Jazmin Li
Montreal, Canada, has two airports: YUL and YMQ. YUL, also known as Montréal-Trudeau International Airport, is the main international airport. It is the third-largest airport in Canada, located 20 minutes from downtown Montreal. YMQ is a code for all Montreal airports, including Trudeau and Mirabel. Mirabel airport is now used for cargo only, and St-Hubert airport, also in Montreal, handles local flights. Travellers have noted that YUL is a smaller airport and somewhat easier to navigate, with a few spots that YYZ (Toronto) can't access directly.
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What You'll Learn
YUL is cheaper and easier to navigate
YUL Montréal-Trudeau International Airport is located 20 minutes west of downtown Montréal. It is the third-largest airport in Canada and the main passenger airport in Montréal. It is accessible via train, with a free shuttle from the airport to the train station in Dorval. Taxis are also available, with fixed rates, and rideshare apps are another option. There are also Montreal Airport Express shuttle buses that go to both terminals, and buses that will take you into the city centre.
The airport has a full range of food and shopping options, including boutiques and duty-free stores with major brands and products with a unique Canadian twist. There is also an in-terminal hotel, the Montréal Airport Marriott, which offers a spa, a pool, and a 24-hour fitness facility. The airport has a 4-Star Skytrax World Airport Star Rating and has won the “Best Airport Staff Service” award in North America in 2023. It offers a free YUL Express service to speed up your airport process, and you can make an appointment up to 72 hours before your flight for free.
The airport also has an extensive art program, with art installations, murals, paintings, photographs, and other exhibitions. There is a family-friendly area with a play space and interactive exhibits, as well as a play area with a tunnel and slides, and an arcade game room. The airport also has basic amenities like restrooms with hair and body washers and blow dryers, and a multi-faith area for prayer and reflection.
Navigating the airport is straightforward, with clear signs in both English and French. All travellers, regardless of destination, pass through the same security area: Checkpoint A. It is recommended to arrive three hours before your scheduled flight time, and travellers flying directly to the USA must pass through US border control before boarding, so budget enough time for this. Wait times at security and customs can be viewed at any point.
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YYZ has better connections and more frequent flights
Toronto Pearson International Airport, coded YYZ, is the largest and busiest airport in Canada, handling 44.8 million passengers in 2023. It is located in Mississauga, Ontario, and serves as the main airport for Toronto and the surrounding region. With five runways, two passenger terminals, and numerous cargo and maintenance facilities, it offers extensive connections and a high frequency of flights.
YYZ is known for its convenient transportation options, including easy train access to downtown Toronto. The airport is well-connected to the city center, with plans for further expansion. The Eglinton Crosstown West Extension, scheduled to open in 2030-2031, will provide a direct link to Midtown Toronto and Scarborough, with additional transfers to Downtown. This enhances YYZ's appeal for travellers seeking convenient connections to various parts of the city.
In terms of flight frequency, YYZ stands out with its busy schedule. As the busiest airport in Canada, it offers a wide range of domestic, transborder, and international flights. Both terminals are equipped to handle all three sectors of travel, providing travellers with diverse options for their journeys. The high passenger volume at YYZ also contributes to the frequent flight offerings, catering to a large number of travellers.
When comparing YYZ with YUL (Montreal-Trudeau International Airport), YYZ offers more extensive connections. While YUL is a smaller airport that may be easier to navigate, YYZ provides access to a broader range of destinations. YYZ serves as a hub for various airlines and alliances, resulting in a wider network of routes and flight options for travellers. This means that travellers passing through YYZ are more likely to find convenient connections to their desired destinations.
Additionally, YYZ has a higher frequency of flights due to its larger size and busier nature. This can be advantageous for travellers who require more flexibility in their travel plans or those seeking specific flight times that align with their schedules. The higher flight frequency also contributes to more options for alternative flights in case of delays or cancellations, enhancing the overall reliability of travel through YYZ.
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YUL has direct flights to destinations that YYZ can't access
YUL, or Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport, is the second or third-largest airport in Canada and is based in Montreal. There are 34 airlines operating at YUL, flying to 152 destinations in 47 countries and 32 US states. These include Toronto, New York, and Fort Lauderdale, which are the most popular routes from Montreal. The two longest flights from YUL are to Seoul (14 hours and 40 minutes) and Delhi (14 hours and 30 minutes).
