Getting Around Halifax
Halifax is a compact, harbourfront city that rewards visitors who plan to mix walking with public transit. The downtown core, the waterfront, and the main hotel and shopping districts are all close enough to explore on foot, while Halifax Transit buses fill in the gaps for longer trips and for reaching the airport.
Walking
Downtown Halifax is very walkable. The city's main visitor areas, including the waterfront and the Spring Garden Road area, sit within comfortable walking distance of one another, and many downtown hotels are close to the bus routes that serve the rest of the region. If you're staying downtown and sticking to the core, you may not need any other form of transport at all.
Public Transit
Halifax Transit operates the city's bus network. There is no metro, tram, or light rail system in Halifax, so buses are the backbone of local public transport. The network connects downtown Halifax with Dartmouth across the harbour and with neighbourhoods throughout the region.
- Bridge Terminal in Dartmouth is a useful hub for changing buses. It has an indoor waiting area, a concessions kiosk, public washrooms, and transit information.
- Scotia Square Terminal on Barrington Street in downtown Halifax serves buses heading toward the south end, Spring Garden Road, and the universities.
- From the Bridge Terminal, Route 1 runs straight to downtown Halifax and the Spring Garden Road area, though it can be crowded at peak times.
Fares and Tickets
Halifax Transit accepts several payment methods, which makes it easy to get moving without much advance planning:
- Paper tickets and physical passes — sold at retail outlets, including the green transport kiosk at the airport terminal.
- Cash — accepted on board, but drivers do not provide change, so have the exact fare ready.
- HFXGO — Halifax Transit's digital fare payment system.
When you board, ask the driver for a transfer — a small slip of paper that proves you've paid and is valid for a set period, letting you show it to the driver of your next bus. This is handy if your trip involves changing buses.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Taxis and limousines are available in Halifax, and they are a practical option for trips that don't line up neatly with bus routes, or when you're carrying luggage. From the airport, taxis and limousines to downtown charge a flat rate, which makes the cost predictable before you set off. Ride-hailing services also operate in the city, though coverage and wait times can vary by neighbourhood and time of day.
Getting from the Airport to the City
Halifax Robert L. Stanfield International Airport (YHZ) is the largest airport in the Maritime provinces and sits north of the city. It handles direct flights from across Canada, from several US cities, and from a handful of European destinations. Once you land, you have three main ways into town.
MetroX Route 320 (bus)
MetroX Route 320 is the only public transit connection between the airport and the city, and it's the most affordable option. It's an express bus to downtown Halifax with just two intermediate stops — one in Fall River and one at the Bridge Terminal in Dartmouth.
- Where to catch it: The airport stop is on Silver Dart Drive. After collecting your luggage, turn left and walk toward the food court area, take the escalator down, turn right, and head outside. Turn left and the stop is a short walk ahead. A schedule is posted inside the bus shelter.
- Buying tickets: Paper tickets (payable by card) are sold at the green transport kiosk at the north end of the terminal. You can also pay with cash on board, with a physical pass, or through HFXGO. Buses don't give change, and airport ATMs typically won't dispense small denominations, so it's worth sorting out payment before you board — you may be able to break a bill at a shop in the departures hall or at the Lost & Found / Security Office near the exit to the bus stop, though its opening hours are limited.
- Transfers: Ask the driver for a transfer when you board. It's valid for a set window and lets you change buses without paying again.
- Where to change: You can switch buses in Dartmouth or Halifax, or call a cab from either stop. The Bridge Terminal in Dartmouth is a convenient place to change, with indoor waiting, washrooms, and information.
- Arriving downtown: The route's final stop is on Albemarle Street, within walking distance of several hotels including the Delta Halifax, Delta Barrington, Prince George Hotel, Hampton Inn, and Homewood Suites. Otherwise Albemarle Street is somewhat out of the way, and you may prefer to take a cab to your final destination. If you're travelling light and want to connect to other buses, walk down the hill to the stop in front of Duke Tower (for buses toward Quinpool Road) or to the Scotia Square Terminal on Barrington Street (for the south end, Spring Garden Road, and the universities).
Taxi or limousine
Taxis and limousines from the airport to downtown charge a flat rate, which is the simplest option if you'd rather not navigate the bus with luggage or if your hotel isn't near the Route 320 stop.
Intercity bus
Maritime Bus also serves the airport as part of its inter-regional routes, connecting Halifax with destinations across Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island. Its Halifax terminal is at 1161 Hollis Street. This can be a useful option if you're arriving from elsewhere in the Maritimes or continuing on after your flight.
Arriving by Train or Intercity Bus
Halifax station at 1161 Hollis Street, next to the Westin Nova Scotian Hotel, is the city's rail hub. VIA Rail's The Ocean route connects Halifax with Montreal, with stops including Moncton and Sainte-Foy (near Quebec City). Maritime Bus also uses the same Hollis Street address for its inter-regional services, so train and intercity bus arrivals land in the same part of town.
By Car
Halifax is connected to the rest of Canada by provincial highways 102 and 104. Highway 102 runs between Halifax and Truro, where it meets Highway 104 (the Trans-Canada Highway). Heading west on 104 takes you toward the New Brunswick border and onward to Maine, Quebec, or Prince Edward Island; heading east takes you to Cape Breton or the ferry to Prince Edward Island. Note that there is a toll on the Cobequid Pass.
For other parts of Nova Scotia, highways 101, 103, and 7 are the most direct options: Highway 101 connects Halifax to Yarmouth via the Annapolis Valley, Highway 103 connects Halifax to Yarmouth via the South Shore, and Highway 7 links the Halifax region with the Eastern Shore and Antigonish.
Practical Tips
- If you're staying downtown, plan on walking — most of the core is close together.
- Keep small bills or a paper ticket handy for the bus, since drivers can't make change.
- Always ask for a transfer when you board; it saves you paying twice if you need to switch buses.
- Use the Bridge Terminal or Scotia Square Terminal as your connection points when crossing between Dartmouth and Halifax.
- From the airport, weigh the cheap-but-slower Route 320 against the flat-rate taxi, especially if you have heavy bags or a hotel far from Albemarle Street.