Getting from YUL Airport to Downtown Montreal
From Montreal-Trudeau Airport (YUL), the cheapest way downtown is the 747 express bus: $11.25 for a 24-hour pass that also covers the metro, running 24/7, with a ride of about 45 to 60 minutes. For a faster, door-to-door trip, a flat-rate taxi costs $49.45 (or $56.70 overnight), and a pre-booked private transfer starts around $101. The REM train does not reach the airport yet (its station is expected around 2027). Whatever you choose, get connected before you leave the terminal.
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Canadian roaming is expensive. An eSIM activates the moment you land, before you even leave the gate, so you can pull up directions, book a ride, or message your hotel. Install it before you fly and switch it on when you arrive.
Get a Canada eSIM→Your options at a glance
| Option | Time | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 747 express bus | 45-60 min | $11.25 (24h pass) | Cheapest, runs 24/7 |
| Taxi (flat rate) | 20-45 min | $49.45 / $56.70 night | Direct, no planning |
| Private transfer | 20-45 min | from $101 | Luggage, groups, meet and greet |
| REM train | not yet | opens ~2027 | Not available from YUL yet |
Option 1: The 747 express bus (cheapest)
The 747 runs 24 hours a day between the airport and downtown, stopping at Lionel-Groulx and Berri-UQAM metro stations. Since January 2026 the downtown terminus is on Rene-Levesque Boulevard at Berri Street. A single 747 fare is $11.25 and doubles as a 24-hour pass across the STM metro and bus, the REM, and exo trains in Zone A, so your ride downtown and your first day of local trips are covered by one ticket. Buy it with the Chrono app, at a fare machine, or at the STM counter in the international arrivals hall. If you pay cash on the bus, bring exact change.
Option 2: Taxi (flat rate)
Taxis from YUL to downtown charge a fixed flat rate set by the airport: $49.45 between 5 a.m. and 11 p.m., and $56.70 between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m., before tip. The ride takes about 20 to 45 minutes depending on traffic. Taxis wait at the stand outside arrivals, with no booking needed.
Option 3: Pre-booked private transfer
If you are arriving late, travelling with kids, or simply do not want to wrangle luggage on a bus, a pre-booked private transfer meets you at arrivals with a fixed price you see before you pay. Kiwitaxi covers YUL from about $101 per vehicle, with an English or French speaking driver.
Book a private transfer→What about the REM?
The REM light rail will eventually link the airport directly to downtown, but the airport station is still under construction and is expected to open around 2027. Until then, the 747 bus is the best public-transit option from YUL.
Where to stay downtown
Most visitors base themselves around the downtown core and Old Montreal, on the Green and Orange metro lines, a short ride from where the 747 and taxis drop you. Use the map to compare live prices near Gare Centrale.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the 747 bus from YUL to downtown?
The 747 costs $11.25, which is a 24-hour pass valid on the STM metro and bus, the REM, and exo trains in Zone A. It runs 24 hours a day.
How much is a taxi from Montreal airport to downtown?
Taxis charge a fixed flat rate: $49.45 from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., and $56.70 from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m., before tip. The ride takes about 20 to 45 minutes.
Does the REM go to Montreal airport?
Not yet. The REM airport station is under construction and expected to open around 2027. For now, take the 747 bus, a taxi, or a private transfer.
What is the cheapest way from YUL to downtown?
The 747 express bus at $11.25 is the cheapest option, and the fare doubles as a 24-hour transit pass.
Do I need a SIM card or eSIM in Montreal?
An eSIM is the easiest way to have data the moment you land, without roaming fees. Install it before you fly and activate it on arrival.