Can I tap with a foreign bank card?

Most systems now support open-loop contactless. Keep a backup paper ticket when traveling with a group to avoid tapping each person manually.

Buses rarely charge extra, but airport expresses may require storing big bags in designated racks.

YVRCanadaTPL: fare-hacker-playbook

Vancouver International Airport

Vancouver, Canada

Drop-off

Downtown Vancouver (Waterfront / Vancouver City Centre stations)

Pin before customs

Fastest

Canada Line (YVR–Airport ↔ Waterfront)

metro · 6-15m

Data

Nov 28

Audit

Quick verdict

Fastest into town

Service: Canada Line (YVR–Airport ↔ Waterfront)
Headway: 6-15
Backup: N10 NightBus (Richmond–Brighouse / YVR–Airport ↔ Downtown) · 20-30m

Note

Rapid transit SkyTrain line from YVR–Airport Station to downtown Vancouver, serving Vancouver City Centre and Waterfront stations in under 30 minutes. Trains run roughly every 6–8 minutes at weekday peaks and every 8–15 minutes at other times, with service from about 05:00 to 01:00; a $5 YVR AddFare applies when leaving the airport toward downtown.

Budget focus

Vancouver: Fare Hacker Playbook

Ways to shave costs without blowing your schedule. Targets queries likevancouver airport busandyvr to city centerfor eSIM funnels.

Cheapest viable route

Brief

Usually slower but dramatically cheaper than the flagship airport express.

Service: N10 NightBus (Richmond–Brighouse / YVR–Airport ↔ Downtown)
Mode: bus
Freq: 20-30m
Note: Overnight bus linking YVR–Airport and Sea Island with downtown Vancouver (Granville & Georgia / Waterfront area) and Richmond–Brighouse when the Canada Line is not operating. Use this route for late-night trips between the airport and downtown after SkyTrain service ends.

Passes and bundles

Brief

Look for day passes that include the airport zone plus metro, tram, or ferry transfers. Load value online to avoid kiosk surcharges.

When to splurge

Brief

Worth the premium when you have back-to-back meetings or tight onward connections downtown.

Service: Canada Line (YVR–Airport ↔ Waterfront)
Mode: metro
Freq: 6-15m
Note: Rapid transit SkyTrain line from YVR–Airport Station to downtown Vancouver, serving Vancouver City Centre and Waterfront stations in under 30 minutes. Trains run roughly every 6–8 minutes at weekday peaks and every 8–15 minutes at other times, with service from about 05:00 to 01:00; a $5 YVR AddFare applies when leaving the airport toward downtown.

eSIMComing Soon

Stay connected from landing

Skip the airport SIM queue. We're partnering with eSIM providers to get you online before you even leave the gate.

✓Instant activation✓Local rates✓No SIM swap

FAQs

01Can I tap with a foreign bank card?: Most systems now support open-loop contactless. Keep a backup paper ticket when traveling with a group to avoid tapping each person manually.
02Any luggage fees?: Buses rarely charge extra, but airport expresses may require storing big bags in designated racks.