How to get from Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB) to Université Laval

For travelers prioritizing speed, convenience, or arriving with heavy luggage or in a group, taxis and rideshares are the top choice. Service is available 24/7 directly outside the Arrivals level.

Key Details & Process:

• Where to Find: The official taxi stand is right outside the main terminal doors. For Uber/Lyft, use the app after collecting luggage—the designated pick-up zone is in the same area.
• Journey: The route takes the Autoroute Félix-Leclerc (Autoroute 40) west, followed by Autoroute 73 north, exiting near the university. Traffic is usually light outside of weekday rush hours (7-9 AM, 4-6 PM).
• Cost Breakdown:
  • Taxi: Fixed airport rate to Université Laval is approximately $45 - $55 CAD, including all fees. Confirm the rate with the driver before departure.
  • Uber/Lyft: Typically cheaper, ranging from $35 - $45 CAD for UberX. Prices surge during bad weather, peak hours, and late nights.
• Payment: Taxis accept cash, credit, and debit. Rideshares are paid via the app.

Best For: Families, visitors with lots of luggage, business travelers, late-night/early-morning arrivals, and those seeking hassle-free travel.

The official Navigateur airport shuttle offers a comfortable and direct connection between YQB and major hotels and institutions, including stops at Université Laval's Pavillon Alphonse-Desjardins and the PEPS sports complex.

Key Details & Process:

• Booking & Pick-up: Reservations are strongly recommended, especially during peak arrival times (mornings, weekends). Book online or at the counter in Arrivals. The shuttle departs from a marked bay outside the terminal.
• Route & Schedule: It is a shared-ride service, so there may be 1-2 other stops before reaching the university. The trip takes 30-45 minutes depending on traffic and other drop-offs. Service generally runs from early morning until the last flight arrival.
• Cost: A one-way fare to Université Laval is approximately $25 - $30 CAD per person. Students may inquire about discounts.
• Luggage: Ample space for standard suitcases is provided.

Best For: Solo travelers and small groups seeking a balance of cost and convenience, international students arriving for the first time, and those staying at on-campus residences.

The local transit network, Réseau de transport de la Capitale (RTC), offers the most affordable transfer but requires one transfer. It's a great way to travel like a local.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Find the Bus Stop: Exit the terminal and walk to the "Aéroport / YQB" bus stop, located just outside near the parking structure.
2. Take Route 80 (Est/Est-U): Board the Route 80 bus heading towards "Est / Université Laval". The bus runs every 30-60 minutes. Check the RTC Planibus for real-time schedules.
3. Transfer at Gare du Palais: After about a 25-minute ride, disembark at the main intermodal station, Gare du Palais.
4. Take Route 7, 11, or 801: From here, transfer to Route 7 (Vers Sainte-Foy), Route 11 (Vers Sainte-Foy), or the rapid bus Route 801. All will take you to stops along "Université Laval" (e.g., "Place de la Cité", "Hôpital"). The second leg takes 15-20 minutes.

Essential Bus Travel Tips:

• Fare: A single adult fare is $3.50 CAD. You will need to pay twice (no free transfer) unless you use a timed pass. Purchase tickets from the machine at the airport stop or pay exact change on board.
• Travel Time: Allow 60-75 minutes total, including waiting for the transfer.
• Luggage: Buses have limited space for large suitcases. Avoid rush hours (7-9 AM, 3-6 PM) when buses are crowded.

Best For: Solo budget travelers, students familiar with the city, and those traveling light without time constraints.

If you plan to explore beyond Québec City or need a vehicle for your entire stay, renting a car at YQB is straightforward. All major agencies (Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz) have desks in the Arrivals hall.

Key Considerations:

• Drive to Campus: The drive is a simple 20-25 minutes via Autoroutes 40 and 73. Use Exit 128 - Université Laval from Autoroute 73.
• Parking at Université Laval: This is a major challenge. Visitor parking is limited, paid, and often requires a permit purchased from a machine or via the university parking website. Long-term parking is expensive. Students should coordinate with their faculty for permits.
• Costs: Rental rates vary widely but expect $50-$100+ CAD per day, plus fuel, insurance, and parking fees. Winter driving (Dec-Mar) requires experience with snow and ice.

Best For: Travelers planning day trips (e.g., to Charlevoix, Mont-Sainte-Anne), researchers needing to travel to remote facilities, or those staying off-campus with guaranteed parking.

Essential Tips for a Smooth Journey:

• Connectivity is Key: Ensure you have mobile data or access to airport Wi-Fi to book rideshares, check bus schedules, or use Google Maps for navigation.
• Winter Travel (Nov-Apr): Québec winters are harsh. Dress warmly. While taxis and shuttles are reliable, public bus delays are possible during heavy snow. Road conditions are generally well-maintained on highways.
• Currency & Payment: Have some Canadian dollars (CAD) in cash for taxis or bus fare, though cards are widely accepted. Inform your bank of travel plans to avoid card blocks.
• Arriving Late or Early: For flights arriving after ~11 PM or before ~6 AM, your only guaranteed options are taxi or pre-booked private transfer. Confirm shuttle and bus schedules in advance.
• For New Students: Many university faculties offer orientation shuttle services during peak arrival periods (late August, early January). Check with the International Office or your department first.
• Luggage Strategy: If you have multiple large bags, seriously consider a taxi, rideshare, or shuttle. Navigating the bus transfer with heavy luggage is difficult and may inconvenience other passengers.