Getting from Montreal Airport with kids and family

Arriving at an airport with kids is stressful enough without worrying about the ride to your hotel. Here's what you need to know about getting your family from YUL to where you're staying.

Quebec child car seat laws — this matters

Quebec has strict child car seat laws:

• Children under 10 years old or under 145 cm (4'9") must be in an appropriate car seat or booster
• Rear-facing seats for infants under 10 kg
• Forward-facing seats for children 10-18 kg
• Booster seats for children 18-36 kg

The taxi exemption: In Quebec, taxis are legally exempt from car seat requirements. Your kids can ride in a taxi without a car seat. However, just because it's legal doesn't mean it's safe — especially on the highway from the airport.

Private transfers can provide child seats if you request them when booking. This is the safest option for families.

Best transport options for families

Private transfer (recommended)

• Cost: Confirmed with the operator when you book a minivan
• Why: Driver meets you inside, helps with luggage, child seats provided, no rushing
• Book: Request specific car seat types when you reserve

Taxi

• Cost: Government-regulated flat rate to downtown — $49.45 CAD by day, $56.70 CAD by night
• Reality: Standard taxi sedans fit 2 adults + 2 kids + luggage, but it's tight. Request a minivan taxi from the dispatcher for more space
• No car seats provided — bring your own or accept the risk

747 Bus (budget option)

• Cost: $11.25 CAD per adult (includes 24-hour unlimited STM transit); check current STM policy for child fares
• Reality: Doable with older kids and light luggage. Not fun with a stroller, car seat, and toddler. Strollers need to be folded. No dedicated luggage space.

Practical tips from families who've done it

Stroller tip: If you gate-check your stroller, it usually comes out at the oversized baggage area, not the regular carousel. Look for the separate belt or counter.

Winter with kids: If arriving November–March, dress the kids in layers accessible from your carry-on. The walk to ground transportation is short but the cold is brutal. Have hats and gloves ready.

Feeding and changing: YUL has family washrooms with changing tables in both arrivals areas. There's a small food court after customs if you need to feed kids before the ride.

Nap timing: The drive to downtown is 20-25 minutes — just long enough for a toddler to fall asleep and just short enough that waking them at the hotel is miserable. Plan accordingly.

Luggage reality check

A typical family of 4 travels with:

• 2-3 large suitcases
• 1-2 carry-ons
• A stroller
• Maybe a car seat

A standard taxi sedan cannot fit all of this. You need either a minivan taxi (available but sometimes a short wait) or a pre-booked minivan transfer (guaranteed).