Halifax Intl Airport (YHZ) Flights & Flight Status

Halifax Stanfield International Airport is Atlantic Canada’s main airport hub, with direct access to markets across Canada, the United States, Mexico, the Caribbean and Europe. It’s the only airport in Atlantic Canada with U.S. pre-clearance and International to Domestic processing facilities. Read: If you’re flying in or out of Atlantic Canada to an international destination, this is the airport you want.

The airport is relatively small compared to major international hubs, which often means shorter lines and quicker processing times through security and customs. Because of its size, Stanfield is easy to navigate and, as an added bonus, is quite clean.

How to get to Halifax Stanfield International Airport from Halifax

The waterfront area and downtown Halifax are 25 miles (40 km) away from the airport. Your best bet is by vehicle. I’ve taken both taxis and ride-share services like Uber in either direction. Google Maps says the journey takes about 30 minutes, but I’ve never been that lucky. Expect it to take anywhere from 40 minutes to an hour of driving time – especially during rush hour.

Several public and private transportation options also get you to and from the airport.

The Regional Express 320 bus operated by Halifax Transit is by far the most affordable option to get to and from the airport. The limited-stop service runs every 30 minutes starting at 5:45 a.m. from the airport during weekdays and runs every hour on weekends. The thing to note is exact cash fare is required, so have your loonies, toonies and quarters at the ready.

Maritime Bus offers motorcoach transfers twice a day to the airport from its downtown bus terminal and Dartmouth. The bus is super comfortable, typically with Wi-Fi and a bathroom on board.

Blue Nose Transit operates eight 48-52 passenger buses for large groups that can be chartered throughout the province. Wheelchair-accessible shuttle service throughout Nova Scotia is offered by TJ’s Driving Services. Seniors or those with mobility needs can get around with SeniorsTransit. Crystal Limousine is another, though slightly pricier, option and is wheelchair accessible.

Car rental recommendations

The greatest hits of Nova Scotia are pretty spread out, so you’ll probably want to rent a car. I’ve always found plenty of parking spots in downtown Halifax, though you might need loose change to plop into old-school parking meters. All major car rental players service Stanfield Airport, from Budget to Hertz to Avis and Thrifty. They’re located on the lower level of the airport parkade.

Maybe it’s just my luck, but I’ve endured a substantial wait for my rental car every time I’ve visited in the past few years. Pack your patience when waiting to get your vehicle.

Lounges

Air Canada’s award-winning Maple Leaf Lounge is the only lounge servicing the airport. Sadly, it’s not accessible for those travelling to the U.S. The lounge is open from 4 a.m. every day of the week except Friday when it opens at 9 a.m. The latest it stays open is 9:15 p.m. on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

While the lounge offers complimentary food and drink, don’t expect to be wowed by their menu selection. I’m often disappointed in the offerings. Still, there’s always hot dishes offered during the three squares, plus chips, cookies, nuts and pre-cut veg.

Business and first-class ticket holders are permitted access to the lounge. Star Alliance gold members, Maple Leaf Club members, and Aeroplan members over 50K can also enter. Premium Economy, Latitude, comfort, or Flex fare travellers can purchase lounge access but not at the airport on your travel day. Weirdly, this must be done online prior.

Best dining options after security

If you don’t have Maple Leaf Lounge access (and even if you do), I can recommend two decent options after going through security. By far the most popular is the Firkin & Flyer, a British-style pub with plenty of comfy seating. The menu offers the usual suspects, but their lobster roll is actually quite good. If you didn’t get an opportunity to load up on seafood during your visit, definitely order that or the beer-battered cod.

Your next best option for drinks and dinner is found at La Cocina Mexicana. This eatery serves up everyone’s Tex-Mex favourites, including margaritas, mezcal, sangria and cerveza. For lighter bites, there’s a smoothie bar, coffee shop, oh-so Canadian Tim Hortons (double-double is a thing), plus a pizza joint.

Worthy purchase

This is the only airport in Canada where you can purchase live lobsters. Before security look for the Clearwater Seafood counter. They’ll professionally pack your live or cooked lobster. There’s also shrimp, scallops, and fish that’s been quickly frozen after being caught in the North Atlantic.

I always stop here and pick up a carry-on box of live lobsters. They can travel for approximately 12 hours, whereas a check-in box lasts up to 24 hours. And if you are checking a bag, throw in a few seafood scissors. These are infinitely better for cracking open lobster and crab than those claw crackers that mush the meat into the shell.

Security

Surprisingly, security is not the worst at this airport. Atlantic Canada is well known for its friendly locals, which extends to the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority staff. Halifax Airport runs the Verified Traveller Program, where liquids and laptops can remain in your carry-on. If you have a Nexus or Global Entry card or are a military, RCMP or aircrew member, join this designated line.

The thing to note in Canada is that even though cannabis is legal, you can’t fly with over 30 grams of it. Cannabis oil is subject to the 100 ml limit (just like all liquids packed in your carry-on baggage are). The risk is if your flight is diverted to the U.S. or another country where cannabis isn’t legal, you could be subject to penalties.

Last minute shopping

Nova Scotia is an emerging wine region, gaining recognition for its unique cool-climate wines, particularly its crisp whites and sparkling varieties. If you fail to pack a bottle in your checked baggage, know there’s still an opportunity after you get through airport security. Liquid Assets offers an intriguing selection of Nova Scotian wine, spirits, cider and beer from 50 local producers.

Things to do during a layover at YHZ

Halifax airport is surrounded by charming communities and nature reserves. When I have time on my hands before hitting the airport, I make for McDonald Sports Park in nearby Wavery. There’s a 3-mile loop you can walk or simply get grounded sitting lakeside.

Open year-round, the Vegetorium Country Farm Market in Fall River is a super spot to stock on fresh produce for your trip or pack it home if you have the room. For light bites, Fall River’s A Good Day Kitchen & Cafe dishes up quality baked goods and homemade comfort food. Oliver’s Gastropub and The Turtleback Tap & Grill are also worthy spots to grab a bite near the airport.

Best airport hotel

The Alt Hotel Halifax Airport is the closest (and I think nicest) hotel to the airport. Part of the swish Germain Hotels family, Alt Hotels are known for their sleek urban design and comfy beds. Directly linked to the airport, this Alt boasts a 24-hour gym, free Wi-Fi, rainfall shower and a Nespresso coffee machine in each room.

This is one of those cases where booking directly with the hotel can pay off —especially if you’re flying out later in the day and aren’t keen to mill about the airport. Each day, a limited number of guest rooms offer flexible checkout times (subject to availability), but only if you’ve booked your stay directly with the Alt and not a third-party site.

Experiencing travel delays? Reservation can be cancelled penalty-free until 4 p.m. on the day you’re scheduled to arrive.