There’s a certain thrill to turning a layover in Centralia into a quick city adventure. From YCE, the local transport can get you into town in around 40 minutes. Below, we’ll walk you through transport, budget, bags, and what’s actually worth seeing.
Quick Checks Before Leaving the Airport
Three things to verify before you walk out of YCE:
- Can you legally enter Canada? Some nationalities need a visa even for a few hours. Check your passport’s validity too.
- Do you have enough time? With a 40-minute journey each way by local transport, you’ll want at least 5-6 hours total to make the trip worthwhile.
- How will you pay? Local currency is the CAD. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some CAD in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
Exploring Centralia on a Layover
Two recommendations for your time in Centralia:
Start with Explore Exeter Main Street. Worth checking out if your schedule allows. Then, if time allows, make your way to Morrison Dam Conservation Area. Worth checking out if your schedule allows.
Staying airside? That’s fine too. Inside YCE, you can spend time at Aircraft Observation Area or try Huron Flight Centre Information. Sometimes the best layover is a calm one.
Getting to Centralia from the Airport
From YCE, the local transport gets you to Centralia in around 40 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 60 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the local transport offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
Where to Grab a Meal
In Centralia
If you make it into town, Eddington’s of Exeter is a good bet for a proper meal. For something different, try The Dairy Bar.
Inside YCE
If you’re staying in the terminal, Airport Vending Machines is your main option. Flight Centre Snack Counter works too if you want something quick.
What to Budget for Your Centralia Side Trip
Here’s a rough breakdown of what a quick trip into Centralia might cost in USD:
- Transport (round trip): ~$10 USD
- A meal: ~$19 USD
- Miscellaneous: ~$10 USD
- Estimated total: ~$39 USD
If you’re only out for a few hours, you might not need much cash at all — many places accept contactless payments.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at YCE, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Centralia itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for Canada that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Luggage Storage Options
Luggage storage options at YCE can vary. Rather than arriving and hoping for the best, look up nearby storage on platforms like Bounce or Stasher ahead of time.
Another option: if you’re only in Centralia for a couple of hours, a compact bag that you can carry comfortably saves you the hassle altogether.
Rest Areas & Lounges
Long overnight layover? Your options at YCE include terminal seating (look for areas away from the main walkways) and, if available, airport lounges with day passes. Some airports in Canada also have transit hotels or sleeping pods — worth checking availability before your trip.
Final Thoughts
There you have it — everything you need to make a layover in Centralia count. The hardest part is usually just deciding to leave YCE. Once you do, you’ll be glad you did.
Keep your flight info handy, budget a buffer for the return, and enjoy the ride.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.