Transportation in Vancouver
Vancouver is embraced by mountains and protected from the full force of the Pacific Ocean by a cluster of islands. Much of the downtown city can be explored on foot, by bicycle, SkyTrain, SeaBus or public bus. Miniferries, either the Aquabus or False Creek Ferries, transport visitors to locations along False Creek, including Yaletown and Granville Island. In the centre, find trendy Gastown and in the West End, the Gay Village along Davie Street. Take the bus over Lions Gate Bridge, through West Vancouver and a short ferry ride across the fjord of Howe Sound to the artisan community of Bowen Island.
Read more about transport from and to the airport
Bus
Buses cover the whole city and are used by all walks of life.
Train
The above-ground railway – West Coast Express – goes all the way out to farming areas and rural parts of the Fraser Valley. The SkyTrain will also take you to the original capital of British Columbia in New Westminister.
SeaBus
The SeaBus from downtown goes across Vancouver's Harbour to North Vancouver and the shopping hub of Lonsdale Avenue for anything from antiques to audio-visual and health foods to sporting goods.
Taxi
Taxis, which are usually in blue or yellow liveries downtown, are plentiful. As everywhere, drivers are a good source of knowledge and like to chat.
Foot
You can walk to Stanley Park, a number of beaches such as Sunset Beach, and trendy Yaletown restaurants all from downtown. Gastown and the West End are a few minutes' walk from the city centre. Walk over the Burrard Bridge to Kitsilano Beach and go boutique shopping on West 4th and West Broadway.
Rent your car
Driving into Vancouver is easy via the Trans-Canada Highway 1 from the east or Highway 99 from the south. With a grid layout and gentler roads in the city, it’s an easy place to drive. Downtown parking is divided between off-street car parks and on-street meters, but watch for time restrictions.
Transportation Tips
A Day Pass card gives unlimited access to all public transport except the West Coast Express and Miniferries. They are available at Vancouver Airport, the Peace Arch Border Crossing and downtown. Driving in Vancouver is fairly easy and parking is widely available.
Greater Vancouver Transportation Authority Translink website
Special Transportation
Bicycle
Travel via bicycle is a popular means of transport in Vancouver and its outlying areas, and is frequently the fastest means of getting around. Bikes are available to rent at shops throughout town along with comprehensive bicycle route maps to aid your travels. Most buses and ferries allow for the transport of bicycles, and many businesses' websites offer directions via bicycle.
