Navigating a new city can be daunting for a traveller, but Vancouver’s public transit system makes getting around the city straightforward and efficient. Public transit in Vancouver is well-connected, affordable, and user-friendly, making it easy for you as a visitor to explore the city’s many attractions without a car. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you make the most of Vancouver’s public transit options.

Overview of Vancouver’s Public Transit System

Vancouver's public transit is operated by TransLink, which manages buses, the SkyTrain, and SeaBus services across the city and neighbouring areas. The system is known for its accessibility and efficiency, covering downtown Vancouver, and surrounding neighbourhoods, and even extending to nearby cities like Richmond, Burnaby, and Surrey. Here’s a quick breakdown of the main public transportation options:

• SkyTrain: Vancouver’s light rapid transit system has three major lines (Expo, Millennium, and Canada Line) that connect the downtown core with the greater metro area.
• Bus: An extensive bus network covers the city and surrounding areas, with frequent routes and stops near key attractions.
• SeaBus: A passenger ferry connecting downtown Vancouver with North Vancouver across Burrard Inlet.
• West Coast Express: A commuter rail service connecting Vancouver with areas to the east, including Port Moody, Coquitlam, and Mission. 
• Taxis: A convenient option for door-to-door service, taxis are readily available throughout Vancouver. They’re ideal for shorter trips or when public transit schedules don’t align with your plans.

Note: The West Coast Express Service runs one-way from Mission to downtown Vancouver in the morning and returns to Mission in the evening on weekdays only. It does not operate on weekends and there is no return service to downtown at night.

How to use Vancouver Public Transit?

Once you’re set up with a Compass Card or ticket, using public transport in Vancouver is easy. Here’s a breakdown of how to navigate each type of transit:

1. SkyTrain

• Lines and Routes: Vancouver’s SkyTrain has three main lines: the Expo Line (connecting downtown Vancouver to Burnaby and Surrey), the Millennium Line (connecting East Vancouver and Burnaby), and the Canada Line (connecting downtown to the airport and Richmond).
• Schedule: SkyTrain services are frequent, with trains every few minutes, and operate from around 5 a.m. until 1 a.m. on most days.
• How to Use: Tap your Compass Card at the gate to enter and exit. Signage is clear, making it easy to navigate stations, and each line is color-coded for convenience.

Airport Access: The Canada Line connects directly to Vancouver International Airport (YVR), making it easy to reach downtown within 30 minutes. To get to the Century Plaza Hotel from the airport, take the Canada Line to Granville Station or Roundhouse Station and connect to a nearby bus or walk to the hotel.

2. Bus Network

• Routes and Coverage: Vancouver’s bus network is extensive, covering nearly every neighbourhood. Key routes like the #99 B-Line provide rapid transit along busy corridors.
• Boarding: Buses have card readers by the entrance, so simply tap your Compass Card or contactless card when you board. Cash is also accepted, but no change is provided.
• NightBus: Vancouver’s NightBus services operate in the early hours after the SkyTrain stops, making it convenient for late-night travel.

Tips: Check TransLink’s online Trip Planner or use a mobile app like Google Maps to find the best bus routes to your destination.

3. SeaBus

• Route: The SeaBus connects downtown Vancouver with Lonsdale Quay in North Vancouver. It’s a scenic 12-minute ride across the Burrard Inlet, offering beautiful views of the city skyline and surrounding mountains.
• Schedule: The SeaBus operates every 15 minutes during peak hours and every 30 minutes during off-peak hours.
• How to Use: Like other transit services, tap your Compass Card or ticket when entering and exiting the terminals.

4. West Coast Express

• Route: The West Coast Express is a commuter train that connects Vancouver with areas to the east, including Port Moody, Coquitlam, and Mission. The service runs one-way from Mission to downtown Vancouver in the morning and returns back to Mission in the evening on weekdays only. It does not operate on weekends and could be better for heading out to scenic spots, as there is no return service to downtown at night.
• Schedule: The West Coast Express runs primarily during weekday rush hours, with limited service in the mornings and evenings.
• Tickets: West Coast Express fares are separate from regular transit, but Compass Cards can be used with additional charges.

Fares and Payment Options

Metro Vancouver's transit system is divided into three fare zones, and your fare depends on the number of SeaBus or SkyTrain zone boundaries crossed during your trip. After 6:30 p.m. on weekdays and all day on weekends (including holidays), travel across the system is always charged as a 1-Zone fare.

Here's a breakdown:

• Bus: Always a 1-Zone fare, regardless of time or day.
• SkyTrain: Requires a 1, 2, or 3-Zone fare, based on the time, day*, and number of zones crossed.
• SeaBus: Requires either a 1 or 2-zone fare, depending on the time and day*.

Note: A single fare allows unlimited transfers for 90 minutes across buses, SkyTrain, SeaBus, and HandyDART.

