Montreal Trudeau Airport 747 Bus Guide 2026: Fares, Routes, and Transit Rights

The 747 airport bus remains the most cost-effective link between Montréal–Trudeau International Airport (YUL) and the city center for 2026. A single fare provides not only the airport transfer but 24 hours of unlimited public transit access across Montreal's urban core.

YUL Airport Transit Operations 2026

The 747 is a dedicated STM (Société de transport de Montréal) line operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Unlike standard city buses, the 747 is configured with expanded luggage compartments to accommodate international travelers.

Our analysis of the current routing shows the line connects YUL to downtown via Boulevard René‑Lévesque. The primary transit hub for this route is the Lionel‑Groulx metro station, where passengers can transfer to the green and orange metro lines to avoid downtown surface traffic.

Flight & Airport Impact Breakdown

• Primary Hub: Montréal–Trudeau International Airport (YUL)
• Key Transfer Point: Lionel‑Groulx Metro Station (Interchange for Green/Orange lines)
• Downtown Corridor: Boulevard René‑Lévesque (Stops include Guy, Drummond, Peel, Mansfield, Union, Jeanne‑Mance, Saint‑Laurent, and Hôtel‑de‑Ville)
• Travel Times:
  • YUL to Lionel‑Groulx: 20–30 minutes (moderate traffic)
  • YUL to Berri‑UQAM/Gare d’autocars: Approximately 40 minutes
  • Peak Hour: Travel times can extend to 60 minutes during rush hour or heavy construction.
• Frequency: Multiple departures per hour during daylight; continuous but reduced frequency overnight.

Fare Structure and Ticket Acquisition

For 2026, the standard fare for the 747 is 11.25 Canadian dollars (CAD). This is a premium fare compared to standard STM tickets because it functions as a 24-hour all-modes Zone A pass.

What the 11.25 CAD Fare Includes

For the affected passenger, this means the ticket is not a single-trip fare. It grants unlimited access to the entire Montreal metro network and most STM buses within the urban core for a full 24-hour window from the time of purchase.

Ticketing Options

• Ticket Machines: Located in the YUL arrivals area. These accept major bank cards and provide interfaces in English and French.
• Chrono Mobile App: The official regional transit application. As of 2026, the Transit app no longer sells airport fares; travelers aged 14+ must use Chrono to purchase and activate digital fares.
• Cash Payment: Drivers accept exact change only (11.25 CAD in coins). Banknotes are not accepted, and drivers do not provide change.
• OPUS Card: Long-stay travelers can load airport-compatible 24-hour or multi-day passes onto a physical OPUS smart card.

Passenger Rights & Advisory

Navigating airport transit often leads to ticketing errors. Based on our analysis of STM policies, passengers should be aware of the following:

The "Single Ticket" Trap A standard single-ride metro or bus ticket purchased in downtown Montreal is not valid for the 747 bus. Passengers attempting to return to YUL using a basic ticket will be required to purchase the 11.25 CAD airport fare upon boarding.

Family Travel Policies While younger children typically ride free with a paying adult, children aged 6 to 11 may require reduced fares. For families with multiple children in this age bracket, we suggest comparing the 747 fare against multi-day transit passes to determine the most economical option.

Connectivity Requirements Passengers using the Chrono app must have an active internet connection to purchase and load fares. We advise utilizing the airport's complimentary Wi-Fi before exiting the terminal to ensure the digital ticket is active.

The integration of the 747 fare into a 24-hour Zone A pass is a strategic move by the STM to reduce friction for tourists. By bundling the airport transfer with city-wide transit, Montreal encourages immediate use of the metro system, reducing the reliance on ride-sharing services that often congest the Boulevard René‑Lévesque corridor.

However, the shift to the Chrono app and the strict "exact change" cash policy reflects a broader industry trend toward digitalization that may alienate some international travelers. The reliance on the Lionel‑Groulx hub remains the most efficient strategy for passengers to bypass downtown congestion.

Ensure your digital fare is activated before boarding to avoid delays at the YUL terminal.

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