Air Canada introduces premium direct shuttle from downtown Montreal to airport for less than $10 bucks

An Air Canada shuttle bus waits outside the Palais des congrès in downtown Montreal. The new service offers direct transportation between the downtown core and Montréal-Trudeau International Airport. (Air Canada)

A new shuttle service launched by Air Canada Monday will offer passengers a fast and direct transit between downtown Montreal and Montreal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL) for under $10.

Air Canada said the motorcoach, which will use the highway’s reserved high-occupancy vehicle lane and a private airport entrance, could save customers up to 25 minutes at peak times compared to regular airport access roads.

“Our customers can now bypass traffic and avoid waiting in taxi lines. By combining frequent downtown service and faster, more direct access to YUL, we are making it easier for them to connect to Air Canada’s global network,” said Ranbir Singh, Air Canada’s director of Regional Airlines and Markets.

The service will complete 37 daily trips and will depart from the Palais des congrès every 15 minutes at peak hours from 4:45 a.m. to 6:30 a.m. and every 30 minutes afterwards until 9 p.m.

A dedicated waiting area has been set up at the convention centre where passengers can wait before boarding the motorcoach. Once at the airport, they can proceed directly to check-in and bag drop and then security.

A one-way ticket will cost $9 plus taxes.

Air Canada said the new service is part of its multi-modal partnership with the Landline Company, a transportation firm that connects regional cities to major hub airports.

Passengers arriving at YUL can collect their baggage, then head to the departure level, and the city shuttle will pick them up from door 7.

Customers can pre-book or board at the airport, subject to availability. From YUL, departures will run every 15 minutes from 5:15 a.m. to 6:45 a.m., and every 30 minutes thereafter until the final departure at 10:00 p.m.

“Getting to the airport is often the most stressful part of the trip for many travellers, and it shouldn’t be,” said Nick Johnson, vice president, Commercial at The Landline Company.

“The service helps reduce congestion on airport access roads while making air travel more convenient for convention attendees, business travellers and visitors in downtown Montreal.”

In the event of a delay, Air Canada said passengers with a connection time of at least 95 minutes will be offered complimentary flight rebooking options, depending on availability.