tickets, Luggage & Late-Night Arrivals

How Tickets & Payments Work

The 747 bus fare is $11.25 CAD: buy a "24-hr Pass" at STM automated kiosks in the international arrivals hall or tap contactless payment. The ticket gives you 24 hours of unlimited rides on all Montréal buses and metro trains.

Traveling with Suitcases

STM 747 buses feature three large internal luggage racks and low-floor accessible boarding.

Arriving After Midnight

The 747 bus runs 24/7, 365 days a year (every 10–15 mins daytime, every 30 mins from midnight to 05:00 AM). Official flat-rate taxis are available 24/7 at the central curb.

Common Mistakes & Airport Scams to Avoid

  • Letting an airport taxi driver run the meter to Downtown Montréal — trips to downtown have a legally regulated flat rate of $49.45 CAD (or $56.70 CAD night rate 23:00–05:00).
  • Official taxis to Downtown Montréal have a legally regulated flat rate of $49.45 CAD ($56.70 CAD night rate from 23:00 to 05:00). Do not negotiate with unauthorized private drivers offering "cheap rides" inside the terminal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long does the 747 bus take to Downtown Montréal?

It takes approximately 25–30 minutes to Lionel-Groulx metro station, and 40–50 minutes to Berri-UQAM along René-Lévesque Blvd.

What is the taxi flat rate from YUL to Downtown Montréal in 2026?

The regulated flat rate is $49.45 CAD daytime, and $56.70 CAD between 23:00 and 05:00, plus tip.

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