Vancouver International Airport : Getting To and From YVR

The easiest way to get to and from the airport is the Canada Line rapid transit system, which runs north-south from YVR to Waterfront Station in downtown Vancouver. There is a Canada Line station at the airport that is easy to access — signs are clearly marked to help you walk to and from the Canada Line YVR platform — and the SkyTrain runs daily from 5am to 1am. Canada Line trains can take you all the way to Waterfront Station in the heart of Vancouver, which is also close to the Cruise Terminal at Canada Place. 

TransLink, which runs Vancouver's public transit, has online planning tools that allow you plan your trip to or from the Vancouver Airport by bus. This option may double or triple your travel time, so take that into account when you're planning your journey. If possible, take a bus to the Canada Line (see above) for faster travel. Waterfront, City Centre, Yaletown and Broadway-City Hall Canada Line stations are all on major bus routes. See also: Guide to Vancouver Public Transit.

Cheaper than taxis, but also less convenient, there are private bus companies with stops at the Vancouver Airport. Quick Shuttle makes stops in downtown Vancouver (near the major hotels) and at YVR. If you are staying at a hotel in Vancouver, ask your concierge if the hotel has its own airport shuttle service, as this may be more convenient. 

If you arrive at the airport after 1am, but before 5am, the Canada Line isn't going to be an available option for you. But, like all airports, there are plenty of taxis waiting outside baggage claim to take you to your destination. These taxis are safe and well-regulated. A taxi from the airport to downtown Vancouver is about $40, depending on traffic.

Ask your driver for an estimate before you accept a ride. There are set rates for different areas of Vancouver, so take a look at the map in the taxi to find out how much your trip will cost before you leave. 

Note: While Vancouver may get Uber in 2018 (or another future date), there is currently no Uber available in Vancouver, BC.

If you're dropping someone off or picking someone up at Vancouver International Airport, taking your own car is the simplest option as there are spaces to pull in and say a quick hello or goodbye. To park overnight or for several days at YVR, there is YVR's jetSet parking. The jetSet Parking site lets you book ahead online and will give you a quote for your parking costs. The longer you park, the better the value. One night runs about $25, but one week (a Monday to a Monday) runs around $70 (depending on travel dates).  Discounts are available for AAA members. 

Whistler, BC, is only about 2.5 hours (by car) from the Vancouver International Airport. There are several options for getting to Whistler from YVR:

• The YVR Whistler SkyLynx bus runs from 8:30am and 9pm, and is the "official" bus to and from YVR to Whistler; it leaves from the airport. Find step-by-step instructions on the website. 
• The Whistler Shuttle is a private service that runs from 8:30am to 11:30pm in winter and 8am to 8pm in summer (April-November). Timings are based on your flight arrival/departure times. 
• If your flight arrives after 10pm, you will need a late-night transfer. Ride Booker has info on late-night ride share vans and other late-night options. Some options can be expensive, so plan well in advance!