Located 7.5 miles from Vancouver city centre on the coast of British Columbia, Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is the second-busiest airport in Canada after Toronto Pearson International Airport in Ontario. It has two terminals: the Main Terminal with concourses for domestic, US and international travel, and the South Terminal for regional, float plane (seaplane) and charter flights. It is one of only a handful of major airports that caters to float planes. I have flown to or connected through Vancouver several times on holiday from the UK to Canada and rank it as one of my all-time favourite international airports.
This is partly because of its cleanliness, efficiency and welcoming atmosphere. It is also inclusive and environmentally friendly (it’s already carbon neutral, with a commitment to be net zero by 2030). This isn’t just my opinion. YVR has won many awards for its progressive outlook, including Skytrax’s Best North American Airport Award for 12 consecutive years.
Mostly I love this airport for its beauty. The first time I flew into YVR was in the afternoon, and the view from the window showed golden light glinting off a city nestled between the Fraser River, the Strait of Georgia and the towering North Shore Mountains. This is definitely a destination worth booking a window seat for.
It’s just as beautiful inside. Whereas most airports are pretty utilitarian, YVR resembles a museum filled with art inspired by British Columbian culture. Some of my favourites include the giant red cedar totem poles standing sentinel in the Canada Customs Hall and the huge kelp forest aquarium located on Level 3 of the international concourse. These elements of wonder make even an extended layover enjoyable.
YVR offers direct flights to around 80 destinations across Canada, the US and Mexico, with US Border Preclearance facilities allowing you to complete American immigration and customs before departure. The airport also offers direct flights to international destinations across Asia, the South Pacific and Europe. More direct flights to China depart from here than any other airport in North America or Europe and signage includes Chinese alongside English and French.
YVR’s Main Terminal has four floors: a Services plaza on Level 1, Arrivals on Level 2, Departures on Level 3 and the train to the city on Level 4. Levels 2 and 3 have separate concourses for domestic, US and international flights.
Security at YVR is, in my experience, a fairly painless affair. That’s because queues tend to move quickly even during busy periods. I really like that you can view real-time information about current waiting times for each security area on the YVR website (just look for the Operational Snapshot page). This gives you an accurate idea of when you need to finish your pre-security coffee and head to the queue.
If you’re travelling from the Main Terminal to Canada or the US, you can fast track the security process by signing up for YVR EXPRESS. This is a free service that allows you to schedule an appointment time and avoid waiting in a queue. Slots fill up quickly, though, so be sure to book as soon as they become available 72 hours before departure.
YVR offers a wealth of dining options both before and after security in each of the Main Terminal concourses. Healthy food, comfort food, vegan food or a meat feast… It’s all here, with a focus on multicultural cuisine that reflects Canada’s diverse population. Alongside North American burgers and fried chicken you’ll find Vietnamese banh and Hawaiian poké, as well as Japanese hot dogs and Mexican tacos.
When my family converged on YVR from three different countries for a trip to the Yukon, we spent hours catching up at the Whistler Taphouse & Grill near Gate C45 in Domestic. It’s a great option that caters to different tastes with a menu of Canadian pub-grub and international dishes complemented by craft beers from one of British Columbia’s oldest microbreweries.
Shopping opportunities are similarly diverse. You’ll find book and souvenir shops, luggage retailers and gourmet food outlets, as well as designer boutiques ranging from Moncler to Tom Ford. There are also six Vancouver Duty Free shops.
Other services offered in the Main Terminal range from the luxurious (I’m talking spa locations for pre-flight pampering) to the practical – think banking and currency exchange facilities, a pharmacy, clinic and dental care services, pet relief areas and free Wi-Fi throughout. As a mum who knows just how hard travelling with a newborn can be, I appreciate that YVR also offers a choice of private nursing rooms and pods.
