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.
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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.
Sleeping in Montreal Airport
Whether they’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
The airport is open 24 hours on the landside and airside, with security checkpoints open continuously to support flight schedules. Non-ticketed travellers may be asked to leave overnight (midnight–4:00 AM).
Rest & Relaxation Zones
There are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas or rest zones, but there are a number of recliner seats and flat padded couches scattered throughout the International departures area. If this information has changed, click here to update this guide.
Take precautions even when sleeping in the rest zones. In December 2019, a traveller at another airport reported that money and credit cards had been stolen from their bag even though the bag was right beside them. Protect and lock your bags as you would sleeping elsewhere in public.
Cots
Airport Hotels
If sleeping in Montreal airport sounds like a nightmare, there is a hotel connected to the terminal and several nearby hotels offering free airport shuttles. Shuttle pick-up is at Door 8 on the Departures Level (2nd floor).
- Montreal Airport Marriott In-Terminal Hotel – Connected to the terminal and accessible via the US Departures section on the public side of the terminal. » Check Rates
Hotels near Montreal Airport with airport shuttles
- Sheraton Montreal Airport Hotel » Check Rates
- Aloft Montreal » Check Rates
- Double Tree by Hilton Montreal Airport » Check Rates
- Hilton Garden Inn Montreal Airport » Check Rates
- Holiday Inn & Suites Montreal Airport » Check Rates
- Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Montreal Airport » Check Rates
- Quality Inn & Suites » Check Rates
- Sheraton Montreal Airport Hotel » Check Rates
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. Visit the individual lounge page for more details about the lounge itself and learn how to gain access with just an economy class ticket!
- Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge – Multiple Locations – (1) Domestic Departures, (1) Transborder Departures and (1) International Departures.
- National Bank Lounge (Swissport) – Location: International Departures, Airside, between gates 52 and 53. Lounge Access: Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs.
- Desjardins Odyssey Lounge – Location: International Departures, Airside, between Gate 63. Hours: 4:00 PM – last flight. Lounge Access: Desjardins credit cardholders.
- Air France Lounge operated by Plaza Premium Group – Location: Airside, International Concourse, Gate 57. Hours: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM. Lounge Access: Pay at the Door • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs.
Drinking Water
Food & Drinks
If you’ve given up trying to sleep and the midnight munchies have kicked in, you can find a Subway (Landside, near Arrivals) that serves food and refreshments throughout the night. We can’t confirm that there are 24-hour food options located airside. The airport website reports most airside options are open from around 4 am – 10 pm. Consider this if you spend the night here, and come prepared with snacks and drinks.
There are vending machines which might be suitable for quick snacks and refreshments if you’re desperate!
Luggage Storage & Lockers
A cloakroom is available to store a wide range of items ranging in size from envelopes to bicycles. Sample rates are: Envelope – $9.00/day • Carry-on bag – $10.00/day or $30/week • Large luggage – $12.00/day or $48/week. Rates are available per day or week for up to 5 weeks. Valid photo ID and boarding pass/flight ticket are required for service. Location: Domestic area, Landside. Hours: 24 hours.
Mobile Charging
Free mobile charging stations (outlets/USB) can be found on the airside. Limited outlets are available on the landside on Level 1, near Tim Hortons and Level 2, check-in.
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 WiFi is available at Montreal Trudeau Airport for unlimited 60-minute sessions. Connect to the “YUL Wi-Fi” network. Open your web browser and agree to the terms.
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
Family Services
- Baby Care Facilities – Nursing rooms offer comfortable seating, sinks, changing tables, and, in some cases, a microwave. You’ll find them next to most restrooms throughout the terminal.
- Children’s Play Area – Located at most boarding areas. An Air Transit playground has been added in the International Area for children under seven.
- Family Services – Courtesy carts for children are available at the information desks in the departures area. Priority queues are available for families with children; head to screening checkpoints “A” and “C.”
Luggage
- Luggage Storage & Lockers – see “Luggage Storage & Lockers” above.
- Luggage Carts – Need a hand with your luggage? Available free of charge in the baggage claim areas, passenger drop-off areas and the International jetty.
- Luggage Wrapping – Available starting at $18/bag at two Safe Bag kiosks, located landside in the Departure zone, near Gates 2 (Hours: 1:00 PM – 8:00 PM) and 5 (Hours: 4:00 AM – 9:00 PM).
Money
- ATMs / Cash Machines – Need cash? ATMs are available. Debit cards are accepted at all ATMs. Please note that Bank of Montreal ATMs accept MasterCard, while Royal Bank ATMs accept Visa. Additionally, a Desjardins ATM accepts all Interac, Plus, Visa, Circus, and MasterCard cards. This is located on the Arrivals Level, near door 25. Foreign currency ATMs are in the international area (Euro available) and transborder zone (USD available). Fees may apply, so check your bank’s fee schedule and daily withdrawal limit if you are travelling internationally. You may also want to notify your bank of your travel plans. Locations: throughout the airport.
- Currency Exchange – International Currency Exchange (ICE) kiosks offer services in accordance with flight schedules and are available in these locations:
- Landside – Arrivals level • New Commercial Zone
- Airside – Canadian Area, near Gates 47 and 49 • International Area, near Gates 53 • International Area, near Luggage Zone, United States Area, near Gate 76.
Pet Relief Area – Locations: Landside, Multi-Level Parking Lot • Landside, Arrivals Level, across Gate 25 • Airside, in front of Gates 47, 62, and 73.
Postal Services – Drop off your last-minute postcards at the airport’s Landside mailboxes. Stamps are available for purchase at the Maison de la Presse newsstands.
Prayer Room – Gather your thoughts in a peaceful interfaith prayer room. Location: Transborder-US Departures area, near the Java U restaurant.
Shoe Shine – Walter’s Shoe Care. Locations: Airside, Transborder-Canada Area, near Gate 1 • Airside, United States Area, near Gate 76. Hours: 6:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Mon – Fri).
Shopping – The Loop duty-free shops are available airside in the International area (near Gate 52 and near Gate 63) and the Transborder-US area (near Gate 75). In addition, a variety of retail stores are available throughout the terminal. The 1 Minute shop may be handy for last-minute snack and drink needs. Location: Landside, International Arrivals. Hours: 7:15 AM – 10:00 PM.
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 – Manicures, pedicures, facials, massages and more are available at BALNEA Spa Voyage. Locations: Airside, Canadian Area, near Gate 1 • Airside, International Area, near Gate 53 • Airside, United States Area, near Gate 81.
Smoking Area – Smoking, including e-cigarettes, is prohibited throughout the terminal building. There are smoking areas in front of the terminal.
Things to do & see
- Art in the Airport – Art exhibitions are available throughout the airport.
- Entertainment Lounge – Gamers can enjoy 25+ games on Playstation consoles at Cyber Station. Rates: $9.99 (30 minutes) • $14.99 (1 hour) • $19.99 (unlimited) + tax. Snacks are available. Location: International Departures, Airside, Gate 53. Hours: 4:30 AM – 10:00 PM.
- Planespotting – Watch planes land and take off from Jacques-de-Lesseps Park, Trudeau Airport’s official observation park! Bring a zoom lens here in the afternoon to take great pics of planes arriving and departing for Paris. Location: Intersection of Halpern and Jenkins on the airport’s southeast side.
- Therapy Dogs – YUL’s Pet Squad consists of a squad of dogs that walk around the airport to help calm anxious travellers or bring a few moments of entertainment for waiting passengers.
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: 2025-03-13
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.