Get Me to the Airport on Time
byDespite going through a painless “random agriculture check” we’re soaking up some of the free public wifi here at YVR. It’s is a pretty great airport (actually it’s one of the best in the world) but getting here in the months before there Canada Line opens up is a bit of a challenge if you don’t know your options. If you do not have access to a car you’ll have to rely on shuttle services and taxis to get you to YVR and back so allow me to lend a hand and share some of the options for locals and those visiting our fair region.
The YVR Airporter
This is the most convenient option if you are traveling alone and have extra time to get to the airport. Purchase a round trip ticket from one of many departure hotels in downtown Vancouver for $28. This will get you to the airport and secure your way home when you return to Vancouver. This does make many stops at other hotels along the way (you don’t necessarily need to be a guest at any of the hotels) so it takes about 1.5 hours. [website]
Taxi Service
In non-peak hours (afternoon rush hour) this could be a quick 20 minute trek across town. This morning we got from downtown to the airport in 30 minutes and our total far was $29.00 for the two of us. Many local cab companies have shiny new cars (YVR boasts they’re all 6 years old or newer) and some operate hybrids, in case you’re concerned about adding to the smog. [YVR Taxi Listing]
Public Transit – Bus
From downtown you can take the 98 B-line express bus (Burrard Station Bay 9) to Richmond’s Airport Station (Bay 2) from there you can connect to the 424 airport bus. After 6pm and on weekends this will cost you all of $2.50 and will take about 50 minutes from downtown depending on traffic. [Translink]
Of course my preferred option is having a family member drop us off as this is also conducive to plenty of hug time.
19 Comments — Comments Are Closed
If you have a group of people taking a Limo ($40-45 flat rate) from downtown to YVR is another option. We did that for our trip (there was 4 of us) to the Dominican Republic and it was comfy and relaxing.
I looked at the AirPorter before and for only a couple $$ more per person we choose the Limo though we found out (after calling them) they did not service Denman St and we would have had to walk to the Fairmount or something stupid to pick it up.
Once the Skytrain line is completed that will definitely be a great option for getting to YVR even if it costs an extra $2 or something.
But yes having friends/family drop you off/pick you up is always the best option, especially when I live out in Pitt Meadows and need to go to YVR for a business flight as taxis etc cost over $80 each way.
The bus option is cheap and very quick. From my place at UBC to the airport took about an hour. YVR is also a 24 hour airport so if you have an early flight, you can sleep there without problems. Starbucks at the International Terminal opens at 5am and the A&W pre-security is open all night.
I agree with Phillip that the bus is cheap and somewhat quick…last time I did that (to get from YVR to North Van) I decided to never do it again and cab it/call a friend next time.
Having to haul two bags (laptop and large checked bag) in the heat of July via three transfers on overly full buses just wasn’t worth it to me. Might be okay if you just have a small overnight bag…but who just takes that if they are going somewhere on a plane?
More airports need free WiFi. Period.
Yup. I always cab. $28 or $29 from my place, fairly consistently. Even when the skytrain opens you’ll still have to make it to a skytrain terminal, and then you still have a pile of luggage on a small train. So who knows.
Using the tube in London was pretty easy when I went to visit Michelle – right from Heathrow to Notting Hill pretty seamlessly. Although yes, with luggage it was a pain, especially with that gap I had to keep minding.
Same thing with Boston – there was the mysterious “blue line” that was off my everyday radar and looked like it was from 1943 but it got me home from the airport via the green line, then the red line 😛
I’m looking forward to see how seamless the Canada Line will be.
Upon arrival at YVR on the international side, the open spaces are really pretty to see, before heading down (or is that funneled down?) to passport control.
As I now fly primarily through DFW, I echo JB’s statement and wish more airports in the U.S. provided free wireless – and free which allowed users to navigate beyond the airport’s access constraints (e.g., weather or arrivals/departures).
I have no problem with YVR, but I was curious about the criteria you would use to determine that it’s one of the best in the world. I think it’s fine. I actually don’t know which airport that I would consider one of the best.
I think the YVR free wireless is relatively new, right? I love it.
A taxi costs about $60 from Burnaby Mountain to YVR — just sharing. 🙂
When you pass through security for international departures, that secured area you enter is just absolutely magnificent (that big aquarium is a sight). Sadly, my last international trip was to the UK/Europe earlier this year and all the trips I do now are domestic business trips.
However, if you’re bored on Sunday, consider going to YVR just for the heck of it. The areas for non-travellers have some great artwork and sculptures and it’s always sweet to check out the arrival areas to see people reuniting with others.
@Bright star – it’s one of the best I’ve experienced however those rankings/titles came from several international surveys a few years ago, not me :p
Well, I have been thinking about it, and I agree that it’s hard to think of an airport that I personally like more. The public art is nice. The architecture is aesthetically pleasing. (I love the high ceilings.) They’re remodeling a lot of it, too, so it’s looking better all of the time. The public wifi is super. Perhaps the food options could be a touch better.
I didn’t know that it was ranked somewhere! Cool!
We are so looking forward to “hug time” with our Canadian children. Can’t wait to see the two of you.
@BrightStar I like the international terminal. Being greeted with the native art that reminds me of the Victoria Museum is always a treat!
I miss my kids already!
YVR has free public wi-fi? Since when? Last time I went it asked me to sign up and pay for access to the Telus hotspot. That’s awesome if they have it free now.
@ Kulpreet – Yeah they still have a “Telus” account you can connect to but so far in int’l departures, and arrivals we’ve used the “YVR Public” account
Feels so weird not to be the first one to comment on your blog 😛
I just went through YVR airport a few days ago, and my experience was pretty seamless. But that’s been a rarity in all my international travel!
[…] in front of the plane I will be boarding in an hour or so (and thanks to Miss 604 for posting about YVR’s free wifi, without which I won’t be able to post this from my own […]
Get to the Airport on time and like a Celebrity