There are four lounges at YVR, two of which have multiple locations. All of them offer complimentary snacks and beverages, quiet zones and relaxed seating. The Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge (located at Gate C29 Domestic, Gate C52 International and Gate E85 US) welcomes all Business Class passengers, Star Alliance Gold members and certain Air Canada Aeroplan Elite members.
The Cathay Pacific Lounge (famous for its Noodle Bar) is located at Gate D70 International. It accepts Cathay Pacific First and Business Class passengers as well as select Cathay members and Oneworld partner programme members (including British Airways members). The SkyTeam Lounge (Gate D53) is open to First, Business and Elite Plus customers flying on SkyTeam member airlines, as well as affiliated priority pass holders.
Finally, all passengers can purchase access to the Plaza Premium Lounge, located at Gates B17 and C29 Domestic, Gate E88 US and Gate D67 International.
If you have an extended layover, check out Fairmont Vancouver Airport Hotel. It’s directly connected to the Main Terminal with many facilities including the Globe@YVR and Jetside Lounge restaurants, a health club with an indoor pool and spa, and extensive meeting space. Stay overnight or book a day-use room for four, six or eight hours.
Often referred to as Airport South, the South Terminal building is reserved for regional and coastal air services (mostly within British Columbia), helicopter operations and corporate charters. It’s also home to YVR’s Float Plane Facility for scheduled float planes landing and departing from the Fraser River. Facilities include a grab-and-go café, hourly and daily parking, a car hire service and a courtesy shuttle connecting to the Main Terminal.
For many, the easiest way to get to Vancouver city centre from the airport is to take the Canada Line. The SkyTrain departs from Level 4 of the Main Terminal and connects to the city centre in under 30 minutes. If you’re purchasing a single adult fare, you don’t need to visit a ticket counter – simply tap your contactless card or phone at the gate.
If you’re heading further afield, consider the YVR Skylynx bus, which offers daily services on two different routes. These are Whistler via Squamish and Creekside Village, and Victoria via Tsawwassen Bay and Swartz Bay. Tickets can be purchased online or from the YVR Skylynx kiosk in Domestic Arrivals.
YVR has established a Taxi Zone Fare map with its licensed taxi operators, which means you’ll pay a set rate for destinations in and around Vancouver city centre. I love this because it makes the process of navigating a new country and currency more predictable. Metered rates apply for journeys outside the zone map and for all trips to the airport. Lyft, Uber and KABU are also available at YVR.
For road trips through British Columbia and beyond, you’ll also find a wide choice of on-site and off-site car hire companies. On-site options are probably easiest and include global names like Avis, Budget, Hertz and Enterprise. If you do choose an off-site company, most offer a courtesy shuttle that can be caught from the kerbside at the Main Terminal.
In addition to the dedicated car park at South Terminal, YVR offers four parking options. The most expensive option is Gateway Valet, whereby you leave your car to be parked for you at the kerbside drop-off on Level 3. Daily and weekly rates are available for this service.
The most convenient option for people going on a short trip (or for friends picking up and dropping off) is the Parkade. This multi-storey covered car park is located 1-5 minutes from the Main Terminal on foot and offers half-hour, hourly, daily and weekly rates.
For longer trips, I recommend jetSet. This car park is situated 5-7 minutes from the Main Terminal via a free shuttle that runs every 20 minutes, 24 hours a day. The daily and weekly rates offered here are significantly cheaper than the Parkade; however, they must be booked in advance.
The Value Long Term Lot is similarly priced, offers hourly rates too and accepts drive-up bookings. However, although it’s only a 4-minute free train ride from the Main Terminal, you may have to wait up to 20 minutes for the train to arrive. The train is replaced by a shuttle in the early hours of the morning.
This KAYAK-commissioned article is presented as-is, for general informational purposes only, and may not be up-to-date. The opinions contained in the article are original to the author and reflect their authentic experience, which may vary significantly from the experience of others.
IATA code | YVR |
---|---|
Serves | Vancouver |
Terminals | S, D, I |
Hub for | Condor, Philippine Airlines, Sichuan Airlines |