Getting around Vancouver - Local Transit System
Vancouver is a compact city and it is easy to get around on foot and by public transit.
It’s worth renting a car when travelling outside the Metro Vancouver area, but if you plan to stay downtown, pick up a daily transit pass or buy a book of FareSaver tickets and ride the buses, SeaBus and SkyTrain. The services are integrated, inexpensive and comprehensive and will save you the hassle of parking fees and getting lost.
Go to www.translink.ca for transit maps, timetables, fares and route planning.
Bus
All of the outlying towns and neighbourhoods of Metro Vancouver have direct bus links to downtown Vancouver. Each region within Metro Vancouver also has its own transport hub, making it relatively straightforward to travel from one part of the city to the other. Most of the major tourist attractions around the city are accessible by bus.
A small number of buses shuttle back and forth within the downtown core providing a useful service for visitors who have a lot of ground to cover in a short space of time.
SkyTrain
SkyTrain is Vancouver’s rapid overground rail system which links downtown Vancouver to the eastern and southern suburbs and cities.
Expo Line runs from downtown Vancouver to Burnaby, New Westminster and Surrey.
Millennium Line loops through east Vancouver, north Burnaby and New Westminster.
Canada Line, which opened in the summer of 2009, runs from downtown Vancouver to south Vancouver, Richmond and Vancouver International Airport.
The first trains start running around 5am during weekdays with final services ending around 1.30am.
West Coast Express
The West Coast Express is not ideal for visitors but if you’re staying in the Mission or the TriCities area (Port Moody, Port Coquitlam or Coquitlam), this commuter train service is the fastest way to get to downtown Vancouver.
Trains run Monday to Friday and you’ll have to get up early and ride along with the commuters and be prepared to return at the end of the working day. On the plus side, the service terminates at Waterfront Station which is one of the most convenient arrival points in the city.
At weekends the train service is replaced by the TrainBus which follows the same route.
SeaBus
The SeaBus passenger ferry sails between downtown Vancouver and the North Shore. The service starts at around 6am and runs every 15 minutes during the day and every 30 minutes in the evening. The journey between Waterfront Station and Lonsdale Quay on the North Shore takes 12 minutes.
As an added bonus, SeaBus passengers get great views of the North Shore Mountains or the downtown skyline as they cross Burrard Inlet.
Water taxis
Aquabus and False Creek Ferries run a fleet of mini electric ferries for short journeys around False Creek. The foot passenger services run from the south shore of the downtown peninsula to Granville Island and other False Creek attractions including Science World, Vancouver Maritime Museum and the HR MacMillan Space Centre in Vanier Park.
Pick-up points from the north side of False Creek include Hornby Street, the foot of Davie Street in Yaletown and the Plaza of Nations. Adult ticket prices start at $3 and day passes for multiple journeys are available.
Bike
Cycling around the Seawall and Stanley Park is a classic Vancouver activity and short-term bike rentals are available at the corner of Georgia Street and Denman. Several city bike stores also offer long-term rentals for city touring.
Bikes are allowed on the SeaBus at all times but only six bikes are allowed per sailing. Cyclists can take their bikes on SkyTrain but there are some restrictions on the Expo and Millennium lines during peak hours. All Translink buses come equipped with racks that can fit two bikes.
Secure, weatherproof bike lockers are available at numerous transit stops throughout Metro Vancouver.
Tip: You need exact change for the buses. Be prepared to carry a lot of change or buy a day pass or a book of pre-paid tickets.