Know Your Airport
YVR

Vancouver International Airport

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Most asked

Getting to and from the airport 9

Canada Line SkyTrain to downtown (Waterfront)Train
YVR–Airport station between the Domestic and International terminals; elevators from Arrivals and Departures levels. Arriving by train, turn left for Domestic, right for International/US.
Before security
HoursFirst train to Waterfront 5:09, last 00:54. Every 6 min peak, 8–12 min midday/evening, 15 min late night; 8–15 min weekends.
CostTwo-zone fare plus $6.50 YVR AddFare leaving the airport: $11.60 tapping a credit/debit card, $10.70 with Compass stored value. After 18:30 weekdays and all weekend it is one-zone: $10.00 by card. No AddFare on monthly passes, for trips to the airport, or within Sea Island (Templeton, Sea Island Centre).

Under 30 min to downtown, 18 min to Richmond. Kids 12 and under free. N10 NightBus covers the overnight gap. YVR's own page still shows the old $5 AddFare; TransLink raised it to $6.50 on 1 July 2026.

Checked 2026-10-26 · Source: translink.ca
Uber / Lyft pickup (Domestic)Ride-hail
Arrivals Level 2. Exit the door beside baggage carousel 6 and turn left to the Ride App pickup zone. Follow the Ride App symbol.
Domestic Before security

Only Uber and Lyft are licensed. Collect bags before requesting; drivers wait in a nearby lot. No separate drop-off zone, drivers use the Departures Level 3 curb.

Checked 2026-10-26 · Source: yvr.ca
Uber / Lyft pickup (International and US arrivals)Ride-hail
Arrivals Level 2. Leave the baggage hall / main lobby, cross the road to the outer curb and follow the Ride App symbol.
International Before security Unconfirmed

Collect bags before requesting. Your app shows the exact spot; YVR does not publish pillar or door numbers.

Checked 2026-10-26 · Source: yvr.ca
Uber / Lyft pickup (South Terminal)Ride-hail
Exit the terminal and go to the outer curb
South Before security Unconfirmed
Checked 2026-10-26 · Source: uber.com
Taxi stands (Main Terminal)Taxi
Arrivals Level 2 outside Domestic and outside International, first come first served
Before security
Hours24 hours
CostFlat zone fares from YVR to most of Metro Vancouver, including a $4 passenger load charge; metered beyond the zone map and for all trips to the airport. Cash, credit, debit. No luggage charge.

Twenty licensed companies; drivers may only pick up at the stands. Zone fare table is on YVR's page. Flat fare also applies from the Canada Place cruise terminal to YVR.

Checked 2026-10-26 · Source: yvr.ca
Taxi stand (South Terminal)Taxi
Right outside the terminal
South Before security

Only Richmond Taxi, Garden City Cabs and Kimber Cabs serve South Terminal.

Checked 2026-10-26 · Source: yvr.ca
N10 NightBus to downtown (when Canada Line is closed)Bus
Bus stops on the Main Terminal roadways; follow transit signage from Arrivals
Before security Unconfirmed
CostRegular TransLink fare, no AddFare on buses

Runs overnight roughly 01:00–05:00 covering the Canada Line gap. Check the TransLink trip planner for the stop and times.

Checked 2026-10-26 · Source: yvr.ca
YVR Skylynx coaches to Whistler and VictoriaBus
Ticket kiosk in Domestic Arrivals, Level 2; ask there for the coach bay
Domestic Before security Unconfirmed

Daily to Whistler via Squamish, and to Victoria via Tsawwassen and Swartz Bay ferries. Book online or at the kiosk.

Checked 2026-10-26 · Source: yvr.ca
On-site car rentalCar rental
Ground floor of the parkade, a short walk from either terminal. Avis, Alamo, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Thrifty. South Terminal has National and Sixt counters inside.
Before security

Europcar, Routes, Sixt and West Coast are off-airport; take their shuttle from the Courtesy Shuttle zone on Departures Level 3.

