Vancouver Intl Airport (YVR) Flights & Flight Status

Vancouver International Airport is Canada’s second-busiest airport after Toronto Pearson Airport, but as a Vancouver-based traveler, I can attest that flying through YVR is actually quite a relaxing experience. A frequent winner in the Skytrax World Airport Awards for Best Airport in North America, YVR combines design, accessibility, amenities, and ease of navigation in an appealing way.

The best way to get to and from Vancouver International Airport

Hands down, the Canada Line train, which is part of Metro Vancouver’s public transportation system, is the most direct, affordable, and reliable way to access YVR. Trains run about every six minutes at peak periods. You can tap in and out at the gates with your credit card if you don’t want to buy a reloadable Compass Card.

When flying out, I always board the Canada Line at Waterfront, the downtown Vancouver terminus station, to ensure I get a seat, especially when toting multiple bags. Choose a train marked “YVR-Airport” rather than “Richmond-Brighouse.” The final YVR stop attaches to all three terminals

By car, taxi, or limousine, it’s about a 20-minute drive from downtown – longer during rush hour. Since YVR is located on Sea Island in the suburb of Richmond, remember there is only one road in and out and two bridges to cross.

Navigating the terminals at Vancouver International Airport

Although YVR’s main terminal is British Columbia’s largest building – including a 2022-completed expansion of the international terminal by 300,000 square feet with eight new gates – it’s easy to make your connections.

Simply put, when you face the airport, the domestic terminal (Gates A, B, C) is to your left, the international terminal (Gate D) is directly in front of you, and the U.S. terminal (Gate E) is to your right. They’re all connected. In any given terminal, gates are at most a 10-minute walk away. As a frequent U.S. visitor, I like that YVR offers U.S. pre-clearance facilities – a huge time-saver.

The separate South Terminal is home to smaller airlines that service mainly Western and Northern Canadian destinations and an adjoining float plane facility. There’s on-site parking, and a courtesy shuttle runs two or three times per hour from both the international and domestic terminals. If coming via the Canada Line, I usually transfer at Bridgeport Station to the 412 Sea Island South bus, which runs about every 20 minutes during the week.

Getting through YVR’s security lineups

Outside peak periods (6-9 am/pm and 1-3 pm), security lineups aren’t especially daunting at YVR. The airport offers digital tools like the Passenger Journey Tool, to help outline each step of navigating YVR (including arrival, check-in, baggage drop-off, security, and post-security, pre-boarding options), and Mobile Passport Control (MPC), to submit your passport information in advance for U.S. trips.

YVR has recently rolled out high-efficiency Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) Plus screening facilities and equipment at multiple locations. This eliminates having to remove belts, jackets and shoes or take laptops or liquids out for X-ray screening.

There are dedicated expedited security lines for NEXUS and Verified Travellers – the Canadian equivalent of TSA PRE.

Accessibility at Vancouver International Airport

Passengers with special challenges appreciate YVR’s accessibility offerings. Washrooms are fully wheelchair-accessible airport-wide. Near Gate D62, there is also a Changing Places washroom that specifically accommodates adults with disabilities, including an adult-sized adjustable changing bench. Animal relief areas for service animals and nursing rooms are available as well.

In addition to the traditional carts that carry travellers with mobility issues around the airport, keep your eyes peeled for the new self-driving robotic pods. I find them quite easy to handle, with touchscreens that enable you to pinpoint your next stop.

For deaf and hard of hearing travellers, sign language videos appear at YVR gates and at Canadian immigration.

Airline lounges and alternatives at YVR

Vancouver International Airport offers nine lounges in total, including four associated with Air Canada and four pay-per-use Plaza Premium Lounges. Among the latter, check out the new 260-seat flagship location near Gate D62 in the international terminal, laden with soothing nature-themed art.

Alternatively, in this area, there’s also a quiet room, yoga room, prayer room, and even a sci-fi-style glass-enclosed forest with digital images of a fishing bear and tropical fish – all of which are free to access, so everyone can chill.

