Kamloops Airport (YKA) – Complete Travel Guide 2026

Kamloops Airport quick facts

Situated approximately 11 kilometers east of downtown Kamloops, Kamloops Airport (YKA) is a single-terminal facility serving the Thompson Valley region of British Columbia. Known officially as Kamloops John Moose Fulton Field, it functions as a vital regional transportation connection for the interior of British Columbia.

Kamloops Airport Terminal Map and Layout

The passenger infrastructure at Kamloops Airport is consolidated entirely within a single, straightforward linear terminal building. This compact design eliminates the need for inter-terminal shuttles or trains, making navigation exceptionally simple. Upon entering the main doors, travelers find the check-in counters immediately ahead, security screening to the left, and the baggage claim area to the right upon exit. Renovations approved in 2026 are focused on substantially enhancing the post-security holding area, which will receive a modern redesign to improve passenger comfort.

Navigating Kamloops Airport Terminals

All airlines share the same check-in hall and departure gate area. Walking from the furthest point in the parking lot to the boarding gate typically takes no more than five minutes.

Main Terminal Building

• Airlines: Air Canada, WestJet, Pacific Coastal Airlines all operate from this central location.
• Key Features: The terminal is currently undergoing the first phase of a $10 million renovation to redesign the holding area, add more seating, improve Wi-Fi, and introduce new food and beverage options.
• Dining and Shopping: Food concessions and vending are available pre- and post-security, with upgraded amenities planned as part of the terminal facelift.

Transportation to and from Kamloops Airport

The airport is easily accessible via the Trans-Canada Highway. Public transit, taxis, and rental vehicles provide a seamless connection to downtown Kamloops and neighboring districts.

Getting to and from Kamloops Airport by Car

Driving is the primary mode of transport for most visitors. The airport is located just off Highway 97, and there is virtually no dense urban traffic to navigate, making drive times highly predictable.

• Traffic Considerations: Minimal; congestion is rare except during immediate pre- and post-flight rushes.
• Terminal Parking Rates: The main lot operates on a rate of $2.00 per hour, with a daily maximum of $15.00 and a weekly rate of $75.00. The first 15 minutes are free.
• Cell Phone Lot: A designated waiting zone for drivers picking up arriving passengers is located just before the main terminal entrance.
• Curbside Drop-off: Active loading and unloading is strictly enforced directly in front of the terminal; vehicles cannot be left unattended.

Getting to and from Kamloops Airport by Rideshare or Taxi

Taxis are the standard form of hired transportation, with traditional cab companies operating rather than third-party rideshare apps.

• Local Services: Yellow Cabs Kamloops and Kami Cabs are the primary operators.
• Pickup Area: The designated taxi stand is located directly outside the arrivals exit doors.
• How to Request: Walk-up service is immediately available, though booking by phone is recommended during early morning hours.
• Estimated Fares: A trip to downtown Kamloops costs approximately $20 to $25 USD.

Getting to and from Kamloops Airport by Public Transportation

The Kamloops Transit System provides a fixed-route bus connection to the airport.

Step-by-step instructions: Exit the terminal building and walk straight to the bus stop located near the main access road. Board Route 7 heading towards Downtown. The journey takes roughly 30 minutes. Note that service does not operate late at night.

Key Amenities at Kamloops Airport

ATMs

A single ATM is located in the main pre-security lobby, dispensing Canadian currency only.

Lost and Found

Managed by the airport administration office. For items left in the terminal, call +1 (250) 376-3618 and ask to be directed to airport security. Items left on specific aircraft must be claimed via the respective airline.

Luggage Services

• Carts: Complimentary luggage carts are stationed at the terminal entrance.
• Storage/Wrapping: No luggage storage or wrapping services are available on-site.

Pets

• Relief Areas: An outdoor grassy pet relief zone is located to the left of the terminal exit.
• Rules: Pets must remain in carriers inside the terminal unless they are service animals.

Currency Exchange

No currency exchange counters are available inside the airport. Visitors should exchange currency downtown or withdraw Canadian dollars from the ATM.

Smoking Area

Smoking, including vaping, is strictly prohibited inside the terminal. A designated outdoor smoking area is marked approximately 15 meters from the main entrance. Use is restricted to pre-security.

WiFi

Complimentary, unlimited high-speed Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal. Connect to the "YKA-Free-WiFi" network and accept the terms of use. Power outlets and USB charging stations are located near the gate seating areas.

• Information Desk: A small visitor information booth is open during peak flight times near baggage claim.
• Medical Services: Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are positioned throughout the terminal, but no walk-in medical clinic exists.
• Chapel: No multi-faith chapel is available, but a quiet room is accessible upon request at the information booth.

