National Car Rental
Montreal

After collecting your luggage from the baggage claim area, look for prominent overhead signs for "Car Rentals" or "Location de voitures." These signs will direct you out of the terminal building and across the street to the dedicated rental car facility. This facility is conveniently located on the ground level of the main parking garage. The National counter is situated within this consolidated area, making it a straightforward and well-marked walk from either domestic or international arrivals.

Once you have completed the rental process at the National counter, accessing your vehicle is very convenient. The rental cars are parked in designated sections within the same multi-level parking garage where the counter is located. You will typically be directed to take an elevator or escalator up to the level where your car is parked. The entire process is contained within this single structure, so you won't need to take a shuttle or walk to a separate lot.

The route to the National rental car area at Montréal–Trudeau is essentially the same regardless of whether you arrive on a domestic or international flight. Both arrival zones funnel passengers toward the main terminal exits on the ground floor. From there, you will follow the same signage across the street to the rental car center in the parking garage. The only difference is the path you take to exit the secure area, but once you are in the public arrivals hall, the directions are consistent for all travelers.

For travelers with strollers and luggage, Montréal–Trudeau Airport offers a convenient setup. After collecting your bags, you can use one of the complimentary luggage carts available in the baggage claim area. The path to the rental car facility in the parking garage is fully accessible, with ramps and elevators designed to accommodate carts and strollers. This allows you to manage your belongings in a single trip from the terminal directly to the National counter and then up to your rental vehicle.

A great meeting point for groups arriving on different flights is the public arrivals hall on the ground floor, near the baggage carousels for the flight that lands last. Another excellent option is to meet at one of the coffee shops located in the public area before you exit the terminal. Once everyone has gathered, you can proceed together across to the rental car facility in the parking garage, ensuring no one has to wait alone at the rental counter.

Driving out of Montréal–Trudeau Airport is generally straightforward, as the exit roads are well-signed for major highways. As you leave the rental car garage, you will merge onto the main airport roadway. Pay close attention to signs for Autoroute 20 (A-20) or Autoroute 520 (A-520), which are the primary routes connecting to downtown Montréal and other destinations. While there are some lane merges, they are clearly marked, so staying in the correct lane for your intended highway is manageable if you anticipate the signs.

The drive from YUL to Old Montréal can vary significantly depending on the time of day. Without traffic, the journey typically takes about 25 to 30 minutes. However, during weekday morning or evening rush hours, which are roughly 7-9 a.m. and 4-6 p.m., the travel time can easily double to an hour or more. It's always a good practice to check a real-time traffic app before you leave the airport to get the most accurate estimate for your trip.

For a relatively simple route to downtown Montréal, take Autoroute 20 (A-20) East from the airport. This highway runs along the southern part of the island and offers a direct path toward the city center. You will then follow signs for Route 136 (formerly Autoroute 720) East, which goes underground through the Ville-Marie Tunnel and has well-marked exits for key downtown streets. This route helps you avoid some of the more complex surface-level interchanges found on other highways.

It is best to set up your navigation and connect your phone while you are still parked in the National rental car garage at YUL. This is the safest and most convenient option, allowing you to get organized without any pressure. Once you leave the airport grounds, there are very few safe or legal places to immediately pull over. If you must stop shortly after leaving, you could navigate to a nearby gas station or a small shopping center a few minutes from the airport.

One of the most significant differences for U.S. drivers is the general prohibition of turning right on a red light on the Island of Montréal. Additionally, many road signs are exclusively in French, though the symbols are often internationally recognized. You may also encounter flashing green lights, which indicate you have the right-of-way for a protected left turn. Finally, be aware of the city's extensive network of dedicated bus and bike lanes, which you should not enter.

While many road signs in Montréal are in French, navigating the city is quite manageable for non-French speakers. Most critical traffic signs, such as stop signs (which often say ARRÊT), speed limits, and directional arrows, use universal symbols that are easy to understand. For destination signs, knowing a few key words like "Centre-Ville" (Downtown), "Est" (East), and "Ouest" (West) can be very helpful. Using a GPS with voice navigation will also make your journey much smoother.

Montréal's downtown and Old Montréal areas have a dense network of one-way streets, which is a key factor to consider when driving. It's essential to rely on a GPS, as it will account for these restrictions in its routing. Missing a turn can often mean navigating a multi-block loop to get back on track. Always double-check the direction of traffic on a street before turning, and be prepared for your route to seem indirect at times.

Summer in Montréal is famously known as construction season, and it can significantly impact driving throughout the city. Expect to encounter numerous orange cones, lane closures, and detours, especially on major highways and downtown streets. These zones can cause unexpected delays and require you to follow rerouting signs that may not be reflected on your GPS. It's wise to build extra time into your travel schedule and remain patient when navigating these areas.

