Airports in Montreal Travel Guide 2026 - Beyond Borders

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Airports in Montreal Travel Guide 2026

Planning to travel? Discover the airports in Montreal and get essential tips for a smooth journey in our comprehensive travel guide for 2026.

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Remitly Editorial Staff
Remitly’s editorial team is a global crew of writers and editors helping newcomers thrive in Canada and stay connected to home.

Key Highlights

Here’s a quick look at what you need to know about Montreal’s airports:

  • Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL) is the main place for both international and domestic flights. It is often called Trudeau International Airport.

  • YUL is only 19 km from downtown Montreal. This makes it easy and fast to get there.

  • Air Canada uses Trudeau International Airport as its main base. Many other airlines also give direct flights to places all over the world.

  • There are also smaller airports in the area and in the US you can reach from Montreal.

  • Getting to and from the airports into the city is easy with lots of transport choices.

  • This guide helps you pick which airport is right for your trip.

Introduction

Welcome to your guide for getting around the airports in and near Montreal. This great city has some of the best food, fun culture, and lots of events all year. You can visit in any season and find something to do. Maybe you want to see Montreal in the winter with snow, or be here in the hot summer. No matter when you come, having an easy trip at the start is important.

The main airport is the Montréal-Trudeau airport. There are also a few other ways to get to Montreal. This guide will help you see your different choices. That way, you can begin your trip in Montreal with no problem.

Overview of Airports in Montreal

Montreal is a top spot for visitors. It sits close to Quebec City and Ottawa. The city is also not far from the nice views of northern New York and Vermont. This helps Montreal be a main stop for all sorts of travellers.

There are a few airports in Montreal because many people come here. The biggest one is right in the city. Others are found near Montreal, and some even sit across the US border. This mix of options helps you get to Montreal from new york, northern new york, Quebec, Ottawa, or from most parts of the world without any trouble.

Major International Airports Serving Montreal

When you want to travel outside Canada, Trudeau International Airport (YUL) is the top choice. This is the largest airport in Montreal. Every year, more than 18 million people use Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport for trips around the world. It’s in the city of Dorval, just a bit west of downtown Montreal.

There are many airlines you can pick from at Elliott Trudeau International Airport. Air Canada is the main one. But, other big names fly here too. This makes it easy to find an international flight, whether direct or with a stop, to many places.

Some airlines you will find at Elliott Trudeau International are:

  • Air Canada

  • British Airways

  • Lufthansa

  • Qatar Airways

Regional and Smaller Airports Near Montreal

Yes, besides the main international airport in Montreal, there are a few smaller and regional airports close by. These can be good choices for some people, depending on where you are coming from or going to. Some of these airports are in Quebec, and a couple are right over the border in the United States.

Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB) is another Canadian airport option. It is about a 2.5-hour drive from Montreal. In the United States, you can use the Plattsburgh International Airport (PBG) and the Burlington International Airport (BTV). Some people call Burlington International “Montreal’s US Airport” because it is so close.

Some of the main regional airports include:

  • Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB)

  • Plattsburgh International Airport (PBG)

  • Burlington International Airport (BTV)

Comparing Montreal’s Main Airports

When you are getting ready for your trip to Montreal, it is a good idea to look at the different airport options. If you want to be close to the city and get the most easy way in and out, Montréal-Trudeau (YUL) is the best choice. This airport is the closest airport to downtown and the main spot for both international and domestic flights.

But there are other airports you can pick, like Plattsburgh (PBG) and Burlington (BTV). These airports may sometimes give better deals for flights, mostly on routes in the United States. You will have to drive more and cross the border, but you can save money. The extra distance could be a good idea if you have a rental car.

Montréal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL) Features and Services

Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport is well-equipped to handle its large passenger volume with a wide range of features and services. The airport is beautifully presented, offering numerous food and shopping outlets to keep you busy. For travellers needing to rest, the Montreal Airport Marriott is directly attached to the terminal.

On the arrivals level, you can find practical services like currency exchange booths. For those looking to relax before a flight, YUL offers several premium lounges. Major airlines like Air Canada have their own exclusive spaces, such as the Maple Leaf Lounge.

The airport is designed for comfort and convenience, with services available for all types of travellers.

