Public Transit in Vancouver

Transit in Vancouver is managed by TransLink, a network of buses, SkyTrain (What Vancouverites call the train or metro), SeaBus ferries, and a commuter rail service called the West Coast Express.

It functions alright, but isn’t as well connected as in other places like Berlin. You should also expect long delays when it is snowing.

Everything is navigable through Google Maps, it’s pretty straightforward.

How to pay for public transit in Vancouver

Payments can be made using the Compass Card, a reloadable fare card that can be tapped to enter and exit the system. The Compass Card can be topped up online, at vending machines, or customer service centres. You can also tap in and out with your credit card, although sometimes this is a bit janky and doesn’t support all cards. Using a compass card is also cheaper (see costs below).

TransLink uses a zone-based fare system for SkyTrain and SeaBus, where the cost depends on the number of zones travelled. Buses operate on a flat-rate fare, regardless of distance travelled.

Buses in Vancouver

The bus service in Vancouver covers extensive routes throughout the city and its suburbs, operating on a frequent schedule. Buses are equipped with accessibility features and bike racks to accommodate a variety of passengers.

SkyTrain

The SkyTrain is a major component of Vancouver's transit system and includes three lines:

• Expo Line: Connecting Downtown Vancouver with the cities of Burnaby, New Westminster, and Surrey.
• Millennium Line: Serving East Vancouver, Burnaby, Port Moody, and Coquitlam.
• Canada Line: Running from Downtown Vancouver to the Vancouver International Airport (YVR) and Richmond.

SeaBus

The SeaBus is a passenger ferry that crosses the Burrard Inlet, connecting Downtown Vancouver with the North Shore, including North Vancouver and West Vancouver.

West Coast Express

This commuter train operates during peak hours on weekdays, running from Downtown Vancouver to the eastern suburbs and cities, including Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Maple Ridge, and Mission.

Other Services

TransLink also supports cycling through bike parkades and bike racks on buses and promotes car-sharing services. Moreover, they provide special services like the HandyDART for passengers with mobility challenges.

This integrated network makes it relatively easy and efficient to get around the Greater Vancouver area using public transport.

Fares

Concession fares are for:

• HandyCard holders
• seniors 65 and older*
• youth 13 to 18 years*
• children 5 to 12 years

Children 12 and under ride free when accompanied by a fare-paying passenger possessing proof of payment. A maximum of four children can travel free per paying passenger. (Fare-paying passengers not required for bus travel)

• Must present valid photo ID proving age

Next steps

How to get a driver’s license:

Neighbourhoods to visit in Vancouver: