La Presse conducted a practical test of transportation options on July 18, 2026 to determine the quickest way to reach Montreal‑Trudeau Airport from its office near Old Montreal. The newspaper’s team needed to be at airport security three hours before a scheduled 6:20 p.m. departure to Paris, a timeline that required precise timing and reliable travel.
The experiment was prompted by the common perception that getting from downtown Montreal to the airport can be slow, especially during peak periods. By evaluating several possible routes and modes of travel, La Presse aimed to identify a method that would consistently meet the three‑hour pre‑flight security window.
During the test, staff left the Old Montreal office and compared travel times against the target arrival at security by 3:20 p.m. The focus was on measuring actual travel duration rather than theoretical estimates, ensuring that the chosen solution would be dependable under real‑world conditions.
Results from the July 18 trial will inform future travel plans for staff members who need to catch evening flights, particularly those heading to Europe. By establishing a proven, fastest route, La Presse hopes to reduce the uncertainty that often accompanies trips from the city centre to the airport.
The exercise underscores the broader challenge faced by many Montreal commuters who must navigate congested streets and variable transit schedules to reach Trudeau Airport. While the specific mode that proved most efficient was not disclosed, the newspaper’s systematic approach provides a model for other organizations seeking to streamline airport access for time‑sensitive travel.