Vancouver International Airport (YVR), also known as Aéroport international de Vancouver, is the second largest airport in Canada and is located about 12 km southwest of the main city center. Upon arrival, you can reach downtown Vancouver by SkyTrain, Taxi, Private Transfer, Uber, Lyft or Rental Car.

This guide compares all available airport transfers at Vancouver Airport (YVR) according to classic travel factors. This includes travel time, cost per person (pp), a short route description and links to book or buy tickets.

Transfer comparison from YVR airport to downtown

Overview of all transfer options from Vancouver Airport to the City Center

	Transport	Travel time	Cost	More
	SkyTrain	30 Min.	CA$ 9.35	Details
	Taxi	25 Min.	CA$ 21‑36	Details
	Private Transfer	25 Min.	CA$ 80	Details
	Uber	25 Min.	CA$ 30-70	Details
	Lyft	25 Min.	CA$ 30‑50	Details
	Rental Car	25 Min.	Individ.	Details

Notices:
• The optimal transfer depends on the number of travelers, budget and available time.
• There may be waiting times at the taxi rank if there are high volume of passengers. In this case, a pre-booked transfer (e.g. via Private Transfer) is the more faster and comfortable option.

SkyTrain

Timetable here, tickets on-site ↗

Travel time:

30 minutes

Cost:

CA$ 9.35 pp (2 zones + $5 YVR AddFare)

Description:

SkyTrain ‘Canada Line’ from Vancouver Airport (stop at International Terminal) to downtown Vancouver to the stations “Yaletown-Roundhouse”, “Vancouver City Centre” or “Waterfront Station”

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Taxi

Official local taxis

Travel time:

25 minutes

Cost:

CA$ 21-36 (zone dependent)

Description:

Taxi from Vancouver Airport (all terminals, level 2) to downtown Vancouver or directly to your accommodation / hotel in the city center

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Private Transfer (AD)

Book a Private Transfer ↗

Travel time:

25 minutes

Cost:

CA$ 80

Description:

Comfortable private transfer (via AirportTransfer.com) from Vancouver Airport (Nameplate in the Arrival Hall) to central Vancouver or directly to your accommodation

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Uber (AD)

Order an Uber ride ↗

Travel time:

25 minutes

Cost:

CA$ 30-70

Description:

Uber from Vancouver airport (pickup location according to Uber app) to central Vancouver or directly to your accommodation

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Lyft

Order a Lyft ride ↗

Travel time:

25 minutes

Cost:

CA$ 30-50

Description:

Lyft from Vancouver airport (pickup location according to Lyft app) to central Vancouver or directly to your accommodation

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Rental Car

Hire a rental car ↗

Travel time:

25 minutes

Cost:

Depending on the company

Description:

Rental Car from Vancouver Airport (counter in parking garage across from the main terminal) to Vancouver, to your accommodation & more

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Things to know about Vancouver:

1. Greenpeace was founded in Vancouver in 1971
2. Stanley Park in Vancouver is 10 % bigger than New York’s Central Park
3. The California Roll was invented by a Vancouver Sushi Chef (Hidekazu Tojo)