Montreal Airport to Downtown - 747 Bus, REM & Taxi from YUL

Downtown Montreal is about 20 kilometres from Montréal-Trudeau. Until the REM station at the airport opens, the choice is the 747 bus, a taxi or ride-share, or a short hop to the Dorval train station. Here is how they compare.

The 747 bus: cheap and 24 hours

The STM’s 747 line runs around the clock, every day, between YUL and downtown, calling at Lionel-Groulx and Berri-UQAM métro stations; since January 2026 the downtown terminus stands on Boulevard René-Lévesque at Berri Street. The fare is $11.25, paid in cash with exact change on the bus (no paper bills) or bought in advance as a fare; it is also a 24-hour pass valid across the bus, métro, exo train and REM network in Zone A, which makes it excellent value if you plan to keep moving after you arrive.

Journey time varies with traffic: 45 to 70 minutes is typical, quicker late at night.

The REM: not yet, but soon

Montreal’s REM light-rail network reaches the airport via a station under the terminal that is still under construction, with opening scheduled by the end of 2027. When it opens, it will put downtown around 25 minutes away by train. Until then, ignore maps that show a YUL rail link.

Dorval station: the hotel-district option

If you are staying at a Dorval airport hotel, the exo commuter rail station at Dorval is closer than downtown buses. The DoubleTree stands next to the station, the Fairfield Inn & Suites is a five-minute walk, and the Sheraton about ten minutes on foot. Service is oriented to weekday commuting hours, so check the timetable before relying on it.

Taxis wait outside Arrivals around the clock and a fixed fare applies between the airport and the downtown zone; confirm the current rate with the driver before setting off. Ride-share pickups follow the signs. Either takes about 25 minutes off-peak and is the sensible choice with luggage, late arrivals or an early meeting.

Staying near the airport instead

If your Montreal plans are short, sleeping by the airport and going downtown for the day often beats moving hotels: the 747’s 24-hour pass covers the round trip. Compare the six hotels on the home page, or see the budget picks if price decides it.

See park, sleep and fly if you are driving in, and day rooms if you only need a few hours between flights.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get from Montreal Airport to downtown by public transport?

Take the 747 bus, which runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week between the airport and downtown, serving Lionel-Groulx and Berri-UQAM métro stations. The fare is $11.25, payable in cash with exact change on board, and it doubles as a 24-hour pass for bus, métro, exo train and REM travel in Zone A.

Is there a train from Montreal Airport to downtown?

Not yet from the terminal itself. The REM light-rail station at YUL is under construction and scheduled to open by the end of 2027. Until then, the nearest rail option is Dorval station, a few minutes from the airport hotels, with exo commuter trains toward downtown.

How long does the 747 bus take to downtown Montreal?

Plan on 45 to 70 minutes depending on traffic and your stop. Overnight the run is faster. For a fixed arrival time, such as an early meeting, a taxi or ride-share on the highway is the more predictable option.

Information last verified: August 4, 2026