Winnipeg Airport Information
Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport (YWG)
Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport, Canada's 7th busiest airport, serves Manitoba, northwestern Ontario, Saskatchewan and Nunavut. About three million passengers pass through its gates each year. As of 2005, the airport is undergoing a C$585 million redevelopment, with Phase 1 completion expected in 2010. Plans include the construction of a new terminal capable of attracting wide body aircraft. A four-level parking garage for 1,559 vehicles and a new access road were both completed in 2006.
Travelers can enjoy a variety of shops and eating spots both before and after the security check in the airport, including Virgin Books & Music, Front Page Sports and Showcase Manitoba. Here, travelers can pick up a Winnipeg Blue Bombers shirt or another souvenir from over 100 artists. Wi-fi hotspots are also placed throughout the airport.
In addition to the new parking garage, two short-term lots and two economy lots are available. Some hotels offer shuttle service to guests, and in 2009 Greyhound Canada bus service will be moving its terminal to the airport. Greyhound plans to offer passengers pick up and drop off services between downtown and the airport.
Airline carriers serving Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport
- Air Canada
- Air Transat
- Air West Aviation
- Bearskin Airlines
- Calm Air
- Execaire
- Fast Air
- First Air
- Keystone Air
- Kivalliq Air
- Northway Aviation
- Northwest Airlines
- Perimeter Airlines
- Skyservice Airlines
- Sunwing
- United
- West Wind Aviation
- Westjet
- Zoom Airlines
Winnipeg Train Transportation
Union Station
Located downtown, the grand Neo-classical Union Station building was designed by the same architects responsible for New York City's Grand Central Station. Opened in 1911, the station, along with the still-active 220-acre Canadian Pacific Rail Yards and the Winnipeg Rail Museum on Tracks 1 and 2, is a reminder of the city's status as the transportation hub to the West. At the museum, visitors can see vintage railway cars including the Countess Dufferin, the first locomotive on the Canadian prairie, and artifacts from the track's construction to Churchill.
Today, two Canada VIA trains use the station. The Canadian line runs from Toronto to Vancouver and connects with Amtrak in both cities. The Hudson Bay line connects Winnipeg to Churchill.
Winnipeg Public Transportation
Winnipeg Transit
Winnipeg Transit operates a fleet of over 500 buses in the city of Winnipeg. Buses run more than 80 routes throughout the city, 19 of which operate regularly downtown. Three special routes, designated as Downtown Spirit buses, offer free service on their loop through the central core, stopping by the Manitoba Legislature, the Exchange District and other major downtown destinations.
Regular bus fare is C$2.25 for adults and C$1.75 for seniors, children ages 6-16 and students with identification. Children ages 5 and under ride free when accompanied by an adult. Pre-purchased tickets can be bought in sets of five at a reduced price of C$1.95 for adults, C$1.35 for students and C$0.97 for seniors.
Rental Cars
Six rental car companies service the airport: Avis, Budget, Dollar Thrifty Car, Enterprise, Hertz and National. Rental car desks are located on the first floor of the Administration Building.
Taxis
Taxis are a fast way to get around Winnipeg as well as the main option for airport travelers not staying at one of 10 hotels that offer shuttle service. Once in the city, hailing taxis on the street is difficult, so travelers are advised to schedule pick-up in advance. The rate for a taxi from the airport to downtown averages C$17.
Distance to...
- Kenora, ON
- Fargo, ND
- Minneapolis, MN
- Calgary, AB
- Toronto, ON
- 209 km
- 358 km
- 736 km
- 1,326 km
- 2,229 km
