Transportation in Vancouver

Vancouver's public transit network, operated by **TransLink**, is one of the most visitor-friendly systems in North America. The backbone is the **SkyTrain**, an automated, elevated rail network with three lines (Expo, Millennium, and Canada Line) connecting downtown to suburbs, the airport, and key neighborhoods. The system runs throughout the day with frequent service, and the **Compass Card**, a reloadable smart card, works across SkyTrain, buses, and the **SeaBus** ferry that crosses Burrard Inlet to North Vancouver. Pick up a Compass Card at any SkyTrain station. Using cash or single-ride tickets costs more per trip and slows boarding. Tapping in and out is mandatory, fare inspectors do check. For first-time visitors, the **Canada Line** is the essential route: it runs directly from **YVR Airport** into downtown in roughly 25 minutes with frequent departures throughout the day. Skip the airport taxis for this trip unless you have heavy luggage or are heading somewhere outside the SkyTrain corridor, the train is economy-priced and drops you at Waterfront or Vancouver City Centre stations, steps from most hotels. Note that YVR charges an additional airport departure fee on top of the standard fare when boarding at the airport stations. Check current pricing at the fare gates. One honest caution: downtown Vancouver is compact and walkable between Gastown, Yaletown, and the West End, so transit shines most for reaching outer neighborhoods like Kitsilano, Commercial Drive, or day trips to Burnaby. Driving in downtown is inefficient, parking is expensive and traffic during peak hours is significant. For day trips to destinations like Whistler, transit does not reach there. Rideshare or coach services fill that gap. The **TransLink Trip Planner** app handles routing reliably and shows real-time arrivals.