Overview
Vancouver's public transport system is operated by TransLink (the South Coast British Columbia Transportation Authority), which runs buses, the SkyTrain rapid metro, the SeaBus ferry, and West Coast Express commuter rail. You can travel across these services with integrated ticketing using the Compass Card, a rechargeable smartcard, or by contactless payment (Interac Debit, American Express, Mastercard, Visa, Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay). Single fares are valid for 90 minutes across bus, SkyTrain, SeaBus, and HandyDART, allowing transfers between modes. Children 12 and under ride free on all services.
The network
SkyTrain
The SkyTrain is an advanced rapid metro system operating fully automated trains on three lines. It is the world's second longest fully automated light rapid transit system and utilizes the world's longest transit-only bridge, the SkyBridge.
- Expo Line: Connects downtown Vancouver to the suburbs of Burnaby, New Westminster, and Surrey. An extension southeast through Surrey into Langley (16 kilometres) was formally approved in 2022, with major construction expected from 2024 and the line opening in 2028.
- Millennium Line: Links downtown to the suburbs of Burnaby, New Westminster, and Coquitlam. A $2-billion extension west towards Kitsilano and Point Grey is under construction, with phase 1 running under the Broadway corridor from the VCC–Clark station to Arbutus Street, expected to be completed in 2025. Phase 2 would extend to the University of British Columbia at a future date.
- Canada Line: Connects downtown Vancouver to central Richmond and Vancouver International Airport. It started operation on August 17, 2009, and uses Hyundai Rotem train technology rather than the linear induction Bombardier technology of the other two lines.
Buses
Bus service operates throughout the Metro Vancouver region under Coast Mountain Bus Company, a subsidiary of TransLink. Service in West Vancouver and Lions Bay is contracted through West Vancouver Blue Bus. All buses are wheelchair-accessible and carry cycle racks (capacity: two wheelchairs and bicycles). Vancouver maintains an active trolleybus fleet serving the downtown core and much of Vancouver proper with fully wheelchair-accessible and bicycle-friendly zero-emission buses. RapidBus diesel commuter services to the suburbs feature bicycle racks, wheelchair lifts, reading lights, and high-back reclining seats. Frequency ranges from every couple of minutes in downtown Vancouver to two to three trips a day in far-flung suburbs such as Maple Ridge, Langley, and Aldergrove.
SeaBus
The SeaBus is a passenger-only ferry service connecting downtown Vancouver and the City of North Vancouver across Burrard Inlet, operated by Coast Mountain Bus Company.
West Coast Express
West Coast Express is a heavy commuter rail train serving Port Moody, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge, and Mission. It has integrated ticketing with other TransLink services, though pricing is on a separate structure.
Tickets & fares
Fare zones
Metro Vancouver is divided into three fare zones. All bus and HandyDART trips are charged at the 1-Zone fare at all times. SkyTrain and SeaBus fares depend on the zones crossed and the time of day. After 6:30 p.m. on weekdays and all weekend and statutory holiday travel, a 1-Zone fare applies system-wide.
Single fares and payment methods
Single fares are valid for 90 minutes across bus, SkyTrain, SeaBus, and HandyDART, allowing transfers between modes. As of July 1, 2026, adult cash or credit fares are approximately $3.50 (1-Zone), $5.10 (2-Zone), and $6.70 (3-Zone). Concession fares for youth aged 13–18, seniors aged 65 and over, and HandyCard holders are approximately $2.30 (1-Zone), $3.40 (2-Zone), and $4.60 (3-Zone). You can pay with the Compass Card (a rechargeable smartcard with a $6 refundable deposit), a Compass Ticket (single trip), contactless payment (Interac Debit, American Express, Mastercard, Visa, Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay), or cash on buses only (no change given). Compass Card stored-value fares are discounted compared to cash fares.
Passes
Monthly passes cost approximately $117.20 (1-Zone), $156.70 (2-Zone), and $211.65 (3-Zone). These provide unlimited SkyTrain and SeaBus travel within the purchased zones and unlimited bus and HandyDART travel on weekends, statutory holidays, and after 6:30 p.m. on weekdays. A DayPass offers unlimited travel on all modes across all zones for one calendar day, from the start of the first service to 4 a.m. the following day. Children 12 and under ride free on all modes.
Compass Card
TransLink introduced the Compass Card, a rechargeable smartcard with a $6 refundable deposit, to replace monthly and daily passes, tickets, and cash payments. Rollout to the general population began in November 2015.
Special fares
Departures from Vancouver International Airport incur an additional YVR AddFare of $6.50 (applied at YVR–Airport, Sea Island Centre, or Templeton stations).
Proof of payment
You must carry valid proof of payment on all transit vehicles and in fare-paid zones. Fare evasion carries a fine of $173, and transit police conduct regular fare checks.
From the airport
Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is located on Sea Island in Richmond. TransLink's SkyTrain Canada Line provides direct service to downtown Vancouver in 25 minutes. The fare from YVR to Vancouver is approximately $11.60 (as of July 2026), which consists of the two-zone base fare of $5.10 plus a $6.50 YVR AddFare that applies only for departures from the airport. Bus N10 runs overnight to Vancouver when SkyTrain service is closed. Route 412 connects the South Terminal with Bridgeport station on the Canada Line during limited daytime hours.
Alternatively, taxis from the airport to Vancouver or Richmond have fixed fares depending on the destination zone (the zone map and fixed rates are posted at YVR Taxis), with typical travel time of 20–30 minutes. All airport taxis are required to accept credit cards. Metered fares apply for trips going to the airport and for trips from outside the designated zones.
Etiquette & customs
While the provided sources do not detail specific local transit etiquette, general best practices apply: queue in an orderly fashion at bus stops and SkyTrain stations, allow passengers to exit before boarding, and keep noise to a minimum. Eating and drinking on transit is generally discouraged, and you should be courteous to other passengers, particularly during rush hours. Priority seating is typically reserved for elderly passengers, people with disabilities, and pregnant women.
Official links
Download the Transit app or visit the TransLink website for current maps, live service updates, journey planning, and detailed route information.