How to Find the Cheapest Flights from Vancouver to Montreal (YVR to YUL)

Struggling to find an affordable flight from Vancouver to Montreal? You’re not alone! It’s a long journey across the country, and ticket prices can swing wildly. But trust me, with a few smart strategies, you can absolutely snag a great deal without breaking the bank. I’ve got your back on finding those sweet spots in pricing and making that trip across Canada a reality. Montreal is a vibrant city, rich in culture, history, and delicious food, making it an incredible destination. From the cobblestone streets of Old Montreal to the bustling Plateau, there’s always something to explore. The distance between Vancouver and Montreal is roughly 3,700 kilometers 2,300 miles, so flying is definitely the most practical option.

Finding cheap tickets often feels like a treasure hunt, but it’s totally doable. This guide is all about giving you the best tips and tricks to secure the cheapest ticket from Vancouver to Montreal. We’ll cover everything from the best time to book to which airlines to watch, so you can focus on planning your adventure, not stressing over your budget. Ready to discover those fantastic deals? 👉 Find the best flight deals from Vancouver to Montreal!

👉 Find the best discounts on flights

The Scoop on Flying from Vancouver to Montreal

First things first, let’s talk about the direct journey. When you’re flying from Vancouver International Airport YVR to Montréal–Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport YUL, you’re looking at a pretty significant cross-country hop.

Key Airlines for This Route

Several airlines regularly fly between Vancouver and Montreal. Knowing who operates on this route helps you keep an eye on their sales and offerings:

0.0 0.0 out of 5 stars (based on 0 reviews) Excellent0% Very good0% Average0% Poor0% Terrible0% There are no reviews yet. Be the first one to write one. Your review Your overall rating Select a Rating5 Stars4 Stars3 Stars2 Stars1 Star Title of your review Your review Your name Your email This review is based on my own experience and is my genuine opinion. ​ Submit Review

Amazon.com: Check Amazon for How to Find Latest Discussions & Reviews:

• Air Canada: Often the most popular choice, offering numerous direct and connecting flights weekly. They have about 41 nonstop flights a week.
• Porter Airlines: A growing player, Porter also offers direct flights and can sometimes have competitive pricing, especially if you book through a partner like Air Transat. They operate around 13 nonstop flights per week.
• WestJet: Another major Canadian airline with both direct and connecting flights. They currently have fewer direct flights, about 2 per week, typically on Thursday and Sunday.
• Flair Airlines & Air Transat: These are often worth checking for budget-friendly options, though Flair’s prices have seen some fluctuations. While Lynx Air was once a contender for ultra-low fares, recent information suggests Flair and others are often the primary budget choices now.

When you’re searching, always cast a wide net and check all these carriers, as their prices can vary greatly depending on demand and how far in advance you book.

Flight Duration: What to Expect

For direct flights from Vancouver to Montreal, you’re usually looking at a flight time of around 4 hours and 50 minutes to 5 hours and 35 minutes. It’s a medium-haul flight, so plan for a good chunk of time in the air. Connecting flights, of course, will take significantly longer depending on the layover city and duration.

👉 Find the best discounts on flights Your Ultimate Guide to Booking Flights from Singapore to Jakarta

Your Secret Weapon: Timing Your Booking & Travel

This is where you can save some serious cash. Timing is everything when it comes to finding cheap flights.

Best Time to Book Your Flight

This one can feel a bit like a guessing game, but there are some solid patterns:

• Sweet Spot for Domestic Flights: For flights within Canada, many experts suggest booking anywhere from 3 months to 30 days before your departure. That gives you enough time to catch early bird deals without paying last-minute premiums.
• Around 6 Weeks Out: Some data specifically points to booking around 40 days about 6 weeks in advance for the Vancouver-Montreal route to get good prices.
• Early Bird Catches the Worm Sometimes: While the 3-month window is generally good, I’ve seen some sources suggest even earlier – booking at least 9 months ahead could snag you a super cheap deal, though that might be for specific rare sales. Booking early definitely increases your chances.
• Avoid Last-Minute: As your travel date gets closer, especially within a few weeks, prices tend to rise sharply. Don’t leave it to the last minute if you can help it!

Cheapest Months to Fly

If your travel dates are flexible, shifting your trip by a month or two can lead to significant savings.

