Montréal Airport Lounges: The Ultimate Guide

As the third busiest airport in Canada, it’s not surprising that the Montréal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL) has quite a few airport lounges. Although access to the lounges depends on where you’re travelling, we think you’ll be able to find a lounge that ticks all the boxes: free food and drinks, quiet workspaces, and a comfortable place to relax between flights.

We’ll dive into the details of every lounge in YUL so you know where they’re located, who can get in (especially if you get access through a credit card), and what amenities you can enjoy.

Montréal Airport Domestic Zone lounges

Serving an average of 58,000 passengers per day and over 22 million per year, the enormous Montréal-Trudeau Airport lives in the south end of the island in Dorval. It organizes 34 airlines into 3 zones based on flight destination: domestic (within Canada), international (abroad but non-US), and US transborder (within the United States).

The Domestic Zone is in the smallest jetty on the eastern side and offers travellers just a single choice of airport lounges: The Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge and the Aspire AMEX Lounge.

Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge (Domestic)

Location: Domestic Zone, near Gate 05, after security

Hours: Monday – Sunday, 4:15 AM – 9:30 PM

Entry requirements: Air Canada, Emirates, or Star Alliance member domestic boarding pass AND Aeroplan Elite, Super Elite, 75K, or 50K membership OR credit card OR flight class OR entry fee OR Emirates Skywards Gold or Platinum membership OR Maple Leaf Club membership OR Star Alliance Gold membership

The domestic Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge closed for construction on September 29, 2025. It will be closed for approximately three months. In the meantime, you can still enjoy the Air Canada Café.

There are just as many locations in the Air Canada series of award-winning Maple Leaf Lounges as there are ways to gain access. For starters, check your boarding pass – if you bought an eligible Business, First, or Premium Rouge Class flight, you’ll see an invitation printed at the bottom.

If your ticket doesn’t have an invitation, check your wallet for a premium card like the RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege or TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card (or the American Express Aeroplan Business Reserve, Corporate, or Reserve Cards) for free access. Lacking the right card or membership, you can always add lounge access to your Air Canada flight at the time of booking for $49 – $95 per traveller.

Unless you have up to 3 hours to pass before your flight, you may want to skip paid entry – the Domestic Maple Leaf Lounge is dated and basic. Inside, you’ll find expansive views of the runway, pleather club chairs, and cherry cabinetry, but no showers or flight monitors.

However, in March 2025, Air Canada opened a new café with self-serve beverages and Montréal-inspired grab-and-go options, like bagels and smoked meat sandwiches. The Air Canada Café includes 58 seats with laptop-wattage USB-C ports, so it’s a great place to go if you’re running low on battery.

Call 1-866-556-9504 for directions or assistance.

What we love about it:

• Cell-free quiet zone
• Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi
• Complimentary food and beverages
• Business centre with desktop PCs and colour printing
• Newspapers and magazines available
• Live news and sports television broadcasts
• Pets allowed in carriers

Montréal Airport International Zone lounges

Located at the northwest side of the Montréal-Trudeau airport, the International Zone has the largest and most exciting collection of lounges. There are 4 places where you can put your feet up before your flight, but pay attention to the entry requirements – there are a myriad of required airlines, gates, and times.

1. Desjardins Odyssey Lounge (International)

Location: International Zone, near Gate 63, after security

Hours: Monday – Sunday, 4:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Entry requirements: International boarding pass (Gates 51 – 68) AND premium credit card OR entry fee ($42 for adults 18+, $26 for children 3 – 17, free for infants 0 – 2)

The International Desjardins Odyssey Lounge only extends special treatment to 3 premium credit cardholders in Canada:

If you have a Desjardins Odyssey card in your wallet, you can use your 50% discount on paid entry for yourself, up to 3 minor children, and 1 other adult guest. If you’re lucky enough to get a free pass (for yourself or a fellow traveller), note that they only last up to 3 hours before your flight.

Inside the lounge, you’ll find seating for up to 260 people in a clean, modern, and sharp setting with bright views of the airport and runway. We hope you like Desjardins’ iconic spring green, because it’s on banquettes, lounge chairs, and other accents within the lounge.

