Vancouver Canada Line SkyTrain Guide
Vancouver Airport (YVR) to Downtown — Updated 2026
The Canada Line SkyTrain connects Vancouver Airport (YVR) to Waterfront Station in downtown Vancouver in about 25 minutes. You pay the regular zone fare plus TransLink's $6.50 YVR AddFare on trips that start at the airport: $10.00 with contactless for a 1-zone trip (after 6:30 p.m. on weekdays, at weekends and on holidays) or $11.60 for 2 zones. A DayPass ($12.55) is exempt from the AddFare. A taxi to downtown is a $46 flat zone fare.
Canada Line Stations
| Station | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| YVR–Airport | Start | Trips from here pay the $6.50 YVR AddFare |
| Templeton | Sea Island (AddFare applies from here too) | |
| Sea Island Centre | Sea Island (AddFare applies from here too) | |
| Bridgeport | Richmond: the line splits (one branch to Richmond–Brighouse) | |
| Marine Drive | South Vancouver | |
| Oakridge–41st Avenue | Oakridge | |
| Broadway–City Hall | Transfer to the Millennium Line | |
| Yaletown–Roundhouse | Downtown south | |
| Waterfront | ~25 min | Downtown: Expo Line, SeaBus, West Coast Express |
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| Option | Cost | Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada Line, contactless or cash | Zone fare ($3.50 1-zone / $5.10 2-zone) + $6.50 AddFare | ~25 min | Direct to Waterfront. 1-zone fare everywhere after 6:30 p.m. weekdays, at weekends and on holidays |
| Canada Line, Compass stored value | Zone fare ($2.85 / $4.20) + $6.50 AddFare | ~25 min | AddFare is deducted automatically |
| Canada Line, DayPass | $12.55 all zones (AddFare exempt) | ~25 min | Worth it if you ride again the same day |
| Taxi from YVR | $46 flat to Canada Place / downtown | Depends on traffic | YVR zone fare; $48 Stanley Park, $40 Kitsilano / Broadway |
FAQ
How much is the Canada Line from YVR to downtown?+
You pay the regular zone fare plus TransLink's $6.50 YVR AddFare, which applies to trips starting at YVR–Airport, Sea Island Centre or Templeton. With contactless or cash the zone fare is $3.50 (1 zone) or $5.10 (2 zones); with Compass stored value it is $2.85 or $4.20. All trips after 6:30 p.m. on weekdays, at weekends and on statutory holidays are charged as 1 zone. There is no AddFare on trips to the airport.
Can I avoid the YVR AddFare?+
TransLink exempts Monthly Pass, DayPass, FareSaver, West Coast Express fare, U-Pass and BC Bus Pass holders. An adult DayPass is $12.55 for all zones, so it pays off if you are riding again the same day. If you pay with contactless or Compass stored value, the AddFare is added automatically.
How long does the Canada Line take from YVR to downtown?+
TransLink says the trip from YVR to Waterfront Station in downtown Vancouver takes about 25 minutes. Board a train marked Waterfront: the line splits at Bridgeport and the other branch goes to Richmond–Brighouse.
How much is a taxi from Vancouver Airport to downtown?+
Taxis from YVR charge flat zone fares. The airport's map (updated 11 October 2024) lists $46 to Canada Place / downtown, $48 to Stanley Park, $40 to Kitsilano / Broadway, $35 to central Vancouver and $25 to north Richmond. Zone fares apply to trips from YVR.
Compass card or tap to pay?+
Both work at the gates. Compass stored value is cheaper per trip ($2.85 1-zone, $4.20 2-zone) than contactless or cash ($3.50 / $5.10). The $6.50 AddFare applies either way when you start at the airport, unless you hold an exempt pass such as a DayPass.
Sources (read 12 October 2026)
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