About Vancouver International Airport (YVR)

Vancouver International Airport, known everywhere by its code YVR, is the main air gateway to British Columbia and Canada's Pacific coast. It opened in 1931 and has grown into a major link between North America and the Asia-Pacific region, with domestic, transborder and long-haul international flights under one roof.

Where YVR Sits in Relation to Vancouver

The airport occupies Sea Island in the city of Richmond, roughly 12 km south of downtown Vancouver. The Fraser River separates the island from the rest of Richmond, and several bridges carry traffic to the mainland, so the drive into the city is short when roads are clear.

Terminals and Facilities at Vancouver Airport

Most passengers use the Main Terminal, which holds separate domestic, international and United States concourses. The smaller South Terminal handles regional and charter services, and a floatplane base on the Fraser River serves coastal seaplane routes.

Travellers heading to the United States clear US border preclearance at YVR before departure, so they usually arrive in the US as domestic passengers. Inside the terminal you will find shops, restaurants, lounges and a notable collection of Indigenous Northwest Coast art.

Airlines Flying from Vancouver

YVR is a hub for Air Canada, WestJet and the regional carrier Pacific Coastal Airlines. Many international airlines also fly here, linking Vancouver with cities across Asia, Europe, Oceania and the United States, as well as with destinations throughout Canada.

Getting Between YVR and Downtown Vancouver

• Canada Line SkyTrain: the YVR-Airport station sits between the domestic and international terminals. Trains reach downtown Vancouver in about 25 minutes and also serve central Richmond.
• Taxi and ride-hailing: ranks are outside arrivals, and the trip to downtown usually takes 20 to 30 minutes depending on traffic.
• Car rental: several rental companies operate from the airport parkade.

Things to Do Near Vancouver

Richmond is known for its Asian food scene and night markets, just a few stops from the airport. In Vancouver itself, Stanley Park, Granville Island and Gastown are easy to reach by transit, while the mountains of the North Shore and Whistler are popular day or weekend trips.

Travel Tips for Vancouver Airport

• Allow extra time for US preclearance on flights to the United States, as the checks happen before you board.
• If you are travelling light, the Canada Line is usually the simplest way to avoid road traffic into the city.
• Check which concourse your airline uses, as domestic, international and US flights depart from different areas.

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