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Regina Layover Guide (YQR)

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

Regina Airport (YQR) is an international airport located in Regina, Saskatchewan. It’s situated about 7 km (4.3 miles) from downtown Regina. The airport officially opened in 1930. Regina is the capital city of Saskatchewan and a cultural and commercial hub of the province. The city is known for its welcoming community, expansive green spaces, and vibrant arts scene, making it a pleasant destination for both business and leisure travelers.

Can you leave Regina Airport (YQR) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
Layover passengers at Regina International Airport (YQR) may exit the terminal, but must clear Canadian immigration. Unless eligible for visa-exempt entry, travellers require a valid Canadian visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) and meet customs requirements. Check eligibility and application details online. Processing times vary, so apply well in advance. (more info)

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• RCMP Heritage Centre Explore the heritage of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police through interactive exhibits, multimedia displays, and authentic artifacts at the RCMP Heritage Centre, celebrating Canada’s iconic national police force and mounted traditions. (Time required: 1.5–2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi ~15 minutes / Bus route 11 to downtown and walk, ~40 minutes.)
• Wascana Centre Stroll through Wascana Centre’s expansive urban parklands, enjoying picturesque walking trails, manicured gardens, Wascana Lake boating, public art installations, and panoramic views of the Saskatchewan Legislative Building nestled in verdant landscapes. (Time required: 1–2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi ~15 minutes / Bus route 11 to Cornwall Street stop and 10 min walk, ~40 minutes total.)
• Royal Saskatchewan Museum Discover Saskatchewan’s natural and cultural history at the Royal Saskatchewan Museum, featuring dinosaur fossils, Indigenous heritage artifacts, immersive detailed dioramas, and innovative interactive science exhibits grounded in engaging educational hands-on programming. (Time required: 1–2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi ~15 minutes / Bus route 11 to Albert Street stop, ~35 minutes total.)
• Government House Tour Government House, a meticulously restored 19th-century vice-regal residence, exploring elegantly decorated heritage rooms, impressive lush formal gardens, extensive interpretive exhibits, and panoramic seasonal horticultural displays highlighting Saskatchewan’s vice-regal history. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi ~15 minutes / Bus route 11 to Cornwall Street stop and 15 min walk, ~40 minutes total.)
• MacKenzie Art Gallery Browse the MacKenzie Art Gallery’s diverse collections, featuring contemporary Saskatchewan artists, rotating national exhibitions, Indigenous artworks, engaging innovative public programs, and immersive thought-provoking installations within a striking modern architectural setting. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi ~15 minutes / Bus route 11 to Cornwall Street stop and 10 min walk, ~35 minutes total.)
• Regina Farmers’ Market Sample fresh seasonal local produce, artisanal foods, and handcrafted goods at the Regina Farmers’ Market, experiencing a vibrant community atmosphere, live music, interactive vendor stalls, and educational culinary demonstrations. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi ~20 minutes / Bus route 11 to Cornwall Street stop and 5 min walk, ~40 minutes total.)
• Cathedral Village District Meander through Cathedral Village, a charming neighbourhood lined with quaint cafes, artisan boutiques, colourful murals, heritage architecture, and the striking Cathedral of the Holy Rosary at its vibrant cultural core. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi ~15 minutes / Bus route 11 to Broad Street stop and 5 min walk, ~35 minutes total.)
• Mosaic Stadium Visit Mosaic Stadium, home of the Saskatchewan Roughriders, for a behind-the-scenes tour of locker rooms, press boxes, and field access, plus photo opportunities inside this iconic Canadian Football League venue. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi ~20 minutes / Bus route 11 to stadium stop, ~30 minutes total.)

Things to Do in Regina Airport (YQR)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Regina International Airport hosts one domestic lounge and offers day-pass access to the Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge airside. Comfortable seating, complimentary snacks, beverages, Wi-Fi, and power outlets help travelers unwind. Pass holders can relax before flights, recharge devices, and work in a quieter, climate-controlled environment, and attentive service, available. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
Numerous hotels within a 10-minute drive of YQR provide on-site amenities and shuttle service to the terminal. Options include Comfort Suites, Home Inn & Suites, Holiday Inn Express, and Four Points by Sheraton. Well-appointed rooms feature complimentary breakfast, Wi-Fi, business centers, fitness facilities, and 24-hour front desks for restful stays. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
Regina Airport offers limited seating areas throughout the terminal but no dedicated rest zones or sleep pods. Travelers may use reclining chairs near gates or family seating sections with bench-style seating. Lighting remains active overnight with occasional cleaning. Security staff patrol and seating comfort varies. Plan ahead for longer waits.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Free Wi-Fi covers the entire terminal at YQR. Connect to the “YQR WiFi” network, open your browser, accept terms, and click submit. Speeds are adequate for email, messaging, browsing, and streaming low-bandwidth media. No password is required, but sessions may be timed. Reconnect to extend browsing time and productivity apps.

SIM/eSIM Card: Regina Airport lacks dedicated kiosks for SIM cards or eSIM top-ups. Travelers should purchase local SIMs or activate eSIMs in advance from Canadian carriers like Bell, Telus, or Rogers. Downtown outlets and convenience stores near the airport also sell prepaid SIMs. Ensure your unlocked device supports required LTE bands safely. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Regina Airport taxi stands are located curbside outside Arrivals. Official taxis charge flat rates to downtown Regina (approximately CAD 35) and metered fares for other zones. Payment by cash or credit card is accepted. Licensed drivers assist with luggage. Ride-hail services like Uber and Lyft pick up in Short-Term Parking.

Train: YQR has no direct train connections. The nearest passenger rail service is VIA Rail at Regina Station, located downtown about 10 km from the airport. Shuttles, taxis, and buses connect the airport to the station. For schedules and bookings, visit more info. Plan connections carefully. Allow extra time daily.

Bus: Regina Transit Route 24 serves the airport seven days a week, connecting YQR with downtown Regina. Weekday peak frequency is every 20 minutes (6 am–9 am; 4 pm–9 pm), with 40-minute intervals off-peak and 20-minute service late evenings. Fare is CAD 4 cash or PRESTO; exact change required. Accessible vehicles available regularly. more info.

Shuttle: Shared shuttles and private transfers can be booked with local operators to transport passengers to Regina city center and surrounding areas. Services offer door-to-door pickup, luggage assistance, and flexible scheduling. Fares vary by company and group size. Advance online booking is recommended to guarantee availability upon arrival at the airport.

Car rentals: Six major car rental firms operate adjacent to the terminal, including Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, National, and Alamo. Reservations can be made online or by phone with 24-hour desks at the airport. Handout controls require advance notice. A free courtesy shuttle transports customers between the terminal and rental facilities. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: YQR offers three parking options: a free cell-phone lot for waits up to one hour; short-term parking outside the terminal at CAD 2 per 30 minutes (max CAD 50); and long-term parking at CAD 15 per day (first five days) then CAD 7 thereafter. EV plug-ins and overflow shuttles ensure vehicle access. Secure monitoring available.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Regina Airport does not provide baggage storage or locker facilities. Travelers must manage luggage with airlines or use third-party services offsite. Options include downtown luggage storage companies and select hotels offering temporary holding. Visit local operators for rates and availability, as YQR offers no on-site storage solutions. Affordable rates apply. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Regina Airport (YQR) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks