Montreal Quebec, Canada Travel Guide
Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL) is the main gateway for air travelers. It links Montreal to many global locations. YUL is the sole international airport serving the city. It is approximately 20 kilometers (12 miles) west of downtown Montreal and Old Montreal. YUL is a major hub, served by many international and domestic airlines. These include Air Canada, WestJet, Air France, American Airlines, Delta, United, British Airways, Lufthansa, and others. Direct flights are available from major global hubs across North America, Europe, and parts of Asia and Africa. This broad network gives flexibility for travelers from different places.
Flight prices are highest during summer (June-August) and major holidays like Christmas. Shoulder seasons (May, September, October) often give better value. YUL has many services: duty-free shops, restaurants, currency exchange, car rental desks, plus lounges. Free Wi-Fi is available. For flight deals, check Dollar Flight Club or Skyscanner.
Operates 24/7 between YUL and downtown stops. CAD $11 fare, valid for 24 hours on STM network. Travel time 45-70 minutes.
Taxis readily available, flat rate CAD $48 to the city center. Uber and Eva also function from YUL. Tipping 10-15% for taxis is customary.
Major agencies at airport. Driving to Old Montreal is possible, but parking is expensive and limited. Good for day trips.
Exterior view of Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport at night.
Planes are noticeable in the background, showing airport operations.
Terminal lights illuminate the scene, creating a sense at the time of arrival.
Via Rail Canada, the national passenger rail service, links Montreal’s Central Station (Gare Centrale) to major Canadian cities like Toronto, Quebec City, and Ottawa. Gare Centrale is just north of Old Montreal, easily reached by Metro (Bonaventure station on the Orange line) or a short walk. This makes for a scenic and comfortable travel choice. Amtrak (USA) and its Adirondack line link Montreal (Gare Centrale) to New York City, offering an unique way to travel between the two countries; customs and immigration procedures are usually on the train.
Gare d'autocars de Montréal (Montreal Bus Terminal) serves as the main intercity bus station, located directly above the Berri-UQAM Metro station (a major transfer hub). Orléans Express is the main bus service connecting Montreal to cities across Quebec, including Quebec City, Sherbrooke, and Ottawa. It has regular and reliable service. Greyhound (USA) has limited service by the US into Montreal, mainly for cross-border links.
A valid driver's license from your home country is generally accepted for short visits. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is suggested for non-English or non-French licenses. Carry your vehicle registration and proof of insurance. Several land border crossings link the United States to Quebec. Main roads include Interstate 87 (New York) to Autoroute 15, and Interstate 89 (Vermont) to Autoroute 10. All travelers need a valid passport for land entry. Be equipped for potential questions from Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) officers.
Roads in Quebec are generally well-kept. However, winter driving needs experience with snow and ice. Finding parking in Old Montreal is hard and costly. Street parking is limited and metered. Several underground and above-ground multi-story car parks are available, but daily rates may be CAD $20-30 or more. Consider parking outside the district and using mass transit, or choose accommodation with parking. Quebec roads are generally safe. Pay attention to speed limits and congestion laws. Be aware of cyclists and pedestrians, especially in city areas.
Montreal's historic port welcomes cruise ships and has river travel choices during warmer months. The Port of Montreal is on the St. Lawrence River, next to Old Montreal historic district. It is a popular port of call for cruise ships in the summer and fall. Major cruise lines, including Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Princess Cruises, offer trips that include Montreal, often as a starting or ending point for Canada/New England cruises. Similar to air travel, passengers arriving by cruise ship go through Canadian Customs and Immigration upon leaving the ship at the the cruise ship terminal. Have your passport and any needed visa/eTA documents ready.
Canada has you won't pay exit fees for departing travelers. Airfare typically covers any relevant departure taxes. For air travel, arrive at YUL at least 2-3 hours before international flights. This allows time for check-in, security screening, and, for U.S.-bound flights, customs pre-clearance on of Canada side. For domestic flights, arrive 1.5-2 hours before departure. For train/bus, arrive at the station 30-60 minutes before departure for domestic routes. Allow more time for international train departures where border checks happen onboard. YUL has dining, shopping, and lounge choices. Rail and bus stations generally have basic features.
The cruise terminal at the Old Port is within easy walking distance to Old Montreal attractions.
Gare Centrale (Central Station) is easily accessible by Metro or a short walk from Old Montreal.
YUL offers a range of ground transport to Old Montreal, including the 747 Express Bus and taxis.
This image shows a Via Rail Canada train at Montreal Central Station. It captures the arrival or departure moment of a passenger train, emphasizing the station's active role as a transport hub.
The image highlights the modern yet functional design of the train station, with platforms and tracks serving as the main focus. It gives a sense of the scale of train travel within Canada and cross-border to the US.
Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Thrifty operate in Montreal. Check DiscoverCars.com for options.
Minimum age typically 21 (some 25 for specific classes). Valid driver's license and major credit card needed.
Not suggested due to heavy pedestrian traffic, narrow streets, and expensive/not much parking.
For US-Canada land border crossings, check current wait times online before you travel to save time.
