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Vancouver Airport YVR

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Vancouver Airport (YVR) Guide

Discover Vancouver Airport (YVR), North America's top-rated airport, nestled between majestic mountains and the Pacific Ocean. This guide simplifies your travel with essential tips, from flight updates to dining options. YVR isn't just a transit point; it's an experience, featuring the world-renowned Indigenous art collection. Navigate YVR effortlessly with our guide, including terminal maps and more. For insights into other airports, check our Comprehensive Airport Guide on iFly.com.

YVR Airport has a total of six terminals, including Concourse A, Concourse B, Concourse C, Concourse D, Concourse E, and the Main Terminal. Each terminal is equipped with various amenities, including restaurants, shops, and lounges. The Main Terminal is the largest and busiest terminal, with a total of 19 gates. Concourse D is the second largest terminal with 14 gates, and it is primarily used by international airlines. Concourse E has 10 gates and is used by US-bound flights. Concourse A, B, and C are smaller, with a total of 8 gates each, and are used by regional airlines.

Major airlines such as Air Canada, WestJet, and Delta use the Main Terminal, while international airlines such as Cathay Pacific and Lufthansa use Concourse D. US-bound flights are typically found in Concourse E. To navigate the airport terminals, passengers can follow the signage or use the airport's interactive map to locate their departure gate.

Use our interactive airport map to locate food, services, and airline departure gates.

Connecting Between Terminals

At the airport, passengers can easily move between terminals by walking or taking the airport's shuttle bus. The Main Terminal is connected to Concourses A, B, C, and D by a pedestrian walkway. The walk time between the Main Terminal and Concourse A is approximately 10 minutes, while the walk time between the Main Terminal and Concourse D is approximately 15 minutes. For passengers needing to travel to Concourse E, a shuttle bus is available and can be accessed from the Main Terminal's Level 2 domestic departures area. The shuttle bus runs every 10 minutes and takes approximately 5 minutes to reach Concourse E.

Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers

At YVR Airport, passengers can be picked up and dropped off at designated areas. Curbside parking is not allowed, so drivers should use the designated areas for passenger pick-up and drop-off. These areas are located at the arrivals level of the main terminal and each concourse. Drivers should follow the signs to the designated areas and wait for their passengers to arrive.

If drivers arrive early and need to wait for their passengers, they can use the cell-phone waiting areas located near the airport. These waiting areas are free to use and allow drivers to wait for their passengers without having to circle the airport or pay for parking. The cell-phone waiting areas are located on Grant McConachie Way, just a few minutes away from the airport. Drivers can wait in their cars until their passengers call to say they are ready to be picked up.

Parking Facilities & Options

When it comes to parking at the airport, travelers have plenty of options. The airport offers a variety of parking lots and garages, located within walking distance of the terminals. There are also cell phone waiting areas available for those who need to wait for arriving passengers.

Handicapped parking is available in all parking lots and garages, with designated spots located near the elevators and entrances.

For those looking for a more economical option, off-airport parking is available with shuttle service to and from the airport. This can be a great option for travelers looking to save money on parking fees.

Get details about Vancouver Airport parking options and rates, along with more economical off-airport parking here.

Transportation Options

Vancouver Airport offers a variety of ground transportation options for travelers arriving or departing from the airport. One of the most popular options is car rental, with several major providers such as Avis, Budget, Enterprise, and Hertz available on-site. Visitors can easily rent a car to explore the city and surrounding areas.

Taxi services are also widely available at YVR, with designated drop-off areas located outside both the Domestic and International Terminals. Fares are metered and vary depending on the destination, but typically range from $30-$40 CAD to downtown Vancouver.

For those looking for a more affordable option, shared ride services such as Uber and Lyft are available at YVR Airport. Pickup areas are located outside the terminals, and fares are calculated based on distance and time.

Airport shuttles are another convenient option for travelers, with several companies offering door-to-door service to hotels and other destinations in the area. Pickup areas are located outside both terminals, and fares vary depending on the destination.

