Montreal-Trudeau (YUL) Airport Lounges: Complete Guide
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Montreal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL) is the main airport in Quebec. Located in Dorval, it welcomes travelers on domestic and international flights 24 hours a day. To make your wait more pleasant before boarding, several airport lounges are accessible at YUL thanks to certain credit cards.
New: the Air Canada City Shuttle now links the Palais des congrès de Montréal with YUL for $9 one way, with 37 daily departures.
In particular, discover our review of the Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge (domestic flights), which has reopened after a complete renovation.
To fully understand the offer, it’s important to know that the Ultimate Guide to YUL Montreal-Trudeau International Airport has four distinct zones. This separation has a direct impact on airport lounge access, as travelers cannot move from one zone to another. Thus, your destination determines which lounges you can use.
- Domestic: flights within Canada
- International: all international flights except to the United States and Canada
- Cross-border: flights to the United States
- Public: before security
Table of lounges by zone
Here is a quick summary of the lounges available according to the boarding zone at Montreal-Trudeau airport.
| Zone | Accessible Lounges |
|---|---|
| Domestic (flights within Canada) | Maple Leaf Lounge (gates 1 and 3) Air Canada Café (gates 1 and 3) Aspire AMEX Lounge (gates 1 and 2) |
| Cross border (flights to the United States) | Maple Leaf Lounge (gates 72-73) Odyssey Desjardins Lounge (gate 76) |
| International | Maple Leaf Lounge (gate 52) Odyssey Desjardins Lounge (gate 63) National Bank Lounge (temporary lounge since October 5, 2026, near gate 53) Air France-KLM Lounge (gates 55-57) Aspire Lounge (gate 52) |
Airport Lounges – Domestic Zone at Montreal Airport
In the domestic flights section (to Canada only), three options are available to travelers: the Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge, the Air Canada Cafe, and the Aspire AMEX Lounge. All are located near gates 1 and 3.
Maple Leaf Lounge and Air Canada Café
The Air Canada Cafe is located on the ground floor and the Maple Leaf Lounge is just on the floor above. To access these two spaces, you need a business class ticket, a high Aeroplan Elite status, or a specific Aeroplan credit card. Check for an armchair icon at the top right of your boarding pass QR code.
For more details, see our guide on accessing Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges. To enter, simply scan your paper or mobile boarding pass at the reception desk or digital kiosks.
Credit cards providing access
The American Express, CIBC Aeroplan, and TD Aeroplan cards below offer unlimited access to all Maple Leaf Lounges and Air Canada Cafes at YUL. The primary or secondary cardholder can bring one guest for free. Beyond that, the cost is $59 per person.
| Card | Condition of access | Annual visits |
|---|---|---|
| American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card | Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge, Air Canada Express, or Star Alliance partner ticket | Unlimited access for the cardholder and one guest |
| American Express Aeroplan Business Reserve Card | Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge, Air Canada Express, or Star Alliance partner ticket | Unlimited access for the cardholder and one guest |
| TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Credit Card | Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge, Air Canada Express, or Star Alliance partner ticket | Unlimited access for the cardholder and one guest |
| CIBC® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card | Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge, Air Canada Express, or Star Alliance partner ticket | Unlimited access for the cardholder and one guest |
| Credit card | Annual fee | Welcome offer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| $599 | |||
| $599 | |||
| $599 | |||
| $599 |
For a complete analysis of Air Canada cafes, read our article on the Inauguration of the Air Canada Cafe at Montreal YUL International Airport.
Access for children
For members with Aeroplan Elite 50K, 75K, or Super Elite status, up to 5 children under 24 can access the lounge for free when accompanied. Otherwise, children aged 0 to 1 enter for free. From age 2, they count as a guest. Beyond the first guest, the cost rises to $59 per additional child.
Aspire AMEX Lounge in the domestic zone
Inaugurated in July 2025, this Aspire AMEX lounge is located between gates 1 and 2. It is open daily from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM. For more details, see our Review: Aspire Amex Lounge Domestic Zone at Montreal-Trudeau (YUL).
To access it, you must have an airline ticket for a flight within Canada and access to an airport lounge network such as Priority Pass, Visa Airport Companion, or Mastercard Travel Pass.
