Montréal has two airports that matter to most travellers: Montréal-Trudeau (YUL) in Dorval, which handles almost all international and domestic flights, and Montréal Saint-Hubert (YHU) on the South Shore, used for regional, charter and private flights. Getting to either one should be the easy part of your trip. This guide covers how a private chauffeur transfer works, how much time to leave, and what to tell us when you book.
YUL or YHU: which airport are you using?
YUL (Montréal-Trudeau) sits about 20 km west of downtown. Depending on the hour, the drive from downtown takes 25 to 50 minutes; rush hour on Autoroute 20 and the Décarie interchange is the usual culprit. From Laval or the West Island it is often quicker; from the South Shore, plan for the bridges.
YHU (Saint-Hubert) is in Longueuil, across the river. It is the natural choice for travellers based on the South Shore, and for private aviation, where ground transport options at the terminal are thin. A pre-booked car is usually the most reliable way in and out.
How a chauffeur airport transfer works
Going to the airport
You give us the pickup address, your flight time and the number of passengers and bags. We schedule the pickup with a buffer for traffic and the season, the chauffeur arrives before the booked time, and you are dropped at the departures door of your terminal. No parking, no shuttle from the long-term lot, no surge pricing.
Coming home from the airport
Give us your flight number and we track it, so an early or late landing does not leave you waiting. You can be met inside the terminal with a name sign (meet and greet), or meet the car at the designated pickup area if you prefer to go straight to the curb. The chauffeur handles the luggage either way.
How much time to leave
- Domestic flights from YUL: be at the airport about 2 hours before departure.
- U.S. flights from YUL: allow about 3 hours. U.S. preclearance happens in Montréal, before you board.
- International flights: about 3 hours.
- Winter: add 15 to 30 minutes to the drive when snow is in the forecast.
Not sure? Tell us the flight and we will suggest a pickup time when we confirm your booking.
Chauffeur, taxi or rideshare?
| Taxi / rideshare | Private chauffeur | |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle | Whatever is available | The vehicle you booked |
| Price | Meter or surge pricing | Quoted in advance, in writing |
| Flight tracking | No | Yes |
| Meet and greet inside the terminal | No | Available |
| Room for luggage, skis, child seats | Hit or miss | Planned when you book |
| Availability at 5 a.m. or after midnight | Unpredictable | Scheduled ahead |
Choosing the right vehicle
A sedan suits one to three passengers with normal luggage. Choose an SUV for families, groups of four or more, ski bags, golf bags or more than a couple of large suitcases. If you are travelling with young children, ask for child seats when you book so they are installed before pickup. See the fleet for what each vehicle carries.
Montréal winters
Snow does not cancel flights as often as people expect, but it does slow the roads. Our vehicles run on winter tires from fall to spring, and chauffeurs who drive these routes every day know where the delays build up. On storm days we will contact you if we recommend an earlier pickup.
What to tell us when you book
- Airport (YUL or YHU) and whether you are going to or coming from it
- Flight number and time
- Pickup or drop-off address
- Number of passengers, bags and any skis or oversized items
- Child seats, if needed
- Whether you want meet and greet inside the terminal
The booking form gives you an instant estimate, and every fare is confirmed in writing before your booking is final. For more on the service itself, see airport transfers.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if my flight is delayed?
We track your flight and adjust the pickup to the actual landing time.
Can you pick me up at YHU?
Yes. We serve both Montréal-Trudeau (YUL) and Saint-Hubert (YHU), as well as transfers to and from the South Shore.
Is the price fixed?
Yes. You receive a written quote before the booking is final, with taxes and fees itemized. There is no meter and no surge pricing.
Can you take us beyond Montréal after landing?
Yes, including direct transfers from YUL to Mont-Tremblant, Québec City and Ottawa.
