Montreal travellers are facing a significant logistical challenge at Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL) as a massive, years-long construction project gets underway. The core of the issue is the sudden loss of thousands of parking spaces, creating a headache for anyone planning to drive to the airport.
The Root of the Parking Crunch
The primary culprit is the closure and impending demolition of the airport's iconic multi-level parking garage. This structure, a fixture at Trudeau airport since the 1960s, was officially shut down in October 2025 after being deemed at the end of its useful life. Its removal has created an immediate shortfall of approximately 5,000 parking spots.
While the airport authority, Aéroports de Montréal, has scrambled to add some replacement parking and plans more lots in the near future, the overall capacity is expected to be reduced by about 25% for the foreseeable future. This has made spontaneous parking virtually impossible, forcing a major shift in how passengers and those picking them up must plan their trips.
A Long-Term Project for Future Gains
This isn't just a simple garage replacement. Authorities are seizing the opportunity to completely rebuild the surrounding road network. The goal is to alleviate the chronic congestion that has plagued the airport's curbside areas for years. However, this comprehensive overhaul comes with a lengthy timeline.
All work must be conducted while the airport and all access roads remain fully operational, which slows progress. The entire project, from demolition to the completion of the new infrastructure, is not expected to be finished until 2031.
Practical Advice for Navigating the New Reality
For those who must drive, the number one rule is: reserve your parking spot online in advance. Relying on finding a spot upon arrival is a recipe for missed flights. The airport strongly recommends using its park-and-ride facilities.
The newest of these, P4, opened two years ago and offers a shuttle bus service with a heated waiting area. The airport claims the shuttle ride takes under five minutes, but independent tests suggest it can be closer to 15 minutes during peak times, so factor in extra time.
For quick pick-ups, there is a short-term parking option under the airport hotel, but it's tricky to find. Follow signs for HotelParc or use your GPS. Be warned: rates are steep at $8 for every 20 minutes, with a daily rate of $50 kicking in after two hours.
Silver Linings and Future Solutions
There are a few bright spots. The P4 lot features a new express drop-off zone where passengers can be left to await the shuttle, helping to reduce traffic at the congested main terminal departures area. Looking ahead, a significant improvement is on the horizon with Montreal's REM light rail network.
The airport plans to introduce a free shuttle bus to the nearby Des Sources REM station when it opens, hopefully in 2026. The ultimate relief will come when the airport's own direct REM station is completed, currently slated for 2027. Until then, travellers are advised to consider rideshares, taxis, or getting a lift from friends or family as the least stressful alternatives.
The message from Trudeau airport is clear: the next several years will require patience, planning, and flexibility from all travellers as it undergoes this essential but disruptive transformation.
