Trains to and from Halifax International Airport (YHZ)

Halifax International Airport is found in the Nova Scotia province of Canada, and is fairly nearby the city of Halifax. The area features many wonderful stretches of coastline, and is a popular area for tourism. Many other attractions are found nearby the airport as well. Halifax Airport is otherwise known as the Halifax Stanfield International Airport, and has the IATA code of YHZ. It is served by many airline companies, and has a variety of facilities and ground transport options, although there is no Halifax International Airport train station. Airport trains are only available from Vancouver Airport, in British Columbia. Halifax does have a train station, however, from where rail services are available.

The airport of Halifax International is the headquarters of Chorus Aviation, but is not a hub for any of the main Canadian airlines, such as WestJet, Air Canada, Air Canada Express and Transat, although these airline companies do offer flights from Halifax. The airport is rated as the seventh busiest in the country in terms of passenger traffic, as since 2004, it has handled over three million passengers per annum. It is also an airport well known for its excellent services, and has won several noteworthy awards, including the third ‘Best Airport in North America’ award in 2011. Canadian airports do offer ground transport options, however, few have airport train stations. Some of the larger cities, however, offer light rail transit services, and train stations from where long-distance trains can be used. Although there is no Halifax Airport train station, passengers have taxi and bus services at their disposal.

The airport shuttle bus is operated by the company Airporter, and is available approximately every hour from stops outside of the arrival area of the single Halifax passenger terminal. The buses travel to various hotels in the city of Halifax, but not to the main railway station of the city. Passengers who would like to travel directly to the Halifax train station should take a taxi. From the airport, since that its location is about 35km, or 22 miles from the city, a taxi to Halifax will cost approximately $50.00. Passengers can also reach a number of other areas by taxi, and the hotels served by the shuttle bus include the Holiday Inn Harbourview, Four Points, Prince George, the Delta Barrington, the Courtyard Marriot, the Marriot Harbour Front and the Delta Halifax. A bus ticket is less expensive than a taxi, as a one ticket costs $19.50 and a round trip ticket costs $36.00. Children under the age of ten who are travelling with an adult may ride for free.

There is no Halifax International Airport train station, and there are also no light rail transit services in the city of Halifax. However, the construction of a commuter rail service in the city is favoured by Peter Kelly (mayor of Halifax) and several regional councillors. If in future the new LRT system of Halifax is approved, it will make use of abandoned railway lines, current railway lines, as well as several streets in the urban core of the city. The light rail service will pass nearby to frequented city facilities, such as hospitals, universities and shopping centres. At present time, however, plans for new transit systems have been shelved.

Halifax Railway Station, operated by VIA Rail, Canada’s railway company, is found at 1161 Hollis Street, in Halifax city. It is quite an important railway station in the country, as it is the eastern terminus of Via Rail’s eastern continental train, known as the Ocean. The Ocean is a popular train service from Montreal to Halifax, and one of the few train services by Via Rail which has retained its name. Other train services are now simply referred to by their destination. The Ocean is an overnight journey that travels along the St. Lawrence River, and passes through the provinces of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. Passengers on the train have a choice of several classes, including Economy Class travel, Sleeper Class travel and Sleeper Plus Class travel. The last mentioned is only available from mid-June to mid-October, and provides the most luxurious of services. The Ocean train service travels from both Halifax and Montreal every day of the week, except on Tuesdays. Its total distance travelled is 1,350km (840 miles), and the journey is about 21 hours in duration.

The Halifax Train Station is well equipped with facilities for its passengers, but only has a small station car park, with 32 spaces. The car park is open twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. A taxi rank is also found outside the station, and a few bus services are available. Inside the station, the ticket office is open Monday to Friday between the hours of 05:50 and 23:50, on Saturdays from 05:50 to 23:45 and on Sundays from 08:55 to 23:20. Self-service ticket machines are available as well, outside the ticket hall. Additional facilities of the station include public telephones, washrooms, a snack bar, newspapers on sale, luggage storage and bicycle storage services. The station is accessible to disabled passengers as well, with a wheelchair lift, ramp for train access, accessible ticket machines and accessible toilets for key holders. Toilets which are accessible to all are found about a five minute walk away. Disabled parking spaces are available as well.

Although there is no Halifax International Airport train station, passengers will find the bus and taxi services to be convenient. Further details regarding trains and other forms of transport to and from the airport can be found at the Airport Visitor Information Centre, in the domestic arrivals area, or passengers can contact the Ground Transportation Inspector at 902-873-1410. For general airport enquiries, the following contact number can be used: 902-873-4422.