Vancouver Intl Airport (YVR) Flights & Information

Though it would just barely break the top ten among US airports, Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is the second busiest airport in Canada and still sees nearly 25 million annual passengers. If you’ll be counting yourself among them, try these expert tips for flying through YVR to make the most of your time here.

Public transportation to and from YVR

While you may find private bus companies offering routes to the airport from spots around Vancouver, including downtown, there is one primary mode of public transportation to reach YVR and it’s not a bus. The Canada Line light rail service runs between the airport and downtown, as well as Richmond (the city that’s even closer to the airport).

At YVR, you’ll find the Canada Line in the Link Building between the two terminals, and easily identified signage will take you to the pick-up spot. Tickets are cheap, especially if your party includes just one or two people. If you need three or more adult tickets, you’re heading beyond typical private car costs and may be better off switching at that point; otherwise, the Canada Line should be your top choice.

Trains leave around every 15 minutes at the slowest parts of the day and as often as every seven minutes during peak periods. The total ride to Downtown Vancouver takes about 30 minutes, which is actually a little longer than a non-rush-hour car ride, even though it avoids traffic – the few stops it makes do add on a couple extra minutes each.

To take the Canada Line, I recommend skipping the ticket machine and simply tapping your credit card at the entrance. Each tap will score you one adult fare entry. If you have children with you, go ahead and visit the ticket machine to pay a little less for a child fare.

Long distance buses

If you’re flying to YVR with plans to head further into British Columbia for hotspots like Whistler or Victoria, long distance buses depart directly from the airport. YVR Skylynx tickets can be purchased from kiosks in the domestic arrivals area or online, and you’ll find the buses departing from the international terminal. I appreciate the restrooms onboard for these longer rides, as well as the ample luggage storage below.

Taxis and rideshares

Taxi service from YVR is quick, convenient and surprisingly affordable. Thanks to flat rate service to zoned areas throughout the city, you’ll always know your Vancouver fare ahead of time (barring tolls and cleaning fees for any spills). As noted, the rate costs around the same as three adult tickets on the Canada Line, but keep in mind you might not have room for luggage for three or four in a single cab.

To find the cabs at YVR, head to either of the taxi stands located outside of arrivals at the international and domestic terminals. If you’re arriving to the South terminal, which primarily services regional airlines, don’t make the mistake I’ve made and wait in line for a taxi here. These taxis don’t go to Vancouver, so hop in the shuttle to the main terminal and grab your taxi there.

For whatever reason, flat rate fares between YVR and points within Vancouver are only offered on arrival. When returning to the airport, you’ll pay a metered rate from anywhere in the city except the Canada Place Cruise Ship Terminal. This policy is a stumper, but that’s the way it is. The good news is that metered taxi rates to YVR still tend to remain relatively cheap, and most hotels will summon cabs for you.

Rideshares are also available at YVR, including both Uber and Lyft. Rideshare costs tend to run a few dollars cheaper than taxis here, but may take a bit of time to arrive, while taxis are typically ready to go. If you prefer rideshares, head to the designated pick-up spot outside of each terminal and hail your car. On return, you can be dropped off curbside, as you can with a taxi or any other car drop-off.

Security lines at YVR

Security screenings at Vancouver tend to be quick regardless of terminal, with averages trending under ten minutes. Canada’s version of TSA (CATSA) updates live wait time estimates online every two minutes for all of its major airports, including YVR, so you can get real-time data the day of your flight.

Despite the trend toward streamlined security checks here, I have twice run into epic lines that have trailed to the airport entrance. While these are not the norm, I personally try to arrive earlier than usual for a YVR departure because of these particular instances in my past. If this happens to you and you happen to have Global Entry, know that you can bypass this security line with a secret hack.

Even though this is not an immigration point, YVR offers expedited security clearance to enter its airport for members of NEXUS (the Canadian equivalent of Global Entry) and will also typically allow Global Entry members to use this dramatically shorter line. Keep in mind that they have no access to your Global Entry profile though, so you’ll need to be carrying your physical card to take advantage of this.

Also know that flights heading to the US will clear US immigration here at YVR before boarding instead of on arrival, and this can be a time-consuming step. At peak periods, this could take up to an hour, so budget this into your arrival time. Global Entry will dramatically expedite this process for you, but so can Mobile Passport, which is free to download and join and requires no advance preparation.

Lounges

There are ten lounges at Vancouver International Airport, including many airline lounges and a handful of independent lounges for day rates and members of programs like Priority Pass. Unfortunately, almost all of these are located in the non-US international terminal and the domestic terminal. If you’re flying to the US from YVR, you won’t have access to most of these once you clear immigration to the secure area for US flights.

If you have access to Air Canada lounges, you’ll still be in luck en route to the US. You’ll find a Maple Leaf Lounge in the secure US portion of the international terminal. You can also pay for entry into the Plaza Premium Lounge here, but it comes at a significant cost that outweighs the benefits of the very limited snack and drink selection here. It’s also quite cramped and you can only stay for two hours.

Priority Pass grants free access to all Plaza Premium lounges at YVR though, so feel free to pop in if you’re a member. You can also access the SkyTeam Lounge for non-US international flights at this terminal if you’re a Priority Pass member heading elsewhere in the world.

Indigenous culture at YVR

Vancouver International Airport has serious attractions worth exploring, including art and live animals. While the airport design incorporates natural elements throughout, YVR has a particular focus on representing the land, sea and sky through an indigenous lens. Local First Nations tribes are specifically represented through an extensive art collection, including sculptures, carvings and other pieces of all scales, often dwarfing travelers who pass around and through them.

My favorite piece, The Spirit of Haida Gwaii, the Jade Canoe, is found in the international terminal, but you’ll find equally impressive and monumental works throughout YVR. If you’re arriving from the US or any other international origin, you’ll also pass under my other favorite piece, the massive carved Thunderbird, painted in traditional First Nations style and guarding the entrance to Pacific Passage, where you’ll also find a waterfall.

Indoor nature and aquatic life at YVR

Speaking of waterfalls, YVR is home to indoor green spaces and other natural elements that reflect British Columbia habitats and instill a sense of calm in an otherwise bustling venue. In addition to the waterfall and several green spaces throughout, my favorite element is the indoor creek, which is nearly 200 feet long and stocked with freshwater fish in the international departures area (after security).

The river fish aren’t the only aquatic life thriving at YVR though. You’ll also find a 30,000-gallon aquarium home to more than 20,000 plants and creatures, from colorful fish and vibrant anemones to captivating eels and urchins. It’s massive and worth exploring, but if you only have time for one exhibit, I suggest checking out the smaller jellyfish aquarium instead. This nearly 500-gallon display is always enchanting. Both are maintained in partnership with Vancouver Aquarium.