Vancouver International Airport
Also known as: Vancouver Airport, YVR Airport.
Private transfer from YVRSee pricesSee pricesAbout Vancouver International Airport
Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is the main airport for Vancouver and British Columbia, Canada. It sits on Sea Island in Richmond, south of downtown Vancouver, and is linked to the city center by the Canada Line SkyTrain.
Air Canada and WestJet both run major operations here, and in 2025 the airport hosted 57 airlines flying to 129 non-stop destinations, with a strong network across Canada and the United States and many routes across the Pacific to Asia, plus flights to Europe, Mexico and Hawaii.
The main terminal is divided into domestic, international and US (transborder) areas, with US preclearance for flights to the United States. A separate South Terminal on Sea Island serves small regional airlines and floatplane connections.
From the airport, most travelers head into downtown Vancouver and Canada Place, where Alaska cruises depart, to Richmond, Burnaby and the North Shore, or on along the Sea-to-Sky Highway to Squamish and Whistler.
Airport operator, runways and traffic
- Operator
Vancouver Airport Authority
- Passengers per year
More than 26.9 million in 2025, a record
- Airlines and destinations
57 airlines and 129 non-stop destinations in 2025
- US preclearance
Available for flights to the United States
Arrival tips for Vancouver International Airport
If you arrive from outside Canada, you clear Canadian border services first, using the primary inspection kiosks or Advance Declaration in the ArriveCAN app, then a border officer. Visitors from visa-exempt countries need an approved eTA before flying to Canada.
After baggage claim, international and US arrivals exit through the customs hall into the arrivals level; domestic arrivals go straight from baggage claim to the arrivals level. If someone is meeting you, tell them whether you are arriving on a domestic, US or international flight.
Outside, follow the signs to ground transportation: taxis wait at the official stands, rideshare apps use signposted pickup zones, and pre-booked drivers meet passengers in arrivals. The Canada Line station is a short walk from the terminal. Vancouver is on Pacific Time, and it rains often from autumn to spring.
Ground transportation
The Canada Line is the quickest way downtown if you travel light; a taxi or pre-booked car is easier with luggage, cruise bags or ski gear.
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Book a transfer from YVRCanada Line to downtown Vancouver
The SkyTrain station is next to the terminal, and trains run to Waterfront station downtown, with a branch to Richmond. Quick and frequent, but you carry your bags to your hotel.
Taxi from Vancouver airport
Taxis wait at the official stands outside arrivals. Door to door to downtown and Canada Place.
Rideshare
Uber and Lyft pick up at signposted zones outside the terminal. Fares rise at busy times.
Private transfer
A pre-booked car meets you in arrivals, useful for families, cruise passengers and trips to Whistler along the Sea-to-Sky Highway.
Coaches to Whistler
Scheduled coaches run from the airport to Whistler, mostly in ski season; book ahead.
Terminals
Main Terminal
Domestic, international and US (transborder) flights, with US preclearance for flights to the United States. Most travelers use this terminal.
South Terminal
A separate small terminal on Sea Island for regional airlines and floatplane connections.
Airlines and destinations
The main airlines at Vancouver; many Asian, US and European airlines also fly here.
Air Canada Main Terminal
Cities across Canada and the United States, Asia, Europe, Mexico and Hawaii
WestJet Main Terminal
Cities across Canada and the United States, Mexico, Hawaii, Asia and Central America
Frequently asked questions
How do I get from Vancouver Airport to downtown?
The Canada Line SkyTrain runs from the station next to the terminal to Waterfront station in downtown Vancouver. Taxis, rideshare and pre-booked cars take you door to door, which is easier with luggage or cruise bags.
Where is Vancouver International Airport?
YVR is on Sea Island in Richmond, south of downtown Vancouver, in British Columbia, Canada. It is connected to the city center by the Canada Line and by road over the bridges from Sea Island.
Does Vancouver Airport have US preclearance?
Yes. Passengers flying to the United States clear US immigration and customs at YVR before boarding, so they arrive in the US as domestic passengers. Allow extra time before a US flight.
How many passengers use Vancouver Airport?
More than 26.9 million passengers used YVR in 2025, a record for the airport, with 57 airlines serving 129 non-stop destinations.
What is the South Terminal at YVR?
The South Terminal is a separate, smaller terminal on Sea Island used by regional airlines and floatplane connections. Most passengers use the main terminal; check your ticket if you are flying a small regional airline.
How do I get from Vancouver Airport to the cruise terminal?
Alaska cruises leave from Canada Place in downtown Vancouver. You can reach it by taxi, rideshare or pre-booked car, or take the Canada Line to Waterfront station, a short walk from Canada Place.
Can I get from Vancouver Airport to Whistler?
Yes. Whistler is reached by the Sea-to-Sky Highway north of Vancouver. Scheduled coaches and private transfers run from the airport, and in winter the road can be affected by snow, so allow extra time.
Which airlines fly from Vancouver Airport?
Air Canada and WestJet both run major operations at YVR, with flights across Canada and the United States, to Mexico and Hawaii, and across the Pacific to Asia. Many Asian, US and European airlines also fly here; in 2025 the airport hosted 57 airlines.
How many terminals does Vancouver Airport have?
Most passengers use the main terminal, which has separate domestic, international and US (transborder) areas. A small South Terminal on Sea Island serves regional airlines and floatplane connections. If someone is meeting you, tell them whether you arrive on a domestic, US or international flight.
What happens when I arrive at Vancouver Airport from abroad?
International passengers clear Canadian border services first, using the primary inspection kiosks or Advance Declaration in the ArriveCAN app, then a border officer. After baggage claim, international and US arrivals exit through the customs hall into the arrivals level; domestic arrivals go straight from baggage claim to arrivals.
Where do I get a taxi or Uber at Vancouver Airport?
Taxis wait at the official stands outside the arrivals level, and Uber and Lyft pick up at signposted zones outside the terminal. Pre-booked drivers meet passengers inside the arrivals area. Ride-hailing fares rise at busy times, while a taxi takes you door to door downtown or to Canada Place.
What time zone and currency apply at Vancouver Airport?
Vancouver is on Pacific Time and changes its clocks for daylight saving. Canada uses the Canadian dollar, and cards and contactless payments are accepted almost everywhere. It rains often from autumn to spring, so a waterproof layer is useful when you arrive.