Book flights to Montreal

Montreal is a major North American hub that welcomes travellers to a large island at the confluence of the Saint Lawrence River and the Ottawa River. This bilingual metropolis has a geographic role as a gateway to North America, blending European sensibilities with a distinct Canadian character.

The city is home to the historic Old Montreal district, where the Notre-Dame Basilica and cobblestone streets reflect centuries of history. High above the skyline, the wooded trails of Mount Royal Park provide panoramic views, while the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts and the Quartier des Spectacles house the city's extensive artistic collections.

Visitors often find the atmosphere defined by a passion for gastronomy and seasonal festivals. Whether exploring the underground city or the cafes of the Plateau, the destination has a character built on architectural diversity and a sophisticated culinary culture.

High season in Montreal

Montreal is at its most energetic during the summer months from June to August, when temperatures often reach 26°C. Upon landing at Montréal-Trudeau International Airport, travellers find a city that has moved entirely outdoors to celebrate the warmth. The streets of Old Montreal and the Plateau fill with people enjoying sidewalk terraces, and the pace of life accelerates with a constant stream of public festivities.

The high season is defined by a world-famous festival calendar, including the Montreal International Jazz Festival and Just for Laughs. Large sections of the downtown core become pedestrian-only zones, allowing for a seamless flow between outdoor stages and public art installations. The lush greenery of Mount Royal Park provides a tranquil escape for hikers and cyclists, while the Lachine Canal has a steady flow of boaters and runners under the sun.

Low season in Montreal

As the mercury drops during the low season from December to March, Montreal transforms into a serene, snow-covered landscape with temperatures frequently falling below -10°C. Visitors arriving during this period encounter a city expertly designed for the cold, where the architectural charm of the skyline is enhanced by crisp, winter air. The lifestyle shifts toward cozy indoor gatherings and the extensive Underground City, a network of walkways that keeps the city functional and warm.

Despite the chill, the social atmosphere remains lively through events like Montréal en Lumière and the outdoor electronic music festival Igloofest. Residents embrace the season by skating at the Old Port or cross-country skiing through the quiet, wooded trails of Mount Royal. This period offers a more intimate look at the city’s identity, where the contrast between the freezing temperatures and the warm hospitality of local bistros creates a truly unique Canadian experience.

A single primary gateway handles the vast majority of international and domestic traffic for travellers arriving by air in this corner of Quebec. The airport infrastructure is designed to facilitate a smooth transition from the runway to the diverse neighbourhoods of the city centre.

Your journey from the airport

Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport, identified by the code YUL, is situated approximately 20 km west of the city centre in the suburb of Dorval. As the busiest airport in the province, it is a major hub for Air Canada and Air Transat, connecting passengers to destinations across five continents. The facility consists of a single, large terminal divided into four distinct zones: public, domestic, transborder for travel to the United States, and international. Many travellers booking a flight to Montreal will find themselves arriving at this modern terminal, which is well-equipped with services such as 24-hour assistance and duty-free shopping.

After landing and clearing customs, you have several reliable ways to reach the heart of the city. The 747 P-E-Trudeau Airport / Downtown shuttle bus is a popular choice, providing 24-hour service between the terminal and Berri-UQAM Station or Lionel-Groulx Station, with a journey time of roughly 45 to 70 minutes depending on traffic. Taxis and ride-hailing services are readily available at the arrivals level, offering a direct trip to Downtown Montreal in about 25 to 40 minutes. While there is currently no direct subway link, regional bus connections and hotel shuttles provide additional flexibility for reaching specific districts or the nearby VIA Rail station in Dorval.

Montreal/Saint-Hubert Longueuil Airport (YHU)

Located roughly 15 km east of the city centre in the city of Longueuil, Montreal/Saint-Hubert Longueuil Airport (YHU) is primarily for general aviation, flight training, and regional commercial services. While it does not handle the high volume of international flights to Montreal seen at YUL, it is an important secondary airport for regional carriers like Pascan Aviation. The airport has a smaller, more accessible terminal environment, focusing on domestic routes within Quebec and eastern Canada.

To reach the city from the south shore, you can utilize the local public transit network managed by the Réseau de transport de Longueuil (RTL). Regular bus services connect the terminal to the Longueuil–Université-de-Sherbrooke metro station, where you can board the Yellow Line to reach Berri-UQAM in approximately 30 minutes. Taxis and private vehicle services are also efficient options, typically taking around 20 to 30 minutes to cross the Jacques Cartier Bridge or the Samuel De Champlain Bridge into the central business district.

Descending into Montréal-Trudeau International Airport, the view of the Saint Lawrence River and the city's green peaks provides a first glimpse of the island’s storied geography. Once on the ground, the air feels charged with a creative energy that merges historic European charm with a forward-looking North American pace.

Old Montréal
Walking through this district reveals cobblestone streets and stone facades that date back centuries, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a European capital. The Notre-Dame Basilica is a highlight here, housing an intricate blue interior and woodcarvings that reflect the city's deep artistic and religious roots.

Mount Royal Park
This expansive green space, designed by the same architect as Central Park, provides a peaceful escape with panoramic views of the downtown skyline from the Kondiaronk Lookout. It is a natural gathering place where the sound of Sunday drum circles often fills the air near the Sir George-Étienne Cartier Monument.

The Plateau
Known for its brightly coloured houses and distinctive outdoor spiral staircases, this neighbourhood is the heart of the city's bohemian culture. It is a place for slow discovery, where narrow residential streets lead to bustling avenues lined with murals and local cafes.

Jean-Talon Market
Located in Little Italy, this open-air market is one of the largest in North America and is a sensory introduction to local flavours. Visiting the stalls allows travelers to experience the region’s agricultural bounty, from seasonal maple products to fresh Quebec cheeses.

Sainte-Catherine Street
This thoroughfare stretches across the city, acting as a primary artery for shopping and urban exploration. It connects diverse districts, including the Quartier des Spectacles, where massive outdoor festivals celebrate music and light throughout the year.

The Underground City
A sprawling network of interconnected walkways beneath the city streets allows for exploration regardless of the weather. This subterranean world links metro stations to shopping centres and office towers, showcasing a clever architectural response to the northern climate.

Few feelings compare to boarding a plane knowing the charming streets of Montreal await your arrival. To secure the best flight deals for your journey, consider booking during off-peak windows and using the eDreams search filters to compare different airlines and schedules. For those who travel often, eDreams Prime has additional savings and flexible options that make the path to your next discovery even smoother.