Montreal Trudeau Airport Traffic Jam Persists as parking Garage Is Demolished and Access Reworked
Table of Contents
Congestion around Montreal’s Trudeau International Airport is intensifying as a major road-network overhaul and the demolition of the aging multi‑level parking facility proceed. Officials say the changes will boost capacity to meet growing demand while making curbside drop-offs smoother in time.
Locals and travelers along Chemin de la Côte-de-Liesse report mixed conditions, with some trips still dragging and others passing through relatively smoothly. One commuter called the surrounding traffic “godawful,” while another traveler recalled earlier visits that felt almost impassable at peak times.
Aéroports de Montréal (ADM) acknowledged the ongoing challenges, especially during busy periods and holiday seasons. The current work centers on reconfiguring the road layout and razing the old multi‑level garage to make way for a larger facility.
ADM says the project is aimed at accommodating more passengers in the years ahead. The airport is targeting as many as 28 million travelers by 2028 and up to 35 million by 2035. in 2024, passenger volume was a little over 22 million.
The renovation includes adding about 1,000 more parking spaces and relocating the new garage farther from the terminal. When complete, parking capacity is expected to triple, easing the squeeze on curbside access.
In addition, a new building will connect the terminal to a future light‑rail station, with operations expected to begin by 2027. The goal is to streamline arrivals and departures and reduce congestion around peak periods.
Smart travel tips as work continues
ADM advises travelers to arrive three hours before departure,regardless of destination,to buffer for potential delays getting to the main drop-off zone.
Two express options are highlighted: use the drop‑off points at P‑10 and P‑4, where a shuttle runs every five minutes to the main terminal.The shuttle provides an option path away from the busiest curbside lanes.
Some travelers are already adjusting their plans, with one person renting a nearby hotel and taking the bus to the airport to avoid lengthy traffic and last‑minute scrambles.
Key facts at a glance
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Current system | Access via main drop-off and existing parking structure |
| Projected capacity | Up to 28 million by 2028; up to 35 million by 2035 |
| 2024 passenger volume | Just over 22 million |
| Parking changes | Demolition of the multi‑level garage; 1,000 additional spaces planned |
| Parking location | New facility positioned farther from the terminal |
| Connectivity | New link to a future light‑rail station by 2027 |
| Traffic tips | Arrive three hours early; use P‑10 and P‑4 express drops and shuttle every five minutes |
What this means for travelers
The project aims to reduce bottlenecks and improve overall ease of movement around the airport as passenger numbers climb in the coming years. While construction continues,travelers should plan ahead,consider alternate drop-off options,and allow extra time for every trip to the terminal.
How do you plan to navigate Trudeau airport during peak travel times? Do you see value in the new rail connection and expanded parking?
Would you consider using the express drop-off points or the hotel-and-bus option to save time and stress on travel days? let us know in the comments below.
Have you experienced similar congestion at other major airports? Tell us how you adapted and what tips worked best for you.
Join the conversation and share your experiences to help fellow travelers plan smarter around Montreal’s busiest travel periods.
Short‑term lot during the renovation weeks.
.Current parking Garage Overhaul at Montreal‑Trudeau Airport (YUL)
What’s changing and how it affects holiday travelers
- Scope of work: In March 2024 Transport Canada announced a $85 million renovation of the South Terminal East (STE) multi‑storey parking structure. The project replaces aging concrete slabs, upgrades lighting to LED, and adds a new automated ticket‑less entry system.
- Phased closures: The garage will operate on a two‑day rotating shutdown schedule beginning 15 November 2025. Level 2 and Level 3 are closed on Mondays/Thursdays, while Level 4 and Level 5 close on Tuesdays/Fridays. Weekends remain fully open to accommodate peak holiday traffic.
- Completion target: Full reopening is slated for September 2026,with interim signage and temporary shuttle vans connecting the closed levels to the main terminal.
Real‑time Traffic Alerts & Mobile Tools
| Tool | Feature | How to Use for Holiday Rush |
|---|---|---|
| YUL Airport App | Live runway‑waypoint traffic map, push notifications for congestion on access roads (Autoroute 20, Décarie) | Enable “Holiday Mode” notifications (Dec 15 - Jan 5) for instant alerts on lane closures or accidents. |
| Google Maps Live Traffic | Predictive ETA based on past holiday data | Set your departure time 30 minutes earlier; the app auto‑adjusts route when traffic spikes at the Chemin de la Côte‑St‑Michel interchange. |
| Waze “Road Alerts” Community | User‑generated reports on police checks, construction on A‑15 | Follow the “YUL Holiday” channel for real‑time reports on the Cedar Bridge bottleneck. |
| Transport Québec “Réseau de transport” | Provincial roadwork schedule, real‑time camera feed | Check the “Construction & Maintenance” tab for updates on the Autoroute 40 detour that frequently enough backs up the YUL exit. |
Choice drop‑Off Strategies
- curbside “Pre‑Check” Zones – Open at 5 am daily; passengers can be dropped off,scan QR code,and walk directly to the terminal without waiting for a gate.
- Designated “Holiday Express” Ride‑Share Stands – Located beside the South Terminal; rides are prioritized by a green light system during peak hours (6 am - 9 am, 4 pm - 7 pm).
