Whether it’s planned or a surprise, a layover in Halifax gives you a genuine shot at exploring somewhere new. The trip from YHZ to the city takes roughly 100 minutes by Airport Express Shuttle, and we’ve put together this guide to help you spend your time wisely.
What to Know Before Leaving the Terminal
Three things to verify before you walk out of YHZ:
- 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 100-minute journey each way by Airport Express Shuttle, 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.
The Best Way Into Halifax from YHZ
The most straightforward way into Halifax is the Airport Express Shuttle, which takes about 100 minutes. This is generally the best option for layover travelers — it’s reliable and you won’t get stuck in traffic.
A taxi or ride-share will also get you there, typically in 120 minutes depending on conditions, but expect to pay significantly more. If time is tight, the Airport Express Shuttle is usually the smarter call.
Planning Your Layover Spending
You don’t need a fortune for a layover outing. Here’s a realistic estimate for Halifax:
Transport to the city and back runs about $11 USD. A sit-down meal averages around $22 USD. Add $10 for a coffee, snacks, or a small souvenir, and you’re looking at roughly $43 USD total.
Withdraw local currency from an ATM at the airport rather than using exchange counters — the rates are usually better.
What to Do With Your Bags
Specific locker facilities at YHZ aren’t well-documented. We recommend checking Bounce before your trip to find a secure storage spot either near the airport or in Halifax itself.
If you’re traveling carry-on only, you might be able to skip storage entirely and bring your bag along.
Top Picks for a Quick Visit
If you head into Halifax, here are two things worth checking out:
Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk is a solid choice if you want to get a feel for the area. No tickets or reservations needed — just explore at your own pace.
Halifax Citadel National Historic Site is another option that’s easy to fit into a short visit. History buffs will appreciate this, and it doesn’t take long to explore the grounds.
Not every layover calls for a city trip. If you’re staying at YHZ, check out Halifax International Airport Lounge (Aspire Lounge) or Wonders of the World Gift Shop to keep yourself occupied.
Eating Well on a Halifax Layover
In Halifax
If you make it into town, The Lower Deck Pub is a good bet for a proper meal. For something different, try Durty Nelly’s Irish Pub.
Inside YHZ
If you’re staying in the terminal, Tim Hortons is your main option. Murphy’s Fish & Chips works too if you want something quick.
Resting at the Airport
Long overnight layover? Your options at YHZ 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.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at YHZ, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Halifax 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.
Final Thoughts
Not every layover leads somewhere interesting, but a layover in Halifax genuinely does. There’s enough to fill a few hours with good food, interesting sights, and the kind of experience that makes a journey feel like more than just getting from A to B.
Make the most of it. You’ve got this.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.