Recommended YVR food and artwork options

Food-wise, signature local choices abound, like Lee’s Donuts or Stanley Park Brewing on the domestic side. Post-international security, Salmon ‘n Bannock is North America’s first Indigenous-owned and operated airport restaurant. I enjoy dishes with their traditional bannock (fry bread), from elk burgers to bison sandwiches. From Sal y Limon’s chicken burritos to the Canucks Bar & Grill’s tuna poke bowls, the U.S. terminal has plenty of tasty options after security too.

For a more elegant dinner (or afternoon tea!) before security, I favor Globe@YVR in the U.S. terminal. Floor-to-ceiling windows face the runways and the North Shore Mountains, and the Pacific halibut and charcuterie boards are great.

YVR celebrates its connection with the Musqueam Indigenous people on whose traditional territories the airport is built. Viewing Indigenous art airport-wide is a highlight of any YVR visit, making you feel more welcome.

I’m partial to Haida artist Bill Reid’s lively Jade Canoe, displayed between the U.S. and international check-in areas, and The Rivers Monument, a pair of 28-foot-tall glass-etched pillars representing the Fraser and Columbia Rivers, located by the food court in Pier AB Domestic Departures.

Cool things to do on a layover

During a shorter layover, the 30,000-gallon airport aquarium, featuring a kelp forest with colorful BC marine life from anemones to rockfish. is eternally mesmerizing in the international terminal.

If you have time to leave the airport, it’s easy to hop on the Canada Line and sample some of Richmond’s 800-plus authentic Asian restaurants. Shop for luxury goods or grab a bite at the McArthurGlen Designer Outlet near Templeton Station.

In and around downtown, you’ll find signature Vancouver attractions like Chinatown, the Vancouver Art Gallery, Granville Island, and (my personal favorite) the Seawall walking path encircling 1,000-acre Stanley Park.

Hotel choices around YVR

The Fairmont Vancouver Airport Hotel vies annually for #1 Airport Hotel in North America at the Skytrax World Airport Awards. It has an AAA Four Diamond rating, but what I really love is the location: the hotel is connected directly to the U.S. terminal, making it perfect for overnighting before an early-morning flight.

Fully soundproofed, the Fairmont boasts a huge gym with a lap pool (you can also line up in-room fitness gear), Pacific Northwest-style fare like shrimp cocktails and bao buns at the Jetside Lounge, and a well-appointed day spa.

Close to 20 other international brand-name hotels sit minutes away from YVR in Richmond. Distinctive options include the Asian-inspired Versante Hotel and Panda Pod, a budget-priced capsule hotel.

Luggage storage at YVR

If you need to drop off your bags for a few hours, there are two CDS Baggage Services outlets at YVR. One is located by Baggage Carousel #6 at Domestic Arrivals next to the restrooms. The other is at International Arrivals close to the washrooms on your right as you come out.

Rental cars and parking at YVR

Vancouver International Airport has eight brand-name car rental companies on site, situated on the ground-floor level of the parking garage across from the main terminal.

Logistics-wise, factor in a little extra time to get your vehicle, since rental cars are parked at the South Terminal and you may need to take a shuttle to get there if none are immediately available. YVR is served by another eight off-airport car rental companies, most of which offer curbside courtesy shuttles.

Parking options exist for every price point. You can choose from short-term parking in the parkade (parking garage), jetSet YVR Parking (accessible via shuttle), and value long-term parking. Book the latter online in advance to save money – usually the day before is a good bet.

Nearby alternative airports

Abbotsford International Airport (YXX) is the nearest major airport, about an hour’s drive southeast. It specializes in Flair Air and WestJet service to Calgary, Edmonton, and Toronto, plus winter flights to Mexico. The Valley Airporter Shuttle offers flat-rate service between YVR and YXX as a more affordable alternative to taxis.

Harbour Air offers float-plane service from Coal Harbour (CXH) in downtown Vancouver. Destinations include Seattle, Victoria, Whistler, Tofino, and other coastal locations. Helijet provides helicopter rides from the Vancouver harbour to Victoria and Nanaimo. I personally like Helijet since it has a larger basic baggage allowance, although Harbour Air provides more window seats for breathtaking Salish Sea views. Both companies offer service from the Fraser River at YVR’s South Terminal as well.