- “Park‑and‑Shuttle” Service – Temporary shuttle buses run every 8 minutes from the closed STE levels to the terminal lobby. A QR code on your reservation ticket triggers the shuttle allocation.
Tip: If you’re traveling with a large group,schedule a group ride‑share at least 45 minutes before your flight. the app’s “Carpool” feature groups passengers heading to the same terminal, reducing lane congestion at the main drop‑off.
Parking Reservation Hacks During the Overhaul
- Book 48 hours in advance – The YUL parking reservation system releases a 2‑day “holiday buffer” slot at 00:00 EST each day.
- Use “Flexible Dates” – Select the ± 1‑day option; if your flight is delayed, the system automatically extends your parking time without extra charge.
- Leverage the “Self‑Serve Kiosks” – Located at the North Parking Lot; they allow you to change your spot level on the fly, useful when a garage level closes unexpectedly.
- Apply the “Loyalty Parking Pass” – Frequent travelers with an Aeroplan or Air Canada credit card receive a 10 % discount and priority access to the short‑term lot during the renovation weeks.
Public Transit & Shuttle Options That Bypass Road Congestion
- STM 747 Express Bus – Direct service from downtown Montreal to the North Terminal; runs every 10 minutes on holiday weekends.
- Réseau EXO’s “Trudeau Link” (future) – Pilot line expected to launch in 2026, offering a dedicated rail connection from the Mont‑Royal station.
- Airport Limousine Service – Pre‑booked vans pick up passengers at Gare Centrale and use the fast lane granted by the Quebec Ministry of Transport for large‑group shuttles.
real‑world example: In December 2023, the STM extended the 747’s operating hours to 2 am to accommodate late‑night arrivals, resulting in a 15 % reduction in road traffic on the Autoroute 20 approach during that holiday season.
Timing Your Arrival – The Golden Windows
| Arrival Window | Expected Wait Time (minutes) | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| 5 am - 6 am | 5-10 | Light traffic on Chemin de la Côte‑St‑Michel; most parking levels open. |
| 9 am - 10 am | 10-15 | Curbside “Pre‑Check” fully operational; ride‑share express stands open. |
| 2 pm - 3 pm | 12-18 | Prime time for short‑term parking; low probability of gate closures. |
| 7 pm - 8 pm | 8-12 | Evening shuttle frequency increased to every 5 minutes. |
| After 11 pm | 5-8 | Overnight “Night‑Park” rates apply; traffic on Autoroute 40 minimal. |
Quick tip: Set a calendar reminder for the “Holiday Traffic Check” at 4 am on travel days; the reminder can pull the latest YUL app notification and adjust your departure time accordingly.
Benefits of Early Arrival & Smart Parking Choices
- Reduced stress: Less time spent searching for a spot saves mental bandwidth for last‑minute packing.
- Cost savings: Early‑bird rates (≤ 8 am) are up to 30 % cheaper then standard daytime pricing.
- Priority security: early parkers receive a dedicated shuttle badge, ensuring they board the first shuttle after a level closure.
- flexibility for delays: With the “Flexible Dates” booking, you avoid extra fees if flights are rescheduled-a common scenario during winter weather.
Case Study: 2024 Holiday Season Traffic Management at YUL
- Problem: In December 2024, a severe snowstorm caused runway closures, leading to a cascade of delayed departures and a surge of late arrivals on the airport’s main access roads.
- Solution Implemented:
- Dynamic lane allocation: The Quebec Ministry of Transport opened a reversible lane on Autoroute 20 between 6 am - 10 am, diverting inbound traffic away from the congested exit.
- Pop‑up “Express Parking” zones: Temporary signage directed drivers to the West Parking Lot which was converted into a short‑term lot for stranded passengers.
- Live chat support: The YUL app added a “Holiday Help” chat bot that provided real‑time parking updates and suggested alternative drop‑off points.
- outcome: average wait times dropped from 35 minutes to 18 minutes, and the airport reported a 22 % decrease in abandoned vehicles on the curbside queue.
Practical Checklist for the Holiday Traveler (YUL)
- Reserve parking (minimum 48 h ahead) via the official YUL website.
- Enable push alerts in the YUL Airport app for “Holiday Traffic” and “Garage Closure”.
- Print or download QR code for the shuttle service if using STE’s temporary levels.
- Pack a small “travel kit” (snacks, charger, water) in case of unexpected delays on the road.
- Verify public‑transit schedules (STM 747, EXO) the night before travel.
- Plan a 30‑minute buffer for airport security and customs, especially during peak holiday travel days.
Key Takeaways for Seamless Holiday Travel at Montreal‑Trudeau
- Leverage technology: real‑time apps,QR‑code shuttles,and automated parking kiosks keep you informed.
- Choose off‑peak arrival windows (early morning or late evening) to bypass the construction‑related bottlenecks.
- Use alternative drop‑off zones and ride‑share express stands to avoid the main curbside queue.
- Book parking early and take advantage of flexible reservation policies to adapt to weather‑related schedule changes.
Stay ahead of the holiday rush-plan, reserve, and arrive smart.
