Montreal airport's new rideshare pickup zone creates confusion and longer walks for travelers
Since June 22, Uber and Lyft passengers at Montreal-Trudeau have been directed to the Leigh-Capreol zone, a five- to 15-minute walk from arrivals, sparking complaints about unclear signage.
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If you're arriving at Montreal-Trudeau International Airport expecting to quickly grab an Uber outside the terminal, the experience has changed. Since June 22, passengers have been directed to a new rideshare pickup area in the Leigh-Capreol zone, roughly five to 15 minutes' walk from the arrivals level.
The airport moved Uber and Lyft operations to reduce congestion at the curbside, where approximately 400 Uber trips depart each hour during peak periods. The airport said the redesign separates passengers by transportation mode and provides more space and a better layout for ride-hailing operations.
But travelers are reporting confusion. One passenger said signage during the walk was unclear and took extra time to navigate. Another described the distance as potentially difficult for people with disabilities, though she acknowledged the move reduced traffic. Some passengers reported wait times felt slightly longer than before, and at least one traveler said he became disoriented and didn't know where to go.
The airport said current wait times have not increased and data from the past week shows the process is becoming more fluid with shorter waits. It noted, however, that wait times depend on vehicle availability and driver supply—factors beyond the airport's control. By contrast, taxi service at YUL operates under an exclusive contract requiring a minimum fleet of 400 vehicles, with average wait times under 10 minutes this week.
