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 Mont Tremblant connections.

 

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.

 

 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

 

 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 ground transport 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.