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Canada Line is expected to be in service late 2009
Vancouver International Airport Vancouver Metro Map

Last Updated: Dec 23, 2007

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NB: Westcoast Express provides rush hour unidirectional trips only.  Intercity train services, served by Amtrak, VIA Rail and Whistler Mountaineer, are infrequent.  The Whistler Mountaineer provides luxurious travel experience to Whistler from North Vancouver Station, all other intercity trains leave from Pacific Central Station beside Main St. Science World Station.  Intercity buses more dependable than trains.

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Vancouver Transit Info with External Links

[See Entire System Map by Translink (PDF)] [Ride Guide (PDF)] [Sky Tour] [Official Translink Web site]
The System
Vancouver's skytrain forms the backbone of the transit system for the Greater Vancouver region's 2 million people.  Buses, B-line buses, the Seabus, and the Westcoast Express are integrated into one system.  With the exception of the Westcoast Express, all modes of transit is under one fare system and you do not have to pay twice within a certain period of time counting from the minute you validate your ticket or put money into the money box in buses.  With a transfer, you are entitled to travel anywhere in any direction before the time shown.  You need to keep your ticket as proof of payment of fare.

Skytrain
The Skytrain has two lines, the Expo and the Millennium Lines.  They share the same tracks and platforms along all stations between Waterfront and Columbia Stations.  Watch the electronic sign on the platform to avoid taking the wrong train.  It either says "Expo Line to King George" or Millennium Line to VCC-Clark".  The Millennium Line loops around in the eastern suburbs of Vancouver.  Skytrains are very popular due to good service frequency and travel speed.

Buses
Except for the green Airport Bus, all city buses and express buses are run by the Coast Mountain Bus Company under the umbrella of Translink.  Call 604-953-3333 for real time scheduling.  Their automated phone service is very efficient and helps thousands of tourists and locals to find out when the next bus comes (or if at all), and whether the bus you are waiting for is the right one.  B Lines (express buses serving only limited stops) operate in some major corridors.  The service level and dependability of buses are much lower than that of the Skytrain, and buses are not capable of keeping their schedules during rush hours.  99-B on the Broadway corridor is usually full during much of the day when UBC is in winter session (September - April).

Avoid taking buses if you can, as they are often full and late during rush hours, and most bus lines only run very infrequent services at night.  Suburb buses are even less frequent.  Many bus routes only run during certain hours so if you are unsure, ask others at the bus stop or call 604-953-3333.  Biking is often faster than taking the bus within the city limits of Vancouver; for trips within the Downtown peninsula walking makes much more sense.  Night buses provide hourly service along certain "N routes".  Call or check on line for more info. Some buses are painted red and blue and some are blue and yellow.  They all belong to the same company (Coast Mountain Bus Company).

Westcoast Express
Commuter trains only.  Limited service that travels westbound only (Mission City to Vancouver) during morning rush hours.  Trains only travel eastbound to Mission City during evening peak hours.  See this page for more information

Vancouver Airport to City
All scheduled flights and most charter routes embark at the Main Terminal, which is divided between the International and Domestic terminals.  Taxis are the primary mode of transport for tourists.  The ride between Downtown Vancouver and the Airport (YVR) costs about $22 and it takes about 27 minutes.  Allow at least 2 hours if you have to take the bus, you need to change buses at the Airport Station.  Buses do not have storage space for luggage, so taking the bus is not recommended for travelers with large pieces of luggage.  There is no airport check-in service available at downtown currently (until late 2009).  Taxis are known to be in short supply during summer peak tourist season so call ahead if possible.  Another option is to take the green airport buses.  They are not part of the city's transit system, and are available from the international terminal to Downtown.

Regular intercity bus service is available between the airport and Seattle, Victoria and Whistler, among other destinations.  There are a number of companies that provide intercity bus services.