Checked 2026-10-26 · Source: yvr.ca

Between terminals 3

A1 South Terminal courtesy shuttleInter-terminal bus
Departures Level 3. International stop beside the US transborder check-in area; Domestic stop beside Domestic check-in. Also stops at the Floatplane Dock.
Before security Unconfirmed
CostFree

Look for bus "A1 South Terminal". Wheelchair accessible. Roughly every 30 min (schedule PDFs on YVR's page differ summer/winter); allow an hour for a South connection. You must collect checked bags.

Checked 2026-10-26 · Source: yvr.ca
Domestic ↔ International airside connectionWalking route
Signed connection corridors between the A/B/C gates and D gates on Level 3; scan your next boarding pass at an electronic gate to enter the International section
After security
CostFree

5–15 min walk, no train. International arrivals follow "Canada Connections" or "International Connections" signs on Level 4 and clear customs at a kiosk; extra screening depends on origin.

Checked 2026-10-26 · Source: yvr.ca
US preclearance (E gates)US preclearance
US Departures check-in on Level 3 of the International Terminal; connecting passengers follow "USA Connections" signs, scan boarding pass, clear security then US CBP before the E gates
International Before security
HoursCheck-in 04:00–23:30
ForFlights to the US

You clear US customs in Vancouver and land as a domestic arrival. The E-gate area is sealed off from the rest of airside; lounges, pet relief and nursing in D or C gates are not reachable once through.

Checked 2026-10-26 · Source: yvr.ca

Families and nursing 12

Mamava nursing podNursing pod
Near gate B28, Level 3
Domestic After security
Hours24 hours
CostFree
ForDomestic flights

Private pod with two benches, outlets/USB, fan, shelf and mirror. Unlock with the free Mamava app or call Airport Operations 604-207-7077.

Checked 2026-10-26 · Source: yvr.ca
Mamava nursing podNursing pod
Near gate C41, Level 3
Domestic After security
Hours24 hours
CostFree
ForDomestic flights

Unlock with the Mamava app or call 604-207-7077.

Checked 2026-10-26 · Source: yvr.ca
Mamava nursing podNursing pod
Near gate E77, after US preclearance
International After security
Hours24 hours
CostFree
ForFlights to the US

Unlock with the Mamava app or call 604-207-7077. Pet relief area is also near E76/E77.

Checked 2026-10-26 · Source: yvr.ca
Nursery roomNursing room
Near gate D67 (same area as the Plaza Premium lounges and the atrium)
International After security
Hours24 hours
CostFree
ForInternational flights

Room with seating and changing area. Locked; call Airport Operations 604-207-7077 to be let in.

Checked 2026-10-26 · Source: yvr.ca
Nursery room (before security)Nursing room
US Departures, Level 3, near curbside door 1, beside the Lost and Found office (across from check-in counter 280)
International Before security
Hours24 hours
CostFree

The only landside nursing room. Call 604-207-7077 for access. Reachable from any terminal before security.

Checked 2026-10-26 · Source: yvr.ca
Children's play areaPlay area
Near gate B14
Domestic After security
CostFree
ForDomestic flights

Accessible washroom is also near B14, across from Hangar 49. Pets must stay kennelled in play areas.

Checked 2026-10-26 · Source: yvr.ca
Children's play areaPlay area
Near gate C46, by the C-pier food court
Domestic After security
CostFree
ForDomestic flights
Checked 2026-10-26 · Source: yvr.ca
Children's play areaPlay area
Near gate D53
International After security
CostFree
ForInternational flights
Checked 2026-10-26 · Source: yvr.ca
Children's play areaPlay area
Near gate D59
International After security
CostFree
ForInternational flights
Checked 2026-10-26 · Source: yvr.ca
Children's play areaPlay area
Near gate E81, after US preclearance
International After security
CostFree
ForFlights to the US
Checked 2026-10-26 · Source: yvr.ca
Strollers and car seatsPolicy
Any gate

You can bring a stroller through security and gate-check it. Many airlines allow car seats and strollers as extra items; check yours. Changing tables are in all washrooms. Free baggage carts before security.

