Vancouver Airport Guide

Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is consistently rated one of the best airports in North America and serves as the primary gateway to British Columbia and Western Canada. Located on Sea Island in Richmond, approximately 12 km south of downtown Vancouver, it is a major hub for Air Canada and handles over 26 million passengers annually.

The airport has one main terminal building with distinct zones for different flight types:

• Domestic Terminal (Piers A, B, C): All Canadian domestic flights
• International Terminal (Pier D): International flights excluding US
• US Terminal (Pier E): US-bound flights with US Preclearance facility

The Domestic and International/US areas are connected within the same building but separated by security checkpoints. YVR is renowned for its stunning Indigenous art displays, including the famous Jade Canoe sculpture and Spirit of Haida Gwaii, showcasing the art and culture of British Columbia's First Nations.

A key feature is the US Preclearance facility in Pier E, where passengers clear US Customs and Border Protection before boarding, allowing arrival at US airports as domestic passengers.

Key fact: All terminals are contained within one building. Domestic gates (A, B, C) are connected airside. Moving between Domestic and International/US terminals requires passing through security checkpoints.

Terminal Layout

Terminal	Gates	Primary Airlines
Domestic (Pier A)	A1-A16	Regional carriers
Domestic (Pier B)	B14-B26	WestJet, domestic carriers
Domestic (Pier C)	C29-C55	Air Canada domestic hub
International (Pier D)	D48-D78	International flights (non-US)
US Terminal (Pier E)	E80-E95	US-bound flights (preclearance)

Walk Times

From	To	Walk Time	Notes
Domestic B gates	Domestic C gates	5-8 min	Connected airside
Domestic C gates	International D gates	10-15 min	Security checkpoint required
Domestic gates	US Terminal E gates	15-20 min	US Preclearance required
International D	US Terminal E	10-12 min	Both airside post-security
Arrivals	Canada Line station	5-8 min	Via covered walkway

Minimum Connection Times

Connection Type	Minimum	Comfortable
Domestic to Domestic	45 min	75 min
Domestic to US (Preclearance)	90 min	2 hours
Domestic to International	60 min	90 min
International to Domestic	90 min	2 hours
US arrival to International	60 min	90 min

US Preclearance

All passengers flying to the United States clear US Customs and Border Protection at YVR before boarding. This means you arrive in the US as a domestic passenger with no immigration queues on arrival.

Process:

1. Check in at US Departures area
2. Pass through Canadian security screening
3. Clear US Customs and Border Protection (passport, visa if required, customs declaration)
4. Proceed to US Terminal gates (E gates)

Preclearance hours: 04:30-20:30 daily

Tips:

• NEXUS or Global Entry holders can use expedited lines
• Mobile Passport Control app can speed up the process
• Preclearance queues can be 30-60 minutes during peak afternoon periods
• Book at least 2.5 hours for domestic to US connections

International Arrivals

If arriving internationally and connecting to a domestic flight:

1. Exit plane at International Terminal (D gates)
2. Clear Canadian immigration (15-45 min typical, longer during peak arrivals)
3. Collect checked bags at carousel
4. Clear customs
5. Re-check bags if connecting (transfer desk available)
6. Walk to Domestic Terminal
7. Clear security again

Vancouver International Airport is located 12 km south of downtown Vancouver in Richmond, with excellent public transit connections via the Canada Line SkyTrain.

Typical travel times:

• Downtown Vancouver: 25 minutes by Canada Line
• Downtown Vancouver by taxi/rideshare: 20-35 minutes (traffic dependent)
• Richmond city center: 18 minutes by Canada Line
• Whistler: 2.5-3 hours by shuttle bus

The Canada Line SkyTrain station is located above the parking garage, accessible via covered walkway from both Domestic and International arrivals.

Taxi

Taxis operate on a flat-rate zone system from YVR. Taxi stands are located outside the arrivals level of both terminals.

Destination	Fare (CAD)	Time
Downtown Vancouver	$34-38	20-30 min
Richmond city center	$18-22	10-15 min
Burnaby	$42-48	25-35 min
North Vancouver	$55-65	30-45 min
Surrey	$65-75	35-50 min

All taxis accept credit cards. Fares include applicable fees.

Rideshare

Uber and Lyft operate at YVR.

• Pickup location: Follow signs to rideshare pickup area, Level 1 of the parkade
• Services available: UberX, Uber Comfort, Uber XL, Lyft
• Typical fare to downtown: CAD $30-50 (varies by demand)
• YVR fee: $4 surcharge applies to all rideshare trips

Tip: During peak hours or bad weather, the Canada Line is often faster and cheaper than rideshare.

Canada Line (SkyTrain)

The Canada Line provides rapid transit service from YVR directly to downtown Vancouver. The station is located above the covered parking garage, a 5-8 minute walk from arrivals.

To Downtown Vancouver (Waterfront Station):

1. Follow signs to "SkyTrain" from arrivals
2. Take Canada Line direction Waterfront
3. Exit at Waterfront Station (8 stops, 25 minutes)

Ticket Type	Price (CAD)
Single adult (2 zones + YVR AddFare)	$9.00 (Compass Card)
Single adult (cash/Tap to Pay)	$9.85
Day Pass	$11.25

Note: A $5 YVR AddFare applies to trips originating from YVR, Sea Island Centre, or Templeton stations. Monthly pass holders are exempt from this surcharge.

Frequency: Every 6-7 minutes (peak) / Every 20 minutes (late night) Operating hours: 05:08-00:57 (first/last trains from YVR)

Bus Connections

TransLink buses connect from the airport and nearby stations to areas not served by SkyTrain. The N10 night bus operates when SkyTrain is closed.

YVR offers multiple parking options with online pre-booking discounts available at yvr.ca.

Terminal Parkade

Duration	Rate (CAD)
First 30 minutes	Free
Each additional 30 min	$14
Daily maximum	$65

• Connected directly to terminal (1-5 minute walk)
• Maximum 7-day booking
• Height restriction: 6'6" (2 metres)
• Free EV charging available

Value Long Term (VLT)

Duration	Rate (CAD)
Daily	From $22
Weekly maximum	$153.50

• Located at Templeton Canada Line Station
• Free SkyTrain to terminal (05:10-00:56)
• Free shuttle outside train hours (every 20 minutes)
• Height restriction: 11'9" (3.6 metres)

jetSet YVR Parking

Duration	Rate (CAD)
Daily	$29.50
Weekly	$141

• Valet drop-off service
• Free shuttle to terminal

Tip: Book online for discounts up to 20%. All rates include 24% TransLink parking tax.

YVR is known for excellent airport dining, with a focus on West Coast and local BC cuisine.

Domestic Terminal (Post-Security)

• Salmon n' Bannock on the Fly: Canada's only Indigenous-owned airport restaurant, serving bison sandwiches, wild rice pudding, and signature salmon dishes on bannock bread
• Stanley Park Brewing: Craft beers including the YVR-exclusive Wheels Up IPA, gourmet burgers, fish and chips
• The Dirty Apron: Fresh sandwiches, salads, and prepared foods from Vancouver's popular cooking school
• Canucks Bar & Grill: Sports bar with NHL memorabilia, burgers, wings

International Terminal (Post-Security)

• Lift Bar and Grill: Upscale West Coast cuisine, fresh seafood, steaks
• Vino Volo: Wine bar with artisanal cheese and charcuterie
• Hanami Express: Japanese sushi and bento boxes
• Thai Hang: Vietnamese pho and lemongrass dishes

US Terminal (Post-Security)

• Globe@YVR: Fine dining at the Fairmont Hotel with mountain and runway views

Quick Service

• Tim Hortons: Multiple locations throughout terminals
• Starbucks: Several locations
• A&W, Wendy's, Carl's Jr.: Fast food options

24-hour option: UpMeals vending machines offer fresh bowls, wraps, and juices stocked daily (5 locations throughout the airport).