Service/Amenity

Details

Lounges

Maple Leaf Lounge, National Bank Lounge, Plaza Premium Lounge

Accommodation

Montreal Airport Marriott Hotel (attached to the airport)

Services

Currency exchange, spa treatments, food and shopping outlets

Accessibility

Adapted services for passengers with disabilities

Other Notable Airports: Differences and Advantages

Montréal-Trudeau in Dorval is the main airport people use. But some other airports can be a good pick for you too. These airports are not the same when it comes to how big they are, where you can find them, and which airlines fly there. Plattsburgh International Airport is small. People sometimes call it “Montreal’s US Airport.” It mostly has flights to the US with budget airlines.

Another choice is Burlington International Airport in Vermont. This one is a little farther away than Plattsburgh, but you can still get there by car. This airport is popular for its good service. Burlington International also gives you flights all over New England and to many big cities in the US. There is also Jean Lesage International Airport in Québec City. It is not as big as Trudeau, and most of its flights stay within Canada. This airport is not as busy as the bigger ones.

Other airports near Montreal can have these good points:

  • You can sometimes get cheaper flights, mostly if you fly to the US.

  • Finding your way is often fast and easy because these places are not very big.

  • You get different airlines and flight paths, including ones with lower prices.

  • The road trip from YQB or BTV to Montreal can be nice to see.

This gives you some choices for travel besides Trudeau. You can pick what fits what you want.

Getting Started: What You Need to Know Before Arriving

Before you get your things ready to go to Montreal, a bit of planning will help a lot. You need to know some basics. Things like airport codes and where they are can make the trip much easier. This matters even more if you go to an international destination like Canada for the first time.

It is also important to know about the travel papers you need. When you have everything ready before you get there, you will have no trouble getting into the country. Here are some main points to help you start your trip to Montreal and have a good time in Canada.

Airport Codes, Locations, and Accessibility

It is good to know the airport codes and where they are when you book flights or make plans for a ride from the airport. The main airport is called Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport. You can find it in the city of Dorval in Quebec. It is about 19 km from downtown Montreal. The easy way to get there is one big reason people use it.

You will find more airports around this area. Montréal/Saint-Hubert Airport is close to the city centre too, but most of the flights are domestic flights. The US airports, like Plattsburgh International Airport and Burlington International Airport, are south of Montreal. To reach them, you need to drive and cross the border.

Here are all the airports by Montreal and their codes:

  • Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL)

  • Montréal/Saint-Hubert Airport (YHU)

  • Montréal-Mirabel International Airport (YMX)

  • Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB)

  • Plattsburgh International Airport (PBG)

  • Burlington International Airport (BTV)

Essential Documents and Travel Requirements for Canada

When you travel to Canada, you need to have the right papers. All travellers must bring a valid passport. Some people may also need a visitor visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), based on their country. Be sure to check what you need for Canada before you go.

When you get there, you will go through customs and talk to the canada border services agency. They will check your passport and other documents. To make things easier, you can try mobile passport control if your flight offers it. Having your documents ready will help you get in without problems.

Key documents to have ready:

  • A valid passport

  • A visa or eTA, if required

  • Completed declaration forms

Step-by-Step Guide to Navigating Montreal Airports

Getting around the airport can be hard, especially if you have never been there before. This step-by-step guide will help you get through the airports in Montreal. You will feel sure of yourself when picking your airport and finding your way into the city.

We will talk about how to pick the airport that is right for you. The guide will also explain how you can get to and from the airport, and tell you about handy services you can use. With these ideas, you can go through the security checkpoint, get what you need, and reach your final destination in Montreal with no trouble.

Step 1: Choosing the Right Airport for Your Trip

The first thing you need to do is choose the airport that works best for you. If you are one of the travellers arriving on international flights, Montréal-Trudeau (YUL) is the closest airport to montreal. It gives you the biggest selection of flights and services.

If you plan to fly within canada on domestic flights, you can think about Montréal/Saint-Hubert (YHU). Still, YUL gives you many options for domestic flights as well. If you come from the US and want to get a good deal, Plattsburgh (PBG) or Burlington (BTV) might be better choices. This is true if you do not mind taking a drive to your final destination.

