Ground Transportation Montreal – Your Easy Guide to Getting Around

When you arrive in Montréal, figuring out ground transportation in Montreal is one of the first steps. Whether you land at Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL) or arrive by train, you want a smooth, safe, and clear way to reach your hotel or downtown. In this guide, we cover all ways to travel — buses, taxis, shuttles, metro, and more — so you can choose what fits you best.

We want this content to feel human, friendly, and easy to read — even a child in grade two could follow along. We also make sure it answers what people usually search: montreal airport to downtown, how to get from YUL to downtown montreal, montreal subway from airport, transportation from montreal airport to downtown montreal, and many more.

Arriving at Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau Airport (YUL)

Montréal’s main airport is Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport, often called YUL. After you land, you will go through immigration or customs (if arriving internationally). Once you’re out with your bags, you look for signs to exit and find ground transportation. The airport has clear signs pointing to buses, shuttles, taxis, and ride services.

The airport is about 20 minutes west of downtown Montréal (depending on traffic).

Inside the airport, there’s even a hotel “in-terminal” — the Montréal Airport Marriott In-Terminal Hotel — helpful if you have an early or late arrival.

From there, you have multiple options to go to your hotel or city.

Public Bus – The Affordable Way

One of the best value options is the STM 747 bus. It runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, connecting montreal airport to downtown montreal and key metro stations.

You’ll catch the 747 bus just outside the arrivals level (look for Door 28).

There are two routes:

• A short route that stops only at Lionel-Groulx métro station, getting you into the metro network in about 30–35 minutes. 
• A long route that stops at more places downtown, including Berri-UQAM métro / central bus station. This can take 45–70 minutes depending on traffic.

The fare is about $11.25 CAD (paid in exact change on board, coins only) and gives you unlimited use of STM buses and metro for 24 hours in Zone A.

This is a good option for travelers going to hotels near métro stations or downtown.

Montreal Metro / Subway — Future Link & Current Situation

Currently, there is no direct montreal subway from airport. The metro does not reach the airport yet. You will need to use the 747 bus first, then transfer onto the metro system.

However, a new train link called the REM (Réseau express métropolitain) is under construction. When completed (target around 2027), it will connect the airport directly to Montréal’s Central Station and metro lines in about 20 minutes.

So in the future, “montreal metro to airport” or “montreal subway from airport” will become simpler with this direct link.

Taxi / Flat-Rate Ride

If you prefer more comfort and direct travel, taking a taxi or private car is a good option:

• There is a flat rate taxi fare between YUL and downtown Montréal. From 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., the flat rate is about $49.45 CAD; between 11 p.m. to 5 a.m., it is about $56.70 CAD. 
• Taxis are available just outside arrivals at locations like Door 23, with a dispatcher assisting you. 
• Ride-sharing (Uber etc.) is also possible; follow the instructions in the app and meet your driver at the designated pick-up spots.

If your hotel is not close to a metro stop, a taxi (or Black City Cars) gives door-to-door convenience.

Private Transfer & Shuttles — Comfort & Ease

Many travelers like to pre-book a private transfer so someone is waiting for them when they land. Black City Cars is one such private service you can highlight. They offer direct, comfortable rides from pierre elliott trudeau airport to downtown montreal or to your hotel. This is ideal if you carry heavy luggage or travel in groups.

Hotel shuttles are less common. Most hotels near montreal airport or downtown do not offer free shuttle to the airport or city center. Some hotels close to YUL may have shuttle service just to the airport, but not into downtown.

The advantage of private ride: no waiting in lines, direct door-to-door, and peace of mind. For example, you could request Black City Cars in advance, giving your flight arrival time and your hotel address.

Train Link & Free Shuttle to Dorval Station

Though there is not yet a train from YUL to downtown, there is a free shuttle from the airport to Dorval train station (a VIA Rail shuttle). The shuttle runs roughly every 45–60 minutes. 