• January: This month often comes up as one of the cheapest times to fly from Vancouver to Montreal. The post-holiday slump in demand means airlines drop prices to fill seats. If you’re looking for a winter getaway without the holiday crowds, January is prime.
• November: Similar to January, November can also offer low average fares.
• April and May: These spring months are also frequently cited as good times to find cheaper tickets. You might catch some lovely spring weather in Montreal without the peak summer tourist rush.
• Early Winter Post-Holiday: Prices tend to dip significantly after the busy Christmas and New Year period, making the early weeks of the new year a sweet spot for deals.

Conversely, expect higher prices during peak summer July and August, and around major holidays like Christmas, New Year’s, and school breaks.

The Magic of Mid-Week: Cheapest Days to Depart

Ever noticed how flights on a Friday or Sunday seem pricier? That’s no coincidence! Weekends and the start/end of the work week are popular for business travelers and weekend getaways, driving up demand. Stansted to London Bus: Your Essential Guide for a Smooth Journey

• Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday: These are often the cheapest days to fly. Airlines release weekly prices on Monday evening and Tuesday morning, which can spark competition and lead to better deals mid-week.
• Early Morning or Late Night: Flights at less convenient times—super early in the morning or late at night—are generally cheaper because fewer people want to take them. If you don’t mind an ungodly hour, you could save a good chunk of change!

So, when you’re searching, play around with those mid-week dates and see what pops up.

👉 Find the best discounts on flights

Smart Strategies for Snagging Those Low Fares

Beyond timing, there are some active steps you can take to make sure you’re getting the best possible price.

Be Flexible with Your Dates and Airports

I know it sounds obvious, but seriously, this is probably the biggest game-changer. If you can shift your travel by a few days, or even a week, you might find prices that are hundreds of dollars cheaper.

• Use “Flexible Dates” or “Whole Month” Tools: Most flight comparison websites like Google Flights, Skyscanner, Kayak, Expedia have a “flexible dates” option or a calendar view that shows prices for an entire month. This lets you see at a glance which days are cheapest. It’s like having a secret decoder ring for flight prices!
• Consider Nearby Airports: While YVR is Vancouver’s main airport and YUL is Montreal’s, occasionally looking at secondary airports can uncover deals. For example, some flights might depart from Abbotsford YXX near Vancouver, which could sometimes offer different prices, especially with budget airlines. However, ensure you factor in the additional travel time and cost to get to and from these airports.

Harness the Power of Flight Comparison Sites

These websites are your best friends in the hunt for cheap flights. They scour hundreds of airlines and online travel agencies OTAs to show you a wide range of options. Your Ultimate Guide: How to Get from Stansted to London

• Google Flights: Hands down one of my favorites. Its calendar view is fantastic for spotting cheap dates, and it lets you track prices.
• Skyscanner: Great for its “Whole Month” search and setting up price alerts. It often finds deals on budget airlines that others might miss.
• Kayak: Another strong contender that aggregates results from many sources.
• Expedia/Trip.com/Cheapflights: Always worth checking these as they often have exclusive deals or package options.

Don’t just stick to one! Check a few different sites, as they don’t always show the exact same results or prices. You might be surprised by the variations.

Set Up Price Alerts – Let the Deals Come to You

This is a passive but incredibly effective strategy. If you know your travel dates or even a general timeframe, set up price alerts.

• How it Works: Most flight comparison sites Google Flights, Skyscanner, Kayak, etc. let you create an alert for a specific route and dates. When the price for that route drops, you’ll get an email notification.
• Why it’s Great: You don’t have to constantly check prices yourself. The alerts do the heavy lifting, and you can jump on a deal as soon as it appears. Prices can change rapidly, so being notified instantly can make all the difference.

Don’t Forget Incognito Mode or Clear Your Cookies!

This tip gets debated a lot, but many travelers swear by it. Airlines and travel sites often use cookies to track your searches. If they see you’ve searched for the same flight multiple times, they might subtly increase the price, hoping you’re desperate and will book anyway.

• The Trick: Before you start searching for flights, open an “incognito” or “private browsing” window in your web browser. This prevents websites from tracking your activity. Alternatively, clear your browser’s cookies and cache before each search session.
• Worth a Try: While there’s no guaranteed proof this always works, it costs you nothing to try, and it might just save you some money!

