Victoria Layover Guide (YYJ)

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

Victoria Airport (YYJ) is an international airport located in Sidney, British Columbia. It’s situated about 22 km (14 miles) from downtown Victoria. The airport officially began operations in 1939. Victoria is the capital city of British Columbia and is known for its historic charm, mild climate, and coastal beauty. The city offers a relaxed lifestyle, lush gardens, and a wide range of outdoor and cultural activities for residents and visitors alike.

Can you leave Victoria Airport (YYJ) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
Passengers can exit Victoria International Airport during a layover subject to Canadian immigration rules. You must clear customs and immigration. Depending on nationality, you need either an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) or a Visitor Visa. Apply in advance and verify specific requirements before travel to ensure seamless, efficient transit procedures. (more info)

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Independence Square Vast central square flanked by the Government House and red brick Cathedral of Saints Simon and Helena, offering a striking example of Soviet architecture and open-air relaxation zones fountains nearby (Time required: 30 minutes / Airport to here: Bus No. 300Э to Nyamiha station then 10-minute walk / taxi approximately 30 minutes)
• Belarusian Great Patriotic War Museum Comprehensive museum detailing Belarus’s role in WWII, featuring extensive exhibits of artifacts, dioramas, and personal stories. A poignant tribute to wartime resilience and history. Interactive displays offer immersive learning experiences (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: Bus No. 300Э to Victory Square then 5-minute walk / taxi approximately 25 minutes)
• Island of Tears Small commemorative island with a chapel and bronze sorrowful mothers statues dedicated to Belarusian soldiers who died in Afghanistan. Serene riverbank setting perfect for quiet reflection and photography nearby cafes (Time required: 40 minutes / Airport to here: Bus No. 300Э to Nyamiha station then cross pedestrian bridge / taxi approximately 30 minutes)
• Trinity Suburb Historic neighborhood of 19th-century wooden houses, artisan workshops, and charming cafes. Wander cobblestone streets, shop local crafts, and sample Belarusian pastries in a picturesque cultural enclave riverbank views add atmosphere (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: Bus No. 300Э to Nemiga then 5-minute walk / taxi approximately 30 minutes)
• National Library of Belarus Futuristic rhombicuboctahedron tower housing vast collections, panoramic observation deck offering 360° city vistas. Discover exhibitions in modern reading halls and consult resources via the official website architectural landmark photo ops (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: Bus No. 300Э to Pervomayskaya then 15-minute walk / taxi approximately 25 minutes)
• Komarovsky Market Bustling outdoor market offering fresh produce, regional cheeses, baked goods, and handmade souvenirs. Immerse in local life, taste traditional snacks, and bargain for authentic crafts in vibrant stalls early hours (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: Bus No. 300Э to Nyamiha then metro to Frunzienskaya followed by 10-minute walk / taxi approximately 30 minutes)
• Gorky Central Children’s Park Expansive urban park with amusement rides, boat rentals, lush gardens, and walking paths along the river. Perfect for leisurely strolls, photography, and grabbing coffee at riverside kiosks family-friendly atmosphere too (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: Bus No. 300Э to Nyamiha then tram to Gorky Park central entrance / taxi approximately 30 minutes)
• Belarusian State Museum of Folk Architecture and Rural Lifestyle Open-air museum showcasing traditional Belarusian wooden houses, windmills, and chapels from various regions. Engage with folk crafts demonstrations and wander immersive village settings recreate rural heritage seasonal festivals available too (Time required: 2 hours / Airport to here: Bus No. 173 to Strochitsy then 10-minute walk / taxi approximately 35 minutes)

Things to Do in Victoria Airport (YYJ)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Victoria International Airport does not host any dedicated airline or paid lounges. Instead, passengers can unwind in two communal departure lounges on the second and third floors, offering comfortable seating, workstations, panoramic runway views, charging stations and free Wi-Fi access. Complimentary tea and coffee stations and light snacks are available nearby. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
There are no on-site hotels at YYJ, but several options within a five-minute drive in Sidney, including Days Inn by Wyndham Victoria Airport and Best Western Plus Emerald Isle Hotel, offer airport shuttles. Downtown Victoria’s hotels, such as The Sidney Pier Hotel & Spa and the Magnolia Hotel, are a 20-minute drive and provide transfer services too. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
While YYJ offers no dedicated sleep pods or nap zones, travelers can find quiet corners in the lower and upper departure lounges. Comfortable benches and padded seating near gates provide informal nap spots. The airport’s family room also offers a calm environment for a brief rest, and artwork-lined hallways add a soothing touch.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Victoria International Airport provides complimentary Telus Wi-Fi throughout the terminal. Select the “YYJ Free Wi-Fi” network, view a sponsored advertisement, and enjoy up to two hours of continuous internet access. You can reconnect as needed by refreshing your browser. Speeds are sufficient for email, web browsing, video calls, and streaming on the go.

SIM/eSIM Card: Visitors can purchase Canadian SIM or eSIM plans at Telus kiosks or vending machines on the arrivals level, or from local retailers in Sidney. Major providers like Rogers, Bell and Fido offer eSIM activation online prior to arrival. Prepaid data-only options include daily, weekly and monthly regional plans ideal for short stays. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Taxicabs operate from the designated stand immediately outside the arrivals curb. Official operators include Yellow Cab and BC Cabs, offering fixed-rate trips to downtown Victoria (approximately CAD 50) and metered fares to other destinations. Accessible vehicles are available on request. Payment by cash, debit or all major credit cards is accepted.

Train: There is no direct train service at Victoria Airport. The closest rail connection is VIA Rail’s station in downtown Victoria, approximately 22 km away. Passengers can reach it via BC Transit bus or taxi in about 30 minutes. VIA Rail offers limited daily routes along the corridor, with morning and evening departures on select days. (more info)

Bus: BC Transit Route 87 connects YYJ with Sidney and the Swartz Bay ferry terminal, while Route 88 provides direct service to downtown Victoria via Saanich. Buses depart hourly from the ground transportation curb, with transfers available to regional routes. Fares start at CAD 2.70 and can be paid with exact cash or the BC Transit app. (more info)

Shuttle: Several shuttle services operate to and from YYJ, including Victoria Airporter and Islandlink Shuttle. Shared-ride and private options connect passengers with downtown hotels, whale-watching terminals, and ferry docks. Reservations are recommended. Pickups and drop-offs occur at the ground transportation area, with shuttles departing hourly. Fares vary by service and destination.

Car rentals: Major car rental companies—Avis, Budget, Enterprise, National and Alamo—maintain desks in the ground transportation building adjacent to the terminal. After check-in, vehicles are available on-site. Agencies offer economy to luxury models plus add-ons like GPS units or child seats. Drivers must present a valid driver’s license and credit card for deposit. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: The airport offers short-term, long-term and overflow parking lots adjacent to the terminal. Short-term parking is ideal for pick-ups and drop-offs, while long-term daily lots feature shuttle service to the terminal. Rates are approximately CAD 2 per 30 minutes for short-term and CAD 20 per day for long-term parking. Online booking and a cost estimator are available.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

YYJ does not provide on-site luggage storage or lockers. Travelers needing temporary bag checks can use services offered by nearby hotels or secure storage facilities in downtown Victoria, such as Choose 2 Lockers near the ferry terminal. Some car rental agencies may also offer luggage holding for their customers. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Victoria Airport (YYJ) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks