Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or are just quickly passing through, our Halifax 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.
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we found out that there’s an airport chapel which also had a room with a bed in it. We were offered the bed by a pilot that was passing by. – a traveller
YHZ 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 Halifax Stanfield International Airport.
What to Expect
Halifax Airport (code: YHZ) is a modern, single-terminal airport with a fair number of shopping and dining options, though only the ALTcetera, located inside the ALT Hotel, stays open 24 hours. The airport, which has undergone significant renovations in recent years, is clean, and staff are known for being friendly and helpful. Free WiFi, which helps pass the time, is available. For additional comfort, there is a first-class airport lounge.
Sleeping in Halifax Airport
While airport staff and security generally accommodate overnight sleepers, passengers are restricted to the landside area when security checkpoints close for the night and must re-clear security upon its morning opening. While there is a decent amount of seating throughout the airport, most are metal framed with armrests, though a few four-seater leather benches are scattered throughout. While many reviewers reported sleeping overnight in the Worship Centre airport chapel, another option to consider is the observation deck on the second floor above the main hall between check-in and arrivals. While the seating there is subject to change, it is known for being quiet and having dim lighting. For uninterrupted sleep, a hotel is connected to the terminal and some other hotels are a quick shuttle ride away. See Airport Hotels in the guide below.
Read the latest traveller reviews for more tips. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our Halifax Airport Guide.
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.
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.
Airport Hours
The airport is open 24 hours.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection preclearance closes at night. Hours: 5:00 AM – 4:30 PM.
Rest & Relaxation Zones
No dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas or rest zones exist. If this information has changed, click here to update this guide.
Cots
The airport does not provide cots to stranded travellers. If this has changed, click here to update the guide.
Airport Hotels
If sleeping in Halifax Airport sounds like a nightmare, there is a hotel connected directly to the terminal and other nearby hotels that provide free airport shuttles:
ALT Hotel – Connected directly to the terminal via a covered walkway on the mezzanine level. » Check Rates
Hotels near Halifax Airport with shuttles:
- Quality Inn Halifax Airport Hotel » Check Rates
- Hilton Garden Inn Halifax Airport » Check Rates
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Halifax Airport » Check Rates
For more options, visit Tripadvisor to see a list of hotels near Halifax Airport that can be sorted by price, distance, traveller rating and popularity.
Airport Lounges
Pay-per-use, Single Visit Passes & Lounge Memberships
Regardless of what class of service you are flying, there is a lounge that you can enter through a lounge membership program.
- Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge – Location: Domestic & International Departures. Lounge Access: Lounge membership programs.
Drinking Water
Free water bottle refill stations are available both landside and airside, according to reader reports (July 2024). Locations and availability may vary by terminal area.
Food & Drinks
Food outlets operate on varying schedules, with most closing overnight. The only confirmed 24-hour food option is ALTcetera (landside, inside the ALT Hotel).
Late-night reality check: once security closes, food choices are very limited. If you expect to be in the terminal overnight, it’s best to eat early or pick up snacks in advance rather than counting on airside dining.
Luggage Storage & Lockers
Luggage storage and lockers are not available.
Mobile Charging
Power outlets and USB charging ports are available in some gate seating areas, including outlets located under or near seats. Availability varies by gate and seating type.
Showers
Showers are not available. If this is incorrect, click here to update this guide.
WiFi / Internet
Free WiFi is available at Halifax Airport. Connect to the “Halifax_Airport” network.
Security & Safety
Sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. It’s important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Here are a few tips:
- Safety First. It’s a good idea to know where the security office is located and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. You can also ask the security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
- Don’t Seclude Yourself. If you’re travelling alone, we recommend you stay near other travellers or close to security. This will help you feel more secure and deter potential thieves.
- Hide Your Valuables. It’s also important to hide your valuables. Don’t leave them out in plain view, as this could make you a target for theft. Additionally, if you are a deep sleeper, you may want to padlock your bag to something or sleep with your bag up against a wall to make it harder for someone to access zippers and pockets. We have received reports of sleepers who woke up without their phones and laptop bags. The travellers were left with just their headphones and laptop bag strap.
- Stay Alert. It’s best to stay alert and awake if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages to help you stay awake, and remember that you can always catch up on sleep during your flight. These simple precautions can help you enjoy a safe night at the airport.
More Airport Information
Chapel – A non-denominational worship centre is available for quiet reflection. It is reported to be open 24 hours.
Location: Landside, mezzanine level.
Family Services
- Children’s Play Area – A children’s play area was previously reported airside between Gates 14 and 15, but we were unable to confirm its current status as of December 2025.
- Nursing Room – A dedicated nursing room is available for breastfeeding in privacy. The space includes soft seating, a sink, and a changing table and is reported to be open 24 hours. Location: Main level, between the food court and the Art Gallery.
Luggage
Information Desk – The Visitor Information Centre (VIC) provides brochures, maps, and general visitor information. Location: Main level, landside, Domestic Arrivals. Hours: Approximately 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
Money
- ATMs / Cash Machines – Need cash? ATMs are available throughout the terminal. Fees may apply, so check with your bank before travelling. A USD ATM is available in the U.S. preclearance area.
- Currency Exchange – No longer available
Shopping
- Duty-Free & Shopping – Two duty-free shops operate at the airport: one for non-U.S. international departures and one inside the U.S. preclearance area. Hours depend on flight schedules and typically close shortly before final boarding.
SIM Cards – SIM cards can be purchased at the Wireless DNA store on the landside. Hours: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Tue – Sun).
Things to do & see
- Art in the Airport – Art displays are located throughout the terminal, with occasional live music or scheduled performances. Availability varies by time and season.
- Observation Deck – An observation deck is accessible via the glass elevators in the main lobby to the upper level. An additional aircraft viewing window is located on the main level.
Bus
Regional Express bus route 320 links the airport to downtown Halifax. The bus fare is $4.25 one-way. Contact Regional Express Service for details.
Car Rentals
The following car rental agencies are available on-site on the lower level of the airport parkade: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar/Thrifty, Enterprise, Hertz and National.
Hotel Shuttles
Several area hotels provide airport shuttle service: Hilton Garden Inn Halifax Airport • Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Halifax Airport • Quality Inn Halifax Airport. See also Airport Hotels above.
Ride Sharing
Uber and Lyft operate throughout Canada. A ride to the city centre will cost you about $54.
Taxis and Shuttles
Metered taxis and shared-ride shuttles are available in the ground transportation area. Maritime Bus offers service between the YHZ airport and several locations in the Maritimes. Several other companies offer shuttle service (some are seasonal) to Cape Breton, South Shore, Easter Shore, Annapolis Valley and Yarmouth.. Contact your service provider for details.
Last updated: 2026-01-27
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.