Consider Budget Airlines and Their Quirks

Airlines like Flair Airlines and previously Lynx Air often offer the lowest base fares from Vancouver to Montreal. But there’s a catch: they make their money on extras.

• Bare-Bones Fares: The initial price you see usually only includes your seat and a small personal item.
• Extra Costs: Be prepared for additional fees for things like:
  • Carry-on bags: Yes, even for bags that fit in the overhead bin.
  • Checked luggage: This can quickly add up.
  • Seat selection: Want to pick your seat? That’ll cost you.
  • In-flight snacks/drinks: Expect to pay for everything on board.
• Do the Math: Always calculate the total cost, including any add-ons you’ll need, before booking a budget airline flight. Sometimes, a slightly more expensive ticket from a full-service airline might actually be cheaper in the end once all the fees are factored in.

The Layover Lowdown: Direct vs. Connecting Flights

Direct flights are awesome for convenience and speed around 4h 50m to 5h 35m, but they’re not always the cheapest. How to Score the Cheapest Air Ticket from Saudi Arabia to Kenya Nairobi

• Connecting Flights: These usually involve a stop or two, often in cities like Toronto, Calgary, or Edmonton. While they add to your travel time, they can sometimes be significantly cheaper, especially if you’re not in a rush.
• Weigh Your Options: Decide what’s more important for your trip: saving time or saving money. For a long cross-country flight, a layover can also be a good opportunity to stretch your legs and grab a proper meal.

Look for Package Deals Flight + Hotel

Sometimes, bundling your flight with a hotel or car rental can unlock hidden savings.

• Online Travel Agencies OTAs: Sites like Expedia, Travelocity, and Booking.com often offer discounts when you book multiple components of your trip together.
• Worth a Check: Even if you only need a flight, do a quick search for a flight+hotel package. You might find that the combined price is actually less than the flight alone, and you can just ditch the hotel booking if you don’t need it just make sure it’s a refundable option!.

Check Different Departure Airports like Abbotsford YXX

While YVR is the primary airport, some airlines, particularly budget ones, might fly out of smaller, regional airports. For example, Abbotsford YXX is about an hour’s drive east of Vancouver and is served by budget carriers like WestJet.

• Consider the Trade-off: While the flight might be cheaper, remember to factor in the extra time and cost of getting to and from a smaller airport. Sometimes the savings aren’t worth the hassle. However, if the price difference is substantial, it could be a great way to save.

👉 Find the best discounts on flights

What About Other Ways to Travel? Train & Bus

When people ask about the “cheapest way to travel from Vancouver to Montreal,” it’s natural to think beyond flying. However, for this particular cross-country route, planes usually win on both speed and often on price too, unless you hit a very specific sale on ground transport.

Taking the Train: A Scenic but Pricey Marathon

Canada’s VIA Rail offers an incredible, scenic journey from Vancouver to Montreal. But let’s be real about what that means for a cheap ticket: How to Score the Cheapest Flight Ticket from Sydney to Melbourne

• Duration: This is a serious time commitment. The train ride typically takes over 100 hours about 4 days and 5 hours, often with transfers in places like Toronto. It’s a journey, not a quick trip.
• Cost: While you might find some deals, train tickets are generally more expensive than budget flights, often ranging from around $361 to $773 or even higher for average tickets, though some can be found for as low as $414-$649. If you’re looking for cheap, this usually isn’t it, unless you’re prioritizing the experience.
• Experience vs. Economy: A train journey across Canada is an adventure in itself, with sleeper cars and dining experiences. It’s fantastic for sightseeing but not your go-to for the cheapest, fastest way to get between these two cities.

The Bus Journey: Long Haul, Longer Savings Sometimes

Taking the bus is generally the cheapest form of ground transportation, but again, for Vancouver to Montreal, it’s an extreme long-haul.

• Duration: Prepare for a very long ride. Bus journeys can take around 75 hours over 3 days. Greyhound is a major operator, with trips averaging around 73 hours.
• Cost: Bus tickets can be found for as little as $223 to $310 on average, with some lucky finds even lower. If your absolute top priority is the lowest possible dollar amount and you have days to spare, a bus might be cheaper than the cheapest flight, but it’s often a close call, and the time commitment is huge.
• Comfort: This is a lot of time to spend on a bus. Comfort will be minimal, and you’ll want to pack plenty of entertainment and snacks.