Checked 2026-10-26 · Source: yvr.ca
Baby food and formula through securityPolicy
Security screening
Before security

With a child under 2 you may carry baby food, milk, formula, water and juice over 100 ml; powdered formula up to 350 ml. Present them separately for inspection. Rules are CATSA's. Ask whether a Family and Accessible Line is open.

Checked 2026-10-26 · Source: catsa-acsta.gc.ca

Lounges 11

Plaza Premium Lounge (Domestic, C gates)Pay-in lounge
Near gate C29
Domestic After security
Hours06:45–20:30 daily
ForDomestic flights
Get in with
  • Walk-up paid entry or pre-book at parking.yvr.ca
  • Priority Pass, DragonPass, LoungeKey
  • Amex Platinum / Centurion (Global Lounge Collection), Visa Airport Companion, Mastercard Travel Pass

Maximum stay usually 2 hours on card programmes. Domestic departures only.

Checked 2026-10-26 · Source: yvr.ca
Plaza Premium Lounge (Domestic, B gates)Pay-in lounge
Near gate B17 (Priority Pass lists it as near B15), Level 3
Domestic After security
Hours05:00–22:00 daily
ForDomestic flights
Get in with
  • Walk-up paid entry or pre-book at parking.yvr.ca
  • Priority Pass, DragonPass, LoungeKey
  • Amex Platinum / Centurion, Visa Airport Companion, Mastercard Travel Pass

Showers reported here by a third-party guide; confirm on arrival. Max stay 2 h on card programmes. Alcohol served from 9:30.

Checked 2026-10-26 · Source: yvr.ca
Plaza Premium Lounge (International)Pay-in lounge
Near gate D67, Level 4, between gates D67 and D68
International After security
HoursSun–Fri 07:00–24:00, Sat 06:30–24:00 (Priority Pass shows 06:30–01:00)
ForInternational flights
Get in with
  • Walk-up paid entry or pre-book at parking.yvr.ca
  • Priority Pass, DragonPass, LoungeKey
  • Amex Platinum / Centurion, Visa Airport Companion, Mastercard Travel Pass
  • JAL premium passengers (JAL Sakura lounge closed; space absorbed here)

Max stay 2 h on card programmes. Not for domestic or US departures.

Checked 2026-10-26 · Source: yvr.ca
Plaza Premium First (International)Pay-in lounge
Near gate D67, next to the regular Plaza Premium Lounge
International After security Unconfirmed
ForInternational flights
Get in with
  • Paid entry only (from roughly $127 for 2 h); no Priority Pass or card access

Premium tier with table service. First of its kind in North America. Prices change; confirm when booking.

Checked 2026-10-26 · Source: layoverindex.com
Plaza Premium Lounge (US Transborder)Pay-in lounge
Near gate E88, Level 3, after US preclearance (some guides say E87)
International After security
Hours04:45–21:00 daily (Priority Pass shows 04:45–22:00 Fri–Sun)
ForFlights to the US
Get in with
  • Walk-up paid entry or pre-book at parking.yvr.ca
  • Priority Pass, DragonPass, LoungeKey
  • Amex Platinum / Centurion, Visa Airport Companion, Mastercard Travel Pass

US departures only. Max stay 2 h on card programmes.

Checked 2026-10-26 · Source: yvr.ca
Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge (Domestic) — CLOSED for renovationAirline lounge
Near gate C29
Domestic After security Unconfirmed
HoursClosed from 14 Oct 2026 until early 2028
ForDomestic flights
Get in with
  • Air Canada / Star Alliance business class
  • Aeroplan 50K+ and Star Alliance Gold
  • Amex Aeroplan Reserve, TD/CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege

Use the Air Canada Cafés instead during the closure.

