Vancouver Transit: Getting Around Town

While you're visiting Vancouver, you can count on the Vancouver transit system to get you where you need to go.

Vancouver is a very modern, accessible city, and so Vancouver car rentals are not always necessary for visitors.  Due to the city’s unique geography, the Vancouver transit system (also known as “TransLink”) includes everything from city buses to sea taxis.  Here are just a few methods of transportation you might experience while sightseeing in Vancouver:

Canada Line:

• Depending on where you are staying, you might consider taking the brand-new Canada Line from Vancouver International Airport.  SkyTrain’s newest line is a great option for Vancouver airport transportation, and services numerous stops among Vancouver’s busiest corridors from the airport.  A trip from the airport to downtown only takes 25 minutes and approximately $4.00....much cheaper than a cab!

Sky Train:

• The longest automated light rapid transit system in the world can also get you to various parts of Vancouver and the suburbs.

The Big Bus:

• One of the first things you should do upon your arrival in Vancouver is take a city tour.  This will help orient you to the city and also help you determine where you should go back and spend some more time on your own.  And, with the Big Bus, you can buy a two-day “hop on, hop off” pass that allows you to get off and explore 22 of the top destinations in Vancouver. Not to mention, you’ll be seeing Vancouver from the beloved double-decker vintage or open-top buses!

SeaBus:

• Of course, a city that is surrounded by water must have transit via waterway as well.  The seabus is a Vancouver ferry that connects downtown with the North Shore (where the Capilano Suspension Bridge and Grouse Mountain are; although you’ll have to take transportation from the ferry dock to these locations).  This scenic alternative to other Vancouver public transit options allows a great view of the Vancouver skyline, mountains, and sea; and only takes twelve minutes.  It departs from the Waterfront next to Canada Place.

AquaBus:

• The AquaBus is another Vancouver ferry system that takes you across False Creek to Granville Island; one of the top things to do in Vancouver.  It picks up from a number of docks throughout town every 15-30 minutes (be sure to consult schedules for exact times).  The average fair (depending on your route) is approximately $4.00.

There is a great system of city buses, and taxis are readily available at any of the downtown Vancouver hotels.  However, if you plan on visiting areas outside the city, a car rental might be a good idea.

There are also many Vancouver tours to take you to places like Whistler, the Capilano Suspension Bridge, and Grouse Mountain.  But, if you don’t like to be restricted by time limits, then you might want to think about renting a car.

But if you plan on staying within the city limits for most of your stay, Vancouver transit offers convenient, affordable options to help you see all that there is to see in beautiful Vancouver BC.

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