Submit feedbackSubmit feedbackComplete travel information for your May journey
May is a shoulder-season month for transatlantic travel from Montréal–Trudeau International Airport (YUL) to Zürich Airport (ZRH). Expect milder spring weather in Montreal, with occasional rain and a range of temperatures between 5–20°C, and plan for Victoria Day holiday surges near the end of May. To find the best Montreal to Zurich flights in May, search flexible dates, compare nonstop vs connecting options, and book 6–10 weeks in advance for optimal fares. Nearby destinations frequently accessed from YUL include Ottawa, Quebec City, Boston, New York, and Toronto—consider alternate airports or multileg itineraries to save. Book now to lock in competitive May fares and sign up for fare alerts to monitor price drops.
For an international flight from Montréal–Trudeau International Airport (YUL) to Zürich Airport (ZRH) in May, arrive at least 3 hours before departure. May can include Victoria Day weekend crowds, so factor in extra time for parking, security lines, and check-in during long weekends or holiday travel peaks. Use online check-in and confirm baggage rules with your carrier to speed your airport experience.
Direct seasonal flights between Montréal–Trudeau International Airport (YUL) and Zürich Airport (ZRH) are often available in late spring and summer through carriers like SWISS or Air Canada, but frequency varies by year. In May you should search both nonstop and one-stop options—use flexible dates to find the cheapest nonstop availability. If a nonstop isn’t operating, common one-stop routes connect via Toronto (YYZ), Frankfurt (FRA) or Amsterdam (AMS).
Checked baggage allowances depend on the airline and fare class: legacy carriers like Air Canada, SWISS, and Lufthansa often include one checked bag on standard economy long-haul fares, while low-cost or basic economy fares may not. For travel from Montréal–Trudeau International Airport (YUL) to Zürich Airport (ZRH) in May, confirm your ticket’s allowance and size/weight limits to avoid fees at the counter. Bringing a carry-on that meets airline dimensions can save time and money.
You can reach Montréal–Trudeau International Airport (YUL) from downtown Montreal by taxi, rideshare, dedicated airport shuttle, or public transit. The 747 Express bus (or REM connections depending on service updates) links central Montreal to YUL; check schedules for Victoria Day holiday service changes in May. For convenience and to avoid delays, allow extra travel time on busy weekends and consider pre-booking airport parking or rideshares.
As of May travel guidance, most routine COVID-19 travel restrictions for Switzerland have been lifted, but entry requirements can change—always check Government of Canada travel advisories and the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health before departure. Also verify passport validity (usually at least 3–6 months recommended), visa needs for non-Canadian citizens, and whether proof of vaccination or negative tests are required for your nationality. Purchase flexible tickets or travel insurance to cover last-minute rule changes.
Montréal–Trudeau International Airport (YUL) offers short-term, long-term, and economy parking with shuttle options; during busy May weekends such as Victoria Day availability can be limited. Reserve long-term parking in advance when possible, or use off-site parking lots with shuttle service to ensure timely arrivals. Check live parking maps on the airport website to confirm spaces before you drive.
Arriving at Zürich Airport (ZRH) in May, you’ll find efficient rail links to Zurich, Lucerne, Bern, and Interlaken, making it an ideal hub for exploring Switzerland’s spring landscapes. Expect mild, changeable weather—pack layers and waterproofs—and be prepared to validate VAT refund forms at customs if you’ve shopped duty-free. Popular nearby destinations often accessed from ZRH include Lucerne, Interlaken, Bern, Geneva, Milan and Stuttgart; consider regional rail passes or point-to-point tickets to save. For a seamless arrival, purchase Swiss Travel System tickets via the SBB app and pre-book airport transfers if arriving late at night.
The fastest option from Zürich Airport (ZRH) to Zurich city center is the direct train from the airport station; travel time is about 10–15 minutes to Zürich Hauptbahnhof. Trains run frequently throughout May with reliable schedules, and you can buy tickets at the station machines or via the SBB app. Taxis and rideshares are available outside arrivals but cost significantly more than the efficient rail option.