Checked 2026-10-26 · Source: milesopedia.com
Air Canada Café and Petit Café (Domestic)Airline lounge
Main Café near gate C50 (06:00–22:00); smaller Café across from the food court between gates C46 and C47 (05:00–20:00)
Domestic After security Unconfirmed
ForDomestic flights
Get in with
  • Air Canada / Star Alliance business class
  • Aeroplan 50K+ and Star Alliance Gold
  • Amex Aeroplan Reserve, TD/CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege

Grab-and-go style, not a full lounge. Only Air Canada option in Domestic while the Maple Leaf Lounge is closed.

Checked 2026-10-26 · Source: milesopedia.com
Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge + Signature Suite (International)Airline lounge
Near gate D52, at the entrance to Pier D; Signature Suite is above the lounge
International After security Unconfirmed
ForInternational flights
Get in with
  • Maple Leaf Lounge: Air Canada / Star Alliance business class, Aeroplan 50K+, Star Alliance Gold, premium Aeroplan cards
  • Signature Suite: paid Air Canada business class on non-stop intercontinental flights, Lufthansa/Swiss first, Emirates first; no card access
Checked 2026-10-26 · Source: milesopedia.com
Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge (US Transborder)Airline lounge
Near gate E85, after US preclearance
International After security Unconfirmed
ForFlights to the US
Get in with
  • Air Canada / Star Alliance / United business class
  • Aeroplan 50K+ and Star Alliance Gold
  • Amex Aeroplan Reserve, TD/CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege
Checked 2026-10-26 · Source: milesopedia.com
SkyTeam LoungeAirline lounge
Near gate D53, west end of Pier D
International After security
Hours24 hours per Priority Pass; opens around flight banks
ForInternational flights
Get in with
  • SkyTeam (Air France, KLM, Delta, Korean Air etc.) business and first
  • SkyTeam Elite Plus
  • Priority Pass, DragonPass, Diners Club (max 3 h, smart-casual dress code)

Not for domestic or US departures. Under 19 must be with an adult.

Checked 2026-10-26 · Source: prioritypass.com
Cathay Pacific LoungeAirline lounge
Pier D, above gate D67 (Milesopedia says near D70)
International After security Unconfirmed
ForInternational flights
Get in with
  • Cathay Pacific / oneworld business and first
  • oneworld Emerald and Sapphire

Opens only a few hours before Cathay and select Qantas departures. No paid or card access.

Checked 2026-10-26 · Source: layoverindex.com

Accessibility 8

Changing Places assisted changing roomAssisted changeroom
Pier D, between gates D58 and D62
International After security Unconfirmed
CostFree
ForInternational flights

Adult-size change table. No pre-booking; use the intercom at the adjacent sign for access. Adult change tables are also in US Departures landside and in Domestic, International and US airside washrooms (no exact spots given).

Checked 2026-10-26 · Source: yvr.ca
Single-stall accessible washroomsAccessible washroom
Landside US Departures Level 3 across from check-in 276. Airside near B14 (across from Hangar 49), near C52/D52, near D72, across from E87 near Starbucks, and International Arrivals Level 4.
CostFree

Private single-stall rooms in addition to accessible stalls in every main washroom. Every accessible toilet has an emergency call button.

Checked 2026-10-26 · Source: yvr.ca
Quiet Space (sensory-friendly)Quiet space
Near gates B28 and C40, Level 3
Domestic After security
CostFree
ForDomestic flights

Soft lighting, low-volume speakers, comfortable seating for relaxation or meditation. Open to all; no hours posted.

