Written by Leo Chen, Volunteer Writer
Vancouver is one of Canada’s biggest and most livable cities, known for its natural beauty, urban life and cultural diversity. Getting around the city is easier than ever with many convenient and sustainable transport options, which ease congestion and slash emissions, paving the way for a healthier and greener Vancouver.
In this guide, we will break down the basics of using Vancouver’s train, bus, and ferry routes, along with other sustainable transit methods. From payment options to insider tips, navigating Vancouver’s transit system will be a breeze!
SkyTrain
At the core of Vancouver’s transit network is the SkyTrain, a fast and easy-to-navigate automated rail system servicing core areas of the Metro Vancouver region. SkyTrain has three lines servicing the city: the Canada Line connects downtown with Richmond & the Vancouver International Airport, the Expo Line services Burnaby & Surrey, and the Millenium Line reaches Port Moody & Coquitlam. These lines connect the rest of Metro Vancouver with Downtown Vancouver, making travel more convenient and accessible, reducing travel time and providing a sustainable method of transport.
The SkyTrain operates every day of the week, starting services around 5AM (depending on line & direction) and ending around 1:30AM. For a comprehensive list of train schedules, click here.
West Coast Express
Along with SkyTrain, the West Coast Express railway provides a link between Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley Regional District. It mainly serves commuters from the lower mainland region of British Columbia, connecting Downtown Vancouver with Port Moody, Coquitlam, Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge and Mission. A complete list of West Coast Express schedules can be found here.
TransLink Bus Routes: Regular, RapidBus and Nightbus
Vancouver’s bus routes service North and West Vancouver, Surrey, Langley, and Richmond. TransLink also has a trolley bus network serving the downtown core, providing the city with wheelchair-accessible and bicycle-friendly zero-emission buses.
Frequency in Vancouver can range from every couple of minutes within downtown, to 2-3 trips a day in the surrounding suburbs. Regular buses operate seven days a week between the hours of 5:30AM to 1:30AM (depending on route and location). For more information on bus schedules, click here.
Translink also has 10 Nightbus routes that operate seven nights a week between 1:30AM to 5:30AM. Each bus departs every 20-30 minutes from the NightBus district, which is located between West Georgia and Granville Street. Click here to check scheduling and departure times.
Another integral part of the city’s bus service is their RapidBus network. RapidBus’ 6 routes provide more frequent service and are 20% faster due to their transit priority measures. Each bus features all-door boarding, on-board route diagrams, free wifi, as well as real-time information panels at every stop. RapidBus routes are also well connected with SkyTrain stations and serve populated regions in conjunction with TransLink’s regular buses. The 6 RapidBus routes run from 6AM to 12AM in Surrey, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Coquitlam, Maple Ridge, Downtown Vancouver and Burnaby.
SeaBus
Metro Vancouver also has a passenger-only ferry service that crosses the Burrard Inlet to connect Downtown Vancouver with North Vancouver at Lonsdale Quay. The SeaBus forms an important part of the region’s integrated public transportation system, offering a sustainable and scenic way to reach your destination. The SeaBus operates between 6AM to 1AM on Mondays to Saturdays, and 8AM to 11PM on Sundays/public holidays. For a complete list of SeaBus schedules, click here.
Accessibility
All TransLink services are accessibility-friendly, with buses, trains and terminals designed with ramps, and buses and trains having designated spaces for wheelchairs and strollers. This facilitates easy boarding and comfortable commuting for those with disabilities.
Translink also offers a door-to-door ride service for people with physical, cognitive or sensory disabilities called HandyDART. HandyDART buses can pick and drop off riders at their chosen destination, with securements for wheelchairs and scooters as well as registered riders being able to travel with an attendant.
Apps to Use
If your trip involves transferring between different modes of transport (e.g. bus, SkyTrain or SeaBus), you can use the TransLink’s Trip Planner to determine your route and estimate your trip’s duration.
The Google Maps App is also a familiar, useful app for accurate transit, biking, and walking routes as well as live bus/train arrival times (integrated with TransLink data). Offline maps are also offered which is helpful in areas with poor signal.
You can also sign up for transit alerts to receive notifications about bus, Seabus, or SkyTrain departure times, disruptions, and updates.
Fares and Discounts
Vancouver transit fares work across all transit systems in Vancouver, including bus, SkyTrain, SeaBus & West Coast Express. Fares are organized into three zones that determine pricing. Once paid, fares are valid for 90 minutes and allow for transfers between bus, SeaBus, SkyTrain & HandyDart within this period. For more information on fare zones and pricing, click here.
Translink offers the Compass Card– a fare card that riders can purchase and reload online, by phone, at select bus and train stations, or at select retail locations. You can also download the Umo Mobility App to reload your Compass Card balance and track your transit history.
Alternatively, you can purchase a single ticket or monthly pass to pay for your trip. If paying with cash, you will be provided with a paper ticket as proof of purchase, which you must show to the transit operator and/or insert into the kiosk machine when boarding.
TransLink card readers also accept contactless Interac Debit, American Express, Mastercard, and Visa credit cards along with Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay, ensuring convenience if you do not have your Compass Card or cash at hand.
TransLink offers special fares to:
- HandyCard holders (those registered with HandyDART)
- Students through the U-Pass BC
- Seniors 65 and older
- Youth 13-18 years old
- Children 12 and under can ride on Bus, SkyTrain, SeaBus and West Coast Express for free
TransLink also partners with local businesses to offer exclusive discounts for transit riders, ranging from hidden gems to family favourites! A full list of offers can be found here.
Enjoy Vancouver’s natural beauty, urban life and cultural diversity while you’re in the city, and make use of their sustainable transit options to guarantee a safe and relaxing commute whether you’re a resident or tourist.
Photo Credits
- https://unsplash.com/photos/a-train-pulling-into-a-train-station-next-to-a-platform-ILu5lrvtkE0
- https://unsplash.com/photos/a-green-and-blue-bus-driving-down-a-street-QW1V07c97jw
- https://unsplash.com/photos/a-boat-traveling-across-a-large-body-of-water-kdfng6PMcbI