Finally, public transportation options are available for those looking to save money on transportation. The Canada Line SkyTrain connects the airport to downtown Vancouver in just 25 minutes, with fares starting at $4.20 CAD. Buses and taxis are also available for those traveling to other destinations in the area.

Airport Hotels

Traveling can be a stressful experience, but finding the perfect hotel near your airport doesn't have to be. Whether you're in need of a luxurious stay or a budget-friendly option, we offer a variety of accommodations to suit your needs. From in-terminal hotels to bed and breakfasts, you'll find a wide range of options, each with its own unique features and amenities. These hotels are conveniently located near the airport and offer various amenities such as complimentary shuttle services, free WiFi, and easy access to public transportation. Here are some of the best hotel options. For a full list, view all YVR Hotels.

Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport

Traveling through Vancouver Airport can be an exciting experience, especially when it comes to dining and shopping. With a wide range of restaurants and stores to choose from, you'll never be bored during your layover. Some of the popular dining options include Koho Restaurant & Bar, Starbucks, Palomino, and Subway. On the other hand, the shopping scene is equally vibrant, with high-end boutiques like Burberry, Cartier, and BVLGARI, as well as local craft outlets like Crafthouse/Discover BC and St. Jean's Cannery & Smokehouse. These are just a few examples of the many options available at YVR.

The locations of all food, shops, and services at Vancouver Airport can be found using iFly's interactive map. For a complete list of restaurants, bars, shops, and news stands, discover what's available here.

Passenger Services

Vancouver Airport is one of the busiest airports in Canada, serving millions of passengers every year. The airport provides a range of passenger services to make your travel experience as smooth and comfortable as possible.

For those who need to stay connected, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport. If you misplace an item during your travels, the lost and found office is located in the arrivals area of the main terminal. For families traveling with children, there are designated children's play areas located in Concourse A and Concourse B.

Vancouver Airport also offers a range of special-needs services, including wheelchair assistance and accessible restrooms. Medical clinics are available in the main terminal and Concourse C for those who require medical assistance. Additionally, banking services are available in the main terminal and Concourse D.

Overall, YVR provides a range of passenger services to ensure a comfortable and stress-free travel experience for all passengers.

Flight Status Info

As an air traveler, it's important to stay updated on the status of your flight, especially if there are any delays or cancellations. Fortunately, there are several ways to check the flight status at YVR Airport.

One option is to use the Flight Information Display System (FIDS) located throughout the airport. These displays provide real-time updates on flight departures, arrivals, and gate information. Simply locate the FIDS in the terminal and search for your flight number.

Another convenient option is to download the mobile app of your airline. Most airlines offer mobile apps that allow passengers to check the status of their flight, receive push notifications for any changes, and even check in for their flight. This is a great option for those who prefer to have all their travel information in one place.

In addition to the above options, passengers can also sign up for text, email, or push notifications from their airline. These notifications will alert you of any changes to your flight status, such as delays, cancellations, or gate changes. Make sure to check with your airline to see what notification options are available.

Passengers can check the status of their flight departure at the airport by visiting the flight departures page on ifly.com, which provides real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information.

Helpful Tips

When to Arrive

It is recommended to arrive at the airport at least two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight. This allows enough time for check-in, security screening, and navigating the airport. The busiest times to avoid are during peak travel periods, such as holidays and weekends.

Getting to the Airport

The best ways to get to Vancouver Airport are by taxi, public transit, or car. Taxis are readily available and can be hailed from the curbside. Public transit options include the Canada Line SkyTrain, which connects downtown Vancouver to the airport, and the bus system. If driving, there are several parking options available at the airport, including short-term and long-term parking.

Getting Oriented

When arriving at Vancouver Airport, it is recommended to use iFly.com's interactive airport maps to get oriented. These maps provide detailed information on the airport's layout, including the location of terminals, gates, and amenities. Additionally, the airport has helpful signage and information desks located throughout the terminal to assist travelers.

