Vancouver - Getting Around
Airport Transfers
Located on Sea Island approximately 12 km from downtown Vancouver is Vancouver International Airport (YVR). As with all airports there are taxi ranks available outside and many hotels offer free shuttle services to/ from the airport. YVR is also serviced by excellent public transport links, the most notable being the Canada Line rapid transit rail link. This high speed service connects YVR to downtown Richmond and Vancouver in 18 and 26 minutes respectively. The station can be accessed from both the domestic and international terminals. Tickets can be complicated; if holding a pre-paid ticket (such as DayPasses, FareCards, FaresSaver Tickets, U-Passes) the $5 AddFare is waived, however those passengers buying a ticket on the day will be charged the $5 on top of the standard fare. Late at night the N10 night bus services YVR’s two terminals and connects them to downtown Richmond and Vancouver.
top ↑AquaBus/Ferry/SeaBus
Several water based modes of transport link downtown Vancouver with Lonsdale Quay, Granville Island, the Aquatic Centre and various other attractions around the False Creek area.
top ↑Bike
A bike friendly city Vancouver welcomes cyclists, and it is a fantastic way to explore the compact downtown area at your own pace. There are many companies offering bike hire from a few hours to a few weeks. And maps are available showing the vast network of cycle lanes connecting the city.
top ↑Bus
The bus network in Vancouver is the most comprehensive of all the public transport networks, covering most of the city and its major streets. As well as the regular bus service, several bus rapid transit routes operate throughout the city. Lines run from 5am to 1 am and tickets can be bought from the driver for exact change only, or one of the vending machines in a SkyTrain station.
top ↑SkyTrain
Vancouver’s rapid transit rail link is called SkyTrain and is an elevated train line which provides fantastic views of the city. The fully automated service connects downtown Vancouver with its southern and eastern suburbs, trains run between two to five minutes and are closely connected with linking bus services at most stations. The SkyTrain service ends for the night between 11pm and 1am depending on the route, so if out late at night an alternative method of transportation is a must.
top ↑Tickets
The public transport system in Vancouver is integrated so any ticket bought is valid on all transit services. Vancouver is divided into three transit zones and tickets are available for one up to all three zones, as well as an off peak ticket, valid in all zones between the hours of 6.30pm to end of service that night and all day on weekends. Prices range from $2.50 to $5, however day passes can be bought for $9 and give unlimited travel.
top ↑Train
Westcoast Express is a commuter train service that runs Monday to Friday only. Five trains carry passengers westbound into Vancouver in the morning and take them back out eastbound in the afternoon.
top ↑