Transportation

When to Go

Spring, summer and autumn are all ideal for visiting Halifax, and winter tourism is very popular. Winter requires "layers" of clothing that can be adjusted based on the temperature and wind chill factor. The busiest time is during the Canadian summer vacation time (the end of June to early September). After that, some facilities close.

Arriving & Departing
By Air

Halifax International Airport has direct services to Montreal, Toronto and St John's in Newfoundland. There are also smaller connecting flights available to other destinations throughout Canada. The airport is 24 miles from central Halifax on Hwy 102, north toward Truro.

Transfers Between the Airport and Town
By Shuttle Bus

Halifax International Airport has direct services to Montreal, Toronto and St John's in Newfoundland. There are also smaller connecting flights available to other destinations throughout Canada. The airport is 24 miles from central Halifax on Hwy 102, north toward Truro.

By Bus

Bus service runs from the Acadian bus station at 6040 Almon St. with several lines running through the Annapolis Valley and south to Yarmouth. There are also connections to New Brunswick, Cape Breton, Northumberland Shore and Prince Edward Island (via Moncton). For greater distances, a daily bus leaves Halifax at 7am for Montreal and a weekend service connects to New York.

Rail Service
The VIA train station is six blocks south of the downtown area. Trains to Montreal depart daily (except Tuesday) along a route through eastern New Brunswick. Tickets should be reserved in advance, as seats are limited.

Getting Around

An Airbus service runs between Halifax International Airport and the downtown area, stopping at major central hotels along the way. Allow 90 minutes before flight time for the 24mile trip.
Metro Transit operates a reliable, safe and inexpensive city bus system. Tourism Halifax has free schedules and information. Fred is a free city bus that runs a circuit of the city every 30 minutes, (11am to 6pm daily from June to August.)
Rental car companies are available at the airport and downtown. Lower priced car rental companies can be found near the VIA Rail station on Hollis Street.

Highway Information in Nova Scotia

Highways numbered from 100 to 199 are all-weather, limited-access roads, with 62- 68mph speed limits.. Roads numbered from 200 to 399 are secondary roads that usually link villages. Nova Scotia has 10 designated "Scenic Travelways," identified by roadside signs with icons that correspond with trail names.