Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or you are just quickly passing through, our Nanaimo 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.
Nanaimo reminds me of one of those airports in a developing countries. – klmi2010
YCD 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 Nanaimo Airport, also known as Vancouver Island Airport.
What to Expect
Nanaimo Airport (code: YCD) consists of a single small terminal. Amenities are limited, but travellers can eat at the cafe, browse the gift shop, or connect to free WiFi. No airport lounges are available.
Sleeping in Nanaimo Airport
Most seating is equipped with armrests. We have received no recent sleep-related reviews from travellers , so we are unable to report on the current sleeping situation. For uninterrupted sleep, a hotel is located nearby. See our Airport Hotels section below for more info 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 Nanaimo 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 Hotels
If sleeping in the airport sounds like a nightmare, there are hotels near Nanaimo Airport:
- Kiwi Cove Lodge – No airport shuttle. » Check Rates
- Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Oyster Bay – No airport shuttle. » Check Rates
For more options, visit Tripadvisor to see a list of hotels in Nanaimo, search deals and read traveller reviews.
Airport Lounges
As of this update we were unable to confirm whether the airport has any first class or business lounges. If you know, click here to update this airport guide.
Airport WiFi / Internet
Free WiFi is available at Nanaimo Airport. There are four mobile charging/workstations located in the Departure Lounge.
More Services, Facilities & Things To Do On A Layover At 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 and Airside.
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: Airside.
Drinking Water – Thirsty? Water fountains are available both Landside and Airside.
Food & Drinks – There are no 24 hour food or beverage concessions available at this airport. Here are the airport options:
- Landside: The Connections Cafe (Hours: 6:00AM – 7:00PM) • Vending machines with cold beverages and snacks.
- Airside: Vending machines are your only option. They dispense fresh (made daily) food, Premium coffee/hot beverages and cold beverages/snacks.
Information Desk – If you have any questions, visit the airport information desk for assistance. Location: next to customs. Hours: 8:00AM – 4:30PM. In addition, look for the Blue Navigator Ambassadors (wearing blue vests) providing assistance throughout the airport.
Luggage Carts – Need a hand with your luggage? Luggage carts are available at the airport.
Luggage Storage & Lockers – Not available.
Massage Chairs – Coin operated machines are available Landside.
Mobile Charging – Yes, there are 4 mobile charging/workstations in the Departures Lounge and 1 located in the Arrivals Area.
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.
SIM Cards – A reader has asked us to include where to buy SIM Cards. If you know, click here to update this airport guide.
Airport Hours
The airport is open daily from 4:00AM – 12:30AM.
Airlines
Nanaimo airport is served by the following airlines: Air Canada • Westjet.
Airport Transportation: Getting To/From The Airport
Bus
BC Transit offers two bus routes that serve YCD airport:
- Route 78 (via Cassidy/downtown Nanaimo)
- Route 70 (Nanaimo – Cowichan Express).
For schedule, fares and additional details, visit BC Transit for details.
Car Rentals
The following car rental agencies are available onsite: Budget • National.
Hotel Shuttles
At the time of this update we were unable to find any hotels that provide an airport shuttle. See also Airport Hotels above.
Shuttle
Nanaimo Airporter offers door-to-door shared-ride shuttle service between the airport and the Mid-Island area (Duncan/Ladysmith/Nanaimo/Parksville and Qualicum), with schedules coordinated to meet the arrivals of all incoming flights.
Taxi
Metered taxis are available at the Arrivals entrance of the airport terminal during airport hours of operation.
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.