Quick Answer
For most travelers, the best overall way to get from Montréal-Trudeau Airport (YUL) to Laval is by taking the 747 Airport Express Bus to the Lionel-Groulx metro station, then transferring to the Orange Line metro northbound towards Montmorency. This public transit option takes 45-60 minutes and costs only CA$11 for a 24-hour unlimited travel pass. For direct, door-to-door service, a taxi or ride-share (Uber/Lyft) is fastest (15-30 minutes) but costs significantly more at CA$40-$90.
Public Transit: The 747 Bus & Metro (Best for Budget Travelers)
This is the official and most economical method recommended by the Aéroport de Montréal. It combines a dedicated express bus with Montreal's efficient metro system.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Find the 747 Bus Stop: Exit the arrivals level of the terminal. Follow signs for "Public Transit / 747". Stops are located on the airport roadway outside each section of the terminal. Buses run 24/7.
- Purchase Your Ticket: Buy a CA$11 fare from the ticket machine at the stop, the STM information booth, or directly from the driver (exact change). Key Tip: This single fare gives you unlimited travel on all STM buses and the metro for 24 hours.
- Take the 747 Bus: Board the bus heading towards "Lionel-Groulx" metro station. The ride takes approximately 25-40 minutes depending on traffic. Buses have free Wi-Fi and luggage racks.
- Transfer to the Metro (Orange Line): At Lionel-Groulx station, follow signs for the Orange Line (direction: Montmorency). Take the train north.
- Arrive in Laval: Get off at one of Laval's three stations on the Orange Line:
- Cartier: For western Laval (Chomedey, Sainte-Dorothée).
- De la Concorde: For central Laval (Pont-Viau, Laval-des-Rapides).
- Montmorency: For eastern Laval (Auteuil, Duvernay) and connections to the Exo commuter train network.
Service Frequency & Schedule:
| Time of Day | 747 Bus Frequency | Orange Line Metro Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Daytime (6 AM - 8 PM) | Every 10-12 minutes | Every 3-5 minutes |
| Evening (8 PM - 1 AM) | Every 20-30 minutes | Every 5-10 minutes |
| Night (1 AM - 5 AM) | Every 30-60 minutes | Every 15-20 minutes |
Source: Société de transport de Montréal (STM) Official Schedule
Train Option: Why It's Not the Practical Choice
There is no direct train service from Montréal-Trudeau Airport (YUL). The airport is not connected to the Exo commuter rail network. Using a train would involve a complex, multi-leg journey that is almost always slower and less convenient than the bus/metro or taxi options.
Theoretical Route (Not Recommended):
- Take a taxi or the 204 bus from YUL to Lucien-L'Allier or Montréal Central train station (20-40 mins, CA$11+).
- Board an Exo Saint-Jérôme line train.
- Travel to Sainte-Rose station in Laval (approx. 25-35 min train ride).
- Take a local bus (STL) or taxi to your final destination in Laval.
Total Estimated Time: 90+ minutes. Total Estimated Cost: CA$20+. This option is only worth considering if your final destination is immediately adjacent to the Sainte-Rose Exo station.
Private Transfers & Hotel Shuttles
For a pre-booked, guaranteed service, private transfers are available. Some Laval hotels also offer shuttle serviceâalways confirm directly with your hotel.
Private Transfer Companies:
- Airlink Limousine Service: Offers private sedans and vans. Prices start around CA$75-100+ one-way to Laval. Official Site.
- Limousine Service at YUL: You can book a limo at the ground transportation counters in arrivals. Ideal for business travel or special occasions.
Hotel Shuttles:
Major chain hotels in Laval (e.g., Sheraton, Holiday Inn) may offer a paid shuttle service. You must contact your hotel in advance to inquire about availability, schedule, and cost. Free airport shuttles are extremely rare for Laval hotels due to the distance.
Cost & Time Comparison: YUL Airport to Laval
Use this table to quickly compare all options based on average data.
| Transport Method | Average Cost (One-Way) | Average Travel Time | Convenience / Notes | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 747 Bus + Metro (Public Transit) | CA$11 (24-hr pass) | 45 - 60 mins | Must handle luggage, involves one transfer. Runs 24/7. | â Budget travelers, solo travelers, light packers. |
| Taxi (Official, Fixed Fare) | CA$55 - CA$65 + tip | 15 - 30 mins | Door-to-door. Fixed price from airport. Always available. | â Groups of 3+, late-night arrivals, lots of luggage. |
| Ride-Share (Uber/Lyft) | CA$40 - CA$90 | 15 - 30 mins | Door-to-door. Price can surge. Pay via app. | â Tech-savvy travelers, those wanting upfront pricing. |
| Private Transfer | CA$75 - CA$150+ | 15 - 30 mins | Pre-booked, meet-and-greet service. Most expensive. | Business travel, families, special needs. |
| Train (Exo) *Not Practical* | CA$20+ | 90+ mins | Multiple transfers required. Not connected to YUL. | Only if destination is at Sainte-Rose station. |
Note: Travel times vary drastically with traffic, especially on Autoroute 15 (Décarie) and the 13/15 interchange. Always add buffer time during rush hour (7-9 AM, 4-6 PM).
