Vancouver International Airport is 13km south of downtown Vancouver. It's the largest airport on Canada's west coast and one of the world's major airports. The International Terminal features an extensive collection of First Nations sculptures and paintings. Turn around and look up just before you leave the International Terminal to catch a glimpse of Bill Reid's huge jade canoe sculpture, The Spirit of Haida Gwaii. Tourist information kiosks on Level 2 of the Main and International arrival terminals are open daily from 8am to 11pm.
Getting into Vancouver from the Airport
• Once you pass through Immigration and Canada Customs and leave the arrivals terminal, there is a taxi stand directly in front of you
• A cab takes about 20 to 30 minutes for a cab to get downtown, although it may be longer during rush hour. There is 24-hour cab service from the airport.
• Cab fare to downtown is between $25 and $30. It is common to tip the taxi driver 10-15% of the fare.
• The YVR Airporter (www.yvrairporter.com) provides airport bus service to downtown Vancouver's major hotels. It leaves from Level 2 of the Main Terminal every 15 minutes daily from 6:30am until midnight. A one-way fare for the 30-minute ride across the Granville Street Bridge into downtown Vancouver is $12 for adults.
• Public transit is cheaper but it is slower and requires at least one transfer.
• When you leave the International Terminal, turn right and walk to the Domestic Terminal. Catch bus no. 424 at Ground Level of the Domestic Terminal; it will take you to Airport Station. From there, bus no. 98B will take you into downtown Vancouver.
• Transit fares are $3.25 from Monday to Friday and $2.25 on weekends and holidays. You must have the exact fare because drivers do not make change. A change machine is available in the Domestic Terminal located near the exit doors closest to the transit area. Bus tickets may also be purchased at the 7-eleven convenience store and the Pharmasave pharmacy, both located in the Domestic Terminal.
• Bus service frequency and times vary depending on time of day, day of week or season. Transfers are free in any direction within a 90-minute period.
• The bus takes 45 minutes to an hour to reach downtown.