Québec City Jean Lesage Layover Guide (YQB)

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

Québec City Airport (YQB) is an international airport located in Sainte-Foy, Québec. It’s situated about 13 km (8 miles) from downtown Québec City. The airport officially opened in 1941. Québec City is one of the oldest European settlements in North America, known for its rich history and French heritage. It’s also famous for its charming Old Town, vibrant cultural scene, and scenic views along the St. Lawrence River.

Can you leave Québec City Airport (YQB) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
During a YQB layover you may exit the secure zone and visit Quebec City but must clear immigration and customs. Non-visa-exempt travelers need a valid Canadian visitor visa or eTA; US citizens are exempt. Airside transit without entry authorization is permitted if you remain in the departure area. Bring documents. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Old Québec Historic District Explore the UNESCO-listed historic district with cobblestone streets, fortifications, charming shops, cafes, and European ambiance. Perfect for strolling among centuries-old architecture, scenic river vistas, and hidden alleys offering unexpected delights. (Time required: 1–2 hours. / Airport to here: 800 bus to Gare du Palais (30–40 min) or taxi (20 min).)
• Château Frontenac Visit the iconic Fairmont Le Château Frontenac hotel perched above the St. Lawrence River. Admire its turrets, take guided tours, and enjoy panoramic vistas from viewpoints in the historic heart. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: 800 bus to downtown (30–40 min) or taxi (20 min).)
• Montmorency Falls Park Marvel at the 83-meter-high Montmorency Falls, taller than Niagara. Cross the suspension bridge, ride the cable car for aerial views, and explore surrounding park trails for thrill-seeking outdoor adventure enthusiasts. (Time required: 2–3 hours. / Airport to here: 800 bus then EXO 11 (45–60 min) or taxi (25 min).)
• Quartier Petit Champlain Wander the charming Quartier Petit Champlain, North America’s oldest commercial street. Browse quaint boutiques, art galleries, and artisanal shops beneath festooned lights against stone facades for a romantic cozy atmosphere. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: 800 bus to D’Youville (35 min) + 5 min walk or taxi (20 min).)
• Plains of Abraham Relax in the historic Plains of Abraham park, site of the 1759 battle. Stroll landscaped grounds, enjoy outdoor sculptures, picnic areas, seasonal events, and panoramic river vistas beneath century-old trees. (Time required: 1–2 hours. / Airport to here: 800 bus to Grande Allée (30 min) + 10 min walk or taxi (20 min).)
• Citadelle of Quebec Tour the star-shaped Citadelle of Quebec fortress and historic military museum. Witness Changing of the Guard ceremonies (summer), explore ramparts, and enjoy sweeping views of Old Town and the river. (Time required: 1½ hours. / Airport to here: 800 bus to Parliament (35 min) + 5 min uphill walk or taxi (20 min).)
• Quebec Parliament Building Visit the Neo-Classical Quebec Parliament Building. Take free guided tours to learn about provincial politics, admire stained-glass ceilings, murals, historic ornate interiors, and beautifully landscaped well-maintained gardens on its grounds. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: 800 bus to Préfecture (35 min) + 5 min walk or taxi (20 min).)
• Musée de la Civilisation Discover exhibits at the Musée de la Civilisation, exploring Quebec’s history, art, and culture. Families and solo travelers enjoy multilingual audio-guides, immersive installations, temporary exhibitions, and unique museum shop treasures. (Time required: 1½ hours. / Airport to here: 800 bus to Old Port (30 min) + 3 min walk or taxi (18 min).)

Things to Do in Québec City Airport (YQB)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
The airport features the V.I.P. Lounge by Club Med airside, offering complimentary snacks, beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), comfortable seating, and up to four hours of relaxation for departing passengers with valid boarding passes. Additionally, the second-floor observation area allows plane-spotting in a peaceful setting with panoramic tarmac views and refreshments. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
While no on-site hotel exists, several nearby properties provide convenient accommodations: Hôtel Québec Inn, Hôtel & Suites Le Dauphin, and Delta Hotels by Marriott Quebec are within a five-minute drive. Most offer complimentary airport shuttle service, fitness facilities, and business centers, making them ideal for overnight stays close to YQB. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
Québec City Airport does not offer dedicated sleeping pods. However, travellers can find relatively quiet seating zones near gates 6–8 and the second-floor observation area for brief rest. Standard armrest-equipped seats and benches are available throughout the terminal with minimal lighting; earplugs and travel pillows are recommended for overnight stays.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Free high-speed Wi-Fi is available throughout Québec City Airport. To connect, select the “YQB Gratuit-Free” network, launch any web browser, and accept the terms and conditions. No password, username, or subscription is required. Coverage spans all public areas, including gates, lounges, and retail zones, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity. 24-hour free access.

SIM/eSIM Card: SIM cards are not sold within Québec City Airport. Travellers seeking local connectivity can purchase SIM or eSIM plans online before arrival or visit mobile retail stores in downtown Québec City, such as those at Carrefour Laval or Laurier Québec shopping centres. eSIM activation offers instant service without physical cards. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Taxis are located at the international arrivals end of the terminal. Daytime fare to downtown Québec is CAD 41.40; nighttime fare is CAD 47.60. Trips to Sainte-Foy cost CAD 18.15 by day, CAD 20.85 at night. Pre-booking is available through companies such as Taxi Coop and Alliance. Pick-up area is marked near column 10.

Train: The airport has no direct rail line. Instead, RTC bus Route 76 links the terminal to Sainte-Foy train station in about 25 minutes for VIA Rail services to Montreal and Ottawa. Tickets are available at airport vending machines. Station amenities include ticket office, waiting rooms, washrooms, accessibility features. (more info)

Bus: RTC bus Route 76 links the airport to Sainte-Foy transit hub in under 30 minutes, providing connections to high-frequency routes 800 and 801 toward downtown. Fares are CAD 3.75 per ride, with one-day and multi-ride passes available at machines near check-in counters. Service runs daily from early morning until late evening. (more info)

Shuttle: Hotel shuttles serve Québec City Airport, picking up travellers in front of the terminal near column 10. Service is arranged directly with participating hotels; schedules and booking details vary by property. Look for clearly marked shuttle zones and coloured signage. Contact your hotel concierge to confirm pick-up times and specific procedures.

Car rentals: On-site car rental desks are located on the ground floor of the administrative building at Québec City Airport. Major agencies include Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, National/Alamo, and Thrifty. Vehicles range from compact cars to SUVs and vans. Reservations can conveniently be made online or by phone directly with each provider. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Three parking lots serve Québec City Airport: Short-Term for stops under two hours ($5 for 15 minutes, $8 for 30 minutes, $45 for two hours), Proxi for up to 24 hours ($26/day), and Econo for longer stays ($26 per 24 hours or $99 for eight days; $89 prepaid). Prepaid spaces are limited. (more info)

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Self-service lockers are available landside on the first floor between the Proxi parking and terminal walkway. Rates start at CAD 3.20 plus taxes for the first hour, with subsequent hours automatically billed between CAD 0.10 and $0.20. Sizes range from small to extra-large, with 8-day maximum billing. Payment by credit card only. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Québec City Airport (YQB) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks