Sleeping in Airports

Montreal Trudeau Airport Guide

sleeping in montreal airport
Airside (photo credit: SleepingInAirports / December 2018)

Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or you are just quickly passing through, our Montreal Trudeau Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit.  Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport – including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.

Around 11 PM they closed a majority of lights and the only sound we could hear was a few employees passing by or the announcer, but overall it is an awesome place to sleep. – mariemaea32

YUL Airport Overview

To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at Montreal Trudeau International Airport.

What to Expect

Montreal Trudeau Airport (Code: YUL) is a busy three-level, single-terminal international airport divided into four sections: domestic (Gates 1-49), international (Gates 50-68), transborder (Gates 73-89) and a public area. Amenities are pretty standard throughout YUL. It has a good range of shops and restaurants – only one is open 24 hours. There is also a good spot for plane spotting. The airport offers 60 minutes of free WiFi. Once that period expires, you can begin another session after watching an advertisement. Power outlets are apparently difficult to find – so charge your devices beforehand. For those looking for a little added comfort, there are first-class lounges that economy-class passengers can pay to access.

Montreal Airport Sleeper
Montreal Airport (photo credit: SleepingInAirports / December 2018)

Sleeping in Montreal Airport

Whether you’ve had a long layover or want to avoid paying for a hotel before an early morning flight, the airport is generally accommodating to night dwellers looking for somewhere to rest their heads. If you’re stranded overnight at the airport, various comfortable-ish sleeping options are available both airside and landside. You can choose from benches, armrest-free chairs, loungers and designated rest areas throughout the airport.

The check-in area is the best place to sleep for travellers on the landside. Granite benches with no armrests are plenty and scattered throughout the terminal. However, they can be cold and hard, so bring extra layers. A few cushioned benches are available, but competition for them is high. If you see one available, you will want to grab it quickly for a decent night’s sleep.

Airside , your options are a bit better (and comfier). Reports state that there are plenty of cushioned benches and some recliners.

Regardless of which side you sleep on, travellers have reported that the airport staff are friendly and won’t disturb you. 

The airport can get very chilly through the night, so keep this in mind and bring an extra layer or two. Travellers have also reported noisy airport staff and regular announcements, so noise-cancelling headphones will be a welcome addition to your airport survival kit.

Generally, it is reported that airport staff are friendly and accommodating to travellers looking for a night’s rest and shouldn’t disturb you unless for cleaning or once the airport starts getting busy again.

If you’re looking for uninterrupted sleep, there is a hotel connected to the airport and other hotels nearby, connected by shuttles. See the Airport Hotels section below for locations.

Read some recent traveller airport reviews for more tips. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our Montreal Airport Guide.

To help us keep this guide up-to-date, you can add or update information or write a review to submit airport tips and photos.

In this guide we may refer to locations as “landside” and “airside”. Landside is the public area of the terminal located in the non-secure zone, before security. Airside is the secure area of the terminal that you must reach by going through security.   

Airport Hours

Montreal–Trudeau Airport (YUL) is open 24 hours, landside and airside. Security checkpoints operate based on flight schedules and are not guaranteed to be open continuously.

What this means for airport sleepers:
You can stay in the terminal overnight, but comfort and access are not guaranteed. If you are already airside with a boarding pass, you are more likely to be allowed to remain. If you are landside without a ticket, security may ask you to leave during the late-night hours. Even when staying overnight is allowed, expect limited services, regular cleaning activity, and possible requests to move.

Rest & Relaxation Zones

There are no dedicated sleeping rooms, quiet zones, or official rest areas at YUL. Travellers may find some recliner-style seats and a limited number of flat, padded benches, most commonly in International Departures (airside). Availability and comfort vary widely, and seating may fill up overnight. If this information has changed, click here to update this guide.

As with sleeping anywhere in public, keep your belongings close and secured. Use locks if you have them, and keep valuables on your person whenever possible.

Cots

Cots are not offered to stranded travellers at YUL. If this has changed, click here to update this guide.

Airport Hotels

If sleeping in Montreal airport sounds like a nightmare, there is one hotel connected to the airport and several nearby hotels that offer free airport shuttle service. Shuttle pick-up: Door 8, Departures Level (Level 2).

  • Montreal Airport Marriott In-Terminal Hotel – – Connected to the terminal on the public side, accessible near the U.S. Departures area.  » Check Rates
Hotels near Montreal Airport with airport shuttles

For more options, visit Tripadvisor to see a list of hotels near Trudeau Airport that can be sorted by price, distance, traveller rating and popularity.

Airport Lounges

Pay-per-use, Single Visit Passes & Lounge Memberships

Regardless of what class of service you are flying, there are lounges that you can enter by paying at the door, purchasing a lounge pass or through a lounge membership program.

Domestic Departures

Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge – Location: Airside, Domestic Departures, near Gate 2. Hours: 4:30 AM–9:00 PM. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Prepaid lounge passes: Available through Air Canada for Latitude, Comfort, or Flex fare passengers ($59 CAD, subject to taxes) • Lounge membership programs: Air Canada Maple Leaf Club • All other forms of access: Air Canada Business Class passengers (same-day flight) • Air Canada Altitude Super Elite 100K/75K/50K/35K members (same-day Air Canada or Star Alliance flight, plus spouse, dependent children, and one guest) • Star Alliance Gold members (same-day Star Alliance flight, plus one guest) • TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card holders (same-day Air Canada flight), Emirates Skywards Gold/Platinum members (travelling on Air Canada or Emirates to/from Dubai) • Virgin Australia Velocity Gold/Platinum/Beyond VIP members (same-day Air Canada or Virgin Australia flight).

Air Canada Café Lounge – Location: Airside, Domestic Departures, near Gate A2 (adjacent to Maple Leaf Lounge). Hours: 4:30 AM–9:00 PM. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Prepaid lounge passes: Available through Air Canada for Latitude, Comfort, or Flex fare passengers ($59 CAD, subject to taxes) • Lounge membership programs (Air Canada Maple Leaf Club) • All other forms of access: Air Canada Business Class passengers (same-day flight, no guests) • Air Canada Altitude Super Elite 100K/75K/50K/35K members (same-day Air Canada or Star Alliance flight, plus spouse, dependent children, and one guest) • TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card holders (same-day Air Canada flight).

Transborder Departures

Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge (Transborder) – Location: Airside, Transborder Departures (USA), near Gate 73. Hours: 4:30 AM–8:00 PM. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Prepaid lounge passes: Available through Air Canada for Latitude, Comfort, or Flex fare passengers ($59 CAD, subject to taxes) • Lounge membership programs: Air Canada Maple Leaf Club • All other forms of access: Air Canada Business Class passengers (same-day flight) • Air Canada Altitude Super Elite 100K/75K/50K/35K members (same-day Air Canada or Star Alliance flight, plus spouse, dependent children, and one guest) • Star Alliance Gold members (same-day Star Alliance flight, plus one guest) • TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card holders (same-day Air Canada flight), Emirates Skywards Gold/Platinum members (travelling on Air Canada or Emirates to/from Dubai) • Virgin Australia Velocity Gold/Platinum/Beyond VIP members (same-day Air Canada or Virgin Australia flight).

Desjardins Odyssey Lounge – Location: Airside, Transborder Departures (USA), near Gate 76. Hours: 4:30 AM–8:00 PM (based on U.S. preclearance hours). Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door (CAD 42 for ages 12+, CAD 26 for ages 3–11) • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs • Credit card rewards programs: Desjardins credit cardholders (e.g., Odyssey Visa Infinite Privilege) • Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Privilege Card (10 free visits) • Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card  • CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite/Gold Card • BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard • WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard.

International Departures

Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge (International) – Location: Airside, International Departures, near Gate 52. Hours: 4:30 AM–11:00 PM. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Prepaid lounge passes: Available through Air Canada for Latitude, Comfort, or Flex fare passengers ($59 CAD, subject to taxes) • Lounge membership programs: Air Canada Maple Leaf Club • All other forms of access: Air Canada Business Class passengers (same-day flight) • Air Canada Altitude Super Elite 100K/75K/50K/35K members (same-day Air Canada or Star Alliance flight, plus spouse, dependent children, and one guest) • Star Alliance Gold members (same-day Star Alliance flight, plus one guest) • TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card holders (same-day Air Canada flight), Emirates Skywards Gold/Platinum members (travelling on Air Canada or Emirates to/from Dubai) • Virgin Australia Velocity Gold/Platinum/Beyond VIP members (same-day Air Canada or Virgin Australia flight).

Air France & KLM Lounge – Location: Airside, International Concourse, near Gate 57. Hours: 5:00 AM–10:00 PM. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs • All other forms of access: Air France/KLM Business Class passengers (same-day flight) • SkyTeam Elite Plus members (same-day SkyTeam flight) • American Express Platinum/Centurion Cardholders (subject to availability) • American Express Aeroplan Reserve Cardholders (same-day Air Canada or SkyTeam flight).

Desjardins Odyssey Lounge – Location: Airside, International Departures, near Gate 63. Hours: 4:00 AM–10:00 PM.
Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door (CAD 42 for ages 12+, CAD 26 for ages 3–11) • Lounge membership programs • All other forms of access: Desjardins credit cardholders (e.g., Odyssey Visa Infinite Privilege) • Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Privilege Card • Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card • CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite/Gold Card • BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard.

National Bank Lounge – Location: Airside, International Departures, near Gate 53. Hours: 4:00 AM–10:00 PM. Showers: No.
Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs • All other forms of access: National Bank World Elite Mastercard holders • American Express Platinum/Centurion Cardholders (subject to availability) • Gestion Privée 1859 cardholders • Investors Group Solutions Banking cardholders.

Drinking Water

Free water bottle refill stations are available airside. On the landside, drinking water is generally limited to restroom taps or bottled water purchased from shops and vending machines.

Food & Drinks

If you’re awake overnight, food options are very limited. A 24-hour Subway is available landside near Arrivals. Vending machines are also available throughout the terminal, but selection and restocking can be hit-or-miss late at night. [ read more ]

Luggage Storage & Lockers

A cloakroom is available for short- or longer-term luggage storage. Items ranging from envelopes to bicycles are accepted. Location: Domestic Area, Landside. Hours: 24 hours.

Sample rates:

  • Envelope: $9/day
  • Carry-on bag: $10/day or $30/week
  • Large luggage: $12/day or $48/week

Storage is available per day or per week, for up to 5 weeks. A valid photo ID and a boarding pass or flight ticket are required.

Mobile Charging

Free charging points (power outlets and USB ports) are available airside. Limited outlets are also available landside, including:

  • Level 1, near Tim Hortons
  • Level 2, near check-in areas

Showers

A reader tells us, “There are two showers in the Air Canada maple leaf lounge in the international departures section.” (June 2024)

WiFi / Internet

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout Montréal–Trudeau Airport. Connect to the “YUL Wi-Fi” network and accept the terms in your browser. Sessions last 60 minutes, with the option to reconnect.

Security & Safety

We do not have any reports of safety issues at YUL Airport. However, incidents of pickpockets have been reported elsewhere. Sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when traveling alone. It’s important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Here are a few tips:

  • Safety First . It’s a good idea to know where the security office is located and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. You can also ask the security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
  • Don’t Seclude Yourself . If you’re traveling alone, we recommend you stay close to other travelers or close to safety. This will help you feel more secure and deter potential thieves.
  • Hide Your Valuables . It’s also important to hide your valuables. Don’t leave them out in plain view, as this could make you a target for theft. Additionally, if you are a deep sleeper, you may want to padlock your bag to something or sleep with your bag up against a wall to make it harder for someone to access zippers and pockets. We have received reports of sleepers who woke up without their phones and laptop bags. The travelers were left with just their headphones and laptop bag strap.
  • Stay Alert . It’s best to stay alert and awake if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages to help you stay awake, and remember that you can always catch up on sleep during your flight. These simple precautions can help you enjoy a safe night at the airport.

More Airport Information

More Services, Facilities & Things To Do On A Layover

Family Services

  • Baby Care Facilities – Nursing rooms are available throughout the terminal, typically located near restrooms. These rooms offer seating, sinks, and changing tables; some also include a microwave.
  • Children’s Play Area – Small play areas are available in several boarding zones. An Air Transit–themed playground is located in the International area and is designed for children under seven.
  • Family Services – Courtesy carts for children may be available through information desks in departures areas. Priority screening is offered to families with children at designated security checkpoints.

Luggage

  • Luggage Storage & Lockers – see “Luggage Storage & Lockers” above.
  • Luggage Carts – Need a hand with your luggage? Free luggage carts are available in baggage claim areas, passenger drop-off zones, and the International jetty.
  • Luggage Wrapping – Protective luggage wrapping is available landside in the departures area.

Money

  • ATMs / Cash Machines – Need cash? ATMs are available throughout the terminal. Major debit and credit card networks are supported, though accepted cards may vary by bank. Fees may apply; check with your bank before travelling.
  • Currency Exchange – Currency exchange services are available landside and airside, primarily in international and transborder areas. Availability generally follows flight schedules.

Pet Relief Area – Pet relief areas are available both landside and airside, including locations near arrivals and selected departure gates.

Postal Services – Mail drop boxes are available landside for last-minute postcards or letters. Stamps can be purchased at select newsstands.

Prayer Room – A quiet, interfaith prayer room is available in the Transborder (U.S.) Departures area.

Shoe Shine – Shoe-shining services are available airside in select Canadian and U.S. departure areas, primarily on weekdays.

Shopping – Duty-free shopping is available airside in the International and U.S. Transborder areas. Additional retail shops are scattered throughout the terminal, including a convenience shop in the International Arrivals area for snacks and drinks. [ read more ]

SIM Cards – A reader tells us, “Chatr has pretty good SIM card deals; 10GB for C$55 + taxes (as of September 2022) and the data speed is great!” SIM cards are also available at the Fido booth. Both stores are located on the Arrivals level, near door 26.

Spa & Salon Services – Spa and salon services, including massages and basic beauty treatments, are available airside in the Canadian, International, and U.S. departure areas.

Smoking Area – Smoking and vaping are prohibited inside the terminal. Designated smoking areas are located outside the terminal building.

Things to do & see

  • Art in the Airport – Temporary and permanent art installations are displayed throughout the terminal.
  • Entertainment Lounge – A gaming lounge with PlayStation consoles is available airside in International Departures. Access is paid.
  • Planespotting – Aircraft viewing is possible from Jacques-de-Lesseps Park, the airport’s official observation area, located outside the terminal.
  • Therapy Dogs – YUL’s Pet Squad therapy dogs occasionally circulate through the terminal to help reduce traveller stress.
Airlines
Montreal Trudeau airport is served by the following airlines: Aegean Airlines • Aer Lingus • Aeroméxico • Air Algérie • Air Canada • Air China • Air Creebec • Air France • Air India • Air Inuit • Air New Zealand • Air Saint-Pierre • Air Transat • All Nippon Airways • American Airlines • Arajet • Asiana Airlines • Austrian Airlines • Avianca • Azores Airlines • British Airways • Brussels Airlines • Canadian North • Cathay Pacific • Copa Airlines • Corsair • Delta Air Lines • Egyptair • Emirates • Etihad Airways • EVA Air • Finnair • Flair Airlines • Icelandair • Ita Airways • Jet Airways • KLM • LOT • Lufthansa • Lynx Air • MEA • OWG • Pal Airlines • Porter Airlines • Qatar Airways • Royal Air Maroc • Royal Jordanian • Singapore Airlines • Sun Country Airlines • Sunwing Airlines • Swiss • TAP • Thai Airways • Tunisair • Turkish Airlines • United Airlines • WestJet.
Airport Transportation: Getting To/From The Airport

Bus

The 747 Express is a 24-hour city bus line between YUL airport and the central bus station, Gare d’autocars de Montréal – Berri UQAM metro station. The trip can take 45 – 70 minutes, depending on traffic. As of this update, a fare card is $11, good for 24 consecutive hours of unlimited travel on Montreal’s public bus and metro network. For more information, visit the STM website.

The 204 Cardinal is a city bus line between the airport and Dorval train station. The 209 bus runs between the airport and the Roxboro-Pierrefonds train station. Rates: $3.50. For more information, visit the STM (Societe de Transport de Montreal) website.

Car Rentals

The following car rental agencies can be found on the ground level of the multistory car park at the airport: Alamo • Avis • Budget • Dollar • Enterprise • Hertz • National • Thrifty.

Hotel Shuttles

Many area hotels provide airport shuttle service: Aloft Montreal Airport   •   Comfort Inn Aeroport Dorval   •    Courtyard Montreal Airport  •  DoubleTree by Hilton Montreal Airport  •  Embassy Suites by Hilton Montreal Airport  •   Fairfield Inn & Suites Montreal Airport   •   Hilton Garden Inn Montreal/Dorval Airport   •   Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Montreal Airport   •  L’Auberge De L’Aeroport Inn Dorval  •   Quality Hotel Dorval Aeroport   •  Quality Inn & Suites P.E. Trudeau Airport  •  Radisson Hotel Montreal Airport  •  Residence Inn by Marriott Montreal Airport  •   Sheraton Montreal Airport Hotel.

There are three courtesy phones near door 8 on the Departures Level, where you can contact your hotel for pick-up.

See also Airport Hotels above.

Regional Shuttles

The airport is serviced daily by the following regional bus lines:

  • Orleans Express: Montreal-Trudeau > Ottawa, Montreal-Trudeau > Québec, Montreal-Trudeau >Trois-Rivières
  • Minibus: Montreal-Trudeau > Eastern Townships

Ride Apps

Uber rides pick-up from Door 20 or Door 28 on the Arrivals Level. A ride to the city centre will cost you approximately $40.

Taxi and Limousine Service

Taxis and limousines are available for hire at the Arrivals Level central exit. A dispatcher will be available to assist. As of this update, taxis charge according to the metre for all destinations except downtown, for which a flat rate is available ($48.40). Additional charges apply between 11:00 PM – 5:00 AM. Those interested in booking a limousine should head to door 24 and reserve their ride from there.

Train

The AirConnect airport shuttle connects Montreal-Trudeau International Airport with VIA Rail, a nationwide inter-city passenger railway service in Canada. AirConnect runs between the airport and the VIA station in Dorval.

Last updated: 2025-12-10

This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning.  All information, including rates and hours, is subject to change at any time without notice.   The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers, and their websites. We are not representatives of any of the above-mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or  write a review.