Skip to content

Visiting Vancouver

A RapidBus driving up a hill with a scenic view of downtown Vancouver in the background

Welcome to Metro Vancouver! Here are tips for getting to and from the airport, plus how to use transit to get you wherever you need to go in the region.

On this page

    How to use Transit in Metro Vancouver

    Metro Vancouver's public transit system is designed to be an easy and enjoyable experience for everyone. The more you know about how things work, the better your trip will be!

    SkyTrain

     A new SkyTrain stopping at an empty station

    The SkyTrain is the region's autonomous rail rapid transit system. It consists of several lines: the Expo and Millenium SkyTrain lines and the Canada Line.

    The Expo and Millennium SkyTrain Lines connect downtown Vancouver with the cities of Burnaby, New Westminster, Surrey, Port Moody, and Coquitlam. The Canada Line connects downtown Vancouver to the Vancouver International Airport (YVR) and the city of Richmond.

    When waiting for SkyTrain, wait behind the yellow line on the ground. Make sure to let the passengers exit the train before you hop on.

    If you have any questions at our stations, you can talk to a SkyTrain Attendant. SkyTrain Attendants have labelled jackets and are here to help!

    Learn more about SkyTrain service on the SkyTrain Schedules and Maps page.

    Bus

     A bus driving next to a black car on an empty street with trees in the background

    Metro Vancouver has an extensive bus network composed of buses, RapidBuses, trolleys, and community shuttles. 85% of Metro Vancouver residents have a bus stop within 400 metres of their home.

    Learn more about bus service on the Bus Schedules and Maps page.

      

    SeaBus

     A SeaBus sailing towards downtown Vancouver on a cloudy day

    SeaBus is a passenger-only ferry that crosses the Burrard Inlet, connecting downtown Vancouver with the North Shore.

    Learn more about our SeaBus service on the SeaBus Schedules and Maps page.

    West Coast Express

     A long passenger train stopped at a station and passengers embarking off and walking up stairs to ground level

    West Coast Express is a Monday to Friday commuter rail service operating during peak morning and evening periods between downtown Vancouver and Mission.

    Learn more about West Coast Express on our West Coast Express Schedules and Maps page.

    Fare Zones and How to Pay

    The cost of your fare is determined by your mode of travel, time of day, and how many zones you travel in.

    How often will you use transit in Metro Vancouver?

    Occasionally

     Option 1: Buy a one-time Compass Ticket

    • Unlimited transfers for 90 minutes from tap-in on any mode of transit (except West Coast Express). Valid on date of purchase only. Zone fare system applies.

    Option 2: Tap to Pay

    • Skip the line at the Compass Vending Machine.

    • Ride everywhere with your contactless American Express®, MasterCard®, Visa® credit or debit card, or mobile wallet to pay the adult cash fare.

    Option 3: DayPass Ticket

    • Unlimited trips on the date you purchase, until the end of our service day.

    • Saves money if you use transit multiple times in one day.

    Frequently

    Buy a re-loadable Compass Card. $6 refundable deposit required.

    Option 1: Add Stored Value to your Compass Card

    • Load your card with $5 or more

    • The system automatically deducts the correct fare for each trip.

    Option 2: Add a DayPass to your Compass Card

    • Load your card with a DayPass for unlimited same-day trips.

    • Saves money if you use transit multiple times in one day.

    Learn more about fare pricing

    Fare Zones

    Fare Zone Map

    How to Pay

    We accept a number of payment options for fares, including:

    • Compass Card

    • Compass Ticket

    • Contactless payment cards

    • Mobile wallets: Apple, Google, or Samsung Pay

    • Cash (bus services only)

    Kids Ride Free!

    Children aged 12 and under can ride TransLink services free of charge. Learn more on the Fare Pricing and Zones page.

    A blue adult Compass Card

    Compass Card: The Reloadable Fare Card

    Compass Cards and Tickets are available at SkyTrain stations, SeaBus terminals, Tsawwassen and Horseshoe Bay ferry terminals, YVR Airport, and select Vancouver retailers.

    Tap your card on the reader at the fare gate when entering and exiting SkyTrain stations or SeaBus terminals. For buses, only tap the reader when you enter.

    See where to buy Compass Cards

    Getting Around Map

    We serve all the most popular tourist destinations in Metro Vancouver! Use the map below to plan a trip to your next destination. 


    Metro Vancouver Attractions

    No more results for this search.

    Getting to and from YVR Airport

    Residents and visitors alike can take the Canada Line to and from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) Station in Richmond to access key transit hubs in the region.

    Take the Canada Line to and from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) Station in Richmond. The Canada Line connects YVR airport and Waterfront Station in Downtown Vancouver. The total trip takes approximately 25 minutes.

    The Canada Line also offers service between Waterfront Station and Richmond–Brighouse Station. To get to YVR from Aberdeen, Lansdowne, or Richmond–Brighouse stations, change at Bridgeport.

    Getting to and from Abbotsford Airport

    Residents and visitors going to and coming from Abbotsford International Airport (YXX) can now take the YXX shuttle, a new express service operated by Ace Charters Vancouver with direct connections to King George SkyTrain Station, Gloucester Estates, and Abbotsford International Airport.

    Continuing past King George? The trip between Downtown Vancouver and King George Station takes just under 40 minutes on the Skytrain.

    For more information, visit abbotsfordshuttles.ca

    Getting to and from Major Metro Vancouver Ports

    BC Ferry Terminals

    View transit routes to and from Horseshoe Bay ferry terminal in Trip Planner. This terminal services routes to Sunshine Coast, Bowen Island, and Nanaimo on Vancouver Island.

     

    View transit routes to and from Tsawwassen Ferry terminal in Trip Planner. This flagship terminal services major routes to the southern Gulf Islands, Victoria and Duke Point on Vancouver Island.

    Canada Place Cruise Terminal

    View transit routes to and from Canada Place Cruise terminal in Trip Planner.

    Pacific Central Station

    View transit routes to and from Pacific Central Station in Trip Planner.

    Plan Your Trip

    Enter where you're departing from and where you're going to in our Trip Planner for detailed route information.

    Bus schedules are also available at the Airport Customer Service Counters and at the Visitor Information Centres on the Arrivals Level of both terminals.

    More Information

    Where can I find out about transit disruptions?

    You can view transit alerts, or subscribe to have them sent straight to your cell phone or email.

    Are there any common rules for transit etiquette?

    Our etiquette pages offer guidelines for a safer, more efficient journey, information on bringing pets when you travel, and tips for travelling in winter.

    Does TransLink have any accessible transit options?

    We know that many riders have accessibility needs, and do our best to accommodate them across our transit services. Learn more about accessible transit.

    HandyDART

    HandyDART offers door-to-door service to and from the Vancouver International Airport (YVR). Plan your trip by reviewing our HandyDART Pick-up/Drop-off Map.

    Vancouver Tourism

    For things to do, seasonal events, restaurant, and hotel recommendations, check out Destination Vancouver.