Budget tip: Prices are typical airport rates. For better value, eat before clearing security or grab items from 7-Eleven.

Free WiFi is available throughout Vancouver International Airport.

Detail	Information
Network name	YVR Free WiFi
Registration	Accept terms and conditions
Time limit	Unlimited
Speed	Good for browsing, email, and light streaming

YVR was the first North American airport to offer free WiFi and has 70+ antennas throughout the terminal. Speeds may slow during peak hours.

SIM card options at the airport are limited compared to downtown Vancouver.

Airport Locations

• The SIM Shop (Arrivals): Prepaid plans from Bell, Rogers, Virgin Mobile
• 7-Eleven (Level 1, Domestic): SpeakOut SIM cards (Rogers network)
• Phonebox (Currency Exchange): Various prepaid options

Major Canadian Carriers

Provider	Typical Prepaid Cost (CAD)
Rogers	From $40/month (10GB)
Bell	From $45/month (10GB)
Telus	From $45/month (10GB)
Fido	From $35/month (budget option)

Tip: Airport prices are significantly higher than downtown stores. For better deals, visit a Rogers, Bell, or Telus store on Robson Street in downtown Vancouver. Consider ordering an eSIM in advance if your phone supports it.

ATMs are located throughout all terminal areas in both arrivals and departures.

Currency

• Canada: Canadian Dollar (CAD)
• Exchange rate: Approximately 1 USD = 1.35-1.45 CAD (check current rates)

Currency Exchange

ICE Currency Exchange and other exchange counters are located in arrivals and departures. Airport rates include significant markups.

Better alternatives:

• Withdraw CAD from ATMs using a no-fee debit card (Scotiabank ATMs widely available)
• Canada is highly card-friendly; contactless payments accepted almost everywhere
• Use Wise or Revolut for better exchange rates
• Many establishments accept US dollars but give change in CAD at poor rates

YVR offers extensive shopping with an emphasis on Canadian and BC products.

Duty-Free

Vancouver Duty Free (International Departures) operates two walkthrough locations totaling 30,000 sq ft post-security in Pier D.

• Exclusive brands: Charlotte Tilbury, NARS, Byredo, Penhaligon
• Canadian whisky tasting bar featuring BC distilleries
• BC wines from Mission Hill and other Okanagan wineries
• Pre-order online at vancouver.shopdutyfree.com for 20% off

Canadian & Indigenous Products

Look for the red leaf symbol throughout the airport marking locally made products:

• Pacific Farms Market (Domestic, near C50): BC artisan snacks, 49th Parallel coffee, local self-care products
• Indigenous art: First Nations art pieces available at various gift shops
• Maple syrup, BC salmon, local chocolates: Available at multiple retailers

Specialty Stores

• Tentree (Domestic, near C29): Sustainable Canadian clothing
• Hudson News: Books, magazines, travel essentials
• Tech stores: Electronics and travel accessories

Tip: Non-residents can claim GST/HST refunds on eligible purchases. Best shopping selection is in the International Terminal (D gates).

YVR has several lounge options, with Air Canada operating the primary lounges as their hub.

Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges

Maple Leaf Lounge - Domestic (near gate C29):

• Access: Air Canada Business, Star Alliance Gold, Maple Leaf Club members
• Hours: 05:00-21:00
• Amenities: Hot and cold buffet, beverages, WiFi, workstations
• Notes: No showers available

Maple Leaf Lounge - International (Pier D):

• Access: Air Canada Business, Star Alliance Gold
• Hours: Varies by flight schedule
• Amenities: Full-service buffet, bar, comfortable seating

Maple Leaf Lounge - Transborder (near gate E84):

• Access: Air Canada Business, Star Alliance Gold
• Hours: 06:30-20:00
• Amenities: Modern design, buffet, bar, quiet areas
• Notes: Located past US Preclearance

Guest fee: CAD $59 per person

Plaza Premium Lounges

Plaza Premium Lounge (Domestic, near B15):

• Access: Priority Pass (check current status), paid entry, credit card programs
• Hours: 05:00-21:00
• Amenities: Hot food, full bar with Steamworks craft beer on tap, showers
• Day pass: From CAD $65

Note: Plaza Premium is currently part of Priority Pass for domestic departures. Verify current access before traveling.

