Halifax Stanfield International Airport serves the capital of Nova Scotia, on the Atlantic coast of Canada, approximately 35 km from the city center.
It is the main hub of Atlantic Canada, a gateway for exploring the maritime coasts of the region.
How to get to Halifax / Stanfield International Airport
By Car
By Train
By Bus
Average travel time to YHZ
Parking near Halifax / Stanfield International Airport
The airport operates its own parking lot right in front of the terminal.
It is not staffed but is video-monitored; Parkade (short-term): 4 CAD every 30 minutes for the first hour, then 4 CAD/hour; external area for long-term parking: fixed minimum rate of 25 CAD regardless of duration (from February 9, 2026).
How to get to Halifax from YHZ
By Train
By Bus
By Taxi
Airport transfers you can book in advance
Shuttles and private transfers you can book online, picked from the best rated by travelers.
Car rental at Halifax / Stanfield International Airport
Major car rental companies have desks in the arrivals area, very useful for exploring Nova Scotia's coastlines, including the famous Peggy's Cove.
Bring your driver's license, passport, and credit card in the driver's name for the security deposit; national licenses are generally accepted. You drive on the right.
Hotels near Halifax / Stanfield International Airport
Bedford
Bedford lies on the same route (Bedford Highway/Highway 102) that links the airport to downtown Halifax, roughly halfway: by car or taxi it's 15-20 minutes to the airport and the same to downtown (about 18 km), against the 30-40 minutes of a direct airport-to-downtown transfer. There are no direct buses from the airport to Bedford: by public transport you still have to go through downtown.
Best for: Travellers with a rental car or looking for a lower price than downtown, happy to stay along the road between the airport and the city rather than at either end.
- Closer to the airport than a downtown hotel, with direct access to Highway 102 towards the terminals
- International chain with indoor pool, gym and breakfast included, usually at a lower price than downtown
- Residential area with no evening life within walking distance: for dinner or a night out you need a car or a taxi
- It still isn't that close to the airport: 15-20 minutes by car remain, not the quick hop of a true airport hotel
Downtown and North End Halifax
The MetroX 320 bus (formerly the 'Airport Express') links the airport to downtown, ending near Scotia Square, in about 55-65 minutes with no transfers; it runs every 30-60 minutes and costs about 4-5 CAD, but doesn't cover all night-time hours. By taxi or rideshare, the fare to downtown is fixed at around 65-70 CAD, for a 30-40 minute journey that stretches out further at peak times on Highway 102.
Best for: Travellers who want the waterfront, restaurants and the life of downtown Halifax, and accept the longer transfer from the airport in exchange for everything within walking distance.
- Waterfront Boardwalk, the Citadel and restaurants reachable on foot from downtown hotels
- The MetroX 320 bus links the airport to downtown with no transfers, with no need for a car or taxi
- No quick connection: 30-40 minutes by fixed-fare taxi, or about an hour on the MetroX bus, which only runs every 30-60 minutes
- The bus still isn't active around the clock: for flights in the middle of the night or at dawn, a taxi is still needed
Recommended hotels
- Moxy Halifax Downtown Chain hotel near the Scotiabank Centre and the Waterfront Boardwalk, in the heart of downtown: the most convenient choice for those who want to stay within walking distance of restaurants and evening venues. View availability
- Brewery Park Hotel Small hotel in the North End, about 3 km from the heart of the historic downtown but a short walk from the Waterfront Boardwalk and the Citadel: a quieter alternative to downtown proper. View availability
Airport services
Shopping & Duty Free
Lounges & relaxation
Connectivity & Wi-Fi
Families & Children
Terminal guide
The terminal is compact compared to large hubs, consistent with the airport's regional role. From check-in to gate you typically walk about 10 minutes.
It's wise to budget for longer customs checks and arrive with 3 hours' notice on international flights.
Map of Halifax / Stanfield International Airport
Frequently asked questions
Q. What is there to see near Halifax?
Peggy's Cove, a famous coastal lighthouse and one of the most photographed in Canada, reachable in about 45 minutes by car from the airport or downtown.
Q. Is it worth buying a local SIM card on arrival in Halifax?
If your carrier's roaming is expensive, yes: the Bell, Rogers and Telus counters at the airport sell prepaid tourist SIMs, especially useful if you then head to the more remote coasts of Nova Scotia, where signal can become patchy.
Q. Is Halifax a good base for exploring Nova Scotia?
Yes, it's the province's main logistical base for reaching the coasts and fishing villages.
Q. What should you buy at Halifax's duty free?
Travel-packaged lobster, a historic Nova Scotia specialty.
Flight board
Real-time status of arriving and departing flights
