Whitehorse Airport Guide

sleeping in whitehorse airport — (photo courtesy of a guest reviewer / October 2023)

Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or you are just quickly passing through, our Whitehorse 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 VERY quiet during the night. Perfect if you want to get some sleep. We were literally the only people aside from security who were there. – alexpb

YXY 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 Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport.

What to Expect

Whitehorse Airport (code: YXY) has a small terminal building with few amenities beyond a restaurant and vending area. WiFi is available, and there are plenty of power outlets for charging mobile devices. However, there are no private lounges at this airport.

Whitehorse Airport Guide (YXY) — Whitehorse Airport (photo courtesy of a guest reviewer / July 2022)

Sleeping in Whitehorse Airport

Airport staff and security are described as accommodating to overnight sleepers, and the facilities are conducive to sleeping. In particular, there is a secluded terminal addition connected to the main terminal that offers a warm, quiet and dimly lit area for sleeping. Note that motion detectors dictate lighting in the area, so the area’s lights dim once you (and any others) settle down for the night. For uninterrupted sleep, there are hotels near the airport. See Airport Hotels in the guide below.

Read the latest traveller airport reviews for more tips. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our Whitehorse Airport Guide.

Airport Hours

According to the airport website, the terminal is open 24 hours.

Rest & Relaxation Zones

There are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas or rest zones. 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 the airport sounds like a nightmare, there are several hotels within a short drive from Whitehorse Airport.

Airport Chalet (0.2 mi / 0.3 km) Mid-range hotel.
SKKY Hotel (0.2 mi / 0.3 km) Mid-range hotel.
Hyatt Place Whitehorse (0.6 mi / 1.0 km) Mid-range hotel. Airport shuttle service is available.
Best Western Gold Rush Inn (0.7 mi / 1.1 km) Mid-range hotel. Airport shuttle service is available.

Airport Lounges

There are no pay-per-use lounges at the airport.

Drinking Water

A reader tells us that drinking water fountains are available, airside and landside.

Food & Drinks

Food options are limited. A reader reports that the airport restaurant was closed, and the nearby Airport Chalet Hotel (across the Alaska Highway) has a restaurant open approximately 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM. (September 2019)

Vending machines are available in the terminal.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Unavailable. If this is incorrect, click here to update this guide.

Mobile Charging

Charging stations are available in the main passenger waiting area.

Showers

Unavailable. If this is incorrect, click here to update this guide.

WiFi / Internet

Free WiFi is available. Connect to the “YXY-Public” 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

More Services, Facilities & Things To Do On A Layover

Note: Locations, hours, and rates may change. Information is provided for general reference only.

Duty-Free & Shopping – A small Snacks and Gifts shop is available.

Airlines

Whitehorse Airport is served by the following airlines: Air Canada and Air North (year-round) and WestJet, Condor and Alaska Seaplanes (summer months). Information provided by a reader.

Airport Transportation: Getting To/From The Airport

Buses

The airport is serviced by local bus No 3 (RR McIntyre-Hillcrest), which runs every hour between 7:22 AM and 9:22 PM (Mon- Fri) and 8:22 AM – 7:22 PM (Sat).

Car Rentals

The following car rental companies have offices onsite: Budget • Driving Force.

Compare car rental prices on Expedia

Hotel Shuttles

See Airport Hotels above.

Taxis

Metered taxis are readily available for hire in the ground transportation area.

Last updated: 2026-04-01

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.