REM Nearing Completion at Montreal’s Trudeau Airport

Rowan Ashford

Published: April 9, 2026 1:51 AM ET

Construction of the Réseau express métropolitain (REM) light-rail network at Montreal’s Trudeau Airport is progressing efficiently. Officials report that the airport branch is on track for a 2027 launch. This new transit link will offer travelers direct access to the airport, enhancing connectivity in the region.

REM Nearing Completion at Montreal’s Trudeau Airport

As of April 2026, over 80% of the airport station’s construction is complete, and the project remains within its estimated budget of approximately $600 million. The recent phases have involved rigorous testing and equipment installation.

Project Details and Timeline

Projected Opening: End of 2027
Network Length: 67 kilometers
Travel Time from Downtown: Approximately 25 minutes
Annual Passenger Capacity: 35 million
Capacity Accommodated by REM: 20% of annual passenger traffic
Infrastructure Lifespan: At least 100 years

Station Features and Accessibility

The airport station will be positioned just 100 meters from the check-in counters, providing seamless access through an existing pedestrian bridge. Designed entirely underground, the station will showcase unique architectural features, including a visual reminiscent of an iceberg viewed from underwater.

Steeve Bouffard, the project director, emphasizes the efforts to enhance the ventilation and control systems crucial for operational efficiency. The station is set to significantly improve access to the airport and alleviate congestion at the curbside.

Broader Impact on Transportation

According to Anne-Sophie Hamel, spokesperson for Aéroports de Montréal, the new link is part of a multi-billion-dollar initiative aimed at improving airport access. This project is a critical response to increasing passenger traffic and aims to enhance the overall transport experience in Montreal.

Local airport employees and travelers are eager for the REM’s completion, anticipating reduced travel times and improved public transport options. The future of airport connectivity in Montreal looks promising with the REM nearing its final stages of development.