Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL) is one of the busiest air travel hubs in Canada, serving millions of passengers annually. Located in Dorval, just west of downtown Montreal, it’s a vital gateway for travelers across Eastern Ontario and Quebec. For those in Ottawa and nearby regions like Montebello or Mont-Tremblant, getting to and from YUL efficiently is a top priority—especially given the roughly 200 km (125 mile) distance.
Whether you’re a tourist, business traveler, or local
planning your trip, this article will walk you through the best ground transportation options from Ottawa to YUL, including Montebello to YUL transfers and YUL to MontTremblant connections.
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Ottawa to Montreal Airport (YUL): An Overview
Traveling from Ottawa to YUL Airport takes approximately 2
to 2.5 hours, depending on traffic and the mode of transport. Your options
include:
·
Private transfers and taxis
·
Airport shuttle services
·
Bus and train combinations
·
Rideshare services
·
Rental cars
The best choice depends on your budget, schedule, number of
travelers, and preference for convenience vs. cost.
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What’s the Best Way to Get from Ottawa to YUL?
Let’s break down the most reliable and commonly used
methods.
1. Private Car or Executive Taxi Services
This is the most direct and stress-free option, ideal for
business travelers, families, or those catching early/late flights. A
professional driver picks you up in Ottawa and drops you off directly at your
terminal at YUL.
🟢 Pros:
Door-to-door service
No transfers or wait times
Luggage assistance
Option for luxury vehicles
🔴 Cons:
Higher cost (typically CAD $300–$400)
Need for advance reservation
🚗 Recommended Services:
Rides Are us – Specializes in Ottawa–Montreal airport runs.
ExecuCar – Reliable, professional black car service.
YULRide – Airport-focused long-distance taxi with bilingual
drivers.
2. Shuttle Services (Shared or Private)
Airport shuttles operate on fixed schedules and are often
shared with other passengers. This is a more budget-friendly option compared to
private taxis.
🟢 Pros:
Cost-effective (CAD $90–$150 per person)
Comfortable, air-conditioned minibuses
Luggage space included
🔴 Cons:
Set pickup times
Potential delays due to multiple stops
Not ideal for urgent or early-morning flights
🚐 Top Shuttle Providers:
Greyhound Express Shuttle (Ottawa to Montreal downtown, with
taxi transfer to YUL)
Max Express Shuttle – Direct shuttle from Ottawa to Montreal
or YUL, available on request.
Skyport Shuttle – Offers limited private charters with
advance notice.
3. Bus + Public Transit
For travelers looking to save money, you can take a bus from
Ottawa to Montreal, then transfer to the STM 747 Express bus to YUL. The route
takes longer, but is reliable and cheap.
🔄 Sample Route:
Ottawa to Montreal (downtown):
Megabus, Rider Express, or Greyhound (CAD $25–$40)
Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes
Montreal to YUL:
STM Bus 747 (24/7 airport express) – CAD $11 (includes 24-hr
transit pass)
Duration: 45–60 minutes
🟢 Pros:
Very affordable
Frequent departures
Great for solo travelers
🔴 Cons:
Not ideal with lots of luggage
Requires transferring between modes
Weather and traffic delays possible
4. Train + Metro + Bus
An alternative to the bus route is combining VIA Rail with
Montreal’s STM network.
VIA Rail from Ottawa to Montreal Central Station (Gare
Centrale) – ~2 hours
Montreal Metro (Orange Line) to Lionel-Groulx
STM 747 Express Bus to YUL
🟢 Pros:
Comfortable train ride
Scenic and relaxing
Transit pass covers bus and metro
Cons:
Multiple transfers
Not convenient for travelers with tight schedules
Montebello to YUL Airport Transfers: Everything You Need to Know
Montebello, a charming village on the Ottawa River, is halfway
between Ottawa and Montreal. It’s home to the famous Château Montebello and
attracts both tourists and conference-goers year-round. Getting to YUL from
Montebello can be done in under 90 minutes by car.