Airport Lounges at Kamloops Airport

Kamloops Airport does not currently feature airline-branded lounges or credit card-affiliated spaces. Due to its size and primary function as a domestic regional hub, the facility focuses on public seating within the main gate areas. The ongoing terminal renovations aim to elevate the comfort of the general departure lounge, meaning passengers will find upgraded seating options rather than exclusive membership clubs.

Other Airports in the Region

Travelers may consider flying into Kelowna International Airport for a wider range of international and domestic options.

Kelowna International Airport (YLW)

• Distance: 160 kilometers east of Kamloops (approximately 1 hour 45 minutes by car).
• Best For: Okanagan Valley visitors and long-haul vacationers.
• Unique Advantages: Recently completed a 60,000-square-foot terminal expansion featuring state-of-the-art security and enhanced dining.

Kamloops Airport Overview

Originally opened in 1939, Kamloops Airport has served as the aviation lifeline for the Southern Interior of British Columbia. Officially named Kamloops John Moose Fulton Field, it connects the mining, agricultural, and tourism sectors of the Thompson Valley to major Canadian hubs. Located 11 kilometers from the city center, it is entirely a civilian facility operated by the Kamloops Airport Society. Annual passenger traffic exceeds 350,000, with one terminal processing all arrivals and departures.

Kamloops Airport Postal Code

• Postal Code: V2B 7X1
• City: Kamloops
• Province: British Columbia
• Country: Canada
• Complete Mailing Address: Kamloops Airport, 3035 Airport Road, Kamloops, BC, V2B 7X1

Duty Free and Shopping at Kamloops Airport

Kamloops Airport does not offer a conventional duty-free shopping experience as it primarily handles domestic flights. However, a small retail kiosk provides last-minute travel accessories, local artisan goods, and reading materials. Food service is centered on a grab-and-go cafe model rather than a full-service restaurant, though new dining options are being added as part of the terminal renovation.

💡 Tip: For authentic local souvenirs like Indigenous art or Thompson Valley wine, visit the shops along Victoria Street in downtown Kamloops.

Security Wait Times Kamloops Airport

Security screening is managed by the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA). The single screening point opens approximately two hours before the first departure.

Wait times can spike to 25–30 minutes during the morning rush, particularly when the Pacific Coastal Airlines and Air Canada flights depart close together. NEXUS trusted traveler cards are accepted in the dedicated screening lane for expedited processing. Arriving 90 minutes before domestic flights and 150 minutes before connections involving international itineraries is recommended.

Kamloops Airport Drop Off and Pick Up Information

• Departures Drop-off: The curb directly in front of the terminal. Time limit is 3 minutes; vehicles cannot be left stationary.
• Arrivals Pick-up: The same curb zone, with immediate loading permitted. If your arriving party is not curbside yet, you must circle the loop or wait in the free cell phone lot.
• Cell Phone Lot: A free waiting area situated at the entrance to the airport road. Drivers can wait up to 30 minutes here while the arriving passenger collects baggage.

Flight Routes and Airlines at Kamloops Airport

Kamloops Airport serves as a domestic gateway with direct connections to Western Canada's major hubs.

• Air Canada: Multiple daily flights to Vancouver (YVR) offering connections worldwide.
• WestJet: Seasonal service to Edmonton (YEG), typically operating from May through October with twice-weekly flights increasing during peak summer. Also serves Calgary (YYC) with fluctuating seasonal capacity.
• Pacific Coastal Airlines: Connects Kamloops to Vancouver South Terminal (YVR South) for regional business travel.

The most popular route is Kamloops to Vancouver, requiring about 50 minutes of flight time. Booking flights 3–4 weeks in advance yields the best fares.

Getting to and from Kamloops Airport

Whether you are picking up a vehicle or hopping in a cab, the exit from the baggage hall to the ground transportation options takes less than one minute of walking.

Car Rental at Kamloops Airport

Rental vehicle counters or kiosks are located directly inside the arrivals hall, right next to the baggage carousel. For a small airport, the selection is robust.

• National Car Rental: Located at 3035 Airport Rd. Offers the Emerald Club, allowing customers to skip the counter and choose any car on the aisle. Open Mon-Fri 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, weekends 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
• Alamo Rent A Car: Located at 3025 Airport Rd. Features Accelerated Check-in for faster pickup. Call +1 250-376-2883. Offers economy to full-size selections.
• Available Vehicle Types: Economy, compact, midsize, SUV, and pickup trucks are available; luxury vehicles are limited.

👉 Book your rental car in advance: During the summer tourism season, vehicle inventory sells out fast, leaving only premium truck options if you wait.

Kamloops Airport Taxi Services

• Local Names: Yellow Cabs (+1 250-374-3333) and Kami Cabs (+1 250-374-9999).
• Location: Directly outside the arrivals exit.
• Estimated Fares: Downtown Kamloops costs approximately $22 USD, Aberdeen Mall costs approximately $25 USD.
• Payment: Tap-enabled credit and debit cards are accepted in all taxis.

Private Car Services

Luxury sedans and SUVs can be booked in advance through local touring companies. This is a fixed-rate alternative for business travelers heading to Sun Peaks Resort, typically costing $110–$130 USD one-way.

Bus Services

The Route 7 bus connects to downtown every 60 minutes. The exact stop is in front of the main parking lot. Exact cash fare of $2.00 USD is required.

Hotel Shuttles

Several hotels, including the Coast Kamloops Hotel & Conference Centre and The Plaza Hotel, offer complimentary airport shuttles. Arrangements must be made by calling the hotel front desk 24 hours in advance.

Parking at Kamloops Airport

• Short-Term & Long-Term: A singular, unified parking lot serves all durations. It is located directly across the access road from the terminal, requiring a two-minute walk.
• Rates: First 15 minutes free. $2.00 per hour, $15.00 daily maximum, $75.00 weekly maximum.
• Payment: Automated pay stations accept Visa, Mastercard, and American Express; cash is not accepted at the exit gate.
• Electric Vehicle Charging: Currently, no dedicated EV charging stations are present on airport grounds, but the facility is evaluating installation as part of the infrastructure upgrades.

Places to explore near Kamloops Airport

• Downtown Kamloops: 8 kilometers west, 15-minute drive. Home to the Riverside Park and the Kamloops Art Gallery.
• Sun Peaks Resort: 55 kilometers northeast, 45-minute drive. A world-class ski and mountain biking destination with chic village dining.
• Kamloops Lake: 25 kilometers west, 25-minute drive. Excellent for boating and shoreline hiking.
• Vancouver: 350 kilometers southwest, a 50-minute flight or 3.5-hour drive down the Coquihalla Highway.
• Kelowna: 160 kilometers southeast, 1 hour 45-minute drive. A gateway to the Okanagan wine region.

Local Weather and Best Time to Visit Kamloops

Kamloops boasts a semi-arid climate, earning it the title of one of Canada's warmest cities.

• Summer (June-August): 28°C to 35°C (82°F to 95°F). Ideal for hiking, golf, and river floating. Flights are busy and rental cars are essential.
• Autumn (September-October): 5°C to 22°C (41°F to 72°F). Cool nights and crisp days, perfect for the salmon run and fall foliage drives.
• Winter (November-March): -5°C to 0°C (23°F to 32°F). Ski season peaks. Flights into Kamloops Airport often require de-icing; patience is advised.
• Spring (April-May): 10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F). Shoulder season with lower hotel rates, though some resort areas might still be closed.

Essential Travel Tips

• Arrival Time: Arrive 90 minutes early for Air Canada morning departures to clear the security rush.
• Flight Status: Monitor the kamloopsairport.com website or your airline's app, as mountain fog can intermittently delay flights.
• Packing Advice: Pack layers regardless of the season; the arid climate means temperatures can swing 15°C between morning and afternoon.
• Cash vs. Card: Kamloops Airport is virtually cashless; ensure you have a chip-and-PIN card for parking and dining.
• Language: English is the primary language, with service available in French upon request at the Air Canada desk.
• Documentation: A valid passport is required for connections to the USA, even if transiting through Vancouver.
• Driving: International visitors require a valid foreign driver's license; an International Driving Permit is recommended for non-English licenses.
• Fuel: The closest gas stations are on Fortune Drive, a 5-minute drive south of the airport.

About the City

Developed as a fur trading post in 1812, Kamloops has grown into the Tournament Capital of Canada, home to over 90,000 residents in the metro area. The meeting of the North and South Thompson Rivers defines its geography, creating a sun-baked river valley surrounded by golden grasslands and sagebrush. Dining here is an underrated gem: seek out farm-to-table bistros like The Noble Pig or historic drinking spots like The Commodore. Beyond the city limits, the lacrosse culture and vibrant Indigenous heritage provide a rich cultural tapestry rarely found in cities of this size.

Start Your Journey at Kamloops Airport

From the striking "hoodoo" rock formations framing the runway to the friendly small-town efficiency of its single terminal, Kamloops Airport offers a smooth start to your interior British Columbia adventure. By booking your rental car directly from this guide, you sidestep the summer sellouts and ensure the best vehicle for exploring the dusty backroads and alpine highways of the Thompson Valley. Secure your pickup now and step off the plane ready to roam.