Avoiding Delays

To avoid delays at YVR, it is recommended to check-in online before arriving at the airport, pack carry-on luggage efficiently, and allow enough time for security screening. It is also important to pay attention to flight updates and announcements, as delays can occur due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Lastly, consider signing up for the airport's flight notification service to stay informed about any changes to your flight.

Airport Facts & Stats

Vancouver Airport is the second busiest airport in Canada, located in Richmond, British Columbia. It serves as a hub for Air Canada and WestJet, and offers flights to destinations across Canada, the United States, and internationally.

The airport has a total of 5 terminals, including Concourse A, Concourse B, Concourse C, Concourse D, Concourse E, and the Main Terminal. On average, Vancouver Airport handles approximately 25 million passengers annually, with an average of 68,000 passengers passing through the airport each day.

There are over 50 airlines that serve YVR, with the top 5 airlines being Air Canada, WestJet, Pacific Coastal Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines. These airlines offer an average of 525 daily flights, with over 130 destinations served.

The top 5 destinations served from YVR Airport are Toronto, Calgary, Edmonton, Seattle, and Los Angeles. Additionally, the airport serves as a hub for Air Canada and WestJet, with both airlines offering numerous connecting flights to destinations across North America and beyond.

Airport History

Vancouver Airport, located in Richmond, British Columbia, Canada, has a rich history dating back to the 1920s. Here are some significant events in the airport's history:

  • 1929 - Vancouver Airport opens as a small grass airstrip called Sea Island Airport.
  • 1931 - The airport is renamed YVR and begins offering scheduled passenger flights.
  • 1937 - A new terminal building is constructed to accommodate the growing number of passengers.
  • 1940s - During World War II, the airport is used as a military base by the Royal Canadian Air Force.
  • 1950s - The airport expands with the addition of new runways and a larger terminal building.
  • 1960s - The airport introduces jet service and becomes a hub for international flights.
  • 1986 - A new international terminal is opened, making YVR Airport one of the most modern and efficient airports in the world.
  • 1996 - The airport is privatized and becomes Vancouver International Airport Authority.
  • 2010 - the airport hosts the Winter Olympics, welcoming thousands of athletes and visitors from around the world.
  • 2019 - The airport completes a major expansion project, adding new gates, restaurants, and shops.

Today, Vancouver Airport is one of the busiest airports in Canada, serving over 25 million passengers annually with non-stop flights to destinations around the world.

Airport Contact Information

For more information about Vancouver International Airport, please refer to the following contact details:

  • IATA Code: YVR
  • Airport Website
  • Phone: +1 604-207-7077
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Mailing Address: Vancouver International Airport, 3211 Grant McConachie Way, Richmond, BC V7B 0A4, Canada

Note that the contact information provided here is subject to change by the airport operator(s).

Last updated:

Vancouver Airport Q&A

Passengers can easily move between terminals by walking or taking the airport's shuttle bus. The Main Terminal is connected to Concourses A, B, C, and D by a pedestrian walkway, and a shuttle bus is available for travel to Concourse E from the Main Terminal's Level 2 domestic departures area.
The airport offers a wide range of restaurants and stores, including Koho Restaurant & Bar, Starbucks, Palomino, Subway, Burberry, Cartier, and BVLGARI. For a complete list of options, discover what's available here.
Detailed information about parking options and rates, including more economical off-airport parking, can be found here.
The airport offers several ground transportation options, including car rental, taxi services, shared ride services like Uber and Lyft, airport shuttles, and public transportation such as the Canada Line SkyTrain. For more details, visit the respective links for car rental, taxi services, and airport shuttles.
Yes, there are a variety of hotel options near the airport, ranging from luxurious stays to budget-friendly accommodations. For a full list of nearby hotels, view all YVR Hotels.
Passengers can check the status of their flight departure by visiting the flight departures page on ifly.com, which provides real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information.
The airport offers a range of services, including free Wi-Fi, a lost and found office, children's play areas, special-needs services, medical clinics, and banking services. For specific information, visit the Wi-Fi and lost and found pages.