Vancouver International Airport

Welcome

Vancouver International Airport (YVR) isn't just a hub for air travel; it's also a streamlined transit hub thanks to the integrated Canada Line station. Located just 12 km southwest of Downtown Vancouver, YVR offers travelers the ease of stepping directly from train to terminal. Beyond the seamless connectivity, the airport's distinctive touch is evident in the display of Indigenous art and a quieter ambiance that sets it apart from other North American behemoths. The landside food and shopping offerings are an added bonus, even for those not flying.

At a glance

Handling 26.2 million passengers a year, YVR serves as a major hub for Air Canada, WestJet, and Pacific Coastal Airlines. Its dual-terminal setup consists of the Main Terminal, primarily for Air Canada and WestJet, and the South Terminal, which caters to Pacific Coastal Airlines. Despite the airport's size, the compact yet intelligently planned layout ensures that navigating between domestic, international, and U.S. areas in the Main Terminal remains relatively straightforward.

Terminals & layout

The Main Terminal is divided into domestic, international, and U.S. zones while the South Terminal focuses on regional flights. Though the airport only has two terminals, travelers should check the interactive terminal maps to get oriented, as some connections might involve more walking than expected. Signage throughout the terminals reflects YVR’s commitment to a clear and local sense of place, highlighted by Indigenous motifs and art.

Getting to and from the city

YVR's connectivity shines with the Canada Line's airport station built right into the Main Terminal, making transit to Downtown Vancouver a breeze. For those opting for road transport, taxis from YVR Taxi Service operate on zone-based fares, and ride-sharing options like Lyft and Uber are readily available. If cost efficiency is a priority, the Canada Line is the punchline of convenience for CAD $9.25 (including a $5.00 airport surcharge) to reach downtown in about 26 minutes.

Traveller essentials

Parking at YVR ranges from the premium Gateway Valet Parking at $31.00 per day with an additional $20.00 valet fee, to more economical options like the Value Long Term Lot at $29.50 per day. Luggage porters can be a relief for passengers juggling large items or multiple bags, given the airport's long concourses.

Dining & shopping highlights

Though YVR lacks a diverse diner lineup, its single retail outlet, the ICE Currency Exchange in the Main Terminal, covers an essential travel need. The landside/public-access areas, meanwhile, make up for the lack of airside dining by offering several food options useful even for non-travelers.

Lounges

Surprisingly, YVR currently does not support any lounges. This lack may prompt travelers to strategically plan their in-terminal breaks and consider alternate resting strategies, such as seeking quieter zones away from the main hubbub.

Insider tips

• Time: Use the Canada Line station built into the terminal complex for the fastest downtown connection.
• Local: The terminal's public areas provide solid food choices at non-airside prices—check these out before security.
• Insider: Pre-visit the interactive map for detailed navigation tailored to each terminal's domestic, international, and U.S. sections.
• Quiet: Venture away from central areas for less crowded waiting spaces—especially useful if you're pre-flight lounging.
• Avoid: Mind the walking times indicated on maps when transferring domestically or internationally—they're more accurately long than the compact airport suggests.
• Money: Consider porter services if you have bulky items like skis or multiple bags to ease your way through long concourses.