From Dorval station, you can catch regional trains that connect into Montréal. This could be used in combination with other transport, especially for those heading to suburbs or outside downtown.

Choosing What Works Best for You

When picking how to get from YUL to downtown, think about three things: price, time, and convenience.

• If you want the lowest cost, the 747 bus is best. 
• If you want fastest door-to-door and don’t mind spending more, choose a taxi or pre-booked private ride (like Black City Cars). 
• If your destination is near a metro station and you’re okay changing vehicles, the bus + metro combo works well. 
• If your schedule matches the free shuttle to Dorval and then train, that gives a more scenic rail route. 

Also consider your arrival time. If you arrive late at night, buses run 24/7 but traffic is lighter. The flat-rate taxi still applies.

Getting Around Within Montréal After You Land

After you’ve reached downtown or your hotel, you may want to explore by metro or transit. Some helpful hints:

• The Montréal metro has three main lines (Green, Orange, Blue), making it easy to access many neighborhoods. 
• The bus network is also extensive; you can use STM buses to get around. 
• If you are at a station like Lionel-Groulx or Berri-UQAM, you connect between bus, metro, and the 747. 
• When the REM line is fully operational, it will let you move between airport, downtown, and other regions with speed. 

So when you search “montreal subway airport” or “montreal metro to airport”, keep in mind that the future REM will make that possible. For now, you use the 747 + metro if needed.

Hotels Near Montreal Airport & Around

If you prefer to remain close to YUL or pick a hotel with easy airport links, there are many hotels near montreal airport or hotels near pierre elliott trudeau airport. Some are very close to the terminals; others are a few minutes away by car.

A popular choice is the Montreal Airport Marriott In-Terminal Hotel — it’s inside the airport complex, making your transfer super easy.

Other options around Dorval or Saint-Laurent neighborhoods provide quick access to highway routes and downtown via car or public transit. You might also see hotels like Courtyard Montreal Airport, Sheraton Montreal Airport, Hilton Garden Inn near airport, Marriott Dorval, etc. These are good if your flight schedule is early or late, and you want to stay near hotel aeroport montreal or hotel aeroport pierre elliott trudeau montreal.

If your hotel is a bit further into the city, you can still use a mix of 747 bus + metro or a taxi.

Example Travel Scenarios

To help you see how it works, here are a few example scenarios:

• You land at 10 a.m. and your hotel is downtown near a metro line. You catch the 747 bus at Door 28, ride for ~35 minutes to Lionel-Groulx, then take the metro to your stop. 
• You arrive at 2 a.m., tired, with heavy bags. You book Black City Cars in advance. Your driver picks you up and takes you directly to your hotel. 
• Your hotel is outside downtown, maybe in the West Island or suburb. You take a taxi or private service, which may cost more but saves time and transfers. 
• You have a train journey next day from Dorval station. You use the free airport shuttle to Dorval station and catch your train. 

Tips & Things to Know

Here are extra tips to help your trip:

• Always buy your 747 bus ticket before boarding (machines in arrivals, or via mobile app). 
• Bring exact change in Canadian coins for the bus ($11.25); they don’t accept bills on board. 
• For taxis, always confirm the flat-rate before you go. 
• For Black City Cars, give your flight number, arrival time, and hotel address when booking. 
• Check traffic if traveling during rush hour — even short distances can take longer. 
• If you have mobility needs or lots of luggage, private rides or taxis may serve you better than transfers. 
• Even though REM is not open yet, keep an eye on it — when it works, you will get to downtown in ~20 minutes. 

Final Thoughts & Call to Action

Ground transportation Montreal is easier than it seems when you know your options. You can choose the affordable bus + metro, or pick a taxi or private ride like Black City Cars for more comfort. Hotels near the airport or downtown also play a role in ease of movement.

If you want help booking a private transfer or figuring out which combo is best for your arrival time and hotel address, just tell me your hotel name or arrival time. I can help you pick what fits you best.Contact us Now!