Everything You Need to Know about the Toronto-Hamilton International Airport

The “Hamilton” in John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport (IATA code YHM) is Hamilton, Ontario.

Hamilton is a port city of 800,000 on the Western tip of Lake Ontario and part of what’s called “The Golden Horseshoe” region, which also includes Toronto and Niagara Falls. It’s known for producing steel, its Canadian football team and a thriving arts community, with several popular music and cultural festivals. And a convenient and budget-friendly airport, a short drive from its downtown.

What most visitors probably want to know is how far is John C. Munro from Toronto? The answer is: conveniently close! Toronto-Hamilton International Airport is less than 90km from downtown Toronto and 80km away from Toronto’s Pearson International Airport.

The airport is also accessible to other major cities like Niagara Falls and Brampton (both 80km away), the US border at Buffalo NY (115km away) and London, Ontario (125km away).

Savvy travellers know that smaller airports often offer lower fares. The simple reason is that the cost of operating is lower than with large hubs in the same region. This saving is passed down to travellers. By flying in and out of Toronto-Hamilton Airport with PLAY you can take advantage of the lowest fares between Toronto and Europe.

This airport has a single terminal and is quite compact. Imagine arriving for a flight and finding check-in and security just steps away from the front entry. Your gate—the only gate—is just a few minutes away. Everything is on one level, making it a comfortable experience for those with mobility challenges or toting little ones, no escalators, elevators or moving sidewalks required.

Arrivals have it easy too, with a short walk to baggage claim and out the door. Need a car? Four car rental companies offer services on site.

This airport was originally built for military training use in the 1940s but has been welcoming passengers since 1986. The departures lounge still has some groovy retro-coloured chairs, but the overall feel is quite modern. Check out the very Instagrammable travel quotes from different poets, authors and thinkers painted on the sky blue walls throughout. They make a great background for your next social media post about being in an airport going on a fabulous adventure!

It may be small, but Toronto-Hamilton Airport still has your essential needs covered. There is a duty-free shop in the Departures Lounge. If you forgot some headphones or small electronics, check out the Best Buy self-serve kiosk.

For food you’ll find the popular Canadian coffee chain Tim Horton’s at the entrance/exit (where you can pick up sandwiches, breakfast items, etc.) and again after security in the Departures Lounge. (Last chance for donuts.)

One unique feature of this airport is that you can get truly local gourmet coffee and craft beer. The Detour YHM kiosk in the Departures lounge is a collective of independent Hamilton area favourites including Detour Coffee Roasters, Collective Arts Brewing and Dear Grain bakery. Here you can find grab-and-go meals they are happy to reheat for you as well as drinks and snacks.

Also, alcohol purchased at Detour YHM can be consumed anywhere in the Departures Lounge. Which means you can take you drink to a seat near the window for some plane spotting.

Getting to or from the Toronto-Hamilton International Airport from downtown Toronto is easy.

Hop on a direct shuttle operated by MegaBus, which is especially coordinated to PLAY flight schedules, starting June 22, 2023. These comfortable air-conditioned buses have power outlets at every seat, free wi-fi and onboard restrooms.

The Megabus to Toronto-Hamilton International AirportLink opens in a new tab leaves from the Union Station Terminal at Bay Street and Lakeshore Boulevard. Union Station is also home to Via Rail, Go Transit and other trains and buses serving Ontario, for even more convenient connections. You can pre-book your tickets or pay the driver upon boarding.

The convenient size of the airport and the connecting buses means that routes are synched with PLAY flight arrival times and wait for arriving PLAY passengers.

From Hamilton, public transit is easy and affordable. The Express Route 20 busLink opens in a new tab operates between the airport and downtown Hamilton, also servicing the Hamilton GO Transit Centre and Mohawk College’s Fennell Campus.

Ride share, taxis and private limos all service the airport and there are dedicated pick-up and drop-off zones right outside the entrance. 

Parking at Toronto-Hamilton International AirportLink opens in a new tab is located right in front of the terminal. The lot is fully automated with payment options including all major credit cards, debit cards and cash. You can also pre-book on-line.

Located right beside the airport, the Canadian Warplane Heritage MuseumLink opens in a new tab offers free admission when you show your same-day boarding pass. Popular with aircraft and history enthusiasts of all ages, this museum has 47 military jets and propeller-driven aircraft on display including the famous Avro Lancaster, one of only two airworthy Lancasters left in the world.

Book a flight on PLAY from Iceland direct to Canada or from Canada to exciting destinations in Europe and see for yourself how The Toronto-Hamilton International Airport offers an easy, convenient experience for travellers who want to spend less time in transit and more at their destination of choice.