Best Options for Montebello to YUL Transfers:
1. Private Car/Taxi Service
This is by far the most common and convenient option,
especially since Montebello has limited public transit options.
·
Taxi Gatineau – Offers bilingual service and
airport runs.
·
ExecuCar or Aeronav Limousine – Can accommodate
pickups in Montebello.
·
Château Montebello Concierge – The hotel can
arrange private car service for guests.
Estimated Cost: CAD $250–$350 (one-way)
2. Rental Car
If you’re staying in Montebello, renting a car to drive to
YUL is efficient.
Drop-off at Montreal Airport is available through
Enterprise, Budget, or Hertz.
Drive time: ~1.5 hours
Consider tolls and fuel (~CAD $30–$50)
3. Shuttle from Ottawa or Gatineau
If you're willing to travel to Ottawa first (about 45 mins),
you can catch a shuttle or train from there to Montreal/YUL.
Final Tips:
Book private cars at least 48 hours in advance.
Ask hotels like Fairmont Château Montebello about group
transfer deals.
Avoid rush-hour departures (6–9 a.m. and 3–6 p.m.).
🏔️
YUL to Mont Tremblant: Best Car and Shuttle Options
Mont Tremblant, a popular ski resort and summer destination
in the Laurentians, lies about 125 km (2 hours) north of Montreal Airport.
While there's a small Mont Tremblant airport (YTM), it operates only
seasonally, so most travelers fly into YUL and continue by ground.
1. Private Car or Taxi
This is the most efficient and comfortable method.
Recommended Providers:
Rides are us Mont-Tremblant – Specializes in transfers
to/from YUL.
Galland Limousine – Offers executive SUVs and luxury sedans.
Tremblant Express Taxi – Local taxis offering direct airport
pickups.
Cost Estimate: CAD $300–$400 (one-way)
2. Shared Shuttle Services
Great option for solo travelers or couples.
Top Shuttles:
Autobus Galland – Offers seasonal service to/from YUL and
downtown Montreal to Mont Tremblant.
Mont-Tremblant Express Shuttle – On-demand services from YUL
to hotels and ski resorts.
Duration: ~2.5 hours
Price: CAD $80–$120 per person (round-trip)
3. Rental Cars
If you want flexibility to explore Mont Tremblant and
surrounding areas, renting a car at YUL is ideal.
Available at YUL: Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, Budget
Routes: Highway 15 North is the main route to Tremblant.
Keep in mind: Winter tires are mandatory from Dec 1–Mar 15
in Quebec.
Final Tips:
In winter months, allow extra travel time due to snow or
ice.
For group trips, booking a van or SUV is often cheaper per
person.
✈️
Summary Table: Ground Transport Options Comparison
From → To Mode Travel Time Cost
(CAD) Best For
Ottawa → YUL Private
Car 2–2.5 hrs $300–$400 Convenience,
families
Ottawa → YUL Shuttle 2.5–3 hrs $90–$150 Budget, no car
Ottawa → YUL Bus + 747 3–3.5 hrs $35–$50 Solo
travelers
Montebello → YUL Taxi 1.5 hrs $250–$350 Direct airport access
YUL → Mont Tremblant Private
Car 2 hrs $300–$400 Groups,
comfort
YUL → Mont Tremblant Shuttle 2.5 hrs $80–$120 Affordable, solo travelers
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Final Travel Tips
·
Book early: Especially during holidays,
festivals, or ski season.
·
Monitor weather conditions, particularly in winter.
·
Confirm pickup locations and timing with your
service provider.
·
Track flight delays via YUL’s official website
or airline app.
If connecting to another mode (train, bus, metro), allow
buffer time.
Conclusion
Whether you're traveling from Ottawa, Montebello, or YUL to Mont Tremblant, there are reliable groundtransport services to match every need and budget. Private cars offer the
greatest flexibility and comfort, while shuttles and public transit provide
solid, economical alternatives. With proper planning and timely booking, your
airport transfer can be seamless and stress-free.