Halifax Stanfield Layover Guide (YHZ)

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

Halifax Stanfield Airport (YHZ) is an international airport located in Enfield, Nova Scotia. It’s situated about 35 km (22 miles) from downtown Halifax. The airport officially opened in 1960. Halifax is the capital of Nova Scotia and a major economic hub in Atlantic Canada. It’s known for its maritime history, vibrant waterfront, and cultural heritage. The city offers a relaxed lifestyle and scenic coastal views, making it a desirable place to live.

Can you leave Halifax Stanfield Airport (YHZ) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
During an international layover at YHZ, you may exit the airport after clearing customs and reclaiming luggage. Entry requires a valid eTA (for visa-exempt nationals) or a transit visa (for others). Minimum connection time is two hours, offering enough time to explore downtown Halifax. Carry necessary documents at all times. (more info)

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Halifax Citadel National Historic Site A star-shaped fortress perched atop a hill offering panoramic city and harbor views, interactive exhibits, costumed guides and daily musket firing demonstrations. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: MetroX Route 320 to Downtown Terminal (~45 min), then 10-min walk)
• Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk A scenic wooden promenade along the harbour lined with shops, restaurants, public art and historic buildings. Perfect for fresh sea air, artisan vendors and watching boats glide by. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: MetroX 320 to Downtown Terminal (~45 min), then 5-min walk)
• Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 Engaging exhibits tracing immigrant journeys to Canada through personal stories, artifacts and immersive galleries housed in a restored ocean liner terminal. (Time required: 1.5 hours. / Airport to here: MetroX 320 to Downtown, then 8-min walk to Pier 21)
• Halifax Public Gardens A Victorian-era botanical oasis featuring seasonal flowerbeds, ornate fountains, wrought-iron benches and winding pathways ideal for a tranquil stroll or quick photo op. (Time required: 45 minutes. / Airport to here: MetroX 320 to Downtown, then bus 9 or 14 (~15 min total))
• Alexander Keith’s Brewery Tour Historic brewery tour with costumed guides, interactive brewing demonstrations and sampling sessions of signature ales in an 1820s-era building. (Time required: 1.5 hours. / Airport to here: MetroX 320 to Downtown, then 10-min walk to Barrington Street)
• Peggy’s Cove & Lighthouse Iconic coastal village with a classic red-and-white lighthouse atop massive granite outcrops, offering dramatic sea vistas and photo opportunities. (Time required: 3 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi or rideshare (~45 min each way))
• Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market One of North America’s oldest continuously operating markets featuring local produce, artisanal foods, crafts and lively vendor stalls in an airy waterfront hall. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: MetroX 320 to Downtown, then 5-min walk)
• Point Pleasant Park Expansive waterfront greenspace with wooded trails, historic fort ruins, rocky shoreline outlooks and picnic areas perfect for a nature break. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: MetroX 320 to Downtown then bus 9 to South End (~20 min))

Things to Do in Halifax Stanfield Airport (YHZ)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Halifax Stanfield offers the Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge airside for eligible passengers and Priority Pass members. Access requires membership, business-class ticket, or day-pass purchase. The lounge features comfortable seating, complimentary refreshments, Wi-Fi, and power outlets. Elsewhere, public seating areas provide basic rest but lack dedicated amenities. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
Although no on-site airport hotel exists, several properties lie within a five-minute drive, including Alt Hotel, Hilton Garden Inn, and Holiday Inn Express. Most offer complimentary airport shuttles, fitness centres, and in-room amenities for day-use or overnight stays. Reservations are recommended, and guest services can arrange transport between hotel and terminal. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
YHZ lacks designated nap zones, but travellers can rest on recliners, benches, and armchairs throughout the departure hall. Gate 26’s adjacent viewing room offers quieter surroundings off-peak. Limited recliner availability and occasional cleaning rounds may interrupt sleep. Bring earplugs, eye masks, and layering for comfort in this public terminal environment.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Free, high-speed Wi-Fi is available throughout both arrivals and departure terminals. Simply connect to the “#HFX Free WiFi” network (formerly “Halifax_Airport”), accept the terms, and browse without charge. Speeds are sufficient for messaging and light streaming, though performance may fluctuate during peak travel periods. No password or code is required.

SIM/eSIM Card: A Wireless DNA kiosk in the arrivals hall sells on-the-spot prepaid SIM cards from Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Major carriers also offer eSIM plans online for compatible devices. Ensure your phone is unlocked and purchase data-only or voice-plus-data packages. Top-ups are available at retail counters across the terminal. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Taxis and limousines queue curbside outside the Arrivals entrance, offering flat-rate or metered fares. Downtown Halifax runs approximately CAD 35 one way, depending on time and traffic. Shared-ride options may reduce costs. Payment by cash or major credit card is accepted. For longer journeys, pre-book car-service rates or consult the Ground Transportation desk.

Train: No direct rail service connects YHZ to Halifax or its suburbs. The closest passenger train station is VIA Rail’s Halifax depot downtown, roughly a 30-minute drive away. Passengers seeking rail connections must take alternate ground transport and transfer at the city station. No official airport rail link or future launch date has been announced.

Bus: Halifax Transit’s Regional Express 320 bus links the airport with downtown Halifax and Fall River, running daily. Fares are CAD 4.75 per ride, paid upon boarding or via mobile app. Baggage is permitted under standard policy. Services depart every 30–60 minutes; schedules vary by weekday or weekend service. (more info)

Shuttle: Several off-airport hotels and private operators offer complimentary or paid shuttle services to the terminal. Request hotel shuttle schedules when booking, as times vary. For group transfers or charter needs, private shuttle companies can be pre-arranged via the Ground Transportation desk. Shared-ride shuttles may require advance reservations and have limited evening service.

Car rentals: Eight major rental agencies operate from a consolidated rental facility adjacent to the terminal, including Avis, Budget, Enterprise, National, and Hertz. Courtesy shuttles run every 10 minutes between the terminal and rental centre. Vehicles include compact cars, SUVs, and vans. Reservations are recommended; desks open early morning until late evening hours. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: On-site parking options include hourly and daily parkades, long-term surface lots, and premium reserved spaces near the terminal. Rates start at CAD 3 per half-hour in short-term and CAD 18 per day in long-term lots. All lots are fenced, monitored, and shuttle-connected to the terminal. Online booking secures discounts and reserved spots.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

YHZ does not offer official luggage storage or self-service lockers. Travellers requiring temporary storage must use off-site services or hotel concierge. A bag shipping service is available at the Ground Transportation desk for sending luggage directly to final destinations. Plan ahead if you need secure storage before or after flights. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Halifax Stanfield Airport (YHZ) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks