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Vancouver International Airport

Gateway to Canada’s west coast

Airport in Canada

Vancouver (9 km)

108 destinations

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Vancouver International Airport serves as a major gateway to British Columbia and the Pacific Northwest. Located on Sea Island just south of downtown Vancouver, it handles flights from around the world. The airport features modern terminals with shops, restaurants and lounges for travelers. It connects passengers to destinations across Canada, the United States, Asia and beyond. Known for its clean design and efficient service, YVR also provides easy access to public transit, making travel in and out of Vancouver straightforward for visitors and locals alike.

Last update: 12 Oct 2026

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Vancouver Airport Summary

Vancouver International Airport is an airport near Vancouver in Canada. It currently offers regular passenger service to 108 destinations operated by 44 airlines.

Top airlines

Air Canada (AC)

1032 flights per week

WestJet Airlines (WS)

438 flights per week

Pacific Coastal Airlines (8P)

191 flights per week

Top destinations

YYC Calgary

YYZ Toronto

YEG Edmonton

Cheapest destinations

YEG Edmonton

YYC Calgary

YYJ Victoria

Best destinations

NRT Tokyo

HND Tokyo

SIN Singapore

Canada – Quick facts

Guide Etiquette Holidays Other

Power Grid:	120 V, 60 Hz Plug: Type A , Type B Type A: Type B: Read about power adapters
Currency:	Canadian Dollar (CAD) £1 ≈ CA$1.87
Cashless info:	Rating 5/5 Cashless payments are widely accepted, especially in urban areas. Most businesses accept credit and debit cards, and mobile payment options like Apple Pay are popular. Save with a travel credit card
eSIM providers:	Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison

Tipping:	Tipping is customary in Canada, with a typical tip of 10-20% in restaurants. Tipping is also expected in taxis and for hotel staff, usually 1-2 CAD for bellhops and housekeepers.
Public drinking:	Public drinking laws vary by province, but it's often allowed in designated areas such as festivals or certain parks.
Public smoking:	Smoking is prohibited indoors in public spaces and in most outdoor spaces in urban areas. Some provinces have stricter laws than others.

Canada Day (July)	The country celebrates with fireworks and festivals. Expect crowded tourist spots and high demand for accommodations.
Thanksgiving (October)	A major family holiday with many businesses closed, especially in rural areas.
Christmas (December)	Festive markets and winter activities are popular, but expect higher accommodation prices and busy cities.

Emergency contact:	Emergency Number: 911 (Police, Fire, Ambulance)
Taxi apps:	Uber, Lyft, Bolt
Other:	Canada is vast, so be prepared for long distances between cities and varying weather conditions depending on the region.

Vancouver International Airport (YVR) impresses travelers with its sleek architectural design and emphasis on passenger comfort. Regularly ranked among the world’s best airports, it features efficient check-in, extensive dining and shopping options and a variety of services aimed at enhancing the overall travel experience.

The airport puts strong focus on sustainability, integrating eco-friendly materials and operations throughout the terminals. Indigenous art and cultural displays provide a unique local touch, enriching the traveler’s experience while waiting for flights.

Access to downtown Vancouver is seamless with the Canada Line rapid transit, which takes about 25 minutes to reach the city center. Taxi and ride-share options are plentiful but can be costly. While the airport is generally hassle-free, travelers should allow extra time during peak seasons and be mindful of higher prices for food and services.

Overall, YVR blends practical efficiency with rich cultural elements and natural beauty, making it a delightful start or end to a Canadian adventure.

Helpful tips for Vancouver International Airport

Arrive at least two hours early for international flights.
Use the free Wi‑Fi and charging stations throughout Terminal 3 to stay connected during layovers.
Check the airport’s real‑time flight status board via the YVR app before heading to security, especially on busy days.
Explore the art installations in the arrivals hall; they showcase local Indigenous culture and contemporary Canadian artists.

Available airport lounges

Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge

Exclusive to Air Canada passengers and Star Alliance members, this lounge provides upscale dining, drinks, Wi-Fi, and comfortable seating.

Plaza Premium Lounge

Offering refreshments, workspaces, and relaxation zones, this lounge caters to premium and pay-per-use customers in both domestic and international terminals.

American Express Lounge

Open to eligible Amex cardholders, it offers premium amenities including food and drinks in a stylish environment.

Aspire Lounge

Located after security in the International Terminal, this lounge offers a comfortable setting with snacks, drinks, free Wi-Fi, and shower facilities. Access is available through Priority Pass or paid entry.

Where to stay near Vancouver International Airport

Nearby hotels mostly cater to business travelers and transit passengers, offering modern facilities and conveniences. For a richer experience with a variety of hotels and cultural attractions, staying in downtown Vancouver is highly recommended.

Hotel recommendations

*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.

Fairmont Vancouver Airport In-Terminal Hotel

9.2

River Rock Casino Resort & The Hotel

8.4

Radisson Hotel Vancouver Airport

8.1

Abercorn Hotel, Trademark Collection by Wyndham

7.8

Holiday Inn Vancouver Airport Richmond By IHG

8.7

Days Inn by Wyndham Vancouver Airport

8.1

Radisson Blu Vancouver Airport Hotel & Marina

8.3

Holiday Inn Express Vancouver Airport-Richmond By IHG

8.9

Versante Hotel

9.2

Executive Hotel Vancouver Airport

8.2

Explore more accommodations

How to get from Vancouver Airport to popular destinations

To Downtown Vancouver:
The Canada Line SkyTrain provides a direct connection from the airport to downtown Vancouver in approximately 25 minutes, with trains every 6-8 minutes. Tickets cost about CA$9 (£4.79) including a CA$5 (£2.66) airport surcharge. Taxis and ride-hailing services offer a 20-30 minute journey depending on traffic, with fares typically ranging from CA$35 – 50 (£18.63 – 26.61).

To Richmond:
Accessible via the Canada Line from the airport or by taxi in about 15 minutes, Richmond offers cultural sites and shopping centres including the Richmond Night Market.

To Burnaby:
Reachable by transferring from the Canada Line to other SkyTrain lines, Burnaby offers parks and shopping centres approximately 30-40 minutes from the airport.