What we love about it:

• No membership required
• Accessible washrooms
• Children’s play area
• Complimentary buffet with local dining options
• Complimentary self-serve beverages
• Complimentary Wi-Fi and charging stations
• Flight monitors
• Newspapers, magazines, and live television broadcasts
• Vegetarian and gluten-free dining options available

2. Air France/KLM Lounge

Location: International Zone, near Gate 57, after security

Hours: Monday – Sunday, 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Entry requirements: International boarding pass AND Air France Business or Flying Blue Elite Plus Class OR entry fee ($61.02 – $98.93 per adult traveller for 2 – 6 hours, $104.04 – $168.26 for 1 adult and 1 child between ages 2 – 11, and free for children under 2) OR premium credit card OR DragonPass, LoungeKey, Plaza Premium Lounge Pass, or Priority Pass membership

The Air France/KLM lounge is both the most open and most restrictive lounge in the International Zone. It accepts international travellers plus Plaza Premium customers, including cardholders with the American Express Platinum Card, World Elite Mastercard, Visa Airport Companion program. But it’s reserved exclusively for Air France customers from 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM.

If you fly Air France (or time your visit correctly), you’ll enjoy one of the prettiest spaces in the airport – an open-concept, Parisian-inspired bistro accented by blue tile mosaics and royal blue seating. The atmosphere is bright and airy with floor-to-ceiling windows offering great views of the runway.

Book online or call +1 514-636-5151 to reserve one of 150 seats.

What we love about it:

• No membership required
• Accessible space and facilities
• Baby-changing station
• Complimentary 20-minute shower with shower gel, shampoo, body lotion, bath towel, and hair dryer
• Complimentary self-serve food and beverages
• Complimentary Wi-Fi and charging station
• Flight monitors (Air France only)
• Full-service bar with French wine and champagne
• Wheelchairs available on request
• Work area

3. National Bank Lounge

Location: International Zone, near Gate 53, after security

Hours: Monday – Sunday, 4:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Entry requirements: International boarding pass (Gates 50 – 68) AND Business or First Class OR entry fee ($40.66 for adults, $26.27 for children 2 – 12, free for children under 2) OR American Express Platinum or Centurion credit card OR DragonPass, Lounge Key, or Priority Pass membership

Here’s yet another reason for frequent fliers to invest in a travel business or travel credit card: if you have the Mastercard Travel Pass or Visa Airport Companion, you may get in for free. World Elite Mastercard, Gestion Privée 1859, and Investors Group Solutions Banking cards are also accepted, while National Bank credit and debit cardholders get a 25% discount on walk-in admission.

The National Bank Lounge is a 230-seat oasis with a dove-gray colour scheme and silver and purple accents. It’s hard not to feel relaxed among the beautiful lighting and monochrome banquettes, couches, dining tables, and leather lounge chairs. The only thing missing is a dove-gray shower.

It’s optional, but we recommend reserving a seat by booking online or calling +1 514-636-7638.

What we love about it:

• No membership required
• Business centre with telephone, printer, and photocopier
• Champagne and Prosecco available
• Complimentary self-serve food and beverages
• Complimentary Wi-Fi and charging stations
• Family area
• Flight monitors
• Local and international newspapers, magazines, and live television broadcasts
• Private washroom facilities
• Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free dining options

4. Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge (International)

Location: International Zone, near Gate 52, after security

Hours: Monday 5:15 AM – 10:30 PM; Tuesday 6:30 AM – 10:45 PM; Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday 7:00 AM – 10:45 PM; Friday 4:45 AM - 10:30 PM; Sunday 7:00 AM - 10:30 PM

Entry requirements: Air Canada, Emirates, or Star Alliance member international boarding pass AND Aeroplan Elite, Super Elite, 75K, or 50K membership OR Aeroplan credit card;OR Business, First, or Premium Rouge Class OR entry fee ($49 – 79 per traveller) OR Emirates Skywards Gold or Platinum membership OR Maple Leaf Club membership OR Star Alliance Gold membership

Flash the right American Express or Aeroplan credit card at the door and you’ll enter an executive retreat floored with dark marble and hedged by thick, green vegetation. Soft lamps highlight the sculptures on display and conversation-style seating areas.

The International Maple Leaf Lounge is worth a visit, not to mention the only Air Canada lounge in the airport with a shower. Call 1-866-556-9504 for assistance or directions.

What we love about it:

• Reading materials
• Available up to 3 hours before qualifying flight
• Business centre with desktop PCs, colour printer, and photocopier
• Cell-free quiet zone
• Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi
• Complimentary food and beverages
• Flight monitors
• Full-service bar
• Live news and sports television broadcasts
• Pets allowed in carriers
• Showers with complimentary soap, shampoo, and towels

Montréal Airport US Transborder Zone lounges

The US Transborder Zone lives in the southwestern corner of the airport. While its selection of lounges is modest, it’s the only terminal with overnight accommodations: the Montréal Marriott In-Terminal Airport Hotel.

1. Desjardins Odyssey Lounge (US Transborder)

Location: International Zone, near Gate 76, after security

Hours: Monday – Sunday, 5:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Entry requirements: US boarding pass (Gates 72 – 89) AND Desjardins Odyssey Gold Visa, World Elite Mastercard, or Visa Infinite Privilege credit card OR entry fee ($42 for adults 18+, $26 for children 3 – 17, free for infants 0 – 2)

With a Desjardins credit card in your wallet, you can enjoy 8 – 12 free passes plus a 50% discount on the entry fee.

The US Transborder Odyssey Lounge seats 80 guests in a cafeteria-style setting without business equipment, showers, or sofa chairs.

What we love about it:

• No membership required
• Complimentary buffet with local dining options
• Complimentary self-serve beverages
• Complimentary Wi-Fi and charging stations
• Flight monitors
• Vegetarian and gluten-free dining options available

2. Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge (US Transborder)

Location: US Transborder Zone, near Gate 73, after security

Hours: Monday – Sunday, 5:00 AM – 8 PM

Entry requirements: US Air Canada, Emirates, or Star Alliance member boarding pass AND Aeroplan Elite, Super Elite, 75K, or 50K membership OR Aeroplan credit card OR Business, First, or Premium Rouge Class OR entry fee ($49 – 79 per traveller) OR Emirates Skywards Gold or Platinum membership OR Maple Leaf Club membership OR Star Alliance Gold membership

Like its cousin in the Domestic Zone, the US Maple Leaf Lounge is on the small side. It lacks showers and flight monitors but guests can enjoy dining, private business cubicles, and club chairs in a conversational setting.

What we love about it:

• Reading materials available
• Available up to 3 hours before qualifying flight
• Business centre with desktop PCs, telephones, colour printers, and photocopiers
• Cell-free quiet zone
• Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi
• Complimentary food and beverages
• Live news and sports television broadcasts
• Pets allowed in carriers

7 tips for getting the most out of an airport lounge

You don’t have to plan your visit to an airport lounge as strategically as saving Air Miles on your credit card but a little forethought goes a long way. Here are 7 steps to preparing the perfect visit:

• Research airport lounges in advance so you can find the entrance, enter confidently, and enjoy all the amenities you need.
• Ask the concierge about extras, recommendations, and popular items or services.
• Tour the whole lounge, note what you’d like to do, and set a timer so you don’t miss your flight.
• Put your cellphone away – premium lounges aim to create a relaxing environment full of interesting views and artwork.
• Take a moment to pay attention to your body’s needs and eat, hydrate, sleep, shower, or stretch as needed.
• Make friends with fellow travellers who seem alert and unoccupied.
• Follow lounge etiquette and try to be quiet, tidy, and respectful of fellow travellers. Don’t shove food in your bag, take more space than you need, or bother people who are sleeping, working, or listening to music.

It’s easy to get lost in Montréal-Trudeau International Airport so don’t hesitate to ask for directions at an information kiosk or use the airport’s online interactive map.

FAQ

How do you get free lounge access at the Montréal-Trudeau Airport?

The easiest way to get free lounge access at the Montréal airport is to visit the Desjardins Odyssey and National Bank lounges with a Desjardins Odyssey, World Elite Mastercard, or Visa Infinite credit card.

Can you tell me how to get into the Air Canada lounge in Montreal?

Maple Leaf Lounges are only open to Air Canada travellers with a premium credit card, lounge membership, paid lounge pass, or Business, First, or Premium Rouge Class boarding pass. Present your information to the lounge front desk to get in.

Is it worth paying for an airport lounge?

It depends. If you have a long layover and don’t mind paying a fee, having a clean, relaxing space to grab a bite to eat, get some work done in peace, or take a shower before your next flight can be a lifesaver.

What is the best way to access airport lounges?

The best way to get into airport lounges is for free! Many credit cards, including Amex Platinum, Visa Infinite Privilege, and Mastercard World Elite cards, come with free airport lounge membership and even free passes.

Can I use DragonPass to access lounges at the Montreal airport?

You can use DragonPass to access Montréal-Trudeau International Airport lounges such as the National Bank Lounge and US Transborder Desjardins Odyssey Lounge.