Tips · Canada

Vancouver Airport (YVR) to Downtown

Summer aerial view of sailboats on False Creek, with downtown towers and the North Shore mountains beyond. — False Creek and downtown Vancouver · Photo: Wpcpey / CC BY-SA 4.0

Vancouver Airport (YVR) to Downtown: the Canada Line (about 25 min, regular fare + AddFare of about CAD 6.50) or a taxi (flat zone fare, plus tip).

Published Oct 13, 2026 · Updated Oct 14, 2026

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Two ways from the airport to Downtown

The airport in our Vancouver guide is Vancouver International Airport (YVR). To get Downtown you have two options: the Canada Line (SkyTrain) or a taxi.

The Canada Line runs to Waterfront Station downtown without changes in about 25 min. The fare is the regular fare + AddFare of about CAD 6.50, and the total varies by time and zone. Taxis charge a flat fare by destination zone, plus tip.

When you buy your ticket, check that the arrival airport is shown as Vancouver International Airport (YVR).

Canada Line (SkyTrain): about 25 min to Waterfront Station

From Vancouver International Airport (YVR) station, the Canada Line runs to Waterfront Station downtown without changes. It takes about 25 min to Downtown.

Trips starting at the airport add the YVR AddFare to the regular fare. Our guide gives the regular fare + AddFare of about CAD 6.50; the total varies by time and zone, so check official information.

SkyTrain fares depend on zones, but all travel after 6:30 p.m. on weekdays and on weekends is a 1-Zone fare. Tap in and tap out. Check official information for operating hours.

A blue-and-white Canada Line train on the elevated guideway at the airport station. — Canada Line at YVR–Airport station, Vancouver · Photo: Michaelberry at English Wikipedia / CC BY 3.0

Taxi: flat fares by destination zone

Board at the designated taxi stands at the terminal. Taxis from the airport charge flat zone fares, plus tip; check the official fare table.

Travel time varies with traffic. It is handy if you have a lot of luggage or arrive late at night.

Downtown, Gastown, Yaletown: where the Canada Line takes you

The Canada Line brings you to Waterfront Station in Downtown. Our guide rates it as the area for a first visit, and these three are a good place to start when choosing where to stay.

Siwash Rock rising from the water beside the Stanley Park seawall at sunset — Stanley Park & the seawall · Photo: Bitan Banerjee / CC BY-SA 4.0

Downtown (first visit, transport): the SkyTrain and SeaBus hub, close to Stanley Park and the seawall, with many hotels
Gastown (historic streets, dining & bars): Vancouver's birthplace, with cobblestones and brick buildings, a short walk from Waterfront Station
Yaletown (dining, waterfront walks): converted warehouses full of restaurants and bars near the False Creek seawall, with a Canada Line station

Staying in Kitsilano, North Vancouver or Richmond

If you stay outside Downtown, check in advance how you will get from the airport to your accommodation. Here is what our guide says.

Granville Island on the water with downtown Vancouver behind — Granville Island · Photo: La Citta Vita / CC BY-SA 2.0

Kitsilano (beaches, relaxed local vibe): a residential area with beaches, parks and cafés near Granville Island, good for a quieter stay
North Vancouver (mountains and canyons): the SeaBus links Waterfront Station downtown and Lonsdale Quay in about 12 minutes
Richmond (near the airport, Asian food): close to the airport and packed with Asian restaurants. SkyTrain links the airport, Downtown, Richmond and more

Arrival-day checklist: transit card, tapping, tips, tax

Tap a Compass Card, contactless credit card or mobile wallet at the gates. Check these before you travel.

Using the same card, you can transfer between bus, SkyTrain and SeaBus on one fare for up to 90 minutes
Tap out when leaving SkyTrain and SeaBus. Bus trips are always a 1-Zone fare, and you only tap in when boarding
Tipping is customary for restaurants, bars, salons and other services; the official visitor guide says 12-18% is common
Shelf prices often exclude tax; 5% federal GST and 7% BC PST may be added at checkout
Entering Canada has requirements such as an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA); check the Government of Canada's official site

At a glance

Times and fares are as given in our guide.

Canada Line (SkyTrain): from the airport station to Waterfront Station downtown without changes, about 25 min, regular fare + AddFare of about CAD 6.50 (total varies by time and zone; check official info)
Taxi: designated taxi stands at the terminal, travel time varies with traffic, flat zone fare plus tip (check the official fare table), handy with luggage or late at night

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FAQ

How long does it take from Vancouver airport to Downtown?

The Canada Line runs to Waterfront Station downtown without changes in about 25 min. By taxi, it varies with traffic.

Is there an extra charge for taking the Canada Line from the airport?

Yes. Trips starting at the airport add the YVR AddFare to the regular fare. Our guide gives the regular fare + AddFare of about CAD 6.50; the total varies by time and zone, so check official information.

How do I get Downtown if I land late at night?

Our guide says a taxi is handy late at night or with luggage. Board at the designated taxi stands at the terminal; fares are flat by destination zone, plus tip. Check official information for Canada Line operating hours.

Do I need to buy a transit card?

You can tap a contactless credit card or mobile wallet at the gates instead of a Compass Card. Using the same card, you can transfer between bus, SkyTrain and SeaBus on one fare for up to 90 minutes.