Airport Guide to Vancouver International (YVR)

Airport Overview

Terminal Transfer | Getting into Town | Car Parking | Information Desks | Airport Facilities

Vancouver International Airport has a wide range of non-stop flights to Europe, Asia and the Americas and is conveniently located only 12km (7.5 miles) from downtown Vancouver.

What’s special about this airport is that it is located on Sea Island, just across the river from Vancouver. A large conservation project, it is designed to offset the environmental impact of the airport.

Passengers using Vancouver International will find that there’s a lot to do at the airport. Shopping ranges from small souvenirs to great duty-free items. There is a variety of restaurants and snack bars and there’s a host of other services to enjoy. As the second-busiest airport in Canada, it is easy to find flights to Vancouver International. The airport is a regional hub for Air Canada, Air Canada Jazz and Air Transat.

Vancouver International Airport is the gateway to the famously cosmopolitan city of Vancouver and the natural charms of western Canada. There is plenty to do at the airport, and with its friendly staff and beautiful surroundings this is a great introduction to the region.

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Terminal Transfer

The link building connects the International and Domestic Terminals. It takes three minutes to walk from one building to the other. However, if you’re walking from the farthest point in the International Terminal to the opposite side of the Domestic Terminal the stroll will take approximately 22 minutes.

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Getting into Town

Train: The Canada Line connects Vancouver International Airport to downtown Vancouver in 26 minutes. It also connects to downtown Richmond in just 18 minutes. The station is situated between the Domestic and International Terminals. Ticket prices are worked out according to a zone system and start at C$2.50 and go up to C$5 for three zones. The fare from downtown Vancouver to the airport is C$3.75 as it goes through two zones; however, passengers travelling from the airport into Vancouver have to pay an extra C$5. Trains leave every six to seven minutes during peak periods and every 20 minutes during off-peak times. The first train is at 5:08am and the last train leaves the airport at 12:57am.

Bus: There are several long-distance buses operating from Vancouver International Airport and there is a convenient downtown shuttle service. The Aeroshuttle stops at a number of popular hotels in downtown Vancouver, costs C$14, and can be found in the ground transport areas of both terminals. Long distance buses leave the airport from both terminals and tickets can be bought in arrivals at the individual bus counters.

Taxis: Taxis are available outside level 2 of the Domestic Terminal and outside the arrivals greeting area of the international terminal. The taxi fare into downtown Vancouver generally costs C$28-32 including tax. Taxis are available at the airport 24-hours a day.

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Car Parking

Parking options at Vancouver International Airport range from hourly parking to long-term and economy parking. Parkade level one is for hourly parking only and costs C$8.50 per hour. Levels two and three also cost C$8.50 per hour, but daily and weekly rates are also available. The parkade is directly across from the terminals. The economy lot is a short walk from the terminals and costs C$8.50 per hour, C$21.25 per day or C$138 per week. The long-term parking is connected to the terminals via a shuttle bus that runs every 15 minutes or so (24 hours a day). Rates start at C$4.25 per hour and go up to C$15.75 per day and C$102 per week. Valet parking is also available.

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Information Desks

There are nine customer information desks located throughout the airport; green coated volunteers also roam the airport and are always happy to assist passengers. Staff are multilingual and really knowledgeable on regional attractions as well as accommodation and directions around Vancouver.

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Airport Facilities

Money and communications: Currency-exchange facilities, ATMs, banks and a post office are all available at the airport.

Luggage: Luggage trolleys are provided free of charge. Luggage storage is available at Priority Baggage on level two of the Domestic Terminal as well as CDS Ltd. Baggage Services in the International Terminal on level Three. Rates range between C$3.50 and C$7 per item per 24 hours, depending upon the size of your luggage. Baggage-wrapping services are also available on level three of the International Terminal. The lost-and-found desk at the airport is located on departures level three of the International terminal.

Conference and business: CDS Ltd. Baggage Services provides Internet access, workstations, fax and photocopying services on level three of the International Terminal. Conference facilities are available at the on-site Fairmont Vancouver Airport Hotel. The facilities include soundproof rooms, catering, audio-visual equipment as well as many other services and amenities.

Other facilities: Spas, hair salon, shoe shine, shoe and luggage repair services, dry-cleaning and laundry services, a pharmacy, dentist, wellness centre, medical clinic, chapel, airline lounges and pay-per-use lounges are all offered at Vancouver International Airport.

Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, simply connect to the airport’s wireless network and open your browser.

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