Checked 2026-10-26 · Source: yvr.ca
Quiet Space (sensory-friendly)Quiet space
Near gate D67, Level 4; a second one near gate D71, Level 3
International After security
CostFree
ForInternational flights
Checked 2026-10-26 · Source: yvr.ca
Quiet Space (sensory-friendly)Quiet space
Near gate E85, Level 3, after US preclearance
International After security
CostFree
ForFlights to the US
Checked 2026-10-26 · Source: yvr.ca
Wheelchair and curbside assistancePolicy
Blue wheelchairs on Departures Level 3: Domestic near door 14 (check-in 25–40), International near door 7 (check-in 134–135), US near door 3 (check-in 233–238), and at Customer Care counters
Hours24 hours

Gate-to-gate and boarding help is your airline's job; tell them 48 h ahead. YVR's own Curbside Assistance (wheelchair, bags, guidance) is booked up to 48 h ahead or on arrival via 604-207-7077, TTY 604-207-7070.

Checked 2026-10-26 · Source: yvr.ca
Accessible taxisGround transport
Taxi stands on Arrivals Level 2 (Domestic and International) and outside South Terminal
Before security

Wheelchair-accessible taxis are part of the regular fleet. Ask the curbside host or use the courtesy phone at the stand. SPARC permit holders may park 15 min at Departures or Arrivals curbs. Canada Line and buses are fully accessible.

Checked 2026-10-26 · Source: yvr.ca
Customer Care counters (visual paging, Language Line)Information desk
12 counters, including Domestic Departures Level 3, Domestic C gates, Domestic Arrivals Level 2, International Departures Level 3 (two), US Departures Level 3, and International Arrivals Level 4 near D70 and D67
Hours24 hours

Staff in blue jackets, Green Coat volunteers nearby. Audio and visual paging, maps, interpretation in 170 languages. Self-push wheelchairs for short-term use.

Checked 2026-10-26 · Source: yvr.ca

Rest, showers, quiet 3

Fairmont Vancouver Airport (in-terminal)Hotel / day rooms
Level 3 of the International Terminal, above US Departures and International Arrivals
International Before security
Hours24 hours
CostPaid

Only hotel inside the terminal. Day-use rooms up to 8 h between 08:00 and 19:00, phone booking only (1-866-540-4441). Health club, pool and spa; non-guest access not stated. Globe@YVR restaurant, Jetside Lounge.

Checked 2026-10-26 · Source: yvr.ca
Showers inside loungesShowers
Plaza Premium Lounge near gate B17 (Domestic) is the one most reliably reported with showers; Air Canada and SkyTeam lounges for eligible passengers
After security Unconfirmed
CostIncluded with lounge entry

No public airside showers. Landside, the Fairmont sells day rooms. Confirm shower availability with the lounge before paying.

Checked 2026-10-26 · Source: layoverindex.com
Vancouver Airport Medical Clinic and Dental CentreClinic
Domestic Terminal, Level 1 (one floor below Arrivals), beside Pharmasave
Domestic Before security
HoursClinic Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00; dental Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00; closed weekends
CostPaid

Walk-in clinic with travel medicine and physio. Closed weekends.

Checked 2026-10-26 · Source: yvr.ca

Pets and service animals 8

Outdoor pet relief area (International)Pet relief area
Outside International Arrivals, at the entrance to Chester Johnson Park
International Before security
Hours24 hours
Checked 2026-10-26 · Source: yvr.ca
Outdoor pet relief area (South Terminal)Pet relief area
Across from the north entrance of the South Terminal building
South Before security
Hours24 hours
Checked 2026-10-26 · Source: yvr.ca
Indoor pet relief area (A/B pier)Pet relief area
A/B pier, across from the play area (near B14), before Starbucks
Domestic After security
Hours24 hours
ForDomestic flights
Checked 2026-10-26 · Source: yvr.ca
Indoor pet relief area (C pier)Pet relief area
Across from gate C29, in the alcove to the right of the washrooms
Domestic After security
Hours24 hours
ForDomestic flights
Checked 2026-10-26 · Source: yvr.ca
Indoor pet relief areas (D pier)Pet relief area
Across from gate D72, and between gates D58 and D62. Also on the International Arrivals walkway and overflow queuing area, Level 4.
International After security
Hours24 hours
ForInternational flights
Checked 2026-10-26 · Source: yvr.ca
Indoor pet relief area (US gates)Pet relief area
Near gates E76 and E77
International After security
Hours24 hours
ForFlights to the US
Checked 2026-10-26 · Source: yvr.ca
Indoor pet relief area (South Terminal)Pet relief area
Gates G1–2, by the vending machines in the corner
South After security
Hours24 hours
ForDomestic flights
Checked 2026-10-26 · Source: yvr.ca
Pets in the terminalPolicy
Everywhere in the terminal

