Vancouver airport transportation: The Canada Line

Map of the Canada Line route from downtown Vancouver to
Vancouver Airport. Photo courtesy of TransLink.

Canada is abuzz with the opening of the Canada Line, quick and convenient transportation to the Vancouver airport. The ride from downtown to the airport in Richmond (just outside of Vancouver) is 26 minutes.

Rates right now are the regular 2-zone fare of $3.75, but an extra fee will be added in early 2010 to make the trip $6.25 one-way. It’s still the cheapest trip from the downtown core to an airport in any major Canadian city at only 26 minutes.

Fast Facts:

• Trains leave waterfront station (downtown Vancouver) starting at 4:50 am until the last train departs at 1:05 am.
• Trains leave YVR in Richmond (Vancouver airport stop) starting at 5:10 am and until the last train departs at 12:57 am.
• During operational hours, trains leave every 6 minutes.
• 2 Bikes and 4 wheelchairs can be accommodated on each train.

Previously, getting to the Vancouver airport was a mix of many bus transfers if taking public transit, a taxi ride or a limo hire. The new Canada Line gives travellers an easy and inexpensive way to transfer from their downtown hotel or anywhere else in the city by being a direct route to the arrival and departure terminals.

INSIDER’S TIP: On either arrival or departure, make sure to check out the new public observation area. It was created to allow travellers to watch the airplanes come and go from the airport. Kids especially love it. On top of being equipped with telescopes, interactive touch screen kiosks and a “user-controlled, simulated flight experience over British Columbia,” the area is free and located pre-security.