Here’s what you should look at when picking:

  • Convenience: YUL is the closest airport and most direct for montreal.

  • Cost: US airports can give you lower prices if you use budget airlines.

  • Origin: Where your trip starts will help you know the airport with the best flight options.

Step 2: Transportation Options from the Airport to Downtown Montreal

When you arrive at Trudeau Airport (YUL), getting to downtown Montreal is your next plan. The airport is about 19 km away from the city centre. You will find many ways to go into the city, and most are easy to use.

Public transportation is one good way that many people pick. The 747 bus service takes you from the airport to downtown Montreal. The bus runs every hour, every day and night.

If you want to go directly, you can use taxis or ride-sharing. Uber is a choice, and drivers are nearby. At the pickup zone, there is a dispatcher who will help you to get the right licensed taxi. If you want things to run smooth, you may book a car service in advance. When you need to go to another city, Dorval train station is close to the airport.

Your main ways to travel from YUL include:

  • 747 Bus Service (public transportation)

  • Taxis (you get help from a dispatcher)

  • Ride-sharing, like Uber

  • Pre-booked limousine or car services

Step 3: Understanding Airport Amenities and Services

Knowing the amenities in Trudeau Airport can help make your trip easier and better. The airport gives you many services inside the public area and after you go past the security checkpoint. You can find currency exchange counters, stores, and places to eat.

You can relax in one of the lounges at Trudeau Airport. Which lounge you get into depends on your class of travel and airline, but some, like the Desjardins Odyssey Lounge, be open for certain credit card holders. When you go past Security Checkpoint C, you will see more shops and restaurants.

Key amenities to look for:

  • Airport lounges for you to relax in

  • Currency exchange services

  • Many places to eat, drink, and shop

Step 4: Finding Airlines and Destinations from Montreal

Montreal’s airports connect the city to the world. From Montréal-Trudeau (YUL), you can find flights to a vast number of destinations across North America, South America, Europe, Africa, and Asia. Major airlines like Air Canada, Air France, and Lufthansa operate numerous routes, making it a truly global hub.

Yes, there are many direct flights from Montreal to major cities in the United States. Carriers like Air Canada and its partners offer non-stop service to hubs like New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles. This makes travel between Canada and the US incredibly convenient for both business and leisure.

The table below shows some of the major airlines at YUL and the continents they serve.

Airline

Continents Served

Air Canada

North America, South America, Europe, Asia

Air France

Europe

Lufthansa

Europe

Qatar Airways

Asia, Africa

Conclusion

In the end, getting around the airports in Montreal can be easy and nice if you have the right info. If you land at the busy Montréal-Trudeau International Airport or check out other smaller airports, it helps to know your options. Find out what the airport has, how to get around, and what travel papers you need. That way, you can start your trip well.

With this guide, you know what you need to pick what works best for your trip. If you want more help or tips as you plan to visit this fun city, feel free to ask!

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Montréal-Trudeau International Airport from downtown Montreal?

Trudeau International Airport sits in the city of Dorval, Quebec. It is about 19 km west of downtown Montreal. If you go by car, it takes around 20 to 30 minutes to get to the city centre, depending on the traffic. This makes it a good and easy spot for people to come into Montreal.

Are there direct flights from Montreal to major US cities?

There are many direct flights from Montreal’s main airport to the United States. Airlines like Air Canada fly to lots of big cities. You can get to New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Miami with them. This makes getting between Montreal, Canada, and these places in the United States easy.

Is Montréal-Trudeau the only airport for commercial flights in Montreal?

Montréal-Trudeau Airport in Dorval handles most commercial flights and has the highest passenger volume in Montreal. It is not the only airport in the city. Montréal/Saint-Hubert Airport (YHU) also has some domestic commercial flights. But these flights are much fewer than the ones at the main Trudeau airport.

What public transportation options are available from Montreal airports?

From Montréal-Trudeau, the best-known way to reach downtown Montreal is the 747 bus. The 747 bus runs all day and all night. You can also get a taxi. Taxis are handled by a dispatcher. Another option is to use ride-sharing services, like Uber. If you need to go to another place in the area, you can connect to the Dorval train station for regional travel.