Getting Around Vancouver, Canada
Whether by Bus or Car, the City is Easy to Navigate Around
Aug 25, 2008
Trying to get around Vancouver, Canada? Find out where to find public transportation info and rental cars, how to join a car co-op and carpool, and ways to get to and from the Vancouver International airport.
Public Transportation
TransLink, The Greater Vancouver Transportation Authority, manages the buses, SkyTrain, SeaBus, West Coast Express, Albion Ferry and HandiDart (handicap accessible service). They provide an online trip planner, bus routes, timetables and even cycling paths.
Public transit fares are broken into 3 zones: Vancouver, North/West Vancouver/Burnaby/Richmond, and the suburbs. Tickets are $2.50 for 1 zone, $3.75 for 2 zones, and $5.00 for 3 zones. Books of tickets and monthly passes are also available, as are student and senior rates.
Call the customer service line to talk to someone between 6:30am to 11:30pm at (604) 953-3333. You can also get trip schedules and find out when the next bus is coming.
Renting a Car
There are a few large rental companies with various branches throughout the city. Reservations can be made over the phone or online through their websites and are best made ahead of time.
During the weekdays, though, you can almost always find a car without prior planning. Everything from 2-door and 4-door cars to SUV’s and vans can be rented. Read about the car rental companies in Vancouver here.
Joining a Car Co-op
If you’re in the city for an extended period of time, the Co-operative Auto Network in Vancouver is a well-built organization allowing people to share cars. There are monthly fees and pay-as-you-go plans, both allowing flexibility for your travel plans.
Although cars are spread out fairly evenly throughout the city, make sure there’s one near where you’re staying before signing up. Get a feel for their policies by calling them at (604) 685-1393.
eRideShare also encourages people to share cars. This service is for those who have a car already (or are prepared to chip in for gas, etc.) and are willing to carpool with others on a regular basis. When you sign up for a free registration, you can post a listing or reply to someone else’s in order to get the ball rolling.
Again, this is for longer-term trips. Because this service is available across North America, call them long distance at (618) 530-4842.
Getting To and From the Vancouver International Airport
The Vancouver International Airport is a 20-minute drive from downtown. If you don’t want to drive or don’t want to pay for long-term parking, taking the Airporter is the easiest way to get there.
As well as stopping at 14 hotels, it picks up at Granville at West Broadway and West 41st Avenue. Fares are $13.75 one way or $21.50 round trip. Families, seniors and children’s rates are reduced. Call them at 1-800-668-3141 for current schedules.
There’s also the regular buses. Once you’re on Granville Street, take the 98 B-Line south, get off at Airport Station and transfer to the 424 Airport bus. Ride time is around 45 minutes from downtown.
Taking a Taxi
Taxis are a fairly reasonable way to get around. Try Yellow Cab Co., who now have 40 hybrid vehicles. From downtown to the airport is approximately $30 with tip. Call them toll free at 1-800-898-TAXI (8294) or locally at (604) 681-1111.
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