Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is located about 12 kilometers south of downtown Vancouver, and one of the most efficient ways to travel between the two is via public transportation. The city boasts a well-organized system that is easy to navigate, affordable, and a great introduction to the region's sustainable transit solutions.
When my 70-year-old parents and I traveled to Vancouver, I arrived the day before them. I have slowly been teaching them how to navigate with Google Maps and find their way around a city, and when I arrived, I realized using the Skytrain from the airport was a great way for them to fly solo! Here’s how you can get from YVR to the heart of downtown Vancouver via public transport.
Arriving in Vancouver
Ah, Canada! Even though Canada offers many perks for their southern neighbors, it’s important to remember that your Global Entry doesn’t work (because, yes, you are in Canada). After deplaning, follow signs into the general passport control area where there are dozens of self-service kiosks. Groups traveling together can all use one kiosk. The first person will scan their passport and follow the prompts on the screen before adding any additional travelers in your group. After answering all questions, the computer will provide a form. Keep the form with you has you exit. After baggage claim, you will give the form to an attendant before fully exiting.
Exiting YVR Airport from International Terminal
The most convenient and fastest public transit option from Vancouver International Airport to downtown is the Canada Line SkyTrain. Part of Vancouver’s rapid transit system, the Canada Line connects YVR directly to the city center.
When you exit the airport, follow signs for ground transportation. For me, this took me outside and I crossed 3-4 lanes of traffic heading for the “air train” and “train to the city.” The escalator up was broken so I took the elevator on the left to Level 4.
When you exit the elevator turn right and you will see the entrance to the train on the left advertising - Vancouver to the Waterfront.
Cost of the Skytrain from YVR to downtown
Fares depend on how far you’re traveling and whether it’s a peak or off-peak time. The trip from the airport falls into a 3-zone fare system:
CAD$9.65 for adults during peak hours (Monday to Friday, 6:30 am – 6:30 pm)
CAD$8.20 for adults off-peak (evenings and weekends)
A notable cost includes the AddFare of CAD$5 when departing from YVR, which is already built into the above prices. A single fare is valid for 90 minutes on bus, SkyTrain, SeaBus, and HandyDART, which means you can change to a metro line or bus to continue your journey all for the same price.
Payment Options
One of the best things about the Vancouver public transportation, including the Skytrain is that you can pay for your ride using a contactless credit card, ApplePay or GooglePay, along with the Compass Card or Compass Ticket (purchasable at vending machines in the station). Simply tap on at the entrance gate and board the next train to the waterfront. It’s important to note that each person much use a different
Journey Time from YVR to Waterfront
The trip to downtown Vancouver takes approximately 25 minutes on the Skytrain. You can get off at the last stop - Waterfront Station, or any of the previous 3-4 stops which are centrally located in downtown.
Trains operate every 6-7 minutes during peak hours and every 10-12 minutes during off-peak times daily. Plan your trip accordingly if arriving late at night. The SkyTrain cars offer ample space for luggage, making it convenient for travelers with large suitcases.
Though the SkyTrain is by far the most popular, buses also provide a public transport option to downtown Vancouver.
Route 100: If you wish to avoid the AddFare from YVR, you can take the Route 100 bus from Airport Station to Marpole Loop, then transfer to buses heading to downtown (e.g., Route 10). However, this option is slower and less direct, with a travel time of over an hour.
Regular bus fare within Vancouver is CAD$3.15 for adults, and transfers are valid for 90 minutes across multiple transit modes.
Getting from Vancouver International Airport to downtown Vancouver is so straightforward even my parents were able to handle it! I was so proud of their ability to maneuver through the airport and on the Skytrain with no issues, arriving at our apartment downtown in no time. Whether you’re opting for the speedy SkyTrain or taking the bus for a more scenic route, public transit offers an efficient, eco-friendly, and cost-effective way to begin your Vancouver adventure.
Staying in Vancouver
You will quickly see that accommodation in downtown Vancouver can be quite expensive. Even with the currently favorable USD/CAD conversion rate, it can be still pricey for a group to stay in the city for a few nights. We decided (as a party of 3) to stay in an apartment instead. You can compare your options for both apartments and hotels on Booking.com - my go-to site for all my travel accommodations. They provide loyalty discounts, so as you continue to book more through them, they will provide free breakfasts, room upgrades and up to 20% your nightly accommodation.
Pro Tip: For your own safety, I recommend staying in Downtown Vancouver or Yaletown for easy walkability. Due to the growing homeless population in the Eastside, I would recommend staying west of Abbott Street. The closer you are to Granville Street, the easier it is to get around via public transport or walking.
Check out my 4-day itinerary in Vancouver for all the best places to visit and even a few food recommendations! Enjoy British Columbia.
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