Vancouver International Airport (YVR) sits 7.5 miles from downtown Vancouver on British Columbia’s coast. It’s Canada’s second-busiest airport after Toronto Pearson, and I’ve flown through it several times on trips from the UK to Canada.
YVR has two terminals: the Main Terminal handles Domestic, U.S. and International flights, while the South Terminal serves regional, float plane and charter operations. It’s one of the few major airports with float plane facilities, which makes it pretty special in my book.
How to navigate YVR’s terminals
YVR’s Main Terminal spans four floors, each with a specific purpose:
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. The lines tend to move quickly, even during peak travel times. I really like that you can check the YVR website for real-time wait times on their “Operational Snapshot” page. It gives you a solid idea of exactly how much time you have to finish your coffee before getting in line.
If you’re flying to the U.S. from the Main Terminal, you can also book a spot in the security line ahead of time with YVR EXPRESS. It’s a free service that lets you schedule an appointment so you can skip the wait. Slots open up 72 hours before departure and fill up fast, so be ready to book.
Retail and dining
YVR offers dining options throughout the Main Terminal concourses, both before and after security. Whether you want healthy food, comfort food, vegan options or a meat feast, you’ll find it here.
The multicultural cuisine reflects the diverse population of Canada. Alongside North American burgers and fried chicken, you’ll find Vietnamese banh, Hawaiian poké, Japanese hot dogs and Mexican tacos.
When my family met up at YVR from three different countries for a trip, we killed a few hours at the Whistler Taphouse & Grill near Gate C47 in the domestic terminal. It’s a great spot with Canadian pub food, international dishes and craft beers from a long-established BC microbrewery.
The shopping is just as varied. You can browse bookstores and souvenir shops, or hit up designer boutiques like Moncler and Tom Ford. There are also six World Duty Free shops for any last-minute needs.
Lounges and layovers
There are several lounges at YVR, and all of them offer free snacks, drinks and quiet spaces to relax. The Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge has three locations and welcomes Business Class passengers and certain elite members. The Cathay Pacific Lounge (between Gates D70 and D71) is famous for its Noodle Bar and is open to its premium passengers and partners.
The SkyTeam Lounge (Gate D53) serves First, Business and Elite Plus customers on SkyTeam airlines. And if you don’t have status, don’t worry. Any passenger can buy a day pass for the Plaza Premium Lounge, which has four locations across the domestic, U.S. and international concourses.
If you have a really long layover or a dreaded red-eye flight, the Fairmont Vancouver Airport Hotel is a lifesaver. It’s connected directly to the Main Terminal and you can book a room for the night or just for a few hours during the day to catch up on sleep.
What to know about the South Terminal
Often called “Airport South,” this terminal is for regional and coastal flights (mostly within BC), as well as helicopter operations and corporate charters. It’s also home to YVR’s Float Plane Facility on the Fraser River. You’ll find the basics here: a grab-and-go café, parking, a car rental service and a free courtesy shuttle to the Main Terminal.
Getting to and from Vancouver International Airport
Train
For many travelers, the Canada Line is an easy way to reach downtown Vancouver. The skytrain departs from the Link Building (accessible from Level 3 of the Main Terminal) and gets you to the city center in under 30 minutes.
Payment is simple: just tap your contactless card or phone at the gate for a single adult fare. No need to visit a ticket counter.
Bus
If you’re heading to places like Whistler or Victoria, the YVR Skylynx bus is a solid option. It offers daily service to Whistler via Squamish and Creekside, and you can buy tickets online or at their desk in the International Terminal on Level 1.
Taxi and rideshare services
YVR has a Taxi Zone Fare map with its licensed taxi companies, which means you pay a set rate for trips to downtown Vancouver. I love this because it takes the guesswork out of navigating a new city and currency. For trips outside the zone, the meter runs as usual. Rideshare services are also available at YVR.
Car rental
If you’re planning a road trip, you’ll find plenty of on-site and off-site car rental companies. The on-site options like Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National and Thrifty are probably more convenient. If you go with an off-site company, most offer a courtesy shuttle from Departures Level 3 at the Main Terminal.
Parking solutions at YVR
YVR offers a few different parking options. The priciest is Gateway Valet, where you just drop your car at the curb on Level 3 and they handle the rest. The most convenient for short trips is the Parkade, a multi-level covered lot that’s just a short walk from the Main Terminal.
For longer trips, I recommend jetSet. This parking lot sits a few minutes from the Main Terminal, connected by a free shuttle that runs every 20 minutes. The daily and weekly rates 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.
Flight destinations and connections
YVR offers non-stop flights to 120 destinations served by 51 airlines across Canada, the U.S., Mexico and beyond. A huge perk is its U.S. Border Preclearance facility, which lets you clear American immigration and customs before you even take off. The airport is also a major hub for flights to Asia, the South Pacific and Europe, with more direct flights to China than any other airport in North America or Europe.
Why YVR stands out as a destination
YVR’s cleanliness, efficiency and welcoming atmosphere set it apart. The airport is already carbon neutral, with a commitment to reach net zero in the coming years, and its inclusive approach makes everyone feel welcome.
This isn’t just my opinion. YVR has been named Skytrax’s Best North American Airport multiple times, recognition that reflects its progressive outlook.
But mostly, I just love this airport for its beauty. The first time I flew in, the afternoon light was hitting the city, which is nestled between the Fraser River, the Strait of Georgia and the North Shore Mountains. It’s definitely a view worth booking a window seat for.
Art installations worth discovering
It’s just as beautiful inside. While most airports are pretty utilitarian, YVR feels more like a museum filled with art inspired by BC culture. My favorites are the Musqueam Welcome Figures in the Canada Customs Hall and the huge 114,000-litre kelp forest aquarium on Level 3 of the International concourse. These touches of wonder make even a long layover enjoyable.
This KAYAK-commissioned article is presented as-is, for general informational purposes only, and may not be up-to-date. The opinions contained in the article are original to the author and reflect their authentic experience, which may vary significantly from the experience of others.
