How much is a taxi from YVR to downtown Vancouver?

Taxi fares: about C$40–$50. The ride takes 20–35 min depending on traffic.

Which airlines fly from YVR?

Airlines at YVR include Air Canada, WestJet, Porter Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Alaska Airlines, British Airways, Lufthansa, Air France and KLM. It's not a complete list: smaller and seasonal airlines come and go, so check the airport's flight board for your route.

Can I leave YVR on a layover?

Yes, if you have at least 4 h: that covers getting out of the airport, the round trip to downtown Vancouver, an hour there and getting back through security. U.S. citizens don't need an eTA. Flying on to the U.S., you clear U.S. preclearance in Vancouver.

Are there lounges at YVR?

Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges; Plaza Premium lounges.

Is there a hotel at YVR?

Fairmont Vancouver Airport, inside the terminal.

How long do I need to connect at YVR?

We recommend at least 1 h 10 min for a connection in the same terminal, and more for a terminal change or after an international arrival. Our YVR connection guide breaks it down step by step.

Vancouver · airport guide

Vancouver Airport guide

Vancouver International Airport has one terminal with domestic, international and U.S. areas. The quickest way from YVR to downtown Vancouver is the Canada Line SkyTrain (about 25 minutes, about C$9–$11 including the YVR AddFare).

Verified Oct 17, 2026By Steven MoHow we check Report a correction

Transit to downtown Vancouver

25 min

Canada Line SkyTrain, about C$9–$11 including the YVR AddFare

Taxi

20–35 min

about C$40–$50

Connecting here

1 h 10 min

Same terminal, no passport control

Leave on a layover

4 h+

Layover you need to visit the city

Quick answer

The quickest way from YVR to downtown Vancouver is the Canada Line SkyTrain (about 25 minutes, about C$9–$11 including the YVR AddFare). Connecting here, allow at least 1 h 10 min for a connection in the same terminal. Airlines here include Air Canada, WestJet, Porter, American and Delta.

Terminals: One terminal with domestic, international and U.S. areas
Taxi: 20–35 min, about C$40–$50
Connecting: At least 1 h 10 min for a connection in the same terminal
Lounges: Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges; Plaza Premium lounges
Hotel: Fairmont Vancouver Airport, inside the terminal

Getting from YVR to downtown Vancouver

Fares are one way and approximate; check the operator before you travel.

Canada Line SkyTrainto Waterfront, downtownabout 25 minabout C$9–$11 including the YVR AddFare
Taxi or rideshare20–35 minabout C$40–$50

Inside YVR

Terminals and connections

One terminal with separate domestic, international and U.S. areas. U.S.-bound passengers clear U.S. preclearance before the gate.

How long a layover you need at YVR

Lounges

•Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges
•Plaza Premium lounges

Sleep, showers and hotels

•Fairmont Vancouver Airport, inside the terminal

Plugs and power

Outlets in Canada are Types A, B at 120 V. Which adapter to pack

Can you leave YVR on a layover?

With at least 4 h between flights, yes. Here's where the time goes.

Off the plane, through passport control and out45 min
To downtown Vancouver and back, the fastest way40 min
Time in town worth the trip1 h
Back through security and passport control to your gate1 h 30 min
Layover you need4 h

U.S. citizens don't need an eTA. Flying on to the U.S., you clear U.S. preclearance in Vancouver.

Keep your bags checked through and carry your boarding pass for the next flight. On a long layover, a hotel day room or lounge can be a better use of the time than a rushed trip into town.

Airlines at YVR

Major airlines that fly from YVR (not a complete list). Check the bag rules before you pack.

Air Canada Carry-on 55 × 40 × 23 cm Bag fees
WestJet Carry-on 53 × 38 × 23 cm Bag fees
Porter Airlines Carry-on 55 × 40 × 23 cm
American Airlines Carry-on 22 × 14 × 9 in Bag fees
Delta Air Lines Carry-on 22 × 14 × 9 in Bag fees
United Airlines Carry-on 22 × 14 × 9 in Bag fees
Alaska Airlines Carry-on 22 × 14 × 9 in Bag fees
British Airways Carry-on 56 × 45 × 25 cm Bag fees
Lufthansa Carry-on 55 × 40 × 23 cm Bag fees
Air France Carry-on 55 × 35 × 25 cm Bag fees
KLM Carry-on 55 × 35 × 25 cm Bag fees

YVR airport FAQ

The quickest option is the Canada Line SkyTrain to Waterfront, downtown: about 25 minutes for about C$9–$11 including the YVR AddFare. A taxi takes 20–35 min (about C$40–$50).

Sources

Last verified Oct 17, 2026. Fares, lounges, airlines and parking change; check with the operator or airport before you travel.

Read how we collect and check this data, or tell us if something's out of date.

Cheap flights from Vancouver

Pick your home airports and we'll email you when fares drop well below normal. You book directly with the airline.

Get flight deals free See Premium+ plans

Free plan available · 14-day free Premium+ trial · Cancel anytime