Vancouver International Airport (YVR)

International arrivals follow a structured path through border control, baggage collection, and customs before entering the public arrival hall.

• Follow signage along the arrival walkways to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) processing area.
• Complete your entry declaration using a Primary Inspection Kiosk or pre-submit via the ArriveCAN service.
• Present your passport and travel documents to a CBSA officer for entry clearance.
• Collect your checked baggage from the designated luggage carousels in the baggage hall.
• Pass through the customs checkpoint before exiting into the public international arrivals area.

• Train

  SkyTrain (Canada Line)

  Direct rapid transit rail service connecting YVR directly to central Vancouver stations, including City Centre and Waterfront.

  Time:

  roughly 25-30 minutes

  Typical cost:

  typically CAD $10-15

• Taxi

  Taxi

  Licensed taxis operate from set zone fares to downtown Vancouver, available at curbside stands outside arrivals.

  Time:

  roughly 30-45 minutes

  Typical cost:

  typically CAD $35-45

• Ride-hailing

  Rideshare

  App-based services operate with designated pick-up areas located outside the terminal building.

  Time:

  roughly 30-45 minutes

  Typical cost:

  typically CAD $35-50

• Car rental

  Car Rental

  Rental desks are located on the ground floor of the main parkade structure adjacent to the main terminal.

  Time:

  roughly 30-45 minutes to downtown

  Typical cost:

  varies by provider

Transferring passengers must clear border controls when entering Canada from an international flight.

• International-to-domestic transfers require clearing immigration and collecting checked bags before re-checking them for the onward domestic flight.
• US-bound transfer passengers clear US Customs and Border Protection preclearance within YVR prior to boarding.
• Transfers to the South Terminal require taking a dedicated shuttle bus from outside the Main Terminal.

Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi is accessible throughout all public and gate areas of the airport.

• Select the public Wi-Fi network named 'www.yvr.ca' on your device.
• Accept the terms on the splash screen to establish a connection.
• No user registration or personal identification is required.

Canadian Dollars (CAD) are the standard currency. Electronic card payments are widely accepted throughout the airport and city.

• Automated teller machines (ATMs) supporting major international card networks are positioned across both terminals.
• Currency exchange counters are available in both pre-security and post-security international areas.
• Contactless debit and major credit cards are universally accepted for public transport and retail.

A broad range of dining choices is available both before and after security checkpoints.

• The food court and casual dining outlets operate across international and domestic terminal sectors.
• Options include quick-service establishments, coffee shops, and full-service sit-down restaurants.
• Operating hours vary, but select core beverage and food options remain available for late-night arrivals.

Airline lounges and independent pay-per-use lounges are available in the departures corridors.

• Plaza Premium operates pay-per-use lounges in domestic, transborder, and international departure zones.
• Major airline alliance lounges are accessible based on class of travel or frequent flyer status.
• Access can typically be purchased at the door, subject to lounge capacity limits.

Accommodation is available directly at the airport complex, alongside options nearby in Richmond.

• The Fairmont Vancouver Airport hotel is located inside the terminal directly above the US departures area.
• Numerous off-site hotels in the vicinity of Richmond provide complimentary shuttle transport to and from YVR.
• Hotel reservation boards and courtesy phone facilities are located in the arrivals hall.

Baggage facilities include left luggage storage and standard lost property services.

• Left luggage and short-term storage facilities are available in the public pre-security area.
• Porters are available to assist with luggage handling for a standard per-bag fee.
• Inquiries regarding lost checked luggage should be directed to your operating airline's baggage desk.

Facilities for travelling families are integrated throughout the terminal infrastructure.

• Dedicated nursing rooms and baby changing facilities are situated near most main restroom blocks.
• Children's play areas are located post-security in the departures concourses.
• Stroller-accessible elevators and wide corridors operate throughout all floors.

• Free Airport Wi-Fi
• Left Luggage Storage
• Currency Exchange Counters
• Automated Teller Machines
• Interfaith Sanctuary
• Nursing Facilities
• On-Site Hotel
• Direct Rail Connection

Local emergency number: 911

• For medical or security emergencies within the terminal, dial 911 or alert any uniformed airport staff member.
• First aid stations and automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are located throughout the terminal.
• If you lose your passport, contact your country's local consulate or embassy in Vancouver after informing airport security.

• Check your passport validity and any visa, ETA or entry declaration required.
• Confirm your departure terminal on your boarding pass the day before.
• Activate a travel eSIM so you are online the moment you land.
• Download offline maps and screenshot your hotel address and booking reference.
• Tell your bank you are travelling and carry a backup payment card.
• Save the local emergency number and your embassy contact in your phone.
• Photograph your passport and store the copy somewhere you can reach offline.
• Check baggage allowance and any restricted items for your destination.

Airport operations change. Always confirm terminals, fares and timetables with the official sources below before you travel.

• Vancouver International Airport Official PortalOfficial airport source
• Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship CanadaGovernment source
• Canada Border Services AgencyGovernment source
• TransLink Public Transit NetworkOfficial transit source