Montreal / Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport: where to…

The airport, in the municipality of Dorval about 20 km from downtown Montréal, has no direct train: the public transport link is the STM's 747 Express bus, running around the clock, which takes about 45-60 minutes to reach the Berri-UQAM station via Lionel-Groulx and the Gare Centrale. By taxi, the fixed-fare ride takes 20-40 minutes (more in case of heavy traffic or snow). For short layovers or dawn departures, it's worth staying in the Saint-Laurent/Dorval area, minutes from the terminals; for those with a few days to spare, downtown remains the more interesting choice, with Old Montréal reachable with no extra transfers from the 747.

Dorval and Saint-Laurent

Airport area · Several hotels in the area offer their own shuttle to the terminal (free or on request); by car the journey takes about 10 minutes, against the 20-40 minutes to downtown.

Best for: Departures before 7am, single-night layovers, and those travelling by car who want to stay minutes from the terminals.

Pros

Direct hotel shuttles to the terminal, with no dependence on the 747 bus schedule
Parking almost always included or affordable, convenient for those arriving by car
Generally lower prices than downtown for the same category

Cons

Industrial and commercial area: very little to do on foot in the evening
For downtown or Old Montréal, a car, taxi or the 747 bus is still needed

Recommended hotels in this area

Holiday Inn Express Montreal Airport - St-Laurent by IHG: About 10 minutes by car from the terminal, with an airport shuttle on request, indoor pool with slide, gym open 24 hours and free continental breakfast included.
Staybridge Suites Montreal Airport - St-Laurent by IHG: Suites with a full kitchen designed for extended stays, free local shuttle, indoor pool and hot breakfast included; suited to those with an overnight between two flights who want more space than a standard hotel.
Appartamento 2 camere a Lachine (sul lungofiume): 2-bedroom apartment with free parking in the historic riverside neighbourhood of Lachine: about 10 minutes from the airport and 15 from downtown, with restaurants on the canal just steps away. A more affordable alternative to chain hotels for those travelling by car.

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Downtown and Old Montréal

City centre · STM's 747 Express bus, running around the clock: every 10-20 minutes by day, hourly between 2am and 5am; the 11.25 CAD ticket includes 24 hours of unlimited travel on bus and metro. The route calls at the Lionel-Groulx and Berri-UQAM metro stations and the Gare Centrale, with stops near several downtown hotels. By taxi, a fixed fare of about 49.45 CAD by day (56.70 CAD at night) for a 20-40 minute journey.

Best for: Travellers staying more than one night who want to see Montréal, accepting 45-60 minutes on the 747 bus (or 20-40 minutes by taxi) to the airport.

Pros

Direct and continuous connection with the 747 bus, with no need for a car
Restaurants, shops and evening life reachable on foot from most of the hotels
An extensive metro network for getting around the rest of the city

Cons

No direct train: the 747 takes almost an hour during rush hour
A tourist area, with room prices higher than Saint-Laurent/Dorval

Recommended hotels in this area

Four Seasons Hotel Montreal: In the Golden Square Mile, directly connected to the Holt Renfrew Ogilvy department store; 169 rooms and 19 suites, the Marcus restaurant and a spa. The top option for those seeking the highest level of service downtown.
AC Hotel by Marriott Old Montreal: In the heart of Old Montréal, a short walk from the Notre-Dame Basilica and Place d'Armes; the minimalist design typical of the AC brand, covered parking open 24 hours and a gym. Useful for those who want to sleep among the cobblestones of the old town.
Hyatt Place Montreal - Downtown: Direct access to the Berri-UQAM metro station, the same terminus as the 747 bus: useful for those arriving with luggage who don't want to walk. Indoor pool, buffet breakfast included and an attached Starbucks.

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