YYZ, or Pearson International Airport, is based in Toronto. It is a busier airport than YUL, and there is a lot of construction. It is accessible by train to downtown Toronto. YYZ is a hub for Air Canada, with the route to YUL being the most common, with an average of 142 flights weekly.
YUL is a smaller and more compact airport than YYZ, and it is easier to navigate. It is also cheaper to fly from YUL, and you do not need to redo security if you are connecting from an international flight. However, YYZ often has direct flights to Asia, whereas YUL will require a connection.
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YYZ has better lounge access
YYZ, also known as the Toronto Pearson International Airport, boasts an impressive array of lounge options that cater to diverse traveller needs and preferences. With its recent expansion and enhancement of lounge facilities, YYZ has solidified its reputation for offering exceptional lounge access to its passengers.
The Plaza Premium Lounge at YYZ, located in Terminal 3, stands out for its elegant design and comprehensive amenities. The lounge welcomes travellers with a tranquil atmosphere, comfortable seating, and a diverse selection of food and beverages. It also features private resting suites, shower facilities, and a dedicated family room, ensuring that passengers of all ages can relax and rejuvenate before their flights.
Another notable lounge at YYZ is the Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge, which offers a refined and exclusive experience. With locations in both Terminal 1 and Terminal 3, this lounge provides a tranquil escape from the bustling airport. The Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge is renowned for its premium services, including gourmet dining options, fully-equipped work stations, and a well-appointed business centre. It also offers travellers a quiet area to unwind, complete with comfortable seating and ample charging stations.
YYZ also shines when it comes to accessibility, as evidenced by its Priority Pass membership. This membership grants passengers access to a network of lounges and travel benefits worldwide, including at YYZ. The Priority Pass lounge at YYZ, located in Terminal 1, provides a tranquil environment with comfortable seating, complimentary refreshments, and a selection of reading materials. Passengers can also take advantage of the practical amenities, such as charging points and free Wi-Fi, ensuring they stay connected and productive during their time at the airport.
In contrast, YMX, also known as Montréal-Mirabel International Airport, does not have the same extensive lounge access options as YYZ. YMX primarily serves cargo flights and has limited passenger services, with no mention of lounge facilities in the available sources. Therefore, when comparing YYZ and YMX, it is evident that YYZ takes the lead in terms of lounge access, offering a diverse range of options that cater to different traveller preferences and needs.
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YYZ has easy train access to downtown
YYZ, or Toronto Pearson Airport, has easy train access to downtown Toronto. This makes it a convenient option for those looking to get to the city centre quickly and efficiently. In addition to the train, YYZ also offers a variety of other transportation options, including buses, taxis, and limousines, providing travellers with flexibility in their travel plans.
YYZ is a major airport serving the city of Toronto and is known for its busy atmosphere and ongoing construction. Despite its reputation as a "dystopian hellscape" by some, it handles a large volume of traffic and provides connections to numerous worldwide destinations. The airport is also a hub for Air Canada, offering convenient access for travellers looking to connect to other flights.
In comparison to YUL, Montreal-Trudeau International Airport, YYZ may offer more convenient train access to the downtown core. While YUL is a smaller airport and may be easier to navigate, it primarily relies on rideshare programs, taxis, and limousines for transportation to the city centre. Additionally, YUL offers a 24-hour public bus service, the 747, providing a direct connection to downtown Montreal. However, for those seeking a seamless connection to downtown Toronto, YYZ's train access may be a deciding factor.
For travellers considering YYZ, it is worth noting that the airport handles a high volume of traffic and has a busy atmosphere. Construction work is also ongoing, which may impact the overall experience. Nonetheless, YYZ's easy train access to downtown Toronto provides a convenient and efficient way to reach the city centre, making it a favourable option for those seeking quick and direct transportation upon arrival.
Overall, YYZ's train access to downtown Toronto is a significant advantage for travellers looking for a seamless connection to the city centre. With a variety of transportation options available, travellers can choose the one that best suits their needs, ensuring a smooth and efficient journey to their final destination.
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Frequently asked questions
YUL is a smaller airport that is somewhat easier to navigate. It is also a bit cheaper. However, YYZ has more flight options and is better in case of IRROPS.
YUL offers a full range of food and shopping options, including boutiques and duty-free stores. It also provides currency exchange, VIP lounges, a multi-faith area, breastfeeding rooms, self-service strollers, dog relief areas and free Wi-Fi.
Yes, there are several hotels near Montréal’s airport, including the Montréal Airport Marriott In-Terminal Hotel, which is located beside the USA departures terminal.
