Vancouver International Airport - YVR

Vancouver International Airport lies around 12km south of Downtown Vancouver. It's a world-leading airport, ranked best airport in North America for five years in a row, and in the top 10 in the world in 2013 and 2014 in the Skytrax World Airport Awards. It is known for its excellence in accessibility and sustainability and for its efficiency, good dining options, plentiful seating and natural light. That said, some travellers have reported delays in receiving baggage, and long waits in customs at peak times. 

It has two terminals: 

• Main Terminal: Handling most flights. Split into the Domestic Terminal (Concourses A, B and C) and International Terminal (Concourses D and E). The International Arrivals hall is notable for its large waterfall and eye-catching artwork.
• South Terminal: Handling domestic flights, helicopters, chartered flights 'floatplanes'. A free shuttle bus runs to the ground floor of the Departures level from the Arrivals level of the International Terminal.

The Main Terminal has four floors and is easily walkable (although distances can be long):

• Level 1: Airport Services Plaza
• Level 2: Arrivals
• Level 3: Departures
• Level 4: Train station for the SkyTrain to the city, accessible from both International and Domestic Terminals 

Useful for those flying on to the US, the airport has US Border Preclearance facilities so you can clear security in Canada, and save time when you land in the US.

The easiest and most cost-effective way into Vancouver is by train, taking you downtown straight from your terminal.

Train

The Canada Line of TransLink's driverless rapid transit SkyTrain takes you to downtown Vancouver in 26 minutes and downtown Richmond in 18 minutes. It runs to Waterfront station, via Vancouver City Centre station, every 6-7 minutes at peak times, and 12-20 minutes at off-peak times, from 05:07-00:56 daily.

If you're coming back to the airport, when you get off the train turn left for domestic flights and right for US and international flights.

Location: Main Terminal, before security, arrivals, level 4, YVR-Airport Station, follow the Canada Line signs from both International and Domestic Terminals
Cost: CAD 4.20 for a two-zone ticket, plus a CAD 5 'Canada Line YVR AddFare' when leaving the airport

Taxi

Taxis to Vancouver have a fixed rate. Journey time is around 20-30 minutes.

Location: Main Terminal, before security, arrivals, level 2, ranks outside Domestic and International Terminals
Cost: approximatelyCAD 35 flat-rate to downtown (plus tip)

Arriving late at night?

You'll need to take the night bus after the trains have stopped running. From the Main Terminal, take the N10 to downtown Vancouver or Richmond. 

The airport has a large, 114,000-litre aquarium showcasing 850 indigenous sea animals. This is a great place to take the kids and kill a bit of time whilst you wait for your flight.

Location: International Terminal, Departures Level

If you have a late flight beware that most food places after security close at 22:00.

If you’ve got some extra time and would like to burn off a little steam, you can get a day pass to the Fairmont Hotel’s gym, pool, sauna, and showers for CAD 18 per person. The Health Club is situated directly above the US departures terminal and the health club is open daily from 06:30 to 23:00.

You can also book day-use rooms from CAD 119 (4 hours).

There are over 100 charging stations throughout the terminals, located between the seats at the gates. Each station offers six 120V outlets and two USB ports.

The Absolute Spa, is a perfect place to freshen up. Access is CAD 15 plus taxes, including access to the pool, healthclub (workout facilities) and showers.

Main Terminal, before security, lobby level
US Terminal, after security, near Gate E85

Hours: 08:30-21:00 daily

Car rental companies offer cars right beside the terminals buildings, on the ground floor of the car parking area. You can rent from these companies:

• Alamo/National
• Avis
• Budget
• Hertz
• Dollar/Thrifty 

In addition, Enterprise offers cars a short distance from the airport. To ask for a shuttle bus, use the direct-dial phone in the car rental bus shelter in the Economy Parking Lot.

There are several Children’s Play Areas located throughout the airport, which are a great place to let kids run around or watch interactive videos to learn about airplanes. The Play Areas are located in Concourse A near Gate 13, Concourse C near Gate 46, and Concourse D near Gate 54, right next to the TV Entertainment Centres (international gates only).

You can also take yourself on a self-guided walking tour with the family (details can be found on the airport's website. The tours follow a number of different themes to help you discover art and architecture, family fun, or sustainability.

This is a great place to meet your friends or watch the activity on the tarmac at the airport's observation area. There are telescopes, interactive kiosks and an interactive model of Sea Island.

Location: Domestic Terminal, Level 4 (Landside)

There are no public showers, but you can freshen up here:

• Plaza Premium Lounges: Airside, International and Domestic Terminals. Cost: USD 32 for 2hrs, USD 40 for 3hrs, USD 56 for 6hrs.
• Air Canada Maple Leaf Clubs: Airside, Domestic and US Terminals. Cost USD 50 for non-members.
• Fairmont Vancouver Aiport Hotel Heatlh Club: Directly above the US Departures terminal. Hours: 06:30-23:00. Cost: USD 18 for entry to health club, sauna and showers. 

Prices for up to 24 hours vary from CAD 5.50 for small items such as coats and envelopes to CAD 9.90 for oversized items such as large trunks or sports equipment. 

International arrivals, landside, level 2, opposite Hudson news
Hours: 05:00-1:00 daily 

Chester Johnson Park is a great outdoor space which offers a calm respite from the action of the airport. 

Nestled in the shadow of the Control Tower, the park features the three ‘Ksan Totems, carved by Earl Muldoe and Walter Harris from the Skeena River Valley in Northwestern British Columbia. 

In the park you’ll also find a small pond, benches, and a tree-lined pathway to explore with the kids. 

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