How to get from Montréal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL) to Notre-Dame Basilica

Operated by the Société de transport de Montréal (STM), this is the official and most economical public transport link from YUL to downtown. It requires one bus and one metro ride.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Find the 747 Bus Stop: On the Arrivals level, follow signs for "Public Transit / Buses". The stop is located right outside the doors.
2. Pay Your Fare: The fare is $11 CAD (cash, exact change) for a combined 24-hour bus+metro pass. A cheaper alternative is a single $3.50 CAD fare if you use an OPUS card, a pre-purchased ticket, or the STM mobile app. The $11 day pass is worthwhile if you plan to use transit again within 24 hours.
3. Take the Bus: Board the 747 Express heading towards "Lionel-Groulx" or "Bonaventure" station. The ride takes 25-45 minutes depending on traffic.
   • Route A (Recommended for Notre-Dame): Stay on until Lionel-Groulx metro station.
   • Route B: Alternatively, go to Bonaventure station (closer but involves a more complex metro transfer).
4. Transfer to the Metro: At Lionel-Groulx, enter the station and take the Orange Line (Montmorency direction) for 4 stops to Place-d'Armes station.
5. Walk to the Basilica: Exit Place-d'Armes station. Notre-Dame Basilica is a 2-3 minute walk away (110 Notre-Dame St W).

Key Advantage: Runs 24/7, with frequency every 15-30 minutes during the day and every 30-60 minutes at night.

Key Consideration: Not ideal with heavy luggage due to bus boarding and station stairs/escalators.

Official taxis from YUL are regulated, metered, and offer a fixed fare structure to destinations in Montreal. This is the most straightforward option for first-time visitors or those with luggage.

What to Expect:

• Pickup Location: The official taxi stand is located on the Arrivals level, right outside the baggage claim areas. Follow the clear signage.
• Fare Structure: A fixed fare applies from YUL to destinations in "Zone A" (downtown Montreal). The fare to Notre-Dame Basilica (or any downtown address) is approximately:
  • Daytime (5:00 AM - 11:59 PM): Around $48 - $53 CAD (flat rate + potential tolls).
  • Nighttime (12:00 AM - 4:59 AM): Around $55 - $60 CAD.
  Always confirm the flat rate with the driver before departing.
• Travel Time: 20-30 minutes in normal traffic. During rush hour (7-9 AM, 4-6 PM), this can extend to 45-60 minutes.
• Payment: Major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard) and cash (CAD) are accepted. Tipping 10-15% is customary.

Best For: Travelers prioritizing convenience, families with children, groups of 3-4 (splitting the cost), arrivals with lots of luggage, or late-night/early-morning arrivals when other options are less frequent.

Uber and Lyft operate legally at YUL. Pricing is dynamic (surge pricing during high demand) but often competitive with or slightly cheaper than taxis. The pickup process is specific.

How to Use Ride-Share from YUL:

1. Connect to Airport Wi-Fi: Ensure your phone is connected to "YUL WiFi" to book without using mobile data.
2. Request Your Ride: Open the Uber or Lyft app after collecting your luggage. Enter your destination as "Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal" or the address "110 Notre-Dame St W, Montreal, QC H2Y 1T2".
3. Go to the Designated Pickup Zone: DO NOT request a ride until you are at the pickup spot. Follow airport signs for "Ride App" pickup. For YUL, this is typically in Parking P4 or P9. The app will provide precise walking instructions and a specific stall number (e.g., P4, Aisle B, Stall 12).
4. Meet Your Driver: Proceed to the exact stall. Confirm the driver's name, car model, and license plate before entering.

Cost & Time Estimate:

• Cost: Typically $35 - $50 CAD for UberX/Lyft Standard. Can surge to $70+ during peak hours, bad weather, or major events. Check the app for a precise quote.
• Travel Time: Similar to taxis, 20-40 minutes depending on traffic.

Pro Tip: Compare prices between Uber and Lyft in the app before booking, as they can differ. Uber Green (hybrid/electric) is often available for a small premium.

For a balance between cost and comfort, shared shuttle vans or pre-booked private cars are excellent choices.

A) Shared Airport Shuttle (Skyport, Airport Shuttle Montreal)

Companies like Skyport International and Montreal Airport Shuttle operate shared vans that drop passengers at multiple downtown hotels.

