John C Munro Hamilton International Airport, located in Mount Hope, 11 kilometres southwest of downtown Hamilton and 64 kilometres from Toronto, offers a compact and traveller-friendly experience for those exploring Southern Ontario or connecting to other destinations. The airport serves as a relief hub for Toronto Pearson, handling both domestic and international flights with a focus on low-cost carriers. Access to the airport is straightforward, with the Hamilton Street Railway (HSR) Route 20 A Line Express connecting to downtown Hamilton, Hamilton GO Centre, and West Harbour GO Station in about 30–40 minutes for £2.50, with transfers to GO Transit for Toronto or Niagara.
Taxis and ride-shares like Uber and Lyft are available at the terminal curb, with fares to Hamilton at £15–£25 and to Toronto at £80–£120. Shuttle services, such as Landline, offer direct connections to Toronto Pearson, taking 45–75 minutes for £20–£30, with bookings required in advance. Car rentals from Avis, Budget, and Enterprise are located in the terminal, and passengers with mobility needs can arrange accessible vehicles or assistance through the airport’s Accessibility page.
The airport’s single terminal is simple and easy to navigate, with check-in counters, security, and four gates on one level. Arrivals and departures are handled in the same building, ensuring short walking distances.
Security checks are generally quick, with wait times rarely exceeding 15 minutes, though travellers should arrive 1.5 hours before domestic flights and 2 hours before international ones, as bus-boarding to aircraft can be delayed by weather. The terminal’s small size means no inter-terminal transport is needed, but the lack of air bridges requires a short outdoor walk to planes, so weather-appropriate clothing is advised.
On-time performance is reliable, with real-time updates available via Flightradar24 or airline apps. Delays can occur during winter due to snow or during peak summer travel, particularly with low-cost carriers like WestJet, Swoop, and Play, which operate flights to Calgary, Orlando, and Reykjavik. The airport handles a modest number of daily flights, making connections less frequent but manageable, with minimum connection times of around 30 minutes for domestic transfers. Passengers connecting to Toronto Pearson via shuttle should allow 2–3 hours to account for road traffic or customs for international flights.
Dining and retail options are limited but practical. The Tim Hortons in the pre-security area serves coffee and sandwiches from 5:00 am to 8:00 pm, while Paramount Fine Foods offers shawarma and other meals until 7:00 pm. A duty-free shop provides essentials for international travellers, and a small kiosk sells snacks and souvenirs. Prices reflect typical airport rates, so bringing snacks can save money. Travellers praise the shawarma at Paramount for a filling pre-flight meal.
Facilities cater to essential needs. Free Wi-Fi is available via the “Hamilton Airport WiFi” network, though connectivity can be spotty during peak times. Charging stations are limited, so a portable charger is recommended. A children’s play area is absent, but a mother-and-child room is available near the restrooms. The Tailwinds Lounge, open 6:00 am to 8:00 pm, offers seating and snacks for £20 for economy passengers. Baggage wrapping and lost property services are in the main terminal, and over 200 parking spaces start at £4 per day, with a free Cell Phone Waiting Area for pick-ups. The airport operates 24/7, but no rest zones exist, and nearby hotels like the Super 8 in Mount Hope, 3 kilometres away, suit layovers. Accessibility features include wheelchair assistance and accessible toilets, with staff support bookable in advance.
