For those arriving at or departing from St. John’s International Airport in Newfoundland, the experience offers a practical and welcoming introduction to the province. Located just 6 kilometres northwest of downtown St. John’s, the airport serves as a key hub for travellers exploring Newfoundland and Labrador or connecting to destinations across Canada, the United States, and beyond. Its proximity to the city centre ensures a swift journey, with a taxi ride to nearby hotels taking around 15 minutes and costing a flat rate depending on the destination.
Public transport is also available via Metrobus Route 14, which connects the airport to central St. John’s and Memorial University. The service operates from early morning to late evening on weekdays, with reduced hours at weekends, and fares are affordable at £1.90 for adults and £1.50 for children aged 12–17. For those with mobility needs, the bus service accommodates wheelchairs and larger mobility aids, ensuring accessibility.
The airport’s single terminal, spread across three levels, is straightforward to navigate. The first floor houses check-in counters, baggage claim areas for domestic and international flights, and a visitor information centre, alongside car rental desks for companies like Avis, Budget, and Hertz. The second floor is dedicated to departures, with gates 1–12A, while the third floor offers a quiet room and administrative offices. The compact layout means passengers can move efficiently from check-in to security, though the security area can feel cramped during busy periods, requiring travellers to allow extra time for screening.
Delays at St. John’s can occur, particularly during peak travel times such as mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays. Weather conditions, common in Newfoundland, may also impact schedules, so checking flight status before heading to the airport is advisable. The airport’s on-time performance is generally reliable, with real-time flight tracking available through services like Flightradar24. For those connecting to other flights, the airport supports direct routes to cities like Halifax, Toronto, and Montreal, as well as international destinations such as London and select sun spots. The absence of a US pre-clearance facility means passengers heading to the United States will clear customs at their first port of entry, which may add time to connections.
Dining and retail options cater to a range of tastes and needs. On the first floor, Tim Hortons serves coffee and quick bites from 5 am to 6 pm daily, while JellyBean Harbour offers local souvenirs during weekday daytime hours. The second floor features a broader selection, including Yellowbelly Brewery, open early and late on select days, and the Newfoundland Chocolate Company Café, operating daily until midnight. Mamacita Mexican Kitchen and Latin Market provides meals from 4 am to 7 pm, and O’Reilly’s Irish Newfoundland Pub offers a relaxed setting for drinks and food, though it closes on Saturdays. Breakwater Place and Labrador Gem Seafoods provide additional shopping and dining, with hours extending into the evening. Duty-free shops are available for international travellers, and a small kiosk near the gates sells local products.
Facilities enhance the passenger experience with practical amenities. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and mobile charging stations are located near gates 1–2 and 4–8. For families, a children’s play area is situated between gates 10 and 11, with a nursing station on the second floor. ATMs are accessible on both levels, and a first-class lounge offers added comfort for a fee.
The airport also provides over 850 parking spaces, including short- and long-term options, and a cell phone waiting area with complimentary Wi-Fi for those picking up passengers. For those with layovers, benches near the children’s play area are suitable for resting, though nearby hotels offer a more comfortable option for longer stays.St. John’s International Airport, with its manageable size and convenient location, provides a functional and pleasant experience for travellers.
