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Halifax · Canada

Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ)

Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ) is situated approximately 35 kilometres northeast of downtown Halifax, Nova Scotia. The airport comprises a single main terminal building serving domestic, US transborder, and international destinations. It acts as the primary commercial aviation hub for Nova Scotia and the broader Maritime region.

Terminals

Main Terminal
Single terminal handling all domestic, US transborder, and international arrivals and departures.

Arriving

Arriving international travellers proceed through Canadian border control, retrieve their checked luggage, and complete customs clearance before entering the public arrivals hall.

  • Follow the overhead signs from your arrival gate towards Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) passport control.
  • Complete your customs and immigration declaration using the Primary Inspection Kiosks or via advance e-declaration.
  • Present your travel documents and kiosk printout to a CBSA officer for entry clearance.
  • Collect your checked baggage from the carousels located on the lower level.
  • Hand your declaration receipt to the border officer at the exit point before entering the public arrivals area.

Getting to the city

  • Train

    Halifax Transit (MetroX Route 320)

    Departs regularly from the curb outside the lower level arrivals area, connecting directly to downtown Halifax.

    Time:
    Roughly 45-55 minutes
    Typical cost:
    Typically CAD $4.25 - $4.50 (exact cash fare required)
  • Taxi

    Licensed Airport Taxis and Limousines

    Available at designated ranks outside the arrivals exit. Rates to major zones are standardized.

    Time:
    Roughly 30-45 minutes
    Typical cost:
    Typically CAD $65.00 - $75.00 flat rate depending on destination zone
  • Ride-hailing

    Uber / Lyft

    Pickups take place at designated rideshare curb areas marked outside the terminal building.

    Time:
    Roughly 30-45 minutes
    Typical cost:
    Typically CAD $50.00 - $70.00 (subject to demand pricing)
  • Car rental

    Major international car rental agencies

    Service desks and vehicle pick-up are located in the lower level of the airport parkade opposite the terminal.

    Time:
    Roughly 30-45 minutes driving time to central Halifax
    Typical cost:
    Varies by provider and vehicle class

Connections & transfers

Transferring between flights at YHZ is straightforward within the single terminal structure, though international arriving passengers must clear Canadian border control.

  • Domestic connections generally allow baggage to be checked through to your final destination without re-screening.
  • International arriving passengers connecting to domestic flights must clear CBSA customs and collect bags before re-checking them.
  • Passengers departing on flights to the United States clear US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) preclearance inside YHZ before departure.
  • Directional signage guides connecting passengers between gate concourses within the main terminal.

Wi-Fi & staying connected

Complimentary Wi-Fi access is provided throughout the entire passenger terminal.

  • Connect to the official network named 'FlyHalifax' on your mobile device or laptop.
  • Accept the access terms on the landing page screen to start browsing without mandatory registration.
  • Power charging posts and USB outlets are available adjacent to seating throughout the gates and public halls.

Money, cards & tipping

Banking and currency services are available in public and post-security zones of the terminal.

  • Automated teller machines (ATMs) supporting major international networks are situated pre- and post-security.
  • Foreign exchange desks operate within the main departure and arrival concourses.
  • Contactless card payments via major credit and debit cards are accepted across virtually all transport and retail venues.

Food & drink

A selection of quick-service, cafe, and sit-down dining options is located before and after security screening.

  • Pre-security food court options offer coffee, light snacks, and fast food.
  • Post-security options include local Maritime dining, coffee outlets, and grab-and-go choices.
  • Opening hours correspond broadly with scheduled flight departures, with reduced choices during late-night hours.

Lounges & rest

Lounge facilities are accessible to eligible airline passengers and premium cardholders airside.

  • Air Canada operates a Maple Leaf Lounge post-security for eligible Star Alliance travellers.
  • Access arrangements depend on ticket class, frequent flyer status, or participating lounge membership programmes.
  • Lounges offer quiet seating, light refreshments, internet access, and business amenities.

Airport hotels

An on-site hotel is connected to the terminal, alongside off-site properties operating local shuttle services.

  • The ALT Hotel Halifax Stanfield is connected directly to the main terminal via a covered pedestrian skywalk.
  • Several off-site airport hotels located within a 5-10 minute drive provide complimentary shuttle buses for guests.
  • Courtesy phones for local hotel bookings and shuttle requests are available in the arrivals hall.

Baggage & customs

Checked luggage collection carousels and airline assistance counters are located on the terminal's lower level.

  • Baggage reclaim carousels are located immediately following the border control area for international arrivals.
  • Luggage trolleys are positioned near the carousels for passenger convenience.
  • Airline baggage handling desks are situated within the reclaim hall for reporting missing or damaged items.

Family & accessibility

Family-friendly facilities are provided across the terminal for passengers travelling with children.

  • Dedicated nursing rooms and private family washrooms are situated near primary rest area zones.
  • Children's play spaces are available in the post-security departures concourse.
  • Elevators link all terminal levels and the adjoining parkade for easy stroller navigation.

Facilities

  • Complimentary Wi-Fi
  • ATMs
  • Currency Exchange
  • Car Rental Centre
  • Connected Hotel Walkway
  • Nursing Rooms
  • Interfaith Reflection Room
  • Visitor Information Desk

Emergency & safety

Local emergency number: 911 for emergency response (Police, Fire, Medical).

  • Dial 911 for immediate police, fire, or ambulance assistance anywhere in Nova Scotia.
  • First aid and medical emergency help inside the terminal can be requested through any uniformed airport staff member or security officer.
  • If you lose your passport, notify airport security and contact your foreign diplomatic representation in Canada.

Before you leave home

  • Check your passport validity and any visa, ETA or entry declaration required.
  • Confirm your departure terminal on your boarding pass the day before.
  • Activate a travel eSIM so you are online the moment you land.
  • Download offline maps and screenshot your hotel address and booking reference.
  • Tell your bank you are travelling and carry a backup payment card.
  • Save the local emergency number and your embassy contact in your phone.
  • Photograph your passport and store the copy somewhere you can reach offline.
  • Check baggage allowance and any restricted items for your destination.

Official sources

Airport operations change. Always confirm terminals, fares and timetables with the official sources below before you travel.

Guide last reviewed October 11, 2026

Airport information can change. Verify terminal assignments, schedules, fares, entry requirements and operating hours with the official provider before travel.

Land connected

Airport Wi-Fi is slow, time-limited and not private. A travel eSIM activates before you fly, so maps, ride-hailing and your booking emails work the second you switch off airplane mode.

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Travel information disclaimer: passport, visa and entry requirements change frequently and vary by nationality, route and purpose of travel. Everything published here is general guidance only and is not legal or immigration advice. Always verify current requirements with the official government sources for your citizenship and your destination before booking and before travel.