Getting to Vancouver by Air
Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is a 30-minute drive south from downtown Vancouver. It has good links with regional airports within BC and international airports across Canada.
YVR has direct services to several US and Mexican cities including Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York, Phoenix, Dallas, Houston, Salt Lake City, Mexico City and Cancun.
Direct European city connections include Paris, London, Glasgow, Munich, Frankfurt and Amsterdam.
Destinations heading west include Seoul, Shanghai, Beijing, Hong Kong, Sydney and Auckland.
Tip: If you are in the international terminal at YVR be sure to check out the sculpture, the Spirit of Haida Gwaii: The Jade Canoe by Bill Reid, one of Canada’s most famous Aboriginal artists.
Vancouver International Airport (YVR) to Downtown Vancouver
Vancouver International Airport lies 15km south of downtown Vancouver close to the city of Richmond.
Most passengers arrive at either the International or Domestic terminals and both are fully served by taxis, buses, car rental outlets and the SkyTrain.
Passengers arriving at the South Terminal which serves floatplanes, helicopters and small planes can catch the free shuttle bus which links the three terminals.
SkyTrain
The new Canada Line was completed a few months ahead of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics and it is the quickest and cheapest way to get from Vancouver International Airport to downtown Vancouver. The overground rail link takes 26 minutes from YVR and terminates at Vancouver’s Waterfront Station.
Taxis
Taxi stands are located right outside the Domestic and International terminals. All taxis are licensed and metered and a typical ride to downtown Vancouver takes 30 to 40 minutes and costs between $28 - $32. Passengers can also book limos in advance for a set fee.
For visitors heading to Vancouver’s North Shore and to cities and suburbs east of the SkyTrain Canada Line, a taxi is the most convenient option.
Car rental
There are five rental companies within walking distance of the terminal and another two car rental companies within the airport complex which can be reached by shuttle bus.