Most Canadian citizens can enter Switzerland for short stays visa-free for tourism or business; however, passport validity and visa requirements depend on nationality. At Zürich Airport (ZRH) in May, passport control procedures follow Schengen rules—make sure your passport meets the required validity and check the Swiss government site for any specific visa changes. If you're transiting to other Schengen countries, border controls may be minimal but always carry travel documents.
In May, Zurich typically has spring weather with daytime highs around 15–20°C and cooler mornings near 6–10°C; occasional rain showers and variable conditions are common. Pack layers, a light waterproof jacket, comfortable walking shoes, and a scarf for cool evenings. If you plan mountain excursions to nearby Lucerne or Interlaken, include a warmer layer as alpine areas can still be chilly in May.
To claim VAT (MwSt) refunds after shopping in Switzerland, request tax-free forms from retailers at purchase and present them with receipts at customs before leaving Switzerland. At Zürich Airport (ZRH) you can validate forms at customs desks, and some refund providers offer cash or credit reimbursements at the airport. Allow extra time at the terminal for VAT validation, especially during May travel peaks or morning departures.
From Zürich Airport (ZRH), convenient onward options include high-speed trains to Lucerne (about 1 hour), Bern (around 1.5 hours), and Interlaken (2+ hours), as well as regional buses for alpine access. May is a great month to continue to Lucerne, Interlaken, or Geneva for spring sightseeing and hikes. Rent-a-car services and international bus connections to Milan or Stuttgart are also available for cross-border travelers.
May can see occasional seasonal schedule adjustments, increased summer services, or local transport engineering works; strikes in European aviation or rail sectors are less common but possible. Before arrival at Zürich Airport (ZRH) in May, check your airline’s flight status and the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) updates for train connections. Signing up for airline alerts and having flexible onward reservations helps mitigate disruptions.
May in Zurich offers spring cultural outings and outdoor activities ideal for travelers arriving at Zürich Airport (ZRH) from Montréal–Trudeau International Airport (YUL). Popular activities include visiting Kunsthaus Zürich for rotating exhibitions, strolling the Old Town (Altstadt) as flowers and parks bloom, and taking scenic day trips to Lucerne or the Bernese Oberland for early alpine hikes. May also features local markets, food events, and open-air concerts as the city warms up—check Zurich Tourism’s May calendar for exact dates. Nearby events frequently accessed from ZRH include seasonal lake cruises on Lake Lucerne, regional wine festivals, and art exhibitions in Bern and Basel. CTA: Check event dates in advance and book tickets for popular exhibitions and river or mountain excursions to secure availability in May.
The best time to fly from Montréal–Trudeau International Airport (YUL) to Zürich Airport (ZRH) depends on your priorities: budget-conscious travelers find spring (April–June) and fall shoulder seasons ideal for lower fares and milder crowds. May is particularly attractive—spring blossoms, decent weather in Zurich, and fares typically lower than peak summer months. If you prefer warmer weather and outdoor mountain activities, late May into June is excellent; for snow sports, winter months are best. For cheapest flights, aim for midweek departures and book 6–10 weeks in advance. CTA: compare May dates now to pick the optimal combination of price and weather.
Nonstop flights from Montréal–Trudeau International Airport (YUL) to Zürich Airport (ZRH) save time (approx. 7h45–8h30 flight time) and reduce the risk of missed connections, making them ideal for business travelers or those seeking convenience. However, nonstop fares in May can be higher; connecting flights via hubs like Toronto Pearson (YYZ), Frankfurt (FRA), or Amsterdam (AMS) often provide cheaper options and more schedule flexibility. Connecting itineraries add layover time—plan for at least 90–120 minutes for international connections and more if you need to clear customs—while offering the chance to break the journey and sometimes lower fares. For best results, weigh cost savings against total travel time and preferred airlines; use flexible-date searches to compare nonstop versus one-stop pricing and duration.
