Getting around Vancouver
Whether you’re a newcomer to Vancouver or just visiting, the city has a ton of great options to get from A to B.
The SkyTrain/Canada Line
The SkyTrain is always a popular choice. It runs along mainly on an elevated track so can sometimes give some good views around the city.
There are two lines, both of these covering downtown.
BUS
Buses are frequent and cover many different routes. If you’re staying outside of the main downtown core buses can offer more convenience for getting into the city if you’re not near a SkyTrain station.
SEABUS
The SeaBus connects you from Vancouver downtown to the North Shore and is a passenger service only. The terminal at the downtown end is right near the SkyTrain station so you can easily walk from one to the other.
WATER TAXI
For shorter water crossings you can use the water taxis which operate across False Creek and offer a quick and scenic way of crossing this relatively small stretch of water. These aren’t operated by Vancouver’s public transport company, Translink, though there are two private operators to choose from: False Creek Ferries and the Aquabus.
TAXIS
Like all major cities, Vancouver has many taxis which can give you a door-to-door service. Find out how to catch a taxi and some hints and tips on our main Getting Around Vancouver by Taxi page.
BICYCLE
Vancouver is a bicycle-friendly city and there are many bike lanes around it. You can easily rent a bicycle by the hour, day or week from several different renters and often tandems are available too!
WALKING
Bicycles are popular in Vancouver, but so is walking! Our Getting Around Vancouver Walking page discusses the advantages of walking and how to make the most of walking around the city.
CAR SHARING
Make the journey part of the adventure by taking the train to Vancouver! Riding the rails offers sightseeing at its finest, allowing you to watch the beauty of B.C. from the comfort of the observation lounge or dining car. Travel across Canada on VIA Rail’s transcontinental service running from Vancouver to Toronto, via Jasper, three times per week, year-round. Or take in the best of BC and Alberta with a Rocky Mountaineer two-day rail tour, offered from April through October. If you’re heading to Vancouver from the U.S., consider the Amtrak Cascades route between Eugene, Oregon and Vancouver, via Portland and Seattle.
Pacific Central Station is the terminus for both VIA Rail and Amtrak trains, and is located just east downtown Vancouver at Main and Terminal streets. Rocky Mountaineer trains operate out of their own facilities, with stations in East Vancouver (close to Pacific Central Station) and North Vancouver.