Traveler Tips & Local Experience
Top 5 Pro-Tips for a Smooth Journey:
- Beware of Rush Hour Traffic: If you land on a weekday between 3:30 PM and 6:30 PM, the drive to Laval can easily double from 20 to 40+ minutes. Consider taking the 747 bus/metro during these times, as it uses a reserved lane on part of its route.
- Download Essential Apps: Before you land, download the STM app for real-time bus/metro info and fares, and the Uber/Lyft apps to compare prices.
- Luggage Strategy: The 747 bus has racks, but space is limited during busy periods. If you have very large or heavy bags, a taxi is less stressful. All Laval metro stations have elevators for accessibility.
- Winter Travel (Nov - Mar): Snowstorms can cause major delays for all transport. Allow at least 50% extra time for your journey. Taxis/rideshares will have surge pricing during storms.
- Payment for Public Transit: The CA$11 747 ticket is a phenomenal deal. If you plan to use transit in Montreal/Laval for the day, buy it immediately at the airport. You can also use a contactless credit card to tap directly on bus/metro readers for a single fare (CA$3.50), but the 24-hour pass is cheaper if you'll make more than 3 trips.
Navigating the Airport:
The 747 bus stops are on the arrivals level (ground floor). Exit the baggage claim area and look for the green "Public Transit / 747" signs. There are multiple stops (one outside each section of the terminal: A, B, C/D). If you're unsure, ask at the Information Desk in the arrivals hall.
FAQs: Montréal-Trudeau Airport (YUL) to Laval
What is the fastest way to get from Montréal-Trudeau Airport to Laval?
The fastest option is usually by taxi or ride-share (Uber, Lyft), taking 15-30 minutes depending on traffic. The dedicated airport shuttle (747) combined with the metro is the fastest public transit option, taking about 45-60 minutes total.
What is the cheapest way to get from YUL Airport to Laval?
The cheapest way is via public transit. Take the 747 airport express bus (CA$11) to Lionel-Groulx metro station, then transfer to the Orange Line metro towards Montmorency, getting off at one of Laval's three stations (Cartier, De la Concorde, or Montmorency). The total cost is a single CA$11 fare valid for 24 hours on all STM buses and metro.
Is there a direct train from YUL Airport to Laval?
No, there is no direct train service. Montréal-Trudeau is not connected to the commuter rail network (Exo). You must first take a bus or taxi to a central train station (like Lucien-L'Allier or Central Station), then take an Exo train on the Saint-Jérôme line to Laval's Sainte-Rose station. This is rarely the most efficient route.
How do I get to Laval from YUL if I arrive late at night or early morning?
For arrivals between 1:00 AM and 5:00 AM, your only reliable options are taxi or ride-share (Uber/Lyft), which operate 24/7. The 747 bus runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, but frequency drops to every 30-60 minutes at night. Check the current STM 747 schedule for exact times.
Is it easy to get to Laval from the airport with a lot of luggage or children?
With heavy luggage or young children, public transit can be challenging due to stairs at metro stations and bus space limits. A taxi, ride-share, or pre-booked private transfer is highly recommended for convenience. All 747 buses have luggage racks, and metro stations in Laval have elevators (check STM accessibility info).
Can I use my JR Pass for travel within Canada?
No, the Japan Rail (JR) Pass is only valid for travel on JR network trains within Japan. It cannot be used for any transportation in Canada. For Montreal's public transit, you need to purchase fares from the STM (Société de transport de Montréal).
Where can I buy tickets for the 747 airport bus?
You can buy the 747 bus ticket (CA$11) from: 1) Ticket machines at the airport arrivals level (near the 747 bus stops), 2) The STM booth at the airport, 3) Directly from the bus driver (exact change required), or 4) Via the STM mobile app. The ticket is valid for unlimited STM bus and metro travel for 24 hours.
Is it better to fly or take a train from other cities to reach Laval?
This guide is specifically for travel from Montréal-Trudeau Airport (YUL) to Laval, which are in the same metropolitan area (a short road journey). For travel from other Canadian cities (like Toronto or Vancouver) to Laval, you would typically fly into YUL or take a VIA Rail train to Montreal Central Station, then follow the routes described here to complete your journey to Laval.