How to Travel from Ottawa to Montreal Airport Affordably

 

Smart Ways to Save on YUL Transportation + The Comfort of Premium Montreal Airport Pickup Services

Travelers flying out of Montréal–Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL) often face a challenge: how to get from Ottawa to the airport affordably while still enjoying a comfortable, timely, and stress-free trip. Whether you’re a student, business traveler, family on vacation, or a frequent flyer, choosing the right transportation method can make a big difference in both convenience and cost.

This guide explains the most affordable ways to travel from Ottawa to Montreal Airport, when it makes sense to upgrade to Montreal Airport pickup services with private cars, and how to book smooth and reliable airport transfers from Montreal to Mont Tremblant resorts.

 

1. Understanding Your Transportation Options

Traveling from Ottawa to Montreal Airport (YUL) isn’t always straightforward. The airport is located in Dorval — far outside downtown Montreal — and most long-distance buses and trains do not drop off directly at the airport.

This means travelers must combine transportation modes or book direct services.

Here are the main options:

1. Direct Ottawa-to-Montreal Shuttle or Car Service
2. Bus to Montreal + Local Transit
3. Via Rail Train + Taxi or Metro
4. Rideshare or Carpooling Services
5. Private Montreal Airport pickup services
6. Airport transfer from Montreal to Mont Tremblant (for connecting travelers)

Each option varies widely in price, comfort, and convenience.

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2. Affordable Ways to Travel from Ottawa to Montreal Airport

Below are the best money-saving strategies — ranked from cheapest transportation to more premium choices.

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A. Bus to Downtown Montreal + STM or Airport Shuttle

The cheapest way to travel from Ottawa to YUL is to take an intercity bus to Montreal and transfer to local airport transit.

Step 1: Take the bus from Ottawa to Montreal

Several major bus companies run affordable routes:

• Orleans Express
• Rider Express
• FlixBus
• Megabus (when seasonal schedules apply)

Typical cost: $20–$45 CAD
Travel time: 2 to 2.5 hours

Buses arrive at:

• Gare d’Autocars (Montreal Bus Terminal), or
• Downtown Montreal stops, depending on the operator

Step 2: Transfer to the 747 Airport Bus or Metro

From the bus station or downtown:

• Take the STM 747 express bus directly to YUL
• Or take the Metro (Green/Orange lines) + connecting bus

Cost: $11 CAD for a 24-hour pass
Travel time: 40–60 minutes

 Cheapest method
 Great for solo travelers or students
Not ideal with lots of luggage
Takes longer and involves multiple transfers

 

B. Via Rail Ottawa → Montreal + STM Transit

If you prefer more comfort than the bus without spending too much:

• Via Rail runs frequent trains from Ottawa to Montreal
• Comfortable seats, Wi-Fi, power outlets

Cost: $30–$70 CAD (advance fares)
Travel time: 1h45 to 2 hours

Then take:

• A taxi to YUL (approx. $45–$55)
• Or the STM 747 bus

This can still be affordable if you book discount tickets.

Comfortable, quiet travel
Reliable schedules
 Requires a transfer

 

C. Carpooling or Rideshare Platforms

Rideshare platforms like Poparide sometimes have trips:

• Ottawa → Montreal
• Ottawa → Dorval
• Ottawa → directly to YUL (rare but available)

Cost: $20–$35 CAD
Travel time: 2 hours

 Very affordable
 More direct than bus + transit
 Limited schedules
 Depends on driver availability

 

D. Shared Shuttle Service From Ottawa to YUL

Some companies offer shared airport shuttles:

• Fixed pickup points in Ottawa
• Pre-arranged departure times
• Drop-off directly at Montreal Airport

Cost: $60–$120 CAD
Travel time: 2–2.5 hours

Door-to-terminal convenience
Still cheaper than private cars
Set schedules
Not as private

 

E. Private Car Service (Ottawa → Montreal Airport)

For comfort, door-to-door travel, and direct service to YUL, private car services offer:

• Sedans
• SUVs
• Luxury vehicles

Cost: $250–$450 CAD depending on vehicle size
Travel time: 2 hours

Zero transfers
Perfect for families / business travel
Most comfortable
 More expensive than buses

 

3. Montreal Airport Pickup Services – Comfortable Private Cars

Even though affordable methods exist, many travelers choose Montreal Airport pickup services for comfort, reliability, and stress-free travel — especially after a long flight or when traveling with luggage.

