Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport
Also known as: Winnipeg Airport, Richardson International Airport, YWG Airport. Formerly Winnipeg International Airport.
Private transfer from YWGSee pricesSee pricesAbout Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport
Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport (YWG) is the main airport for Winnipeg and Manitoba, Canada. It sits about 9 km west of downtown Winnipeg, near Polo Park, and the drive takes about 15 minutes outside rush hour.
Nine airlines fly to around 40 non-stop destinations. WestJet is the largest airline, followed by Air Canada, with Flair Airlines and Porter Airlines across Canada, Delta to Minneapolis, United to Chicago and Denver, and Calm Air and Bearskin Airlines to northern Manitoba and Ontario. More than 4.4 million passengers used the airport in 2025.
The airport has one terminal: arrivals, baggage claim and customs are on Level 1, and check-in, security and gates on Level 2. YWG has US preclearance, so passengers bound for the United States clear US immigration and customs in Winnipeg.
From the airport, most travelers head into downtown Winnipeg and The Forks, to Polo Park and the University of Manitoba, or on to northern Manitoba and Churchill.
Airport operator, runways and traffic
- Operator
Winnipeg Airports Authority
- Passengers per year
More than 4.4 million in 2025
- Airlines and destinations
Nine airlines, about 40 non-stop destinations
- Largest airline
WestJet
Arrival tips for Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport
If you arrive from outside Canada, you clear Canadian border services on Level 1, using the primary inspection kiosks or Advance Declaration in the ArriveCAN app, then a border officer. Visitors from visa-exempt countries need an approved eTA before flying to Canada.
All flights arrive at the single terminal. Collect your bags on Level 1, where the arrivals hall, car rental counters and ground transportation are.
Taxis wait near Door 3 on Level 1, rideshare apps pick up at the signposted area, and pre-booked drivers meet passengers in the arrivals hall. Winnipeg Transit routes D12, D13 and 224 serve the airport. Winnipeg is on Central Time, and winters are very cold, so keep a warm coat and gloves in your carry-on.
Ground transportation
The airport is close to the city, so a taxi, rideshare or pre-booked car is quick; Winnipeg Transit buses are the budget option.
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Book a transfer from YWGTaxi from Winnipeg airport
Taxis wait near Door 3 on the arrivals level. About 15 minutes to downtown outside rush hour.
Rideshare
Uber picks up at the signposted area outside arrivals. Fares rise at busy times.
Private transfer
A pre-booked car meets you in arrivals, useful for families, groups and winter luggage.
Winnipeg Transit buses
Routes D12, D13 and 224 run from the airport from early morning until after midnight. Cheapest, but slower with luggage.
Terminals
Main Terminal
All flights. Arrivals, baggage claim and customs on Level 1; check-in, security and gates on Level 2, with a separate pier for US flights after preclearance.
Airlines commonly assigned here: Air Canada, Bearskin Airlines, Calm Air, Delta Air Lines, Flair Airlines, Porter Airlines, United Airlines, WestJet
Airlines and destinations
Frequently asked questions
How far is Winnipeg Airport from downtown?
Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport is about 9 km west of downtown Winnipeg, near Polo Park. The drive takes about 15 minutes outside rush hour.
Which airlines fly from Winnipeg Airport?
WestJet is the largest airline at YWG, followed by Air Canada. Flair Airlines and Porter Airlines fly across Canada, Delta flies to Minneapolis, United to Chicago and Denver, and Calm Air and Bearskin Airlines serve northern Manitoba and Ontario.
Does Winnipeg Airport have US preclearance?
Yes. YWG is one of the Canadian airports with US Customs and Border Protection preclearance, so passengers flying to the United States clear US immigration and customs in Winnipeg before boarding.
Is there a bus from Winnipeg Airport to downtown?
Yes. Winnipeg Transit routes D12, D13 and 224 serve the airport, running from early morning until after midnight. Taxis and rideshare are quicker with luggage.
Where do I get a taxi at Winnipeg Airport?
Taxis wait near Door 3 on Level 1, the arrivals level. Uber picks up at a signposted area outside arrivals.
How many passengers use Winnipeg Airport?
More than 4.4 million passengers used YWG in 2025, flying with nine airlines to around 40 non-stop destinations.
What is the full name of Winnipeg Airport?
Its full name is Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport, code YWG. It was previously called Winnipeg International Airport, and most travelers still call it Winnipeg Airport or Richardson International Airport.
How many terminals does Winnipeg Airport have?
One. All flights use the same terminal: arrivals, baggage claim and customs are on Level 1, and check-in, security and gates on Level 2, with a separate pier for US flights after preclearance.
What happens when I arrive at Winnipeg Airport from abroad?
International passengers clear Canadian border services on Level 1, using the primary inspection kiosks or Advance Declaration in the ArriveCAN app, then a border officer. After customs you are in the arrivals hall, where the car rental counters and ground transportation are.
Can I fly from Winnipeg to Churchill?
Yes. Calm Air flies from Winnipeg to Churchill and other communities in northern Manitoba, and Bearskin Airlines flies to northwestern Ontario. These regional flights use the same terminal as all other flights at YWG.
What time zone and weather should I expect at Winnipeg Airport?
Winnipeg is on Central Time and changes its clocks for daylight saving. Canada uses the Canadian dollar, and cards are accepted almost everywhere. Winnipeg winters are among the coldest in Canada, so keep a warm coat and gloves in your carry-on.