Vancouver Intl Airport (YVR) Flights & Flight Status

Located 7.5 miles from downtown Vancouver on the coast of British Columbia, Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is the second-busiest airport in Canada after Toronto Pearson International Airport in Ontario. It has two terminals: the Main Terminal with concourses for Domestic, U.S. and International travel, and the South Terminal for regional, float plane and charter flights. It is one of only a handful of major airports that caters to float planes. I have flown to or connected through Vancouver several times on vacation from the UK to Canada and rank it as one of my all-time favorite international airports.

A place of beauty

This is partly because of its cleanliness, efficiency and welcoming atmosphere. It's inclusive and environmentally friendly (it’s already carbon neutral, with a commitment to be net zero by 2030). This isn’t a subjective opinion. YVR has won many awards for its progressive outlook, including Skytrax’s Best North American Airport Award for 12 consecutive years.

Mostly I love this airport for its beauty. The first time I flew into YVR was in the afternoon, and the view from the window showed golden light glinting off a city nestled between the Fraser River, the Strait of Georgia and the towering North Shore Mountains. This is definitely a destination worth booking a window seat for.

Art installations

It’s just as beautiful inside. Whereas most airports are pretty utilitarian, YVR resembles a museum filled with art inspired by BC culture. Some of my favorites include the giant red cedar totem poles standing sentinel in the Canada Customs Hall and the huge kelp forest aquarium located on Level 3 of the International concourse. These elements of wonder make even an extended layover enjoyable.

Destinations

YVR offers around 80 non-stop destinations across Canada, the U.S. and Mexico, with U.S. Border Preclearance facilities allowing you to complete American immigration and customs before departure. The airport also offers non-stop flights to international destinations across Asia, the South Pacific and Europe. More direct flights to China depart from here than any other airport in North America or Europe and signage includes Chinese alongside English and French.

Navigating the main terminal at YVR

YVR’s Main Terminal has four floors: a Services plaza on Level 1, Arrivals on Level 2, Departures on Level 3, and the train to the city on Level 4. Levels 2 and 3 have separate concourses for Domestic, U.S. and International flights.

Security

Security at YVR is, in my experience, a fairly painless affair. That’s because queues tend to move quickly even during busy periods. I really like that you can view real-time information about current wait times for each security area on the YVR website (just look for the Operational Snapshot page). This gives you an accurate idea of when you need to finish your pre-security coffee and head to the line.

If you’re traveling from the Main Terminal to Canada or the U.S., you can fast track the security process by signing up for YVR EXPRESS. This is a free service that allows you to schedule an appointment time and avoid waiting in line. Slots fill up quickly, though, so be sure to book as soon as they become available 72 hours before departure.

Retail and dining

YVR offers a wealth of dining options both before and after security in each of the Main Terminal concourses. Healthy food, comfort food, vegan food or a meat feast… It’s all here, with a focus on multicultural cuisine that reflects Canada’s diverse population. Alongside North American burgers and fried chicken you’ll find Vietnamese banh and Hawaiian poké, Japanese hot dogs and Mexican tacos.

When my family converged on YVR from three different countries for a trip to the Yukon, we spent hours catching up at the Whistler Taphouse & Grill near Gate C45 in Domestic. It’s a great option that caters to different tastes with a menu of Canadian pub-grub and international dishes complemented by craft beers from one of BC’s oldest microbreweries.

Shopping opportunities are similarly diverse. You’ll find book stores and souvenir shops, luggage retailers and gourmet food outlets as well as designer boutiques ranging from Moncler to Tom Ford. There are also six Vancouver Duty Free shops.

Other services

Other services offered in the Main Terminal range from the luxurious (I’m talking spa locations for pre-flight pampering) to the practical - think banking and currency exchange facilities, a pharmacy, clinic and dental care services, pet relief areas and free Wi-Fi throughout. As a mom who knows just how hard traveling with a newborn can be, I appreciate that YVR also offers a choice of private nursing rooms and pods.

