A long layover in Thompson is an opportunity, not an inconvenience. Rather than watching departure boards at Thompson Airport for hours, step outside and explore. The city center is about 30 minutes away, and this guide has the practical details you need to pull it off without stress.
Quick Checks Before Leaving the Airport
Three things to verify before you walk out of YTH:
- 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 30-minute journey each way by Taxi/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.
Things to Do During Your Layover
For a layover visit to Thompson, we’d suggest City Center Walk and Local Market. Neither requires a full day, and both give you a real taste of the area.
No tickets or reservations needed — just explore at your own pace. Great for picking up a quick snack or souvenir between flights.
Not every layover calls for a city trip. If you’re staying at YTH, check out Airport Lounge or Duty Free Shopping to keep yourself occupied.
The Best Way Into Thompson from YTH
From YTH, the Taxi/Shuttle gets you to Thompson in around 30 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 50 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the Taxi/Shuttle offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
Best Bites Near YTH
For food in Thompson, local travelers recommend Local Restaurant. If you have time for a second stop, Popular Eatery is another popular pick.
Back at YTH, Airport Cafe is the go-to. Terminal Restaurant rounds out your in-terminal options.
How Much Money You’ll Need
Wondering how much cash to bring? For a few hours in Thompson, budget roughly $39 USD to cover transport, a meal, and incidentals.
The average cost of a meal here runs about $19 USD, and transport from the airport and back will add another $10 or so. Keep a small buffer for unexpected expenses.
Cards are increasingly accepted in Thompson, but cash is still useful for smaller purchases.
Staying Connected
Most airports offer free WiFi these days, and YTH is no exception — connect and browse while you sort out your plans. If you’re heading into Thompson and want data on the go, pick up a local SIM from a shop in the arrivals hall or download an eSIM before you land. Airalo and Holafly are popular options that let you set up data access before you even touch down.
What to Do With Your Bags
Luggage storage options at YTH 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 Thompson for a couple of hours, a compact bag that you can carry comfortably saves you the hassle altogether.
Where to Rest During Your Layover
If your layover is an overnight one or you just need to recharge, look for quiet seating areas near less-busy gates. Some travelers report finding usable rest spots near the international departures area at YTH.
For something more comfortable, check if there’s a lounge you can access — many offer day passes regardless of your airline or class of travel. Apps like LoungeBuddy can help you find options.
Final Thoughts
Not every layover leads somewhere interesting, but a layover in Thompson 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.