Travelling from Montreal to Vancouver: what you need to know
Set off on your next big adventure from one of Montreal's main airports, Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL) or St. Hubert Airport (YHU). Check out your options for booking a flight from Montreal to Vancouver departing from either of these.
The chief entry points to Vancouver are Vancouver International Airport (YVR) and Vancouver Harbour Sea Plane Base Airport (CXH).
The average time for a direct Montreal to Vancouver flight is 5 hours 35 minutes.
The timezone in Vancouver is UTC-7, which is three hours behind Montreal.
The most popular route for flights from Montreal to Vancouver is from Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL) to Vancouver International Airport (YVR). You can select from 43 services every week between these two airports. If you want to head off as soon as possible, the earliest flight from YUL to YVR is the 07:00 Porter Airlines option. If you have other commitments or plans on your day of travel, the last available departure is at 22:30 with Air Canada.
To ensure you make your Montreal to Vancouver flight, allow plenty of time for things like baggage drop and finding your gate. Turning up two hours before international departures and an hour before domestic flights is a good rule of thumb.
You'll likely experience longer lines in popular months such as August. Arriving up to four hours ahead of an international flight and two hours for domestic departures will give you plenty of time for security and boarding.
How to find the cheapest flights from Montreal to Vancouver
R 1,444 is currently the lowest price for a one-way ticket from Montreal to Vancouver. Return flights start at R 2,998. These fares may change depending on demand.
To secure cheap Montreal to Vancouver flights, reserve your trip three months before your departure date.
June is the best month for landing a fantastic deal on a plane ticket from Montreal to Vancouver. If you need to travel during a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will give you the lowest prices for every month.
Getting a cheap flight from Montreal to Vancouver is a piece of cake with Price Alerts. All you need to do is create one of these automatic alerts and we'll notify you as soon as a better deal is available.
Tailor your trip using filters. Pick your preferred arrival and departure times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort your results by 'Cheapest,' 'Best' or 'Fastest' Montreal to Vancouver flights.
Flying from Montreal
Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL)
Depart from Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL) on a nonstop flight from Montreal to Vancouver. From YUL, you can fly directly to Vancouver International Airport (YVR).
You'll have your choice of airlines that offer direct Montreal to Vancouver plane tickets out of YUL. Book your journey with one of these:
YUL is about 16 kilometres from central Montreal. If you're catching a cab, driving or ride-sharing from the centre, it'll take 25 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic. If you're planning to take public transport, expect the trip time to be around 45 minutes.
Want a hassle-free start to your travels? Stay near Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport. Whether you've booked an early flight from Montreal to Vancouver or just don't like being rushed, these hotels are ideal:
When it comes to the on-time performance of Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport, 64.89% of flights meet their scheduled arrival time.
YUL is located at 975 Romeo Vachon Street North.
Arriving in Vancouver
Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
The distance from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) to central Vancouver is roughly 10 kilometres. It takes around 25 minutes to get to the centre driving.
Getting to the centre on public transport will take you roughly 35 minutes.
The last thing you need is a lengthy journey to your hotel if you're landing late on a flight from Montreal to Vancouver. Book one of these accommodation options near YVR instead:
Get on the fast track to adventure by picking up a Vancouver International Airport rental car. Grab a set of wheels from Routes Car Rentals, Thrifty or Avis and experience the lesser-explored corners of Vancouver and beyond.
To get the best deal, reserve your ride from Vancouver International Airport about one week ahead of your Montreal to Vancouver flight.
Vancouver Harbour Sea Plane Base Airport (CXH)
Vancouver Harbour Sea Plane Base Airport (CXH) is around 0.80 kilometres from the centre of Vancouver. Once you've hopped off your flight from Montreal to Vancouver, it takes approximately 5 minutes to reach the heart of the city in a ride-share or cab.
If you travel by public transport, the journey will take you 15 minutes or so.
Place the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and relax at a hotel close to CXH. Here are a few options where you can settle in after your flight from Montreal to Vancouver:
In general, the sooner you book, the better the deals and choice of vehicles. Lock in your ride from CXH as soon as you know your dates.
Abbotsford Airport (YXX)
Hop off your flight from Montreal to Vancouver and go straight to your hotel or jump right into exploring. The centre of Vancouver is around 64 kilometres from Abbotsford Airport (YXX) and usually takes 1 hour to reach driving.
Public transport can take you there in about 1 hour 30 minutes.
If you don't want to make the trip into the centre, find a hotel near YXX. Check in to one of these stays after your Montreal to Vancouver flight:
Whether you're searching for a zippy compact for a solo getaway or a roomy SUV to fit a group of friends, you'll find the perfect Abbotsford Airport rental car for you. Explore the range of wheels available here from names such as Hertz, Thrifty and Enterprise.
If you're looking for a specific model or make, lock in your ride from YXX about one week ahead of your flight from Montreal to Vancouver. This gives you a better chance of getting the car you want, as well as a better rate.
Best time to go to Vancouver
May is the quietest month for flights from Montreal to Vancouver, while August is the busiest. Work out the ideal time to visit Vancouver based on whether you like a lively atmosphere or a more laid-back vibe.
The warmest month in Vancouver is August, with temperatures ranging between 13ºC (55ºF) and 24ºC (75ºF). Lock in your Montreal to Vancouver ticket then if this is the type of weather you enjoy.
If you like travelling in cooler conditions, look for a cheap flight from Montreal to Vancouver in December when temperatures average between -1ºC (30ºF) and 7ºC (45ºF).
More about Vancouver
Start your Vancouver trip right by choosing the perfect place to stay. After booking your flight from Montreal to Vancouver, browse our range of hotels including:
All great adventures should include some sightseeing. Stanley Park, Granville Island and Science World are essential stops on your Vancouver itinerary.
Explore more of Canada
Surrey is just one of the many places in Canada waiting to be explored after you've experienced Vancouver. Around 32 kilometres to the south-east, popular attractions include Senator Reid Park, Port Mann Park and Morgan Creek Park.
Around 97 kilometres south of Vancouver, Victoria is another favourite stop in Canada. Experience major highlights starting with Royal BC Museum, Craigdarroch Castle and Inner Harbour.