St. John's International Airport: where to stay, areas and…

St. John's Airport is only 6-8 km from the historic centre, about 15-20 minutes by car or taxi: there's no train, and the Metrobus (route 14) reaches the New Gower Street urban terminal, but with not very frequent departures, so most travellers with luggage or evening schedules prefer a taxi. Sleeping near the terminals is worth it mainly for dawn departures or single-night layovers; those with more time almost always head downtown, among the colourful houses of Jellybean Row and George Street. Fog is a recurring phenomenon at this airport and can cause delays or cancellations, a good reason to leave an extra margin before a morning flight.

Airport area

The Best Western is about 500 metres from the terminal, reachable on foot as well, with a free shuttle on request around the clock; the apartment closest to the airport is about 3 km away, 4-5 minutes by car.

Best for: Dawn departures, single-night layovers, or those who want to save money without moving away from the terminal.

Pros

The Best Western's free round-the-clock shuttle, useful for those departing before dawn or arriving late at night
Minutes on foot or by car from check-in, with no dependence on traffic towards downtown

Cons

The surroundings are mostly hotels, parking lots and the industrial area of Airport Heights: for dinner or a night out, you have to leave the area
The Metrobus towards downtown passes nearby but isn't a frequent service: most people get around by taxi or rental car

Recommended hotels in this area

Best Western Plus St. John's Airport Hotel and Suites: About 500 metres from the terminal (1,700 feet), reachable on foot as well; a free airport shuttle available around the clock on request, useful for dawn flights.
Two Bedroom Apartment Near St John's Airport: Apartment about 3 km from the airport (1.8 miles), with free private parking and Wi-Fi; more space than a hotel room for those travelling with heavy luggage or staying more than one night.

See more hotels in this area →

Downtown St. John's

City centre · About 6-8 km from the airport, 15-20 minutes by taxi or car; Metrobus route 14 links the airport to the New Gower Street urban terminal, a short walk from Water Street, but with not very frequent departures.

Best for: Travellers who want to see the houses of Jellybean Row, George Street and the harbour, accepting a 15-20 minute transfer from the airport.

Pros

The colourful houses of Jellybean Row, the venues of George Street and the harbour are reachable on foot from most of the hotels
A convenient starting point for climbing up to Signal Hill and walking the coastal trail of the Narrows

Cons

Downtown streets don't follow a grid and are often one-way: with a rental car it's worth relying on GPS navigation
No fast direct connection with the airport: it takes 15-20 minutes by taxi, or Metrobus route 14 with infrequent departures

Recommended hotels in this area

Hilton Garden Inn St. John's Newfoundland, Canada: Downtown, on New Gower Street, a short walk from the Mile One Centre and George Street; about 8.7 km from the airport and with no shuttle for the airport, despite the name it isn't an 'airport' hotel.
1893 Victorian Historic Home, Ocean View, Hot Tub & Downtown: Victorian house from 1893 on Victoria Street, in the heart of the historic centre, a few minutes on foot from George Street and The Rooms museum; outdoor whirlpool tub and fireplace.
Blue Jelly Bean Signal Hill Sea Vw King Bds: Colourful townhouse at the foot of Signal Hill with a view of the Narrows and the harbour; a Walk Score of 94, so most outings are done on foot.

See more hotels in this area →