In summary, for most people looking for the “cheapest ticket from Vancouver to Montreal,” flying is almost always the most sensible option when balancing cost and time. The “cheapest way to travel from Montreal to Vancouver” or vice versa primarily refers to flights because of the sheer distance.

👉 Find the best discounts on flights

Avoiding Common Pitfalls When Booking Cheap Flights

You’ve done all your research, found a great deal, but don’t hit that “book now” button just yet! A few common traps can turn a “cheap” flight into an expensive headache.

Watch Out for Baggage Fees

As I mentioned with budget airlines, baggage fees are often where they make up their revenue. Don’t assume anything is included! How to Score the Cheapest Air Ticket from Sydney to Melbourne

• Check the Airline’s Policy: Before you even start packing, go to the airline’s website and look up their baggage policy for your specific fare class.
• Personal Item vs. Carry-On vs. Checked: Understand the difference. A “personal item” usually fits under the seat in front of you like a backpack or purse. A “carry-on” goes in the overhead bin. A “checked bag” goes in the cargo hold. Each typically has different fees.
• Pre-Pay if Possible: It’s almost always cheaper to pay for your checked or carry-on bag online when you book your flight or before you get to the airport than to pay for it at the check-in counter or, worse, at the gate. Those gate fees can be eye-watering!

Read the Fine Print on Basic Economy

Many airlines offer a “Basic Economy” or similar fare, which is their absolute cheapest. While tempting, these often come with significant restrictions.

• No Changes/Refunds: These tickets are typically non-changeable and non-refundable. If your plans shift, you’re usually out of luck and money.
• No Seat Selection: You usually can’t pick your seat, and you’ll be assigned one at check-in. If you’re traveling with someone, there’s no guarantee you’ll sit together.
• Last to Board: Basic Economy passengers are often among the last to board, which can be an issue if overhead bin space is tight for your included personal item.
• Hidden Costs: Just like budget airlines, sometimes even full-service carriers will strip down their Basic Economy fares so much that you end up paying for things like carry-on bags. Always double-check!

The bottom line is to be a savvy traveler. Do your homework, use the tools available, and be flexible. Finding the cheapest ticket from Vancouver to Montreal is definitely achievable, and once you master these strategies, you’ll be able to apply them to almost any flight search! Happy travels, and enjoy Montreal!

👉 Find the best discounts on flights

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a flight from Vancouver to Montreal usually cost?

The average round-trip flight from Vancouver to Montreal can range from about CA$280 to over CA$800, depending on the airline, booking time, and flexibility. One-way flights can start as low as CA$83 if you catch a really good deal. Always remember that prices fluctuate a lot, so checking multiple sources and being flexible with your dates is key.

What are the cheapest months to fly from Vancouver to Montreal?

Based on recent data, the cheapest months to fly from Vancouver to Montreal are typically January, November, April, and May. These months often see lower demand, leading to better deals. Your Ultimate Guide to Scoring Cheap Tickets to New York City

Which airlines offer direct flights from Vancouver YVR to Montreal YUL?

Major Canadian airlines like Air Canada, Porter Airlines, and WestJet offer direct flights between Vancouver International Airport YVR and Montréal–Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport YUL. Flair Airlines and Air Transat also operate on this route, often with connecting options or varying direct service.

How far in advance should I book my flight to get the best price?

For domestic flights like Vancouver to Montreal, it’s generally recommended to book between 3 months and 30 days before your departure date. Some sources suggest around 40 days 6 weeks in advance as a sweet spot, while others point to even earlier bookings, like 9 months, for extreme deals. Booking closer to the departure date typically results in higher prices.

Is it cheaper to take the train or bus from Vancouver to Montreal instead of flying?

Generally, no. While train and bus tickets can sometimes be found at lower prices than peak flight fares, they typically involve a significantly longer travel time 3-4 days for bus, 4+ days for train and are often more expensive than a well-timed cheap flight. For balancing cost and time, flying is almost always the better option for this cross-country route.

What days of the week are cheapest to fly from Vancouver to Montreal?

You’ll often find the cheapest flights for departures on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. Early morning or late-night flights on these days can also offer additional savings, as they are less popular times to travel.

How to Find Cheap Tickets to Florida: Your Ultimate Guide to Sunny Savings