Payment Options

1. Compass Card: The Compass Card is a reusable, contactless card that makes traveling simple. You can load it with stored value or a daily/monthly pass. It’s available at SkyTrain stations, select stores, or online, and offers discounted fares compared to cash payments.
2. Compass Ticket: For short-term visitors, Compass tickets can be purchased at vending machines in SkyTrain stations, which offer single-trip fares.
3. Contactless Payment: For convenience, you can also tap your contactless credit or debit card directly at fare gates and on buses, with the same rates as the Compass Card.

Note: HandyCard Holders, Seniors of age 65 or above and teenagers in the age of 13-18 are eligible to get discounted fares after presenting a valid photo ID. 

1. Cash Fares

Note: Cash fares on buses are not transferable to SkyTrain, West Coast Express, or SeaBus.

2. Contactless Payment Fares- Tap to Pay

3. Compass Card - Stored Value

4. Monthly Compass Card Passes

5. Day Pass Fare- Compass Card/ Ticket

Note: Day passes are not valid for Travel on West Coast Express.

Additional Resources: WestCoastExpress Fares

*The Fares are from Translink

Here’s a breakdown of taxi fares for those planning to commute using this option.

Note: The taxi fare is approximately $50 from Vancouver airport to downtown Vancouver.

Planning Your Route and Schedule

TransLink offers several tools to help you plan your trips efficiently:

• Trip Planner: The online Trip Planner tool on TransLink’s website helps you find the best route and provides estimated travel times. You can enter your start and end points, and it will give you all the details, including any required transfers.
• Transit Apps: Apps like Transit, Google Maps, and the official TransLink app offer real-time schedule updates, route planning, and notifications on service delays.
• Next Bus: TransLink’s “Next Bus” feature provides real-time bus arrival times at specific stops, accessible online or by phone.

Century Plaza Hotel Convenience: The hotel has a bus stop located just 15 feet from the front door for southbound routes and a stop across the street for northbound routes, making it highly accessible for travellers. If you choose to stay at Century Plaza, our team is here to help plan your tour and guide you in making the most of Vancouver’s public transit options. Whether you’re heading to the beach, exploring Stanley Park, or catching a flight, we’re ready to make your city adventure seamless and enjoyable.

Tips for Using Public Transit in Vancouver

• Avoid Rush Hours: If possible, avoid travel during peak hours (7-9 a.m. and 4-6 p.m.) for a more comfortable ride, especially on popular routes like the Canada Line.
• Accessibility: Vancouver’s public transit is generally accessible, with elevators and ramps at most SkyTrain stations, as well as priority seating on buses.
• Transfers: A single fare allows unlimited transfers within 90 minutes across buses, SkyTrains, and the SeaBus. This means you can hop on multiple transit services within the same zone fare, making it cost-effective to explore the city.
• Bikes on Transit: Vancouver is bike-friendly, and most buses have bike racks. You can also bring bikes on the SkyTrain outside peak hours and on the SeaBus at any time, which helps explore the city by bike.

Top Attractions Accessible by Public Transit

Vancouver’s public transit system provides easy access to some of the city’s most popular attractions:

• Stanley Park: Take the #19 bus from downtown, or hop on the SeaBus to North Vancouver and rent bikes near the park.
• Granville Island: Take the #50 bus from downtown or hop on a nearby AquaBus or False Creek Ferry.
• Science World: Accessible via the Expo Line to Main Street-Science World Station.
• Vancouver Aquarium: Located in Stanley Park, it’s a short bus ride from downtown or a quick walk from nearby bus stops.
• Grouse Mountain: Take the SeaBus to Lonsdale Quay, then connect to bus #236 to reach the Grouse Mountain base.

Quick Note When You Visit in Vancouver in Summer:

From May to September, you can take a shuttle from Canada Place along the Vancouver Waterfront to the base of Grouse Mountain, which is free with your mountain admission ticket. Shuttles run every 20 minutes from 9 am until 6 pm. Buy your Grouse Mountain admission ticket here to ensure you can take the free shuttle!  

Safety and Etiquette Tips

• Tap Out: Remember to tap your Compass Card when exiting SkyTrain or SeaBus stations. Forgetting to do so may result in additional charges.
• Priority Seating: Respect priority seating areas designated for seniors, people with disabilities, and parents with small children.
• Keep Valuables Close: Like any major city, it’s good to stay mindful of your belongings while on public transit.
• Follow COVID-19 Guidelines: Follow any current health and safety guidelines, such as mask-wearing, if recommended by TransLink.

Final Thoughts

Navigating Vancouver by public transit is a budget-friendly and efficient way to explore the city’s attractions, neighbourhoods, and natural beauty. With an extensive network that connects key destinations and scenic routes like the SeaBus and SkyTrain, Vancouver’s public transportation system offers a hassle-free way to see the city.

Century Plaza Hotel is located right in the heart of downtown making it easy to commute by Transit.There is a bus stop heading south located right outside the hotel. Bus # 44 UBC stops outside the hotel which can get you to Broadway, Kitsilano or UBC.