During rush hour, the major autoroutes like the 20, 15, and 40 experience significant congestion. The Décarie Expressway (A-15) is particularly known for heavy, slow-moving traffic in both directions during peak times. Autoroute 40 (Metropolitan) is another critical artery that often sees major backups, especially around interchanges. Autoroute 20 is a primary route from the airport and can also be very slow heading into the city in the morning and out in the evening. Planning your travel outside of peak hours is highly recommended.

To reach the Plateau-Mont-Royal neighborhood, it's best to use larger arterial roads for as long as possible before turning into the smaller residential streets. From the airport, you could take highways toward downtown and then use a major north-south street like Saint-Laurent Boulevard or Saint-Denis Street to get into the heart of the Plateau. Once you are close to your destination, use your GPS for the final few blocks, but be prepared for narrow streets, tight parking, and one-way systems.

When dropping off luggage at a hotel in a busy area, it's best to be efficient and prepared. Have one person from your group stay with the vehicle while another unloads the bags quickly. Many hotels have small, designated loading zones that allow for a brief stop, but you should not leave the car unattended. If you are traveling alone, it's a good idea to call the hotel ahead of time to ask for their recommendation on where to temporarily pull over.

Parking restrictions for street cleaning or snow removal are indicated on signs posted along the street. These signs will show specific days and times when parking is prohibited, often accompanied by a symbol of a tow truck. It's crucial to read these signs carefully, as the rules can vary from one side of the street to the other. In winter, be especially vigilant for temporary orange signs that announce upcoming snow-removal operations, which override the regular posted rules.

Montréal parking signs can seem complex, but they follow a logical system. An arrow on a sign indicates the direction from the sign where the rule applies. Time limits specify how long you can park, while days of the week show when the rule is in effect. Words like "LUN à VEN" mean Monday to Friday, and "EXCEPTÉ" indicates an exception, often for permit holders ("Vignette"). Taking a moment to carefully read the entire sign is the best way to avoid a ticket.

For visitors staying in Old Montréal, the most practical approach is to park your car in a secure garage and explore the area on foot. The neighborhood's cobblestone streets are narrow, often crowded with pedestrians, and on-street parking is extremely limited. Old Montréal is very compact and walkable, with most attractions located close to one another. Using your car for short trips within this district will likely be more stressful than convenient.

For a visit to Mount Royal Park, there are several paid parking lots available that can save you the hassle of searching for a spot. The most convenient lots are located near Beaver Lake (Lac aux Castors) and Smith House, which are central to many of the park's trails and viewpoints. Arriving earlier in the day, especially on a sunny weekend, will increase your chances of finding a spot easily. These lots provide direct access to the park's main attractions.

Driving to the Botanical Garden is relatively straightforward, as it's located near major landmarks like the Olympic Stadium and is well-signed. The area is served by large, dedicated parking lots shared with the other Space for Life museums. However, these lots can fill up quickly, particularly on weekends, during special events, or on school holidays. To secure a good parking spot and avoid crowds, it's highly recommended to arrive shortly after it opens in the morning.

Visiting Jean-Talon Market by car requires some planning, as the surrounding Little Italy neighborhood can be very busy. The market has its own underground parking garage, which is the most convenient option, but it can be full during peak hours on weekends. The streets immediately around the market are often congested with delivery vehicles and pedestrians. If the main garage is full, you may need to search for metered street parking on adjacent residential streets, paying close attention to the posted restrictions.

The most practical way to drive to the Olympic Stadium is by taking Sherbrooke Street East or Pie-IX Boulevard, which are major arteries that lead directly to the site. If you are coming via the highway, Autoroute 40 (Metropolitan) has exits that connect to these main roads. The exits are generally well-marked for the "Parc Olympique." Once you are close, there are large underground parking garages directly beneath the stadium, which are the easiest places to park for any event.

A day trip to Québec City is quite feasible by car. The drive itself typically takes about three hours each way via Autoroute 20 or Autoroute 40. To make the most of your day, plan to leave Montréal early in the morning, around 7 a.m. Factoring in a short break for coffee or gas, you can expect to arrive in Québec City by mid-morning. A realistic timeline would involve about six to seven hours of total driving, leaving you with a solid five to six hours for exploring before heading back.

Driving to Mont-Tremblant in the winter requires careful preparation and attention to weather conditions. The route primarily follows Autoroute 15 North, which is a major highway and is generally well-maintained and plowed. However, during or after a heavy snowfall, roads can be slippery and visibility may be reduced. It is essential to drive at a reduced speed, maintain a safe following distance, and ensure your rental vehicle is equipped for winter conditions, which is standard for rentals in the region during this season.

For a straightforward drive to Ottawa, taking Autoroute 40 (A-40) West out of Montréal is an excellent choice. This highway eventually becomes Highway 417 in Ontario, which leads directly into the heart of Ottawa. This route is a major, well-maintained highway for its entire length, with clear signage and fewer complex interchanges than some other options. It offers a direct and relatively stress-free journey for those unfamiliar with the region's road network.

