The James Armstrong Richardson International Airport serves Winnipeg, the capital of Manitoba, in the geographic heart of Canada, approximately 10 km from downtown.
It is an important hub for connections between the west and east of the country, as well as towards northern Canada.
How to get to Winnipeg / James Armstrong Richardson International Airport
By Car
By Train
By Bus
Average travel time to YWG
Parking near Winnipeg / James Armstrong Richardson International Airport
Parking recognized by the airport is located across from the terminal.
It is not staffed by dedicated personnel but is video-monitored; covered parkade 3 CAD/hour or 25 CAD/day; Economy Lot 15 CAD/day with shuttle; general average across on-site lots approximately 21 CAD/day. 20% discount for CAA members on the Parkade drive-up rate.
How to get to Winnipeg from YWG
By Train
By Bus
By Taxi
Need an airport transfer?
Compare taxis and shuttles on Booking.com
Car rental at Winnipeg / James Armstrong Richardson International Airport
Car rental desks for major companies are located in the arrivals area.
Bring your driver's license, passport, and credit card in your name for the security deposit; a national license is generally accepted. Driving is on the right; winter tires are essential in winter.
Hotels near Winnipeg / James Armstrong Richardson International Airport
St. James and the airport area
Free shuttles on request for the Lakeview Signature (less than 1 km from the terminal) and the Sandman Signature (about 1.8 km); the Wyndham Garden, about 3.5 km further east towards Polo Park, offers the same service. By car, 5-10 minutes from the terminal is enough for all three.
Best for: Dawn departures and single-night layovers, for those who want to stay minutes from check-in.
- Free shuttles available on request, useful for those arriving late or departing at dawn
- Indoor pool, gym and in-house restaurant at all three hotels, convenient for those with an overnight between two flights
- A mainly commercial area, between car dealerships and the Polo Park shopping centre: in the evening there's not much besides the hotel restaurant
- Getting downtown still takes 15-20 minutes by car or taxi
Recommended hotels
- Lakeview Signature, Trademark Collection by Wyndham Formerly Four Points by Sheraton, renamed Lakeview Signature - Trademark Collection by Wyndham after a change of brand; it remains less than a kilometre from the terminal with a free shuttle available around the clock on request, near Polo Park and the Health Sciences Centre. View availability
- Sandman Signature Winnipeg Airport Hotel & Suites About 1.8 km from the terminal in the St. James neighbourhood, with a free airport shuttle available around the clock on request; indoor pool with slide and whirlpool tub, useful for families on a layover. View availability
- Wyndham Garden Winnipeg Airport About 3.5 km from the terminal towards Polo Park, with a free airport shuttle; indoor pool with whirlpool tub and gym, among the best-reviewed mid-range hotels in the area. View availability
Downtown Winnipeg
By taxi or rideshare, 15-20 minutes (about 20 CAD) for about 9 km; Winnipeg Transit buses 15 (Sargent-Mountain) and 20 (Academy-Watt) link the airport to downtown in 33-43 minutes for 3.25 CAD per ride.
Best for: Travellers who want to visit the Exchange District and The Forks and accept a 15-20 minute transfer from the airport.
- RBC Convention Centre and Canada Life Centre minutes on foot, convenient for those in town for work or a Jets game
- The Forks Market and the Exchange District are reachable on foot from downtown, with no need for a car
- No fast direct connection with the airport: the city buses take over half an hour
- Outside of event hours at the Convention Centre, downtown streets are quiet in the evening
Airport services
Shopping & Duty Free
Lounges & relaxation
Connectivity & Wi-Fi
Families & Children
Terminal guide
The terminal, recently renovated, is modern. From check-in to the gate you typically walk about 10 minutes.
Customs and security checks may take longer than expected: it's better to arrive at least 3 hours ahead for international flights.
Map of Winnipeg / James Armstrong Richardson International Airport
Frequently asked questions
Q. Why is Winnipeg important for Canadian connections?
For its position at the geographic heart of Canada, a hub between east-west flights and those heading to the north of the country.
Q. Does Winnipeg's winter cold often cause flight delays?
The harsh prairie winters require extra de-icing procedures that can extend ground time: build in an extra margin if you're travelling between December and March, especially with tight connections.
Q. Are Winnipeg's winters among the coldest in Canada?
Yes, it's among the coldest cities in the country in winter: dress appropriately if travelling between December and March.
Q. What should you buy at Winnipeg's duty free?
Bison-based products, typical of the Manitoba prairies, along with Canadian whisky and maple syrup.
Flight board
Real-time status of arriving and departing flights
