cityscape lit up at night-time

Everything you need to know about traveling to Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport and getting around it.

In this guide:

Arriving & Checking In

Facilities & Services

Arriving & Checking In

Address: 975 Romeo Vachon North, Dorval, Quebec H4Y 1H1, Canada

Getting to Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport

If you’re driving, GPS navigation will get you to the airport quickly and seamlessly.

Searching for low Montreal Airport parking? We offer great rates on offsite airport parking. Situated close by Pierre Elliot Trudeau International Airport and offering free shuttle transportation our service is not only convenient, but professional. Our easy to use online reservation system has been used for over three million reservations, so you can be assured that our Montreal Airport parking service is a cost effective and convenient alternative to parking at Pierre Elliot Trudeau International Airport.

Arriving at the airport

How early to get to YUL depends on the time of your flight and the airline you’ve booked to fly with:

  • Passengers for domestic flights should arrive at the airport two hours before departure.
  • Travelers on international flights should aim to get to the airport three hours before departure.

To avoid delays when traveling during the peak summer periods, we recommend arriving in plenty of time in accordance with your flight departure. Check out our extensive blog on How Early Should I Arrive at Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport for more details.

Luggage trolleys are also free to use for an easy way of carrying multiple suitcases and pushing them to the luggage claim areas.

Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport Check-In

Montréal–Trudeau Airport allows visitors to check in efficiently at the kiosks that are available and use automated luggage scanners for added convenience. The lines are short and the staff works quickly to keep the lines short once arriving. The airport recently underwent a major renovation and has a clean and updated interior for travelers to enjoy. The security checkpoints are extremely secure for a safer airport that has fewer risks.

For a smooth departure from Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport, check your airline’s specific check-in requirements ahead of time, as policies may vary. The most accurate information can be found by contacting your airline directly.

Whenever possible, take advantage of online check-in to save time and skip long lines at the airport. Completing this step early ensures a hassle-free start to your journey, allowing you to focus on your upcoming travel plans.

Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport Security Screening

Once checked in, head to YUL security screening to reach the departure lounge.

For a smoother departure from YUL Airport, we recommend arriving early to allow ample time for security screening. Wait times can fluctuate, especially during peak travel periods like early mornings, holidays, and the summer season. Planning ahead ensures a stress-free start to your journey.

Boarding & Connecting Flights at YUL

Connecting flights at Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport? Staying updated on your next flight is essential. Check digital flight displays and airline apps regularly for real-time gate and departure information.

For those with checked luggage, verify if re-checking is necessary and review your airline’s baggage policies. Additionally, ensure you have all required boarding passes, as some connecting flights may require a new one. A bit of advance planning can help make your transfer smooth and stress-free.

Things to Know about YUL

Guests are required to walk a long distance to reach the international flights and the baggage claim area. The customs wait is also long and the process can be slow to get through. Some of the areas of the airport are also warm throughout the year due to a lack of air conditioning, which can be uncomfortable for some travelers. The airport is also considered to be less organized with its layout, making it difficult to find certain areas or avoid walking long distances to navigate the facilities.

Facilities & Services

Montreal Airport Restaurants: Where to Eat?

Urban Crave is a popular restaurant to dine at when you’re in the mood for authentic hipster cuisine in a trendy setting. Avenue des Canadiens offers American fare in an upscale club that features flat screen televisions where you can watch the game. Patrons can order an omelet and a bagel for breakfast or spaghetti and meatballs for dinner. Sushi Shop is also ideal for those who enjoy Asian cuisine with fresh choices that are made to order.

YUL Airport Shops

Those who want to do a bit of shopping to pick items to take home can visit Joaillerie Metalsmiths Sterling to find hand crafted sterling silver jewelry at every price. Over 800 different jewelry items are available for a great way to find a deal on a luxurious accessory. Boutique iStore is the perfect place for tech-enthusiasts for the chance to browse through the latest gadgets and products on the market. Different models of tablets, headphones, and digital cameras are all available to purchase and use on the flight.

Airport Club Lounges

A National Bank VIP Lounge can also be used to enjoy relaxing in a luxurious setting while taking advantages of complimentary beverages, snacks, and wi-fi access. Newspapers and magazines are also available to catch up on the latest news and entertainment.

Art at the Airport

Multiple exhibitions are on display for guests to enjoy with works by various artists. An integrated light installation is showcased in the passenger return section and various photographs are on display at the passenger return and international arrivals corridors.

Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport WiFi

Montréal–Trudeau Airport offers free wi fi to travelers who are in the building for an easy way of staying connected to the Internet while waiting for a flight. Digital books can also be downloaded for free through the airport for a great way of obtaining new reading material on your laptop or tablet.

Faith and Prayer Room at YUL Airport

A faith and prayer room is available in the transborder (U.S.) departures area for those who want to relax in a serene environment while escaping the busyness of the airport.

Main photo:

Marc-Olivier Jodoin – Unsplash