When planning your trip to or from Montreal, one of the most common questions travelers ask is: “What terminal is Air France at YUL?” Whether you’re flying to Paris, connecting onward to another European city, or arriving from abroad, understanding where to go at Air France Montreal Airport Terminal is essential for a smooth experience.
This detailed guide provides everything you need to know — from terminal locations and check-in procedures to lounges, amenities, and traveler tips. By the end, you’ll feel confident navigating Montreal-Trudeau Airport (YUL) like a pro.
Overview: Air France at Montreal-Trudeau Airport (YUL)
Air France operates from Montréal–Trudeau International Airport (YUL), which serves as the main international airport for the province of Quebec and one of Canada’s busiest air hubs. The airport is modern, efficient, and well-connected to the city and beyond.
So, what terminal is Air France at YUL?
➡️ Air France operates from the International Terminal (Terminal 1) at Montreal-Trudeau Airport.
All Air France flights to and from Europe, including the popular Montreal–Paris Charles de Gaulle route, depart and arrive at this terminal. It’s designed for international operations, offering world-class amenities, dining, and passenger services.
Getting to the Air France Montreal Airport Terminal
Reaching the Air France Montreal Airport Terminal is convenient, whether you’re coming by car, taxi, rideshare, or public transit.
By Car or Taxi
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Address: 975 Boulevard Roméo-Vachon N, Dorval, Quebec H4Y 1H1, Canada.
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Drop-Off: Use the Departures area for international flights. Look for signs labeled “Départs / Departures”.
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Parking: Montreal-Trudeau offers several parking options:
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Express Parking for quick drop-offs.
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Multi-Level Terminal Parking for short stays.
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EconoParc for long-term, budget-friendly parking with shuttle access.
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By Bus
The 747 Express Bus runs 24/7 from downtown Montreal (Berri-UQAM station) directly to the terminal. It’s affordable and convenient for travelers without a car.
By Train
If arriving by train, disembark at Dorval Station, which connects directly to the airport via a free shuttle service that runs every 10–15 minutes.
Step-by-Step: Departing from Montreal with Air France
Flying out of Montreal with Air France? Here’s your complete guide to the departure process.
Step 1: Check-In
Air France check-in counters are located in Terminal 1 (International Departures). The counters are clearly marked with the Air France logo, typically in Zone 3 of the departures area.
Tips for a smoother check-in:
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Arrive at least 3 hours before an international departure.
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Use online check-in 24 hours before your flight via the Air France app or website.
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Print your boarding pass or download it to your phone for faster processing.
Step 2: Baggage Drop
If you’ve already checked in online, head straight to the baggage drop-off counter. Staff will weigh, tag, and check your luggage through to your final destination.
Air France Baggage Allowance:
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Economy: 1 checked bag (23kg / 50lb)
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Premium Economy: 2 checked bags
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Business Class: 2 checked bags (32kg / 70lb each)
Step 3: Security Screening
Proceed to the international security checkpoint. Make sure your liquids are under 100 ml, laptops are removed from bags, and pockets are emptied.
Step 4: Border Control
After security, passengers traveling outside Canada pass through passport control. Have your passport and boarding pass ready. Friendly customs officers will verify your travel documents before you continue to the gate area.
Air France Departure Gates and Facilities
The Air France Montreal Airport Terminal for international flights uses gates in the international concourse (Gates 50–68). Flight information displays throughout the terminal will confirm your exact gate number.
While waiting to board, travelers can enjoy a range of amenities:
Shopping:
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Duty-Free: Perfumes, spirits, chocolates, electronics, and luxury brands.
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Souvenir Shops: Quebec maple syrup, artisanal crafts, and Canadian apparel.
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Convenience Stores: Snacks, travel accessories, and reading materials.
Dining:
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Archibald Microbrasserie – Local Quebec beer and pub-style meals.
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Bistro Montréal-Trudeau – Upscale Canadian dishes and wines.
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Starbucks & Tim Hortons – For a quick coffee fix before boarding.
Other Services:
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Currency exchange counters
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Free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal
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Baby care facilities
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Prayer rooms and quiet zones
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Accessible elevators and restrooms
Air France Lounge at Montreal Airport
If you’re flying Business Class, La Première, or have Flying Blue Elite Plus status, you can access the Air France Lounge located near the international gates in Terminal 1.
Lounge Features:
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Comfortable seating and quiet workspaces
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Hot and cold buffet dining
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Premium beverages and espresso machines
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Showers and rest areas
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Wi-Fi, charging stations, and reading materials
It’s the perfect place to unwind before your transatlantic flight.
