Getting To & Around Halifax: A Complete Transportation Guide
If you are planning a trip to Halifax, you are going to want to know the best ways to get around the city. From arrival to departure, this is your complete guide to Halifax’s Transportation options.
Getting to Halifax
Arriving by Air
Most international visitors, and those flying from other parts of the country, arrive through Halifax Stanfield International Airport. The airport is located about a 30-minute drive north of downtown Halifax. To complete your journey to the city, you can hop on the Regional Express 320 bus, which departs every 30 minutes during the week and every hour in the evenings and weekends. Alternatively, you can arrange pick up with several shuttle buses, including Maritime Bus.
Arriving by Car
If you plan on seeing more of Nova Scotia when visiting the city, we suggest travelling by car. This gives you the most flexibility during your stay. Not to mention there are dozens of destinations that make breathtaking road trips from Halifax.
If you're bringing your own vehicle or renting a car from the airport, you have three routes to enter downtown Halifax. You can drive around the harbour along Highway 102 or head into Dartmouth and cross the water over one of two toll bridges. The Angus L. Macdonald Bridge leads directly to Halifax’s downtown core, while the A. Murray MacKay Bridge ends near the Bedford Basin.
Getting Around Halifax
Buses
Once in the city, you have an abundance of public transportation options at your disposal. The city's public buses are the most convenient and affordable. A single ride costs $3 for riders 18+ and $2.25 for seniors and youths. Children under 12 ride for free. Tickets can be bought in person or through the free mobile app HFXGO. The Halifax Transit connects passengers to all of the city’s major tourist draws with 68 different routes. Their schedules and maps are available online.
Ferries
Along with its bus services, Halifax Metro Transit also runs daily ferry routes between downtown Halifax, Dartmouth, and Woodside. This is one of the most exciting ways to pass between the region’s bustling neighbourhoods. Halifax Transit tickets can be used for the bus or ferry service, so prices are the same for both modes of transportation.
Taxi Services/RideShare
Uber and several taxi companies operate in the Halifax area. These are great options for getting to your destination quickly but are also more expensive than public transit services. While there are more affordable ways of getting around the city, these private options are convenient for getting to out-of-the-way attractions not available on the public bus system.
Biking and Walking
One of the most charming aspects of Halifax is that many of its popular attractions are concentrated around its iconic waterfront. Most of the sites are within walking distance of one another. They are connected by well-maintained pedestrian pathways, including the longest waterfront boardwalk in North America. Getting around on foot is one of the best ways to experience the city and nearby Dartmouth, which can be accessed through a sidewalk and bicycle lanes on Macdonald Bridge.
Getting Around Nova Scotia
Rental Cars
Nova Scotia is an expansive province of vineyard-covered valleys, small cultural communities, and abundant maritime beauty. The best way to experience it all while staying in Halifax is by having your own private vehicle at your disposal. Cars can be rented both at the airport or in town and provide absolute freedom that you wouldn't have relying solely on public transport. Venture off the beaten path and uncover some of Nova Scotia's most enchanting destinations with your own vehicle.
Train
Halifax is connected to VIA Canada’s rail network through the Atlantic Canada line. There are quicker, cheaper ways to get to Halifax. But, the train does connect to nearby communities. It has stations in Halifax, New Glasgow, Truro, and Amherst.
Maritime Bus
Maritime Bus has several lines running throughout Nova Scotia. There are bus routes connecting Halifax with Lunenburg, Kentville in Annapolis Valley, Sydney on Cape Breton Island, and Amherst. Each line includes bus stops at several communities in between, with the Amherst line continuing on into Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick. While it doesn’t offer services to some more remote destinations, these coach buses are an affordable way to see the province.
Boats
Nova Scotia is home to over 13,3000 kilometres of coastline, and the most enchanting way to experience it is by boat. Boat charters and tours are available from several operators along the Halifax waterfront and provide services to numerous communities along the coast.
Whether exploring Halifax’s vibrant waterfront or venturing beyond, Cameo Hotel and Suites is your perfect base for any Nova Scotian adventure. Located in the heart of the entertainment district, our hotel is steps from top attractions and offers convenient highway access for easy day trips. Ready to plan your stay? Book now and start your journey!