Getting Around in Vancouver

Vancouver is a unique Canadian city because there is no major arterial that leads directly into the city centre. As a result, public transport is central for getting around downtown Vancouver, where most commuters forgo driving in favour of public transport and cycling. Ultimately, the best option for getting around the city centre is walking.

Public transport in Vancouver

Public transport in Vancouver is managed by TransLink, the regional transport authority, which operates an integrated system consisting of buses, the SkyTrain rapid transit, and the SeaBus passenger ferry. TransLink adjusts its services quarterly to align with seasonal demand, ensuring that buses, SkyTrain, and SeaBus services meet your needs year-round.

If you commute regularly, your best bet is the monthly Compass Card – a convenient, reloadable fare card offering unlimited travel across all TransLink services.

SkyTrain

The SkyTrain in Vancouver is a rapid transit system connecting the city centre to major suburbs like Burnaby, New Westminster, and Surrey. The network has three colour-coded lines: Expo, Millennium, and Canada Lines. SkyTrain services vary depending on the line, with reduced schedules during weekends and public holidays.

The Expo Line and Millennium Line serve the suburbs of Burnaby, New Westminster, and Surrey. The Canada Line connects the city centre to Richmond and Vancouver Airport. 

Significant expansions are underway. The Broadway Subway Project is a 3.5-mile (5.7km) extension of the Millennium Line to better serve key hubs like the second-largest job centre in BC.  The Surrey-Langley SkyTrain Extension will extend the Expo Line by 10 miles (16km) from King George Station to Langley City Centre, bringing rapid transit south of the Fraser River.

Buses

Buses in Vancouver cover a wide geographical area, travelling along most of the city's major streets. The frequency of services varies according to the route.

On busier routes, such as those running directly to and from Vancouver’s city centre and during rush hour, buses arrive every 8 to 10 minutes. You can expect to wait around 25 minutes between buses on more suburban routes. After midnight, TransLink operates the NightBus, covering most areas served by regular buses and SkyTrain services.

SeaBus

Vancouver’s SeaBus is a passenger ferry service that takes you quickly from Waterfront Station in the heart of the city to Lonsdale Quay in North Vancouver. The journey between these two terminals takes just 12 minutes, making it a quick way to cross the Burrard Inlet. The SeaBus runs every 15 minutes during the day, but after 7pm, services drop to every 30 minutes, with limited runs on Sundays.

Areas and Suburbs in Vancouver

Useful links

• Compass Card Information
• TransLink Official Website

Taxis in Vancouver

Taxis in Vancouver are readily available, especially in the city centre. If you are travelling from or within a quieter suburb, you should book a taxi in advance. The Taxi Bill of Rights outlines the rights and responsibilities of both passengers and drivers, ensuring a higher quality of service and accountability for all taxi services in Vancouver. Taxis may not be the most economical option, but they are a safe and reliable choice, especially late at night. 

Ride-hailing apps like Uber are also available, offering a convenient alternative for stress-free travel.

Useful links

• Taxis in Vancouver – City of Vancouver
• Uber Vancouver

Cycling in Vancouver

Cycling in Vancouver is very accessible. Vancouver is a bicycle-friendly city, and cycling is one of the fastest ways of getting around, especially in the bustling city centre and surrounding neighbourhoods. There is an extensive network of cycle routes, and all buses are equipped with bike racks, allowing you to reach areas that might otherwise be inaccessible by bicycle. 

Vancouver’s cycling infrastructure includes dedicated cycle lanes and safe bicycle storage facilities. The city has been improving its cycling network to enhance safety and accessibility, including upgrades to the BC Parkway – a 16-mile (26km) multi-use path connecting Surrey City Centre, New Westminster, South Burnaby, and Vancouver.

Mobi is a bike-sharing initiative that has been helping residents and visitors get around since 2016. Recently, Mobi expanded its services to include the University of British Columbia (UBC) campus, allowing you to easily get around without the need to own a bike.

Useful links

• Cycling in Vancouver – City of Vancouver
• Mobi Bike Share

Driving in Vancouver

Driving in Vancouver is straightforward thanks to its simple grid system, with streets running from north to south and numbered avenues running from east to west. The roads are clearly marked, making it relatively easy to navigate the city. That said, bridges are an unavoidable feature of the city centre, often causing congestion during peak times, weekends, and major events.

Parking regulations in Vancouver have recently changed, with the elimination of minimum parking requirements for new developments, encouraging residents to find alternative ways to get around. To improve convenience, the city has introduced the HotSpot Parking app, which makes it simpler to pay for parking across the city. The ZipBy Go initiative allows you to seamlessly enter and exit car parks without physical interaction using licence plate recognition technology.

It’s worth noting that parking regulations are strictly enforced, with heavy fines for violations. Free parking is available on residential streets, but areas close to SkyTrain stations or major bus stops may require a permit.

Useful links

• Parking in Vancouver – City of Vancouver
• EasyPark Vancouver
• HotSpot Parking App
• ZipBy Parking App