Sleeping in Airports

Victoria Airport Guide

Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or you are just quickly passing through, our Victoria Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit.  Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport – including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.

it’s like a trip to see your grandparents on a much larger scale. – cybergrrrl

YYJ Airport Overview

To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at Victoria International Airport.

What to expect

Victoria Airport (code: YYJ) consists of a small two-level terminal with a couple of eateries and shops on each side of security. After eateries and shops close at night vending machines provide the only drink and snack options. WiFi is available and power outlets can be found for charging mobile devices. There are no lounges at this airport.

Sleeping in Victoria Airport

The airport terminal closes between the hours of 1:00AM and 3:00AM, but airport security reportedly allows passengers to spend the night if they ask in advance. Find security personnel at the airport, or contact them by telephone at 250-953-7511, to request such arrangements. Security personnel will reportedly provide directions on where you can sleep, which may be the observation area or a seating area near a restaurant. Reviewers have reported that both are conducive for sleeping. For uninterrupted sleep, there are hotels near the airport. See Airport Hotels in the guide below or read some traveller airport reviews for more tips.

To help us keep this guide up-to-date, you can add or update information or write a review to submit airport tips and photos. You can also visit the airport’s web site for current information.  For more airport information continue scrolling down to explore more in our Victoria Airport Guide.

In this guide we may refer to locations as “landside” and “airside”. Landside is the public area of the terminal located in the non-secure zone, before security. Airside is the secure area of the terminal that you must reach by going through security.  For more information on Europe’s Schengen Area, click here.

airport hotelsAirport Hotels

If sleeping in the airport sounds like a nightmare, there are hotels near Victoria Airport:

  • Travelodge Victoria Airport – Free airport shuttle is available. » Check Rates
  • Best Western Plus Emerald Isle – No airport shuttle.  » Check Rates

For more options, visit Tripadvisor to see a list of hotels in Victoria, search deals and read traveller reviews.

airport loungeAirport Lounges

At the time of this update, pay-per-use lounges were not available.  If this information is not correct, click here to update this airport guide.

wifiAirport WiFi / Internet

Free WiFi is available at Victoria Airport. Connect to the “Telus” network.

airport infoMore Services, Facilities & Things To Do On A Layover At The Airport

Art in the Airport – Rotating art exhibits are on display in the airport.

ATMs / Cash Machines – Need cash? ATMs are available. Fees may apply, so be sure to check your bank’s fee schedule and your daily withdrawal limit if you are travelling internationally. You may also want to notify your bank of your travel plans. Locations: Landside, across from the gift shop • Airside, in the lower level departure lounge.

Baggage Carts – Need a hand with your luggage? Baggage carts are available free of charge.

BC Aviation Museum – An interesting and informative display of aircraft and artefacts in a museum dedicated to the history of aviation in Canada. Location: Adjacent to the airport. Hours: 10:00AM – 3:00PM (Thur – Mon). Closed on Christmas and New Year’s Day.

Children’s Play Area – When you want to ensure your kids burn off all their energy before their flight, take them to the children’s play area. Location: Upper Departure Lounge, airside.

Currency Exchange – International Currency Exchange (ICE) has kiosks available in the airport. Hours: 8:00AM – 4:00PM. Holiday hours vary.

Duty Free & Shopping – Harbour Walk Shops is the airport’s airside duty-free gift shop. Hours: 5:00AM – 8:00PM.

Family Room – Travelling with children? The airport offers parents use of the family room.Location: Landside, across from the Breakwater Boutique.

Food & Drinks – Food concessions in the airport operate on varying schedules:

  • Landside: Starbucks (5:30AM – 10:30PM) • Tim Hortons ( 7:30AM – 3:00PM ) • The Fickle Fig 5:00AM – 1:00PM (Mon-Fri) / 6:30AM – 1:00PM (Sat-Sun)
  • Airside: Spinnaker’s on the Fly (4:30AM – 8:30PM) • Fresh Cup Café at YYJ (5:00AM – 1:00PM).
  • Vending machines are also available.

Information Desk – Red Coat Ambassadors assist travellers with general questions about the airport and local area. Location: The Information Desk is located across from the rental car counters in the arrivals area. Hours: 8:30AM – 2:30PM (Mon, Tue,Fri and Sat), 8:30AM – 5:30PM (Wed -Thu).

Luggage Storage & Lockers – Not available.

Mobile Charging – Charging ports and power outlets are available.

Observation Lounge & Eagles Landing Historical Exhibit – Location: 3rd Floor, landside.

Rest Zones – There are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas or rest zones. If this information has changed, click here to update this guide.

Showers – Not available.

Smoking – Smoking is prohibited anywhere inside the terminal. A smoking shelter can be found outside in the Short Term parking lot located at the Arrivals end of the terminal.

Workstations – Location: upper departure lounge, airside.

airport hoursAirport Hours

The terminal is open 3:00AM – 1:00AM.  According to the airport’s website, they will open the domestic area if a passenger arrives early to catch their flight or arrives on a late or delayed flight and is scheduled to depart early the next morning.

airlinesAirlines

Victoria airport is served by the following airlines: Air Canada • Air North • Alaska Airlines• Flair • Lynx • Pacific Coastal Airlines • Swoop • WestJet.

transportationAirport Transportation: Getting To/From The Airport

Airport Shuttle

The YYJ Airport Shuttle offers shuttle service between the airport and downtown Victoria. For fares and schedule information, visit the YYJ Airport Shuttle website.

Bus

BC Transit offers frequent service (up to 28 departures) between the airport and McTavish Transit Exchange and Swartz Bay, the Saanich Peninsula, and downtown Victoria.

Car Rentals

The following car rental agencies are available onsite in the arrivals area: Avis • Budget • Hertz • National • Thrifty. Alamo • Enterprise Rent a Car serves the airport from a nearby offsite location.

Hotel Shuttles

A few area hotels provide airport shuttle service: Robin Hood Inn and Suites • Victoria Airport Travelodge Hotel.

See also Airport Hotels above.

Taxis and Shuttles

Metered taxis and shared-ride shuttle services are available.

Last updated: 2024-01-31

This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning.  All information, including rates and hours, is subject to change at any time without notice.   The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers, and their websites. We are not representatives of any of the above-mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or  write a review.