Air Canada: Often offers seasonal nonstop service between Montréal–Trudeau International Airport (YUL) and Zürich Airport (ZRH) and provides Star Alliance benefits and generous baggage allowances on many long-haul fares. Good for loyalty members and direct connectivity within Canada. SWISS: Known for consistent long-haul service, Swiss hospitality, and central European connectivity—SWISS may offer seasonal nonstop services and reliable schedules to ZRH. Lufthansa: Typically routes Montreal-Zurich itineraries via Frankfurt or Munich, offering solid business-class service and broad European onward connections. Air Transat / Other carriers: May provide competitive fares with connecting itineraries but fewer alliance benefits. When comparing fares in May, check included baggage, change fees, seat selection costs, and alliance status benefits. CTA: Compare current May schedules and fare classes across airlines to find the best balance of price, time, and comfort.
Packing: Pack layers for May—light sweaters, a waterproof jacket, comfortable walking shoes, and a compact umbrella. Include a warmer layer for mountain day trips. Weather: Montreal is warming in May but can still be breezy; Zurich features spring temperatures and occasional showers—check 10-day forecasts before packing. Transfers and transit: Use Zurich Airport’s efficient rail link for quick city access; buy Swiss Travel passes for multi-day regional travel. Money and docs: Carry a credit card with no foreign transaction fee and ensure passport validity for Schengen entry. Health and insurance: Purchase travel insurance covering trip interruption and medical costs; verify any required health documents ahead of May travel. CTA: Review these seasonal tips and pack smart to make the most of your spring trip from Montréal–Trudeau International Airport (YUL) to Zürich Airport (ZRH).
Typical nonstop flight time from Montréal–Trudeau International Airport (YUL) to Zürich Airport (ZRH) is around 7 hours 45 minutes to 8 hours 30 minutes depending on winds and flight path. In May, seasonal nonstop services may operate daily or several times per week; when not available, typical one-stop itineraries connect via Toronto Pearson (YYZ), Frankfurt (FRA), Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS), or Munich (MUC) with total travel times commonly between 10 and 16+ hours including layovers. Time zone note: Montreal is on Eastern Daylight Time (UTC−4) in May, and Zurich is on Central European Summer Time (UTC+2), meaning a 6-hour time difference. Check carrier schedules for exact departure windows—overnight westbound flights usually arrive in Zurich the following morning local time, which is ideal for same-day arrivals and city exploration.
Best tactics for cheap YUL to ZRH flights in May: search with 6–10 weeks lead time, set multi-carrier price alerts, and compare flexible-date calendars. Midweek departures (Tuesday–Thursday) often return lower fares; returning midweek can also cut costs. Consider one-stop itineraries via YYZ, FRA or AMS if nonstop fares are high—sometimes adding a connection saves CAD 150–400. Watch for airline flash sales in late winter/early spring and use points or companion fares if available. Example price benchmarks for May (economy round-trip): low CAD 650–800 for promo fares, typical CAD 800–1,100, and last-minute upwards of CAD 1,300. CTA: Sign up for fare alerts and check both nonstop and connecting routes for the best Montreal to Zurich deals in May.
Starting from $764
Book your economy class flight from Montreal (YUL) to Zurich (ZRH)and save money on your travel. Compare all flight options to find the best deal for your may trip.
Starting from $764
Book your economy class flight from Montreal (YUL) to Zurich (ZRH)and save money on your travel. Compare all flight options to find the best deal for your may trip.
Starting from $764
Book your economy class flight from Montreal (YUL) to Zurich (ZRH)and save money on your travel. Compare all flight options to find the best deal for your may trip.
Starting from $764
Book your economy class flight from Montreal (YUL) to Zurich (ZRH)and save money on your travel. Compare all flight options to find the best deal for your may trip.
Starting from $796
Book your economy class flight from Montreal (YUL) to Zurich (ZRH)and save money on your travel. Compare all flight options to find the best deal for your may trip.
Starting from $820
Book your economy class flight from Montreal (YUL) to Zurich (ZRH)and save money on your travel. Compare all flight options to find the best deal for your may trip.
Planning a trip from Montreal (YUL) to Zurich (ZRH) in may? SlickTrip helps you find the cheapest economy class flights with our comprehensive flight comparison tool. Whether you prefer direct flights for convenience or multi-stop flights for savings, we have options for every budget and schedule.