At all times, American Express cardholders have priority for lounge entry. The best way to get free and unlimited access to the Aspire AMEX lounge in Montreal for you and a guest is to hold one of these cards:
- American Express Platinum Card®
- Business Platinum Card® from American Express
- Centurion Card from American Express
If the lounge has space, you might be able to access it with credit cards and their partnership with Visa Airport Companion, such as:
- Scotiabank Passport™ Visa Infinite +* Card (6 free visits per year)
- CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite* Card (4 free visits per year)
| Credit card | Annual fee | Welcome offer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| $799 | |||
| $799 | |||
| $0 | |||
| $150 |
Access for children at the Aspire Lounge
Children aged 0 to 1 enter for free. From age 2, they are counted as a guest. Beyond the first guest, expect to pay US$35 or more per additional child with an American Express or Priority Pass card. With Mastercard Travel Pass or Visa Airport Companion, each child aged 2 and over uses a free visit (if available) or costs US$32.
Montreal Airport Lounge – Transborder Lounges at YUL
For flights to the United States, two lounges are available: the Maple Leaf Lounge near gate 73 and the Odyssey Desjardins Lounge near gate 76.
Cross-border Maple Leaf Lounge
Access to the cross-border Maple Leaf Lounge follows exactly the same rules as the domestic zone lounge. Indeed, you must have a business class ticket, a high Aeroplan Elite status, or one of the Aeroplan credit cards presented above.
For a detailed overview of this lounge, see our Review: Air Canada Cross-Border Maple Leaf Lounge, YUL.
Cross-border Odyssey Desjardins Lounge
The cross-border Odyssey Desjardins Lounge is accessible to holders of several Desjardins cards. Additionally, DragonPass lists this cross-border lounge (operated by Plaza Premium) in its network, so several Visa and Mastercard cards that include DragonPass visits also provide access (Desjardins and DragonPass pages checked October 26, 2026).
| Desjardins Card | Condition of access | Annual visits |
|---|---|---|
| Odyssey Visa Infinite Privilege Card | Airline ticket to the United States | 12 entries, then 50% off from the 13th entry |
| Desjardins Odyssey World Elite Mastercard | Airline ticket to the United States | 8 entries, then 50% off from the 9th entry |
| Odyssey Gold Visa, Prestige Platinum, Platinum Visa Card | Airline ticket to the United States | 50% discount on the entry fee ($42 before taxes) |
*The Desjardins Odyssey Visa Infinite Privilege and Desjardins Odyssey Visa Platinum cards are no longer available for new applications, but some existing cardholders may still have them.
Several other credit cards also provide access to this lounge via DragonPass:
- 10 free entries with the Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card
- 6 entries with the Scotiabank Passport™ Visa Infinite+* Card
- 6 entries per cardholder with the TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Credit Card (TD, checked October 26, 2026)
- 4 entries with the CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite Card or the CIBC Aventura® Gold Visa Card
- 4 entries with the BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard
| Credit card | Annual fee | Welcome offer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| $150 | |||
| $0 | |||
| $0 | |||
| $599 | |||
| $0 |
Access for children at the Odyssey Lounge
Children aged 0 to 2 enter free of charge. Between 3 and 11 years old, the cost is $26 per child if you no longer have free access. For those 12 and older, entry increases to $42.
Montreal Airport Lounge – International Lounges at YUL
The international zone offers the widest choice of lounges at Montreal-Trudeau. Four lounges are open there, each with its own access conditions: the Maple Leaf Lounge, the National Bank Lounge (temporary during its renovation), the Odyssey Desjardins Lounge and the Air France-KLM Lounge. Aspire, which operates the National Bank Lounge, no longer lists a separate international lounge at YUL (checked October 26, 2026).
International Maple Leaf Lounge
Located near gate 52, this lounge follows the same access conditions as the Maple Leaf Lounges in the domestic and transborder zones. You must therefore have a business class ticket, a high Aeroplan Elite status, or one of the Aeroplan cards presented above.
Check for a chair icon in the top right corner of your boarding pass QR code.
National Bank Lounge
The National Bank Lounge at Montreal-Trudeau Airport can be accessed in multiple ways with:
- The National Bank World Elite Mastercard (main holder and its secondary holders);
- Certain American Express cards;
- A subscription to Priority Pass;
- A DragonPass membership (Don’t forget to register on the Visa Airport Companion website or Mastercard Travel Pass before your trip to get your access).
Just show the National Bank World Elite Mastercard at the entrance, or the QR code of your membership (DragonPass, Priority Pass) to enter. During the renovation, Priority Pass and DragonPass still list the lounge (checked October 26, 2026), but stays are capped at 2 hours, access depends on available space, and Aspire, which operates the lounge, asks network members to book ahead.
Please note that if the lounge is very busy, priority entry will be given to National Bank World Elite Mastercard holders.
Here are the eligible cards:
| Card | Condition of access | Annual access |
|---|---|---|
| National Bank World Elite Mastercard | International airline ticket | Unlimited access for the cardholder, one guest, and 2 children aged 12 and under |
| The Platinum Card from American Express | International airline ticket | Unlimited access via Priority Pass for the cardholder and one guest until December 31, 2026; from January 1, 2027, 6 Priority Pass visits per calendar year, unlimited after $20,000 in eligible annual spend |
| American Express Business Platinum Card | International airline ticket | Unlimited access via Priority Pass for the cardholder and one guest until December 31, 2026; from January 1, 2027, 6 Priority Pass visits per calendar year, unlimited after $20,000 in eligible annual spend |
| Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite Privilege Card | International airline ticket | 10 free entries via DragonPass |
| Scotiabank Passport™ Visa Infinite +* Card | International airline ticket | 6 free entries via DragonPass |
| CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Card | International airline ticket | 4 free entries via DragonPass |
| CIBC Aventura Gold Visa Card | International airline ticket | 4 free entries via DragonPass |
| TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite Card | International airline ticket | 4 free entries via DragonPass |
| BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard | International airline ticket | 4 free entries via DragonPass |
| Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card | International airline ticket | 10 free entries via Priority Pass |
Beyond the free entries, you can still enter by paying US$32 per person. Don’t forget to register on the Visa Airport Companion or Mastercard Travel Pass website before your departure to activate your access.
| Credit card | Annual fee | Welcome offer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| $0 | |||
| $799 | |||
| $399 | |||
| $0 | |||
| $150 |
Access for children at the NBC Lounge
Babies enter free up to and including 1 year old. From 2 years old, you must use a DragonPass or Priority Pass entry from your card. Otherwise, National Bank clients who do not hold the World Elite pay $40.24 per child aged 2 to 12 and $63.24 per adult, taxes included (National Bank, checked October 26, 2026).
Aspire International Lounge
The Montreal Aspire International Lounge sits between gates 52 and 53. As of October 26, 2026, Aspire and Priority Pass present this space as the National Bank Lounge (operated by Aspire), and DragonPass lists it as an Aspire lounge near gate 52. It serves international flights only (outside Canada and the United States), and the National Bank Lounge rules above apply: 2-hour stay, access subject to space, booking requested by Aspire.
Aspire also sells pre-booked access on its website; prices vary by date.
But if you have access to an airport lounge network like Priority Pass, Visa Airport Companion, and Mastercard Travel Pass, it can be free!
The best way to get free access to the Aspire Lounge at YUL for you and a guest is to hold one of these cards:
- American Express Platinum Card®
- Business Platinum Card® from American Express
- Centurion Card from American Express
| Credit card | Annual fee | Welcome offer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| $150 | |||
| $799 | |||
| $799 | |||
| $0 |
Until December 31, 2026, these cards give you unlimited access to Priority Pass network airport lounges (including the Aspire-operated lounges in Montreal) and to the American Express Global Lounge Collection, including Plaza Premium lounges. From January 1, 2027, the Platinum Card includes 6 Priority Pass visits and 6 Plaza Premium visits per calendar year (2 each for supplementary cards), and access becomes unlimited again once you reach $20,000 in eligible spend in a calendar year (American Express, checked October 26, 2026).
