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Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB) is the air gateway to the national capital. Whether you are heading south, to Europe, or to another Canadian city, this guide covers everything you need to know to prepare for your time at Quebec City Airport YQB. Parking, lounges, restaurants, ground transportation: here are the essentials.
With around 1.8 million passengers per year, YQB remains a human-scale airport. In practice, that means shorter lines and generally quick security screening. However, certain peak periods (March break, holidays, summer) warrant planning your arrival in advance. In addition, lounge and dining options have improved in recent years.
To compare the best credit cards that offer airport benefits (lounge access, travel insurance, rewards), consult our dedicated page.
Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport carries the IATA code YQB (and CYQB for ICAO). It is located about 16 km west of downtown Quebec City, in the Sainte-Foy borough. The airport has a single terminal that handles domestic, transborder (United States), and international flights.
The terminal is divided into two levels. Level 1 houses the car rental counters, check-in, customs, and baggage carousels. Level 2 includes security as well as the main departures and arrivals area, with gates 20 to 37. An expansion project completed in 2019 connected the two concourses (domestic and international) to make moving around easier.
YQB welcomes around a dozen carriers serving destinations in Canada, the United States, the Caribbean, and Europe. Here are the main airlines operating at Quebec City Airport.
Several transportation options allow you to reach YQB from downtown Quebec City and the surrounding areas. Here’s a comparison of the main solutions.
By car, the airport is accessible via the Duplessis Highway (540) or Wilfrid-Hamel Boulevard (Route 138). The trip from Old Quebec takes about 20 to 30 minutes off-peak. During rush hour, allow 30 to 40 minutes. Félix-Leclerc Highway (40) then connects to the North Shore, and Jean-Lesage Highway (20) to the South Shore.
Taxis offer a flat fare for trips within the Sainte-Foy area and a metered fare for other destinations, including Lévis. Taxis wait outside the terminal at the arrivals level. A cell phone waiting area is located right next to the airport at 507, rue Principale, for drivers picking up a passenger.
Uber is available in Quebec City and serves the airport. The pick-up area is located at the departures level (upper level). The cost varies based on demand, but is generally comparable to the taxi flat fare for the Sainte-Foy area.
Réseau de transport de la Capitale (RTC) serves the airport with two main routes:
Several rental companies are located directly on Level 1 of the terminal: Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Alamo, and Thrifty. The counters are in the arrivals hall. During peak tourist season, booking in advance is strongly recommended. A valid credit card and driver’s licence are required at pick-up.
Quebec City Airport offers several parking options adapted to different needs. All details and up-to-date rates are available on the YQB parking page.
YQB is a modest-sized airport. As a result, security screening is generally faster than in Montreal or Toronto. However, a few tips are in order to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Check-in counters are located on Level 1, near the baggage carousels and car rental counters. Most carriers open their counters 3 hours before an international departure and 2 hours before a domestic departure. Online check-in (24 hours before departure) is strongly recommended to save time.
Screening is managed by CATSA (Canadian Air Transport Security Authority) on Level 2. YQB has a single screening checkpoint. Under normal conditions, the wait rarely exceeds 15 minutes. During peak periods (holidays, March break), allow up to 30 minutes.
YQB does not offer U.S. preclearance. As a result, passengers travelling to the United States clear customs and immigration upon arrival in the U.S. Allow extra time at your destination airport if you have a connection.
Lounge options at YQB are limited compared to major Canadian airports. However, there is one option for travellers who want to wait for their flight in a more comfortable space.
The VIP Lounge by Club Med is YQB’s only lounge. It is located near Gate 29 in the secure area and is open daily from 4:00 AM to 6:30 PM. This space offers comfortable seating, snacks, beverages (including alcohol), Wi‑Fi, and charging outlets.
Several Canadian credit cards provide access to the VIP Lounge by Club Med through the Priority Pass or DragonPass networks. To understand how this type of benefit works, see our guide to airport lounge access in Canada based on your credit card. Here are a few relevant cards for YQB:
If you also want to know how to use a lounge without a premium card, see our article explaining how to access VIP airport lounges for free. For a complete comparison, here is our selection of the best credit cards for VIP airport lounges.
YQB offers a selection of restaurants and shops distributed between the public area (before security) and the secure area (after security). The offering is modest compared to large airports, but sufficient for a meal or a last-minute purchase. Most outlets accept credit cards.
Dining options are concentrated in the secure area and include cafés, full-service restaurants, and well-known chains such as Starbucks. A duty-free shop is available in the secure area for passengers on international flights. Several souvenir and Quebec product shops round out the offering.
No hotel is located directly in the YQB terminal. However, several properties are a few minutes away by car, some with a free airport shuttle. Here are a few popular options:
Certain credit cards offer particularly attractive benefits for travelers transiting through Quebec City Airport. Here are the most relevant categories.
As Air Canada is the main carrier at YQB, a card tied to the Aeroplan program is a logical choice. If you want access to Air Canada lounges during connections in Montreal or Toronto, see our complete guide to accessing Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges. Here are the best Aeroplan cards:
Traveling without adequate insurance is risky. Several credit cards offer comprehensive travel coverage (medical insurance, cancellation, baggage). Consult our selection of the best cards for travel insurance.
If you are traveling abroad from YQB, a card with no foreign currency conversion fees will save you 2.5% on every purchase abroad. Consult our comparison of the best cards for foreign currencies.
Here are the most useful loyalty programs for travelers frequenting Quebec City Airport.
Since YQB is a regional airport, several destinations require a connection. Here are the main connection hubs.
For most long-haul flights, a connection in Toronto (YYZ) or Montreal (YUL) is required. Air Canada offers smooth connections through Aeroplan, with a single ticket for the entire itinerary.
Here are some tips to make the most of your time at Quebec City Airport.
Quebec City Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB) is a functional and easy-to-navigate airport. Its compact size is a real advantage: fewer queues, less stress, and quick access to your boarding gate. Parking options are varied, Wi-Fi is free, and a lounge is accessible to holders of certain premium credit cards.
To make the most of your travels from YQB, equip yourself with a credit card that offers Aeroplan points, lounge access, or solid travel insurance. Consult our comparison of the best travel credit cards to find the option that suits you.
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