Driving to the Eastern Townships from Montréal is a pleasant and scenic experience. The main route is Autoroute 10 (A-10) East, which is a modern highway that takes you directly into the region. Once you exit the highway, you will be on well-paved provincial and rural roads that are easy to navigate, especially with a GPS. The routes, including the popular "Route des Vins" (Wine Route), are generally well-signed, making for a relaxing drive through the countryside.

When planning a cross-border trip to the U.S., it's important to confirm that your rental agreement permits travel outside of Canada. You should also ensure you and all passengers have the necessary travel documents, such as passports and visas. The closest major border crossing is on Autoroute 15 South, near Saint-Bernard-de-Lacolle. Be prepared for potential wait times at the border, especially during holidays or weekends, and have your rental paperwork accessible for the border patrol officer.

If you realize you have accidentally entered a bus-only lane or a restricted street, the safest course of action is to exit it as soon as it is safe to do so. Do not stop abruptly or try to reverse, as this can be dangerous in city traffic. Look for the first available opportunity to legally turn off the restricted street or merge back into a regular traffic lane. These lanes are often monitored by cameras, so exiting promptly and safely is the best response.

Approaching the major bridges in Montréal requires defensive driving, especially during peak hours. If traffic comes to a sudden stop, brake smoothly and check your rearview mirror. Always leave ample space between your vehicle and the one in front of you. Be aware that lanes can merge or be closed with little warning, so pay close attention to overhead electronic signs and road markings. Staying alert and avoiding distractions is key to navigating these busy bridge approaches safely.

When renting a car in Montréal during the winter, it's standard for vehicles to be equipped with winter tires, as this is required by law in Québec. Before leaving the rental garage, it's a good idea to familiarize yourself with the vehicle's features, such as the defroster and windshield wiper controls. Also, ensure the windshield washer fluid is topped up, as you will use it frequently to clear away salt and slush from the roads for better visibility.

If you encounter heavy snowfall or freezing rain on your way back to the airport, safety should be your top priority. Significantly reduce your speed, increase your following distance to at least double the norm, and avoid any sudden braking or sharp turns. Allow for much more travel time than you normally would to avoid rushing. If conditions become too hazardous, it is safer to pull over at a rest stop or service station and wait for the weather to improve.

If your flight departs during the morning peak, you should plan to return your rental car at YUL significantly earlier than usual. Factor in potential traffic delays on the highways leading to the airport, which can easily add 30-60 minutes to your drive. It's wise to aim to have the car returned at least three hours before an international flight or two hours before a domestic one. This buffer accounts for both the drive and the time needed to complete the return process and get to your terminal.

As you approach Montréal–Trudeau Airport, follow the main access road and stay in the lanes indicated by overhead signs for "Car Rental Return" or "Retour des voitures de location." These signs will guide you to a dedicated roadway that separates from the main departures and arrivals traffic. This route leads directly into the multi-level parking garage where you picked up the car. Once inside, follow the specific signs for National to reach the designated return area.

To make drop-off easier with a lot of luggage, consider using the passenger drop-off area at the departures level of the terminal first. You can unload your passengers and bags with a luggage cart there before proceeding to the rental return garage alone. This avoids the need to transport all your luggage from the parking structure to the check-in counters. After returning the car, it's a short walk back to the terminal to meet your group.

The walk from the National rental car return area to the terminal check-in counters is quite efficient. The return area is located within the main parking garage, which is directly connected to the terminal building. After you have dropped off your vehicle and completed the return process, you can expect it to take approximately 5 to 10 minutes to walk to the airline check-in desks. The route is indoors and well-signed, making for a quick and easy transition.

Shortly after leaving YUL, there are several convenient options for a quick stop. The area along Côte-de-Liesse Road, just a few minutes from the airport, has numerous fast-food restaurants, coffee shops, and gas stations. Another easy-to-access area is the shopping district in Dorval, which you can reach by taking one of the first few exits off Autoroute 20. These locations allow you to get what you need without straying far from the main routes into the city.

During a major festival weekend, such as the Jazz Festival or Just for Laughs, expect significant road closures in the downtown core, particularly in the Quartier des Spectacles. It's best to avoid driving into these specific areas altogether. Plan to park your car at your hotel or in a garage on the periphery of the festival zone and use the Metro or walk to get around. Check the official festival website for a map of street closures before you travel.

For a first-time visitor, neighborhoods with wider streets and more accessible parking, such as those in the West Island or near Olympic Park, are generally easier to navigate by car. In contrast, the most stressful areas for driving are typically Old Montréal, with its narrow cobblestone streets, and the Plateau-Mont-Royal, known for its dense one-way streets and limited parking. Downtown can also be challenging due to heavy traffic, construction, and complex intersections, making it a place best explored on foot or by public transit.