Trip Planner
Getting to the Canadian Grand Prix
Sunday December 6 2026
What to expect in this guide
• Which airport do you fly into?
• Are there direct flights from your home country?
• How do you get from the airport to downtown Montréal?
• Do you need a visa?
• Best booking resources for F1 trips
• Frequently asked questions
• Money-saving tip
Estimated Reading Time: 4-5 minutes
Flying from the UK and Europe
Most international flights into Montréal land at Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL). The airport is about 20 km west of downtown.
Direct flights to Montréal operate from London, Paris, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, and a number of other European hubs. If you can’t fly direct, the easiest route is through another European city, or through Toronto.
It’s worth avoiding connections through the United States. You’ll need a US visa or ESTA even just to transit, and you’ll add a second immigration queue to your day. With European and Canadian routings available, there’s no need.
Flying from Australia and New Zealand
You’ll need a connection somewhere. Common options include Los Angeles, San Francisco, or Dallas, as well as Vancouver or Toronto.
A Canadian routing keeps you clear of US immigration and removes the need for a US visa or ESTA. Check these options first.
Flying from within North America
Montréal has frequent direct flights from major US and Canadian cities.
From the airport to downtown
The journey from the airport to downtown takes 20 to 30 minutes by road, depending on traffic.
Taxi
The taxi fare is fixed and set by the city. You don’t need to book ahead. The taxi rank is on the arrivals level, near the central exit. If there are two or more of you travelling, the taxi is good value, and you’ll be taken door to door.
Pre-booked transfer
Worth considering if you’d rather skip the taxi queue, especially at busier arrival times. You’ll pay more than the flat-rate taxi fare.
Uber
Uber operates at the airport. Fares vary with demand, so prices rise at busier times.
747 Express bus
The 747 bus runs 24/7 between the airport and downtown Montréal.
VIA Rail
Flying into Montréal is almost always the easiest way to get there. VIA Rail is only worth considering if you’re already in Canada and travelling around, as an alternative to a domestic flight.
Visa and entry requirements
Most international visitors don’t need a visa to enter Canada, but you may need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). It’s a quick online application and is usually approved within minutes.
Requirements depend on your nationality and personal circumstances. Check the official Canadian government guidance before booking.
Best booking resources for F1 trips
Take a look at our Grand Prix ticket & travel packages »
Prefer to do it all yourself? You’re welcome to take what you’ve learned here and build your own trip from scratch.
I keep going back to these travel companies because they’re reliable, easy to use, and usually have the best value. They’re where I start every time I plan a trip.
Tickets
Motorsport Tickets and Grand Prix Tickets are the two agencies I’ve trusted for years. They’ve always been reliable, easy to deal with, and quick to help if something comes up.
Hotels
ZenHotels is one of my go-to sites for hotel bookings. It pulls prices from loads of smaller sites you might not know about, so it’s great for finding deals. I also check Expedia and Booking.com when I want more options.
Excursions
Viator is packed with walking tours, attraction tickets, and local experiences. It’s especially handy if you’re heading to a new Grand Prix city. It’s a great place to find extras to add to your trip.
FAQ's
Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL), about 20 km west of downtown Montréal.
Yes. Direct flights operate from London, Paris, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, and other European hubs. If your city doesn't have a direct flight, connect through another European hub or through Toronto.
It's worth avoiding if you can. You'll need a US visa or ESTA even just to transit, and you'll go through US immigration on top of Canadian immigration. European and Canadian routings are usually available.
Taxi, pre-booked transfer, Uber, or the 747 Express bus.
20 to 30 minutes by road.
Money-saving tips
Use the 747 Express bus
The 747 is the cheapest option from the airport into downtown.
Share a taxi
The flat-rate taxi fare is the same for one person or four. If you’re travelling with others, splitting it usually beats taking the bus per person.
Avoid US connections
Beyond the visa cost, US connections often add to the total flight time and price. A direct flight or a one-stop European routing is usually better value.
Book flights early
Race weekend flights into Montréal fill up and prices rise as the date approaches. Booking ahead gives you more choice.
Introducing the Canadian Grand Prix
In this guide you'll learn about the Canadian Grand Prix at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.
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In this guide we’ll help you choose the right grandstand for your Canadian Grand Prix experience.
Getting around at the Canadian Grand Prix
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