• How it Works: Book online or at the counter in Arrivals. You share a van with other passengers headed to similar zones. Your drop-off will be at a major hotel closest to your final destination.
• Cost: Shared service starts at $20 - $25 CAD per person one-way. A drop-off at a hotel near Notre-Dame (e.g., Hotel Bonaventure, InterContinental) is common, followed by a 5-10 minute walk.
• Travel Time: Can take 45-75 minutes door-to-door due to multiple stops.
• Best For: Solo travelers or couples looking to save vs. a taxi but avoid public transit with bags.

B) Private Car Service / Limousine

For a premium, stress-free arrival, pre-book a private sedan or limousine. Companies like Limocy or Airlines Limousine offer this service.

• How it Works: Book online in advance. Your driver will meet you in the Arrivals hall holding a sign with your name.
• Cost: Starts around $80 - $120+ CAD for a standard sedan, depending on the company and vehicle class.
• Travel Time: Direct, approximately 20-30 minutes.
• Best For: Business travelers, special occasions, families/groups needing a large vehicle, or those desiring maximum comfort and certainty.

Key Information:

• Rental Counters: All major rental companies (Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, etc.) are located on the Ground Transportation level (level 2) of the multi-level parking garage, connected to the terminal via a covered walkway.
• The Drive: Take Autoroute 20 East from the airport, which becomes Autoroute 720 (Ville-Marie) into downtown. Exit at Saint-Urbain/Saint-Laurent for the Old Port area. The drive is about 20 km (12.5 mi).
• Parking at Notre-Dame Basilica: Street parking is extremely limited and expensive. Use nearby public parking lots:
  • Place d'Armes Parking (underground): 55 Saint-Antoine St W, 5 min walk.
  • Complexe Desjardins Parking: 150 Saint-Catherine St W, 10 min walk.
  • Rates: Expect to pay $20 - $35 CAD for 2-3 hours in these central lots.

Recommendation: Unless you are continuing a road trip, avoid renting a car just for the airport-to-Basilica transfer. The cost, traffic, and parking hassle outweigh the benefits for a downtown destination.

Important Clarification: Walking or cycling directly from YUL Airport to Notre-Dame Basilica is not a viable or safe option due to the long distance and lack of pedestrian infrastructure on highways.

But What About Walking in the City?

Once you are downtown, walking is the best way to explore Old Montreal. From Place-d'Armes metro station or any downtown hotel, Notre-Dame Basilica is easily accessible on foot.

BIXI Bikes (Public Bike Share)

If you arrive downtown via transit, consider using Montreal's excellent BIXI bike-share system (seasonal, typically April-November). Stations are ubiquitous. A single ride is ~$3.50, or get a 24-hour pass (~$6). From Place d'Armes, it's a very short ride to the Basilica.

Before You Arrive at YUL:

• Download Essential Apps: STM (transit) for schedules, BIXI for bikes, and Uber/Lyft. Have Google Maps or Apple Maps ready for walking directions.
• Get Small Canadian Dollars (CAD): Useful for paying exact bus fare in cash ($11) or for small tips. ATMs and currency exchange are available in Arrivals.
• Check Your Mobile Plan: Ensure you have a Canadian data plan or know how to connect to "YUL WiFi" for free upon arrival to book ride-shares or navigate.

At the Airport (YUL):

• Follow the Signs: YUL is well-signed in English and French. Look for pictograms for "Bus," "Taxi," "Ride App," and "Car Rental."
• Validate Your Transit Ticket: If you buy a paper ticket or day pass from the machine at the 747 bus stop, you MUST validate it in the machine on the bus to activate it.
• Beware of Unofficial Solicitations: Ignore anyone inside the terminal offering you a "cheap taxi" or ride. Only use the official taxi queue or your pre-booked service.

At Notre-Dame Basilica & Old Montreal:

• Purchase Basilica Tickets Online: To avoid long lines, especially in summer and on weekends, buy your entry tickets or AURA show tickets online in advance.
• Explore on Foot: The Basilica is in the heart of Old Montreal. Plan time to walk the cobblestone streets to Place Jacques-Cartier, the Old Port, and enjoy the cafes.
• Dress Comfortably: Wear good walking shoes. The area is very pedestrian-friendly.