It is also possible to access this Aspire lounge with other Visa and Mastercard credit cards through the Visa Airport Companion program as well as Mastercard Travel Pass, with the DragonPass network.
International Odyssey Desjardins Lounge
Located near gate 63, the international Odyssey Desjardins Lounge follows the same Desjardins card conditions as its cross-border version, but DragonPass does not list this international lounge. Children aged 0 to 2 enter for free, those 3 to 11 pay $26, and those 12 and older pay $42, before taxes (Desjardins, checked October 26, 2026).
Air France-KLM Lounge
Available to passengers travelling in business class with Air France-KLM on international flights, you can also enter with certain credit cards available in Canada. According to travelers, the Air France-KLM lounge at YUL is one of the best lounges at the airport.
With a credit card, this very modern airport lounge is accessible with:
- Certain American Express cards;
- A subscription to Priority Pass;
- A subscription to Plaza Premium;
- Or a DragonPass membership (Don’t forget to register on the Visa Airport Companion website or Mastercard Travel Pass before your trip to get your access).
Here are the eligible credit cards for entry to the Air France KLM Lounge:
| Card | Condition | Annual access |
|---|---|---|
| The Platinum Card from American Express | International ticket | Unlimited access for the cardholder and one guest until December 31, 2026; from January 1, 2027, 6 visits per calendar year per network (Priority Pass, Plaza Premium), unlimited after $20,000 in eligible annual spend |
| American Express Business Platinum Card | International ticket | Unlimited access for the cardholder and one guest until December 31, 2026; from January 1, 2027, 6 visits per calendar year per network (Priority Pass, Plaza Premium), unlimited after $20,000 in eligible annual spend |
| American Express Gold Rewards Card | International ticket | 4 free entries via Plaza Premium |
| Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite Privilege Card | International ticket | 10 free entries via DragonPass |
| Scotiabank Passport™ Visa Infinite + Card | International ticket | 6 free entries via DragonPass |
| Visa Infinite Privilege Cards (CIBC, BMO, Desjardins, RBC, TD) | International ticket | 6 free entries via DragonPass |
| CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Card | International ticket | 4 free entries via DragonPass |
| CIBC Aventura Gold Visa Card | International ticket | 4 free entries via DragonPass |
| TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite Card | International ticket | 4 free entries via DragonPass |
| BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard | International ticket | 4 free entries via DragonPass |
| Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card | International ticket | 10 free entries via Priority Pass |
When you exceed the number of free annual entries, you can still enter the lounge but at a cost of US$32 per person.
The DragonPass network also gives access to this lounge, with a World or World Elite Mastercard. Check your eligibility on the Mastercard Travel Pass site before you go; you may have the free membership but still have to pay US$32 to get in. Some Mastercard cards add free visits to the membership, such as the ATB World Elite Mastercard (4 per year, per ATB on October 26, 2026) and the BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard.
| Credit card | Annual fee | Welcome offer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| $799 | |||
| $150 | |||
| $250 | |||
| $0 | |||
| $599 |
Access for children at the Air France-KLM Lounge
Children aged 0 and 1 enter for free. A child with an Air France-KLM business class ticket also enters for free. From age 2, a child will count as a guest with an American Express Platinum card, or as an entry in the DragonPass and Priority Pass networks.
Stay connected with an eSIM
Before settling into a lounge, think about your connectivity. Good news: YUL offers free and unlimited Wi-Fi throughout the terminal. Select the “YUL Wi-Fi” network on your device and accept the terms of use. The connection is generally stable for browsing, reading emails, or watching a video.
In airport lounges, Wi-Fi is also included, often with better speed and a more reliable connection than in public areas, which is convenient if you need to work or make a video call before your flight.
If you’re travelling abroad, also consider the eSIM option to stay connected as soon as you land. We recommend Holafly, which offers unlimited data plans in over 250 destinations. You can buy and install your eSIM before departure, then activate it in seconds upon landing, without having to look for a local SIM card or pay roaming fees.
Discover Holafly eSIMs here and enjoy instant connection abroad.
Compare our Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines guides when planning a booking. Check the operating carrier for every segment: a ticket marketed by one airline can be operated by a partner.
Conclusion
Remember this: one entry is equivalent to one person entering the lounge. For a family of four, you therefore need four entries. Additionally, a minor child must always be accompanied by an adult to enter, as alcohol is served there.
To ensure you can access a lounge, regardless of your destination, the American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Card and the TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Credit Card will be your best allies. Indeed, these are the only cards that open the doors to Maple Leaf Lounges in all three airport zones, provided you are traveling with Air Canada or a Star Alliance partner.
To compare all available options, visit our best credit cards page in Canada.
| Credit card | Annual fee | Welcome offer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| $599 | |||
| $599 |
Montreal Airport Lounges – Frequently Asked Questions
Which credit card should you choose for your travels?
If you travel regularly, the choice of credit card makes all the difference: travel insurance, points accumulation, access to airport lounges, or no foreign transaction fees. Use our credit card comparator to filter among 200+ Canadian offers according to your needs, or consult our top travel credit cards directly, updated monthly. Our top pick for travel with lounge access: the National Bank World Elite Mastercard, chosen on three criteria for Montreal travellers: it covers the international zone, where most YUL lounges are (unlimited access to the National Bank Lounge, temporary during its renovation), it includes you, a guest and two children aged 12 or under at no extra cost, and its annual fee is $150 (National Bank, checked October 26, 2026).
Exclusive
- Annual feeNo annual fee the first year
- $0 $150
- Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueAnnual fee rebated$150Total$150Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
- $150
- Welcome offer$150 annual fee rebated
- First Year Annual Fee Rebate
- Ends Nov 4, 2026
Apply Now
on National Bank's website
How to access the Odyssey Desjardins Lounge at YUL?
To enter the Odyssey Desjardins Lounge (gate 63 or gate 76), you need your boarding pass for the day and one of the following Desjardins cards: Odyssey Visa Infinite Privilege (12 free entries), Odyssey World Elite Mastercard (8 free entries), Odyssey Gold Visa (50% discount), or Prestige Platinum and Platinum (50% discount).
How can I access a VIP lounge at Montreal-Trudeau Airport?
You must hold a specific credit card or a membership to a lounge network (Priority Pass, DragonPass, Plaza Premium). Conditions vary depending on your boarding zone and the targeted lounge.
Which credit card gives access to a lounge at YUL?
Only a few cards among the 200 Canadian credit cards provide access. The Platinum Card® from American Express, the National Bank World Elite Mastercard, and Visa Infinite Privilege cards are among the best options.
How to access an Air Canada Lounge?
You can access a Maple Leaf Lounge with an Air Canada business class ticket, a high Aeroplan Elite status, or a specific Aeroplan credit card (American Express Reserve, CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege, or TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege).
What is the best airport lounge at YUL?
According to travelers surveyed on our Facebook group, the Air France-KLM Lounge and the National Bank Lounge are among the most appreciated for their atmosphere, cuisine, and amenities.
How much does it cost to enter a VIP lounge at YUL?
With an eligible credit card, access is often free. Otherwise, expect to pay US$32 per person via Priority Pass or DragonPass, $63.24 per adult (taxes included) at the National Bank Lounge for National Bank clients without the World Elite, or $42 per adult (before taxes) at the Odyssey Desjardins Lounges.
What is the best card for entering airport lounges in Montreal?
The Platinum Card® from American Express gives you and a guest unlimited access to Priority Pass and Plaza Premium lounges until December 31, 2026; from January 1, 2027, it includes 6 visits per calendar year in each of these two networks, and unlimited access again once you reach $20,000 in eligible spend in a calendar year (American Express, checked October 26, 2026). It does not give access to Maple Leaf Lounges, which require a premium Aeroplan card. The CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite Card, the TD® First Class Travel Visa Infinite Card and the Desjardins Odyssey World Elite Mastercard offer a limited number of free visits per year.
Can children enter lounges for free?
Most lounges admit children aged 0 to 1 (sometimes 2) for free. From age 2, the child generally counts as a guest or an entry. Aeroplan Elite 50K, 75K, or Super Elite status holders can, however, invite up to 5 children for free to the Maple Leaf Lounge.
