2026 layover guide
Montreal (YUL) connection time
At Montréal–Trudeau International Airport, plan on at least 1 h 10 min for a same-terminal connection. Here's why, step by step.
Verified Oct 17, 2026By Steven MoHow we check Report a correction
Comfortable: 1 h 45 min
No terminal changes
Quick answer
Plan on at least 1 h 10 min for a same-terminal connection at YUL. You stay inside security for domestic connections.
- Same terminal
- 1 h 10 min (comfortable: 1 h 45 min)
- Hub airlines
- Air Canada
How long a layover do I need?
- Get off the plane and walk to your next gate20 min
- Transfer security screening20 min
- Be at the gate before boarding closes15 min
- Buffer for a small delay15 min
Our estimate, rounded up, not the airline's official minimum connection time. If both flights are on one ticket, the airline will rebook you if a delay makes you miss the second one. How we calculate this
Recommended layovers at YUL
Our estimates for common connections, rounded up. Comfortable times leave room for a late arrival.
| Connection | MinimumRecommended minimum |
|---|---|
Same terminal, no passport control Transfer security where required | 1 h 10 min Comfortable: 1 h 45 min |
Connecting to a U.S. flight U.S. preclearance before you board | 2 h 10 min Comfortable: 3 h |
Separate tickets with checked bags No protection if you miss it | 2 h 10 min Comfortable: 3 h |
Airlines' official minimum connection times can be shorter: if you booked both flights on one ticket, the airline has already checked that the connection is legal and will rebook you if a delay makes you miss it.
Getting around YUL
Terminals
One terminal with domestic, international and U.S. sectors.
Changing terminals
One terminal with separate domestic, international and U.S. sectors; flights to the U.S. depart after U.S. preclearance.
Passport control and transfers
International-to-U.S. connections go through preclearance before the U.S. gates.
Plan your trip through YUL
The airport guide, and the bag rules for the airlines you're likely to connect on here.
YUL connection FAQ
Airlines set their own official minimums at YUL and only sell connections that meet them, so a one-ticket itinerary is always "legal". In practice we recommend at least 1 h 10 min for a same-terminal connection.
Other airports
Sources
Last verified Oct 17, 2026. Terminals and connection rules change, so check your airline's connection instructions before a tight layover.
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