Yellowknife Airport serves the capital of the Northwest Territories, on the shores of the Great Slave Lake, approximately 5 km from downtown.
It is celebrated as one of the world's best locations for observing the northern lights, with a high probability of sightings during winter months.
How to get to Yellowknife Airport
By Car
By Train
By Bus
Average travel time to YZF
Parking near Yellowknife Airport
The parking, not extensive, is a few steps away from the terminal.
The parking is unattended but under video surveillance, with contained prices.
How to get to Yellowknife from YZF
By Train
By Bus
By Taxi
Need an airport transfer?
Compare taxis and shuttles on Booking.com
Car rental at Yellowknife Airport
Some car rental companies operate with a dedicated desk 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. In winter, road conditions can be extreme: consider whether you really need a car or prefer organized tours.
Hotels near Yellowknife Airport
Downtown Yellowknife
The airport is about 4 km and 10-15 minutes from downtown; a fixed-fare taxi (25-35 CAD), the shared Aurora Express shuttle in 20-30 minutes, or route 5 bus at 3 CAD with limited schedules.
Best for: Most visitors, since the whole city is minutes from the airport.
- The whole city is reachable on foot or in a few minutes by taxi from the airport
- Family-run guesthouses, often more affordable than chain hotels from the South
- Very few chain hotels: the choice is almost entirely between B&Bs and guesthouses
- In winter, the extreme temperatures still make a taxi preferable even for short distances
Recommended hotels
- Jenny Guest House Downtown, on 52nd Street, a short walk from a popular café and shops; terrace and garden with a picnic area. View availability
- YK Aurora Family-run B&B designed for those chasing the northern lights, with simple rooms and breakfast included. View availability
- Great Northern Escapes - The Managers House Standalone house with shared kitchen and garden, suited to longer stays or those travelling in small groups. View availability
Airport services
Shopping & Duty Free
Lounges & relaxation
Connectivity & Wi-Fi
Families & Children
Terminal guide
The terminal is compact in size, with decorations evoking local indigenous culture. From check-in to the gate you typically walk about 10 minutes.
Checks are generally quick; it's still advised to arrive 2–3 hours in advance, considering possible weather-related delays in winter.
Map of Yellowknife Airport
Frequently asked questions
Q. When is the best time to see the northern lights in Yellowknife?
Generally from mid-August to mid-April, with dark skies and few clouds: many operators organize dedicated nighttime viewing excursions.
Q. Do you need a rental car in Yellowknife?
Not necessarily: many visitors rely on organized tours, especially for nighttime aurora-watching excursions, since winter road conditions can be challenging.
Q. Are there working ATMs at Yellowknife airport?
Yes, but being a small airport in the North, it's still worth withdrawing cash here before heading to the more remote communities of the Northwest Territories, where banking services are scarce or absent.
Q. Are winters in Yellowknife extreme?
Yes, temperatures can drop well below freezing: appropriate technical clothing is essential for nighttime excursions.
Flight board
Real-time status of arriving and departing flights
