# Winnipeg airport (YWG): the #20 bus vs Uber to downtown

> YWG is one of the closest major airports to its downtown. Here's the cheapest way in.

- Published: 2026-07-22
- Updated: 2026-07-22
- Author: Airport Exit
- Canonical URL: https://www.airportexit.com/blog/winnipeg-airport-to-downtown-ywg

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## YWG is right there

Winnipeg Richardson (YWG) sits **7 km** from downtown Winnipeg — you can see The Forks from the terminal on a clear day. Transit is cheap and fast.

## The #20 Winnipeg Transit bus

- **CAD 3.15** flat fare (or 2 tickets on a Peggo card)
- Stops right outside arrivals (Terminal loop)
- ~25 min to downtown / Portage & Main
- Runs every 15–30 min from 5:30am to ~12:30am

Bring exact change or buy a Peggo card at the airport 7-Eleven.

## Uber, Lyft, and TappCar

All three operate at YWG. Downtown fares: **CAD 15–25** off-peak, higher with surge. Pickup from the designated rideshare zone.

TappCar is the local Manitoba rideshare — often the cheapest and has the best driver supply at odd hours.

## Metered taxi

Yellow / Duffy's / Unicity: flag from the taxi rank outside arrivals. Downtown fare: **CAD 20–28** metered. Card accepted (small surcharge).

## What to avoid

- Rental car if you're only going downtown — free hotel parking is rare in Winnipeg central
- 'Airport shuttle' companies quoting $30+ pp — the bus and Uber both destroy them on price
- Getting off the #20 too early (Polo Park mall stop is 15 min before downtown)

## Winter tip

The #20 runs in every Winnipeg winter condition. Uber surges hard in -30°C storms. If you're on a budget and it's January, the bus is the reliable move — allow 45 min for possible delays.

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