St. John’s Layover Guide (YYT)

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

St. John’s Airport (YYT) is an international airport located in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador. It’s situated about 10 km (6 miles) from downtown St. John’s. The airport officially opened in 1941. St. John’s is the easternmost city in North America and one of the oldest in Canada. It’s known for its vibrant culture, colorful row houses, rich maritime history, and stunning coastal views along the rugged Atlantic coastline.

Can you leave St. John’s Airport (YYT) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
At St. John’s (YYT), travellers holding a Canadian transit visa or valid eTA may clear customs and leave the airport during layovers shorter than 48 hours. Visa-exempt nationals require an eTA; travellers from visa-required countries must obtain a transit visa or visitor visa before exiting the terminal. Check eligibility before booking. (more info)

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• The Rooms Discover Newfoundland’s vibrant heritage through rotating art exhibitions, archival treasures and stunning harbour panoramas in this waterfront architectural landmark. Visit official site. (Time required: 1½–2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi ~15 min or Metrobus Route 5 to Water Street, short walk.)
• Signal Hill National Historic Site Hike or drive up to Cabot Tower for sweeping views of St. John’s harbour, explore museum exhibits on Marconi’s wireless breakthrough and enjoy windswept trails with historic interpretation panels. (Time required: 1–1½ hours. / Airport to here: Taxi ~15 min or Metrobus Route 5 to downtown then uphill walk.)
• Cape Spear Lighthouse National Historic Site Stand at North America’s easternmost point, tour the restored 1836 lighthouse and military battery ruins, and watch for whales offshore amid rugged coastal cliffs and interpretive signage. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi ~25 min, no regular bus—arrange taxi or rideshare.)
• Quidi Vidi Village & Brewery Stroll this charming harbourfront fishing village, visit the Quidi Vidi Brewery taproom for locally brewed ales and snacks, browse artisan shops and admire colorful fishermen’s cabins. (Time required: 1–1½ hours. / Airport to here: Taxi ~10 min or Metrobus Route 4 to Quidi Vidi Lake.)
• Downtown Walking Tour Wander Water Street’s historic shops, colourful row houses on Jellybean Row, and lively Duckworth Street; discover hidden courtyards, local galleries and street art celebrating Newfoundland culture. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi ~15 min or Metrobus Route 5 to Water Street.)
• Johnson GEO Centre Explore underground galleries showcasing Atlantic Canada’s geology through interactive exhibits, towering rock walls and hands-on displays at this world-class, operating mine site. (Time required: 1–1½ hours. / Airport to here: Taxi ~15 min or Metrobus Route 5 to Job Street and short walk.)
• Basilica Cathedral of St. John the Baptist Admire stunning Gothic Revival architecture, intricate stained-glass windows and peaceful interior of one of North America’s finest Anglican cathedrals. Guided tours available on request. (Time required: 30 minutes. / Airport to here: Taxi ~15 min or Metrobus Route 5 to Water Street.)
• Bowring Park Relax in lush green spaces with boating pond, memorial gardens and walking paths; don’t miss the Peter Pan statue and seasonal floral displays in this historic urban park. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi ~10 min or Metrobus Route 3 to Rennie’s River.)

Things to Do in St. John’s Airport (YYT)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
St. John’s International Airport features the Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge airside, located post-security on level two between gates 10 and 12A. Open daily from 4 am to 6:15 pm, the lounge offers comfortable seating, complimentary snacks, beverages, high-speed Wi-Fi, workstations, and Newfoundland-inspired decor for a serene pre-flight escape and refreshments amenities. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
Several hotels are located within minutes of YYT, including the Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Best Western Plus Hotel & Suites, and Hampton Inn & Suites. All offer free airport shuttle service, complimentary Wi-Fi, hot breakfast buffets, fitness centers, indoor pools, and on-site dining, ensuring convenient, restful accommodations before or after flights. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
Beyond designated seating areas, the terminal landside offers benches suitable for lying down near the children’s play area at the east end. The airport remains open 24 hours, but amenities close overnight. Power outlets and charging stations are scattered airside. For uninterrupted rest, nearby hotels with shuttles are recommended.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal at YYT. Passengers can connect instantly upon arrival without passwords or time limits. A dedicated cell-phone waiting area outside the terminal also offers complimentary high-speed internet, ideal for coordinating rides or catching up on work while waiting for arriving travelers.

SIM/eSIM Card: No SIM card kiosks operate within the airport. International travelers should pre-purchase a Canadian eSIM for instant connectivity upon landing or visit nearby city retailers such as Best Buy, convenience stores, or telecom shops in St. John’s downtown for physical SIMs and data plans. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Taxis queue curbside outside the arrivals entrance, operating 24 hours. A ride to downtown St. John’s takes about 15 minutes, costing roughly CAD 20–25. Flat rates may apply at night or on holidays. Licensed operators accept credit cards and cash, and some can be pre-booked via phone or ride-hail apps.

Train: There is no passenger rail or train service connecting St. John’s Airport. Travelers should use road-based transport options such as taxi, bus, shuttle, or car rental for access to and from YYT. more info

Bus: Metrobus route 14 provides public transit between the airport and downtown St. John’s, stopping at the arrivals curb and World Parkway near the Holiday Inn Express. Service runs Monday–Saturday, schedules vary seasonally, fare is CAD 3 per trip, exact change required. more info

Shuttle: Most airport-area hotels offer complimentary shuttle service to and from the terminal, operating roughly every 20–30 minutes. ParkSleepFly partner hotels also provide airport shuttles combined with long-term parking deals. Passengers should confirm schedules and reservations directly with their hotel to ensure timely pick-ups.

Car rentals: Car rental counters are located on the ground floor of the main terminal, featuring major brands like Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, National, and Thrifty. Rental desks operate during flight hours, requiring a valid driver’s license and credit card. Downtown drop-off and pick-up options are available. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: YYT offers multiple parking zones: a free cell-phone waiting lot near the terminal entrance, short-term parking close to the arrivals curb, and longer-term lots slightly farther away. Monthly Gold Pass subscribers have reserved spaces. All areas provide free Wi-Fi, and shuttle buses run between lots and terminal during peak periods.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

YYT does not offer on-site luggage storage or lockers. Travelers should plan to check bags with airlines or use off-airport storage services. Alternatively, hotels often accommodate luggage holds for guests, and the city center hosts several private luggage storage providers within a short drive. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- St. John’s Airport (YYT) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks