Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ) sits in Enfield, Nova Scotia, about 35 km north of downtown Halifax, roughly a 30–40 minute drive on a clear run. There is no train or metro link to the airport, so every traveller reaches the city the same way: by taxi, pre-booked transfer, rental car, hotel shuttle or the Halifax Transit public bus. Which one suits you comes down to your budget, how much luggage you have, the time you land and whether you plan to explore beyond the city centre.
Your options at a glance
| Option | Time to downtown | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Airport taxi | ~30–40 min | Set zone/flat rate to downtown; confirm the fare before you go |
| Private transfer | ~30–40 min | Booked ahead at a fixed rate; driver waits at arrivals |
| Rental car | ~30–40 min | Desks in the terminal; best for exploring Nova Scotia and the coast |
| Hotel shuttle | varies | Offered by some hotels; check when you book |
| Public bus (Halifax Transit) | ~60+ min | Cheapest, but limited frequency and little luggage space |
By taxi
Licensed taxis and limos wait at the ground-transportation area just outside the arrivals hall, so you rarely queue for long. Trips from the airport to downtown Halifax typically use a set zone or flat rate rather than a pure meter, which means you should confirm the fare and zone with the driver before departing and check whether it is per car or per person. The Canadian dollar (CAD) is the currency, and cards are often accepted, though it is wise to carry some cash. Use only the licensed cabs at the ground-transportation area — see our airport taxis guide for how the fares work.
Private transfer
A pre-booked transfer locks in a fixed price and puts a driver in the arrivals hall waiting for you, often with a name board. It is the calmest choice after a long flight, when you are travelling as a family or group, carrying lots of luggage, or landing late at night. You can also size the vehicle to your party. Full detail is on our private transfers page.
Rental car
Several rental companies keep desks in the terminal. A car is the easiest way to reach Dartmouth, Bedford and the wider Nova Scotia coast at your own pace; remember that traffic drives on the right, and an International Driving Permit can help foreign visitors though most national licences are accepted. If you are heading for the coast, see our guide to Halifax, Dartmouth and the Nova Scotia coast.
Hotel shuttle and the public bus
- Hotel shuttle: some hotels run a complimentary or low-cost pick-up, so confirm the service and your flight details when you book the room.
- Public bus (Halifax Transit): Halifax Transit runs a public bus (commonly the airport route, the 320) between the terminal and the city. It is the budget choice, but the frequency is limited and luggage space is tight, so it suits flexible, light packers.
Drive times, fares and timetables can change, so confirm the details locally close to your travel date.