On July 18, 2026, La Presse partnered with Montreal‑Trudeau Airport to run a timed test aimed at identifying the quickest way to reach airport security three hours before a scheduled flight. The trial focused on an 18:20 departure to Paris, with a target arrival at the security checkpoint set for 15:20.
The experiment began at La Presse's office near Old Montreal, a central location that reflects the typical starting point for many downtown commuters. From there, the newspaper's team evaluated a range of transport options that are commonly used by travelers heading to the airport. Each option was timed from departure at the office to arrival at the security area, allowing a direct comparison of overall travel efficiency.
Results showed that the time required to navigate Montreal's traffic and transit network can vary considerably, reinforcing the perception that reaching Trudeau Airport often demands careful planning. By measuring actual travel durations, the test provided concrete data on how long each mode of transport took to deliver passengers to the security zone by the 15:20 deadline.
The significance of the trial lies in its practical application for passengers on long‑haul flights, such as the Montreal‑Paris route. Arriving at security three hours before departure is a standard recommendation for international travel, and the test confirmed that meeting this benchmark from downtown Montreal is achievable with the right choice of transport.
While the specific numbers for each mode were not disclosed, the exercise underscored the importance of allowing sufficient buffer time for potential delays on the road or in public transit. The findings are expected to help future travelers make more informed decisions about how to allocate their time when heading to Montreal‑Trudeau Airport from the city centre.