Plan Your Airport Arrival & Navigation

Description

Prepare everything needed to navigate YVR and reach your accommodation independently on Day 1.

In person N/A

Online 15–20 min

What to do

1. Download offline maps for Metro Vancouver on Google Maps or Maps.me before you board your flight

2. Screenshot the transit route from YVR to your temporary accommodation (Canada Line directions)

3. Research SIM options: an eSIM you can activate before landing, or the mobile kiosks inside the international arrivals terminal at YVR

4. Identify the Canada Line SkyTrain station inside YVR International (follow 'Canada Line' signs after customs)

5. Load the TransLink trip planner with your YVR-to-accommodation route and save it offline

6. Note the YVR AddFare requirement: SkyTrain fares from YVR stations include a $6.50 surcharge — load at least $15 on your Compass Card

7. Confirm whether your accommodation accepts late-night arrivals and save the contact number for emergencies

Warnings

Mobile signal drops at the border

Your home-country SIM will not work reliably in Canada without an international roaming plan.
Have offline maps and screenshots ready before your signal disappears mid-transit.

YVR AddFare

SkyTrain fares departing from YVR Airport or Templeton stations cost $6.50 extra (the 'AddFare').
Ensure your Compass Card or contactless payment covers the full fare including AddFare.

Tips

Canada Line is the fastest option

The Canada Line connects YVR directly to downtown Vancouver (Waterfront) in ~26 min and to Richmond Centre in ~10 min — no taxi needed.

Buy a Compass Card at YVR

Compass Card vending machines are at both YVR SkyTrain stations. Load $20–$30 to cover your first few days of transit.

Free WiFi at YVR

YVR offers free WiFi throughout the terminal — connect as soon as you clear customs to send your arrival message and pull up your route.

Exchange rate at the airport

Currency exchange booths at YVR charge high fees. Withdraw CAD from a bank ATM inside the terminal for a better rate.

Porter and taxi zones

If you have heavy luggage and your accommodation is not near a SkyTrain stop, taxi and rideshare (Uber/Lyft) zones are just outside the international arrivals hall.

Start My Checklist