The Complete Guide to Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ)

Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ) is the largest and busiest airport in the province of Nova Scotia, and serves as a crucial transportation hub for Atlantic Canada.

Location and Transportation

Halifax Stanfield International Airport is situated approximately 30 minutes north of Downtown Halifax in Enfield, Nova Scotia.

The airport provides a range of transportation options for passengers, all of which can be found on the arrivals level.

For public transportation, MetroX Bus Route 320 offers direct service from the airport to Downtown Halifax, with several stops along the way.

This bus operates every 30 minutes from early morning until late at night and can be paid for with cash or by purchasing tickets at the vending machine located at the bus stop. The fare for a one-way trip is $3.50 (all figures in CAD) for adults and $2.75 for seniors and children.

Maritime Bus offers daily service from the airport to various destinations in Nova Scotia, such as Sydney, New Glasgow, and Truro. Passengers can book their tickets online or at the Maritime Bus counter in the arrivals area of the airport.

For a more personalized transportation option, taxis, ‌private car, and limousine services are available. Passengers can book these services in advance or upon arrival at the airport.

Additionally, ridesharing services Uber and Lyft are available at Halifax Airport. Passengers can request a ride using the apps, and they’ll be met at the designated ridesharing pick-up area outside the terminal building.

There are also several car rental companies available on-site, which include:

• Avis
• Budget
• Enterprise
• Hertz
• National
• Alamo

The above car rental companies have customer service counters located in the airport terminal building near the baggage claim area.

Terminal

Halifax Stanfield International Airport has one terminal building, which is divided into two levels: the Departures Level and the Arrivals Level.

The Departures Level is located on the upper floor of the terminal building and is where passengers check in for their flights, drop off their luggage, and pass through security screening before proceeding to their gate.

Likewise, the Departures Level is home to the airline check-in counters, as well as a variety of restaurants, cafés, and shops where travellers can grab a bite to eat or purchase last-minute souvenirs.

The Arrivals Level is located on the lower floor of the terminal building and is where passengers exit the airport after their flight. It’s also home to the baggage claim areas, ground transportation options, and the airport’s Information Desk.

Airlines and Destinations

Halifax Stanfield International Airport is home to 12 airlines operating both year-round and seasonally to destinations in North America, Europe, and the Caribbean.

The following airlines operate to and from the Halifax Stanfield International Airport:

Star Alliance

• Air Canada
• United Airlines

Oneworld

• American Airlines

SkyTeam

• Delta Air Lines

Other Airlines

• Air Saint-Pierre
• Air Transat
• Condor
• Discover Airlines
• Flair Airlines
• Icelandair
• PAL Airlines
• Porter Airlines
• WestJet

Lounges

Halifax International Airport is home to one departure lounge, which travellers can enjoy prior to their flight.

Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge

The Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge is located in the departures area near Gate 54.

The lounge operates daily from 4am to 9:30pm and is accessible to passengers travelling within Canada and to international (non-US) destinations.

To gain entry into the Maple Leaf Lounge at Halifax Stanfield International Airport, you must be a Star Alliance business class or First Class passenger, a Star Alliance Gold member, or an Aeroplan 50k, 75k, or Super Elite member.

You can also enjoy lounge access if you possess lounge passes or an eligible credit card, such as the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card.

Note: The Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge at YHZ closed in October 2025 for renovation. As a result, Halifax Stanfield currently has no operational airport lounges. Check back for updates on the expected reopening date.

Priority Services

Halifax Stanfield International Airport offers priority services for premium ticket holders or elite status holders. These services may include priority check-in, security, boarding, and baggage, as well as lounge access.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that priority services are usually specific to the airline, so they’ll change depending on who you are flying with.

Available to everyone is YHZ Express, a complimentary service lets you clear security screening based on an appointment pre-booked online.

Additionally, the airport offers frequent flyers the convenience of valet parking.

You can easily make a reservation online, arrive at the Departures Level of the airport, and drive to the concierge desk to check in with the valet and drop off your keys.

The Priority Valet service also provides a personalized range of concierge services such as oil changes, and grocery and dry cleaning pick-up.

Airport Hotels

There are no on-site hotels at Halifax Stanfield International Airport; however, there are multiple options located nearby, including:

• ALT Hotel Halifax Airport
• Hilton Garden Inn Halifax Airport
• Quality Inn Halifax Airport
• Holiday Inn Express Halifax Airport
• Comfort Inn Halifax Airport

These hotels are all situated within a short distance from the airport and offer shuttle service to and from the airport for added convenience.

International Transfers

When connecting through Halifax Stanfield International Airport on an international flight, passengers who are travelling with the same airline or have their baggage checked through to their final destination can remain in the domestic and international departures area.

It’s important to note that this policy may not apply to all international flights, and passengers should confirm with their airline or the airport’s website to ensure that they are eligible to remain in the domestic and international departures area.

Additionally, passengers who are not eligible for this policy will need to go through the proper customs and immigration procedures before boarding their connecting flight, and they will likely need to collect and re-check their luggage.

US Pre-Clearance

If you’re departing on or connecting to a flight to the United States, you must clear US customs and immigration at Halifax Stanfield International Airport’s pre-clearance facility. US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents process departing and connecting passengers daily from 5:00am to 5:00pm.

To expedite your US pre-clearance, you may use NEXUS, Global Entry, or Mobile Passport Control.