These private services provide:

 

A. Meet-and-Greet Service

Drivers wait inside the terminal with your name sign, then escort you to the vehicle.
Ideal for:

• First-time visitors
• International arrivals
• Families
• Corporate guests

 

B. Comfortable Luxury Vehicles

Most private Montreal airport pickup services offer:

• Premium sedans
• Black SUVs
• Business-class vehicles
• Fully private transportation

Benefits include:

• Spacious legroom
• Leather seating
• Temperature control
• Quiet ride
• Professional drivers

Perfect for those who value extra comfort after long travel.

 

C. Flat-Rate Pricing (No Surprises)

Unlike taxis, private car services offer fixed pricing:

• No surge
• No meter
• No hidden luggage fees

This helps with budgeting — especially for long-distance routes like Ottawa → Montreal or Montreal → Mont Tremblant.

 

D. Flight Monitoring + Delayed Flight Support

Your designated driver:

• Tracks your flight in real time
• Adjusts pickup time automatically
• Ensures no extra waiting fees if your flight is delayed

This makes these services far more reliable than a standard taxi queue outside the airport.

 

E. Direct Transportation to Hotels, Residences & Resorts

Private Montreal Airport pickup cars offer direct routes to:

• Downtown Montreal
• Ottawa
• Quebec City
• Mont Tremblant
• Laurentian towns
• Border towns

No transfers. No waiting. No stress.

 

 4. Airport Transfer From Montreal to Mont Tremblant Resorts

Mont Tremblant is one of Canada’s most popular year-round tourist destinations, famous for:

• Ski slopes
• Golf courses
• Luxury resorts
• Hiking and lakes
• Old Village shopping
• Destination weddings

Many visitors land at Montreal Airport (YUL) and need reliable transportation to reach Tremblant — a 1.5 to 2-hour drive north into the Laurentians.

Here’s why private airport transfers are the best option for this route:

 

A. Direct Door-to-Resort Transfer

Transfers take you straight from YUL airport to:

• Fairmont Tremblant
• Le Westin
• Sommet des Neiges
• Holiday Inn Express
• Tremblant Village chalets
• Airbnb properties

No bus changes, no waiting, no extra stops.

 

B. Ideal for Ski & Outdoor Gear

Private airport transfers accommodate:

• Skis
• Snowboards
• Bikes
• Golf bags
• Large luggage

SUVs and vans have the storage space taxis or small shuttles may lack.

 

C. Perfect for Families and Groups

Mont Tremblant is a family-friendly destination. Private transfers offer:

• Car seats on request
• Space for strollers
• Quiet vehicles for kids to rest
• Group vans for 6–12 travelers

 

D. Safe Winter Driving

Winter driving in the Laurentians can be challenging.
Professional drivers are trained and equipped for:

• Snowy conditions
• Night driving
• Steep roads
• Long-distance winter travel

This is much safer than renting a car during a winter storm.

 

E. Flat Rates for Long Distances

Mont Tremblant is too far for a standard taxi.
Private transfers offer transparent, predictable pricing:

• No surprise meter charges
• No extra snow or luggage fees
• Direct, private travel for your group

 

5. Choosing the Best Option for Your Needs: A Quick Comparison

Here’s a simple breakdown of which transportation choice is best:

Travel Situation	Best Option	Why
Cheapest Ottawa → Montreal Airport	Bus + STM	Very low cost
Most comfortable & private	Montreal Airport pickup service	VIP-style travel
Best for families/groups	Private SUV or shuttle	Space + convenience
Best winter option to Mont Tremblant	Private resort transfer	Safety + reliability
Best for travelers with gear	SUV/private van	Lots of space
Most predictable pricing	Flat-rate private car	No surprises

 

6. Final Thoughts

Traveling from Ottawa to Montreal Airport (YUL) affordably is absolutely possible — whether you choose the bus, Via Rail, rideshare, or a shared shuttle. But for travelers seeking maximum convenience, comfort, and stress-free travel, Montreal Airport pickup services with private cars offer the best experience.

And if your journey continues to the mountains, booking a privateairport transfer from Montreal to Mont Tremblant resorts ensures smooth, safe, and direct transportation straight to your hotel or chalet — with plenty of space for luggage, skis, and gear.

No matter your budget or travel style, the right transportation choice can turn a long trip into a smooth and enjoyable beginning to your travel adventure.