Credit Card Lounges

• American Express cardholders can access Plaza Premium with various cards
• Check your card benefits for current lounge access at YVR

At the Airport

Fairmont Vancouver Airport

• Located directly in the terminal above US Departures
• 4-star, 392 soundproofed rooms with runway or mountain views
• No shuttle required - walk directly from terminals
• Restaurant (Globe@YVR), spa, indoor pool, fitness center
• Day-use rooms available (4, 6, or 8 hours) for layovers
• From CAD $250/night
• Fairmont Gold level offers private lounge and YVR Fast Track security

Near the Airport

• Sheraton Vancouver Airport: 5-minute drive, complimentary shuttle, from CAD $180/night
• Hilton Vancouver Airport: 5-minute drive, shuttle service, from CAD $170/night
• Best Western Plus Vancouver Airport: Budget-friendly, free shuttle, from CAD $120/night
• Holiday Inn Express Vancouver Airport: Near Richmond, free shuttle, from CAD $130/night

Richmond (10-15 minutes)

Richmond offers more budget-friendly options with easy Canada Line access:

• Multiple hotels along No. 3 Road with SkyTrain access
• Asian dining options in Richmond's Golden Village

Vancouver is a stunning coastal city surrounded by mountains, ocean, and forests. The city center is just 25 minutes from the airport by SkyTrain.

Getting to Key Attractions

Destination	Travel Time	Route
Stanley Park	35 min	Canada Line to Waterfront + bus or taxi
Granville Island	35 min	Canada Line to Yaletown-Roundhouse + walk/Aquabus
Gastown	30 min	Canada Line to Waterfront
Capilano Suspension Bridge	45 min	Canada Line to Waterfront + shuttle bus
Grouse Mountain	50 min	Canada Line + SeaBus + bus
Whistler	2.5-3 hours	Shuttle bus from YVR

Travel Tips

• Purchase a Compass Card for unlimited SkyTrain, SeaBus, and bus travel
• Vancouver is extremely walkable; downtown attractions are within 30 minutes on foot
• Rent bikes through Mobi bike share (stations throughout downtown and Stanley Park)
• Tipping is expected: 15-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars
• The city is rain-prone (especially October-March) - bring a waterproof jacket

Layover Recommendations

• 4-hour layover: Take the Canada Line to Waterfront, walk through Gastown, return
• 6-hour layover: Add a walk along the Stanley Park Seawall (rent bikes near Coal Harbour)
• 8+ hour layover: Visit Granville Island Public Market, explore Yaletown, dinner downtown

Whistler Access

Whistler, a world-renowned ski resort, is accessible by shuttle bus from YVR:

• YVR Skylynx and Whistler Shuttle operate multiple daily departures
• Travel time: 2.5-3 hours (longer in winter due to weather)
• Fare: From CAD $60-90 one-way
• Tip: Book at least 72 hours in advance, especially during ski season

Vancouver Specialties

• BC Salmon: Fresh Pacific salmon prepared countless ways
• Sushi: Vancouver has exceptional Japanese food rivaling major cities
• Asian cuisine: Richmond (near the airport) has outstanding dim sum and Chinese food
• Craft beer: Local breweries including Strange Fellows, Brassneck, and 33 Acres
• Coffee: 49th Parallel, Revolver, and numerous independent roasters

Day Trips from Vancouver

• Victoria: 3.5 hours via BC Ferries, charming provincial capital
• Whistler: 2.5 hours, world-class skiing and mountain village
• Sea-to-Sky Gondola (Squamish): 1 hour, stunning views
• Bowen Island: 30-minute ferry, peaceful island escape