Getting Around Winnipeg
Winnipeg is a large, spread-out city, and traveling between destinations can take considerable time. Unlike most North American cities of comparable size, Winnipeg has no urban freeway network within the city itself. Traffic congestion is common during rush hours (generally 7:30–9:00 AM and 3:30–5:30 PM, Monday to Friday), particularly in the downtown area. Much of downtown is devoted to parking, with numerous and affordable surface parking lots available throughout the city.
Public Transit
Winnipeg Transit operates the city's public transportation system. The network includes buses as the primary mode of public transit available to visitors.
- Buses: Winnipeg Transit operates bus service throughout the city. Buses are a practical option for getting around, and transit is used for roughly 15% of commute trips in the city. When traveling from the airport, the D12 Ellice and D13 Sargent bus routes will take you downtown in approximately 30 minutes.
For detailed information on routes, schedules, and fares, contact Winnipeg Transit directly or check their website for current ticket and pass options.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Taxis are available throughout Winnipeg and are a convenient option for visitors. Taxi cabs are usually waiting at the airport. Expect to pay around $20 plus a 15–20% tip for a taxi ride to central Winnipeg, with a maximum fare to anywhere in the city of approximately $55, depending on traffic. Taxis typically accommodate 2–3 people, depending on luggage.
Limo and shuttle services are also available at the airport. Limo sedan fares for up to 4 people with luggage are typically a flat rate of $30 and up, and can occasionally be cheaper than a taxi.
Walkability
Downtown Winnipeg is walkable in certain areas. Union Station, located at the corner of Main Street and Broadway Avenue in downtown, is within easy walking distance of The Forks, a historic riverside area worth visiting. However, as Winnipeg is a large, spread-out city, walking may not be practical for traveling between distant neighborhoods.
Roads and Navigation
One notable feature of Winnipeg's road network is Confusion Corner, a complex intersection where four arterial roads and a special Winnipeg Transit bus lane converge into a rhomboid-shaped loop of one-way streets at a junction with Osborne Street. Many downtown streets are one-way, which can make navigation frustrating in that area. Outside of downtown and around Polo Park, however, one-way streets are rare in Winnipeg.
Car Rentals
If you wish to rent a car, Winnipeg's James Armstrong Richardson International Airport has five car rental companies on-site: Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, and National. Rental counters are located on the main floor of the parkade across from the terminal.
Getting from the Airport to the City
Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport (YWG) is located in the west end of the city, approximately 7 kilometers from downtown Winnipeg (Portage & Main).
Public Transit: Winnipeg Transit's D12 Ellice and D13 Sargent bus routes provide service from the airport to downtown, with a travel time of approximately 30 minutes.
Taxi: Taxis are usually available at the airport. Expect to pay around $20 plus a 15–20% tip for a ride to central Winnipeg, with fares to anywhere in the city reaching a maximum of approximately $55.
Limo or Shuttle Service: Limo sedans accommodating up to 4 people with luggage are available at flat rates, generally starting at $30 and up. These services can occasionally be more economical than taxis.
Car Rental: Five car rental companies operate at the airport, making it convenient to pick up a vehicle immediately upon arrival.