Pets must be kennelled or on a non-retractable leash under 1.2 m; kennelled in food courts, play areas and the customs hall, and carried on escalators. Emotional support animals follow pet rules.

Checked 2026-10-26 · Source: yvr.ca

Services 6

Free airport Wi-FiWi-Fi
Everywhere, including South Terminal
Unconfirmed
CostFree, unlimited

Network name reported as "YVR Free WiFi" by one guide and "@yvrairport" by another; YVR's site does not publish it. Pick the open network with YVR in the name and accept the portal terms.

Checked 2026-10-26 · Source: layoverindex.com
CDS Baggage storageLuggage storage
Arrivals Level 2, before security, in both the Domestic and International terminals
Before security
Hours06:00–22:00 (Domestic) and 07:00–22:00 (International) daily
CostPaid, short- and long-term rates

Pre-book a drop-off at cdsbaggage.ca; hotel and home delivery available. Hours matched to terminals by listing order on YVR's page; confirm.

Checked 2026-10-26 · Source: yvr.ca
PharmasavePharmacy
Domestic Terminal, Level 1, next to the medical clinic
Domestic Before security
HoursMon–Fri 09:00–17:00, closed weekends

Prescriptions and over-the-counter. Airside, convenience stores stock basic medications.

Checked 2026-10-26 · Source: yvr.ca
Lost and Found officeLost and found
US Departures, Level 3, across from check-in counter 280, beside the Nursery
International Before security
Hours09:00–17:00 daily

Terminal items only; report online first. Items held 30 days; pickup with photo ID and reference number, or ship by FedEx. Aircraft items go to the airline.

Checked 2026-10-26 · Source: yvr.ca
ICE currency exchangeCurrency exchange
Landside at Domestic Level 3, International Levels 2 and 3, US Level 3. Airside at C29, D53, D70, E84, E90 and International Arrivals Level 2.
HoursVary by counter; International Level 3 landside is 24 h

Multi-currency ATMs in all three areas. Airport rates are poor; a bank ATM is usually cheaper.

Checked 2026-10-26 · Source: yvr.ca
Porter service (Vancouver Skycap)Porter
Curbside and in Arrivals and Departures halls, both terminals; look for the rate-posted carts
Before security
Cost$25 flat for up to 3 bags, $3 each extra, $25 per pet crate; $60 reserved service for up to 8 bags

Walk-up, first come first served. Reserve by email 24 h ahead or call 604-303-3787 (08:00–20:00). Will take bags to taxi, ride-hail, Canada Line, parkade or the Fairmont.

Checked 2026-10-26 · Source: yvr.ca
Terminal guide: Domestic Terminal — Air Canada, WestJet, Porter, Flair, Air North and other Canadian carriers · International Terminal — Air Canada international, Cathay Pacific, Air France/KLM/Delta (SkyTeam), JAL, Lufthansa, United, American, Alaska and other foreign carriers · South Terminal — Pacific Coastal, Central Mountain Air, North Cariboo Air, Iskwew Air, Summit Air; Harbour Air, Seair and Helijet nearby.
Last full review 2026-10-26. "Unconfirmed" means a reputable third-party source we couldn't confirm on the airport's own pages. Gates and pickup zones change; report an error.