Edmonton Layover Guide (YEG)

What are you looking for in YEG?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Edmonton Airport (YEG) is an international airport located in Leduc County, Alberta. It’s situated about 26 km (16 miles) from downtown Edmonton. The airport officially opened in 1960. Edmonton is the capital city of Alberta and a vibrant hub for culture, education, and business. The city is known for its expansive river valley parks system and dynamic arts scene, offering visitors a blend of natural beauty and urban experiences.

Can you leave Edmonton Airport (YEG) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
During a layover at Edmonton International Airport (YEG), you may exit the secure area but must pass through Canadian customs and immigration. All foreign nationals require a valid visitor visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter Canada. Apply online in advance to ensure timely processing before travelling onward smoothly. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• West Edmonton Mall Explore North America’s largest shopping and entertainment complex featuring over 800 stores, indoor waterpark, ice palace, and Minigolf. (Time required: 3 hours / Airport to here: Route 747 bus + LRT + shuttle, ~1 h 10 min; taxi ~35 min)
• Art Gallery of Alberta Discover contemporary Canadian and international art in a striking riverside building with rotating exhibitions and interactive programs. Official site. (Time required: 1.5 hours / Airport to here: Route 747 bus + LRT to Churchill Station, ~1 h; taxi ~30 min)
• Royal Alberta Museum Journey through Alberta’s natural and cultural history with immersive displays of dinosaurs, First Nations heritage, and wildlife dioramas. Official site. (Time required: 2 hours / Airport to here: Route 747 bus + LRT to Central Station, ~1 h; taxi ~30 min)
• Fort Edmonton Park Step back in time at Canada’s largest living history museum showcasing the city from 1846–1929 with costumed interpreters and vintage vehicles. Official site. (Time required: 2.5 hours / Airport to here: Route 747 bus + LRT to Central, bus 128, ~1 h 15 min; taxi ~35 min)
• Muttart Conservatory Visit four iconic glass pyramids housing tropical, arid, seasonal and temperate plant collections, plus seasonal floral displays. Official site. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: Route 747 bus + LRT to Central Station, bus 9, ~1 h; taxi ~30 min)
• Edmonton River Valley Bike or stroll along 160 km of scenic trails through North America’s largest urban parkland, with river views and picnic spots. (Time required: 2 hours / Airport to here: Route 747 bus + LRT to Churchill, bike rental available downtown, ~1 h; taxi ~30 min)
• Whyte Avenue (Old Strathcona) Wander a vibrant cultural district lined with boutique shops, cafes, street art, and live music venues in a historic neighbourhood. Official site. (Time required: 1.5 hours / Airport to here: Route 747 bus + LRT to University Station, ~1 h; taxi ~30 min)
• Elk Island National Park Spot free-roaming bison, moose and waterfowl on gentle boardwalk trails and wildlife drives just outside the city limits. Official site. (Time required: 3 hours / Airport to here: Taxi or rideshare, ~45 min; no direct public transit)

Things to Do in Edmonton Airport (YEG)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Edmonton Airport hosts an Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge in the domestic/international terminal, offering snacks, beverages, Wi-Fi, flight monitors and business workstations for eligible travellers. Two Plaza Premium Lounges (one for domestic/international departures, one past U.S. gates) provide comfortable seating, hot and cold food, showers, charging stations and quiet zones. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
A groundside Renaissance Edmonton Airport Hotel is attached to the terminal, featuring 213 sound-proofed rooms, free Wi-Fi, fitness centre, indoor pool and on-site bar. Nearby Fairfield by Marriott and Hampton Inn & Suites offer spacious rooms, complimentary airport shuttles, breakfast and easy access to shops, dining and major roadways just minutes from YEG. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
YEG lacks dedicated sleep pods but offers various seating options: cushioned benches by Gate 56, reconfigurable lounges near Gate 16 and the cell-free quiet zone in Maple Leaf Lounge. The terminal stays open 24/7 but can be noisy with announcements; pack earplugs, an eye mask and a travel blanket for a more restful overnight stay.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Edmonton Airport provides complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the terminal via the “YEG_WIFI” network with 30-minute sessions that can be renewed indefinitely. Premium access is available for a small fee. Charging stations and a free computer terminal (10-minute limit) are located at the Arrivals information booth, and all lounges offer faster, secured Wi-Fi for guests.

SIM/eSIM Card: SIM cards and eSIM activation are available through Rogers and other carrier kiosks in the arrivals hall, as well as convenience stores like 7-Eleven. Prepaid plans start around CAD 30 for 5 GB. Travellers often find better value ordering an eSIM online before arrival, then activating it upon landing for instant connectivity. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: YEG’s ground transportation zone features dedicated taxi stands offering flat-rate travel to downtown Edmonton (CAD 62) and set rates to surrounding communities. Major operators include Airport Taxi Service, Co-op Taxi and a 24/7 city taxi line. Rideshares like Uber pick up curbside with metered fares—approximately CAD 43 to central Edmonton.

Train: There is no direct rail link at YEG. Instead, take ETS Route 747 express bus to Century Park Transit Centre, then transfer to Edmonton’s Light Rail Transit (LRT) network for citywide access. LRT trains run every 7–15 minutes, connecting to downtown, university and major districts. more info

Bus: Edmonton Transit Service’s Route 747 connects YEG with Century Park Transit Centre seven days a week from 4:10 am to 12:30 am at 30–60 minute intervals. The one-way fare is CAD 5 cash or pass; transfers to local ETS routes and Leduc Transit are valid. Buses depart from Door 8 on the arrivals level. more info

Shuttle: Complimentary On-Airport Transit shuttles run frequently between terminals, the Premium Outlet Collection and airport hotels. Additionally, many nearby hotels in Nisku and Leduc provide free shuttle services to and from the terminal. Schedules and pick-up locations vary by property—check your hotel’s website or YEG’s hotel shuttle page for details.

Car rentals: The YEG Car Rental Centre is located in the parkade outside the main terminal, accessible via the covered Ped-Way or a short walk. Major agencies—Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Dollar, Hertz, National and Thrifty—operate car counters and offer a range of vehicles, 24/7 customer service and after-hours returns. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Edmonton Airport offers covered parkade parking, value lots for economy parking, Park & Pick Up for quick stops, and Priority Valet services. Rates vary by lot and duration, with the first 30 minutes free in Park & Pick Up. Reserved accessible and EV charging spots are available; real-time availability and pricing details are on the YEG website.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Connecting passengers flying within 24 hours can store luggage, bikes and sports equipment at the Ground Transportation Office on the Arrivals level (between Doors 5 & 7). Photo ID, boarding pass and itinerary are required. Fees are CAD 3 for small items up to CAD 10 for large bags or equipment, per item, per day. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Edmonton Airport (YEG) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks