Vancouver International Airport (YVR) to Vancouver
The Canada Line SkyTrain runs from the airport to downtown Vancouver (Waterfront) in about 25 minutes. Taxis charge flat zone fares of about C$35–45 to downtown.
Best for most people: Train. The Canada Line is fast, frequent and stops at the airport terminal, avoiding bridge traffic.
All the options
| How | Time | How often | Price* | Hours | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| train Canada Line SkyTrain from YVR-Airport station to Vancouver City Centre and Waterfront | about 25 min to Waterfront | every 6–10 min | about C$9–11 including the C$5 YVR AddFare charged on trips from the airport | about 05:00–01:00 | Tap a contactless card or phone at the gates, or buy a Compass ticket at the machines. |
| taxi Official taxi rank outside International and Domestic Arrivals | about 25–35 min | flat zone fare of about C$35–45 to downtown, plus tip | 24 h | Flat rates by zone are posted at the rank. | |
| ride-hailing Uber and Lyft from the designated pick-up area on the parkade level | about 25–35 min | about C$30–50, depending on demand | 24 h | Follow the rideshare signs. |
*Approximate 2026 prices and times. Services change: check the operator before you fly, especially for late arrivals.
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Tips
- The AddFare applies only when leaving the airport; trips to the airport do not pay it.
- If you tap a contactless card, use the same card for every trip to get the correct fare.
- Tipping taxi drivers around 10–15 percent is normal in Canada.
- Cruise passengers can ride the Canada Line to Waterfront, a short walk from Canada Place.
Common questions
How much is the SkyTrain from Vancouver airport?
A trip from YVR to downtown on the Canada Line costs about C$9–11, which includes the C$5 YVR AddFare charged on journeys leaving the airport. Tap a contactless bank card or phone at the gates, or buy a Compass ticket from the machines. Children and some passes are exempt from the AddFare.
How much is a taxi from YVR to downtown?
Taxis charge flat zone fares from the airport, typically about C$35–45 to downtown Vancouver, plus a customary tip. The rates are posted at the rank. Uber and Lyft operate from the designated pick-up area and can be cheaper or more expensive, depending on demand.
How long does it take to get downtown?
The Canada Line reaches Vancouver City Centre in about 22 minutes and Waterfront in about 25 minutes. A taxi or rideshare usually takes 25–35 minutes, longer at rush hour on the bridges. Trains are frequent, so you rarely wait more than ten minutes.
Does the Canada Line run at night?
The Canada Line runs from about 05:00 until around 01:00. After that, use a taxi or rideshare from the ranks outside Arrivals; some night buses run in the region, but with luggage a taxi is far easier. Check TransLink for the exact first and last trains before a late arrival.
Compiled by TonyPlan from airport and transport-operator information and travel knowledge; updated 2026-10-05. Anything we could not confirm is marked as approximate.