Boarding Procedure: Getting on Your Flight
Boarding typically begins 45–50 minutes before departure. Watch the flight monitors for gate announcements. Boarding usually happens by groups or zones:
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Priority boarding for Business Class, La Première, and SkyTeam Elite Plus.
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Families with small children and passengers requiring assistance.
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Main boarding by group or row numbers.
Present your boarding pass and passport for final verification before boarding the aircraft.
Arriving in Montreal with Air France
If you’re landing in Montreal from Paris or another Air France destination, your arrival experience is equally efficient.
Step 1: Disembarkation
After landing, follow the “Arrivals / Arrivées” signs. The route will guide you directly toward immigration.
Step 2: Passport Control
You’ll go through Canadian customs and immigration. Automated kiosks (Primary Inspection Kiosks) speed up the process — simply scan your passport, confirm your travel info, and receive a printed receipt.
Step 3: Baggage Claim
Proceed to the baggage carousel area. Screens above each carousel display flight numbers for easy identification. Air France luggage is usually on belts labeled for international arrivals.
Step 4: Customs Declaration
If you’re bringing goods into Canada, declare them before exiting. Travelers with nothing to declare can use the “Green Channel.”
Step 5: Ground Transport
Once through customs, choose from taxis, shuttles, rental cars, or the 747 Express Bus for transport into downtown Montreal.
Connecting Flights Through YUL
If Montreal is not your final stop, you may need to transfer to another terminal or flight.
International Connections
If connecting to another Air France or SkyTeam partner flight, you can usually stay within Terminal 1. Follow “Connecting Flights / Correspondances” signs after disembarking.
Domestic Connections
If connecting to a domestic Canadian flight (e.g., Toronto, Vancouver), you’ll pass through customs and then re-check your bags before heading to the Domestic Departures area.
Tip: Leave at least 2 hours for international-to-domestic connections to avoid stress.
Services & Amenities Near Air France Gates
YUL’s international terminal is known for its comfort and design. Some standout amenities near the Air France gates include:
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Charging zones at every second gate.
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Free water bottle refill stations.
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Kids’ play zones for families traveling with children.
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Pet relief area for those traveling with animals.
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Quiet seating sections with dim lighting and noise reduction for relaxation.
Accessibility and Special Assistance
Montreal-Trudeau Airport and Air France are committed to accessibility.
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Passengers requiring wheelchair service should request it at least 48 hours before departure.
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Priority check-in lanes and dedicated boarding support are available.
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Elevators, accessible restrooms, and ramps are located throughout Terminal 1.
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For assistance upon arrival, an agent can meet you at the gate.
Contact Information and Support
For real-time help, here are key contact points:
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Air France Montreal Airport Terminal Counter: Located in Terminal 1 Departures Hall.
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Air France Customer Service (Canada): 1-800-667-2747
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Montreal-Trudeau Airport Info: +1 514-394-7377
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Website: www.admtl.com and www.airfrance.ca
Both the airport and airline are active on social media, providing updates about delays, gate changes, and check-in times.
Traveler Tips for a Smooth Air France Experience
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Check-in early: Even with online check-in, lines can form for baggage drop.
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Keep your passport handy: You’ll need it multiple times before boarding.
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Monitor your gate: Occasionally, international flights move to nearby gates.
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Charge your devices: Use charging stations near gates or lounges.
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Eat before boarding: Though Air France meals are excellent, airport dining offers a final taste of Montreal.
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Use the Air France app: It provides flight status, gate changes, boarding reminders, and digital boarding passes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What terminal is Air France at YUL?
Air France operates from the International Terminal (Terminal 1) at Montreal-Trudeau Airport.
Q2: Does Air France have a lounge in Montreal?
Yes. The Air France Lounge is located near the international gates, offering food, drinks, Wi-Fi, and relaxation areas.
Q3: How early should I arrive for my flight?
Arrive at least 3 hours before departure for international flights to ensure smooth check-in and security clearance.
Q4: Can I check in online?
Yes. Online check-in opens 24 hours before departure at airfrance.ca or via the Air France mobile app.
Q5: How do I get from downtown Montreal to the airport?
Take the 747 Express Bus, a taxi, or a rideshare. It takes 20–30 minutes depending on traffic.
Final Thoughts
So, when travelers ask “What terminal is Air France at YUL?”, the answer is simple: the International Terminal (Terminal 1) at Montreal-Trudeau Airport.
Whether you’re flying out of Montreal to Paris or arriving in Canada after a European adventure, the Air France Montreal Airport Terminal provides an efficient, comfortable, and welcoming experience for all passengers.
From easy check-in to premium lounges, fine dining, and excellent customer service, Air France and YUL ensure your journey begins and ends with comfort and style.
