For travelers with a layover in St. John’s, the proximity of YYT to the city center is a real gift. Getting into town takes around 45 minutes via Metrobus Route 14, and we’ve mapped out the logistics so you can spend less time planning and more time exploring.
What to Know Before Leaving the Terminal
A few things to sort out before you leave YYT:
- Entry requirements: Make sure you have the right visa or entry clearance for Canada. Transit visas and tourist visas are different things — double-check before you exit.
- Travel time: The trip to St. John’s takes about 45 minutes by Metrobus Route 14. Factor in the return trip and at least 90 minutes of buffer for security and boarding.
- Currency: The local currency is CAD. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some CAD in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
Transport from St. John’s International Airport to Downtown
From YYT, the Metrobus Route 14 gets you to St. John’s in around 45 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 65 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the Metrobus Route 14 offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
Planning Your Layover Spending
You don’t need a fortune for a layover outing. Here’s a realistic estimate for St. John’s:
Transport to the city and back runs about $11 USD. A sit-down meal averages around $21 USD. Add $10 for a coffee, snacks, or a small souvenir, and you’re looking at roughly $42 USD total.
Keep some small bills handy for tips, street food, and public transport in St. John’s.
Where to Leave Your Bags
Dedicated luggage storage at YYT may be limited. Your best bet is to check services like Bounce or Stasher for verified storage locations near the airport or in St. John’s’s center.
Some hotels and shops near transit hubs also offer storage for a small fee — worth asking about if you’re headed into town.
What’s Worth Seeing in St. John’s
For a layover visit to St. John’s, we’d suggest Signal Hill National Historic Site and Water Street Downtown Stroll. Neither requires a full day, and both give you a real taste of the area.
You can see the main features in a short visit. Just walking around here gives you a feel for the local vibe.
Staying airside? That’s fine too. Inside YYT, you can spend time at The Rock Exhibit or try Passport Store. Sometimes the best layover is a calm one.
Food Worth Trying
- In the city: Mallard Cottage and The Merchant Tavern are both worth a visit if you’re exploring St. John’s.
- At the airport: Flight Deck Restaurant and Tim Hortons will get the job done without leaving the terminal.
Sleep & Lounge Options at YYT
Not every layover involves sightseeing. If you’d rather rest, YYT has seating areas throughout the terminal, though comfort levels vary. Grab a neck pillow and stake out a quiet corner.
Airport lounges — accessible via day pass, credit card perks, or services like Priority Pass — typically offer reclined seating, showers, and a quieter environment.
Staying Connected
WiFi at YYT should cover you while you’re in the terminal. Once you step outside, you’ll want your own data connection for maps, translating, and getting around. An eSIM is the simplest solution — set it up on your phone before landing in Canada and you’re good to go.
Final Thoughts
A layover in St. John’s is a chance to see a slice of somewhere new — even if it’s just for a few hours. Plan your time, keep an eye on the clock, and don’t forget to enjoy the detour. Some of the best travel memories come from the unplanned ones.
Safe travels, and enjoy St. John’s.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.