Lounges

There are four lounges at YVR, two of which have multiple locations. All of them offer complimentary snacks and beverages, quiet zones and relaxed seating. The Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge (located at Gate C29 Domestic, Gate C52 International and Gate E85 U.S.) welcomes all Business Class passengers, Star Alliance Gold members and certain Air Canada Aeroplan Elite members.

The Cathay Pacific Lounge (famous for its Noodle Bar) is located at Gate D70 International. It accepts Cathay Pacific First and Business Class passengers as well as select Cathay members and oneworld partner programme members. The SkyTeam Lounge (Gate D53) is open to First, Business and Elite Plus customers flying on SkyTeam member airlines, as well as affiliated priority pass holders.

Finally, all passengers can purchase access to the Plaza Premium Lounge, located at Gates B17 and C29 Domestic, Gate E88 U.S. and Gate D67 International.

Fairmont Vancouver Airport Hotel

If you have an extended layover or red-eye flight, check out Fairmont Vancouver Airport Hotel. It’s directly connected to the Main Terminal with many facilities including the Globe@YVR and Jetside Lounge restaurants, a health club with an indoor pool and spa, and extensive meeting space. Stay overnight or book a day-use room for four, six or eight hours.

What to know about the South Terminal

Often referred to as Airport South, the South Terminal building is reserved for regional and coastal air services (mostly within BC), helicopter operations and corporate charters. It’s also home to YVR’s Float Plane Facility for scheduled float planes landing and departing from the Fraser River. Facilities include a grab-and-go café, hourly and daily parking, a car rental service and a courtesy shuttle connecting to the Main Terminal.

Getting to and from Vancouver International Airport

Train

For many, the easiest way to get to downtown Vancouver from the airport is to take the Canada Line. The skytrain departs from Level 4 of the Main Terminal and connects to the city center in under 30 minutes. If you’re purchasing a single adult fare, you don’t need to visit a ticket counter - simply tap your contactless card or phone at the gate.

Bus

If you’re heading further afield, consider the YVR Skylynx bus which offers daily services on two different routes. These are Whistler via Squamish and Creekside Village, and Victoria via Tsawwassen Bay and Swartz Bay. Tickets can be purchased online or from the YVR Skylynx kiosk in Domestic Arrivals.

Taxi and rideshare services

YVR has established a Taxi Zone Fare map with its licensed taxi operators, which means you’ll pay a set rate for destinations in and around downtown Vancouver. I love this because it makes the process of navigating a new country and currency more predictable. Metered rates apply for journeys outside the zone map and for all trips to the airport. Lyft, Uber and KABU are also available at YVR.

Car rental

For self-drive road trips through BC and beyond, you’ll also find a wide choice of on-site and off-site car rental companies. On-site options are probably easiest and include global names like Avis, Budget, Hertz and Enterprise. If you do choose an off-site company, most offer a courtesy shuttle that can be caught from the curbside at the Main Terminal.

The parking solutions at YVR

In addition to the dedicated parking lot at South Terminal, YVR offers four parking options. The most expensive option is Gateway Valet, whereby you leave your car to be parked for you at the curbside drop-off on Level 3. Daily and weekly rates are available for this service.

The most convenient option for people going on a short trip (or for friends picking up and dropping off) is the Parkade. This multi-level covered parking is located 1-5 minutes from the Main Terminal on foot and offers half-hour, hourly, daily and weekly rates.

For longer trips, I recommend jetSet. This parking lot is situated 5-7 minutes from the Main Terminal via a free shuttle that runs every 20 minutes, 24 hours a day. The daily and weekly rates offered here are significantly cheaper than the Parkade; however, they must be booked in advance.

The Value Long Term Lot is similarly priced, offers hourly rates too and accepts drive-up bookings. However, although it’s only a 4-minute free train ride from the Main Terminal, you can wait up to 20 minutes for the train to arrive. The train is replaced by a shuttle in the early hours of the morning.