YVR — Vancouver — Taxi Fare Guide
Taxis at Vancouver International Airport (YVR) depart from the designated stands on Level 2 (Arrivals) of the Domestic and International terminals, with attendants directing passengers to licensed cabs. For most trips into the city, YVR uses a zone-based flat-fare system with clearly posted prices, so you know the cost before you get in.
The flat fare to downtown Vancouver (Zone 2 - covering the West End, Gastown, Yaletown and Olympic Village) is CAD $36, and this already includes the $4.00 Passenger Load Charge. Zone 3 areas such as Kitsilano, Point Grey and UBC are a flat $38, while nearby Richmond (Zone 1) is metered at roughly $13-17. Farther destinations like North Vancouver, Burnaby and New Westminster run on the meter, typically about $55-$75.
Important: the flat rates apply only to outbound trips from YVR; return trips to the airport run on the meter. No extra surcharges apply beyond the load charge except for bridge/tunnel tolls, a soiling clean-up fee, or a requested en-route stop. Rideshare (Uber and Lyft) also operates from YVR and the Canada Line SkyTrain runs directly downtown in about 25 minutes for a few dollars - the cheapest option.
| Destination | Approx. fare | Time |
| Downtown Vancouver (Zone 2, flat) | CAD $36 | 25-35 min |
| Kitsilano / UBC (Zone 3, flat) | CAD $38 | 25-35 min |
| Richmond (Zone 1, metered) | CAD $13-17 | 10-15 min |
| North Vancouver / Burnaby (metered) | CAD $55-75 | 30-45 min |
Practical tips: Check the posted zone map, confirm the flat fare with the driver, and remember the $4 load charge is already built into the flat rate. Tipping 10-15% is customary. If you are travelling light to downtown, the Canada Line SkyTrain from the airport station is by far the cheapest and often fastest choice.
Other ways to the city
YVR has one of the best airport rail links in North America, built directly into the terminal building.
- Canada Line SkyTrain: The YVR-Airport station is on Level 4 of the International Terminal, connected to the Domestic Terminal by a covered walkway. Trains reach downtown Vancouver's Waterfront station in about 26 minutes. Expect a fare of roughly CA$9-10 leaving the airport, which includes a CA$5 AddFare; note the AddFare only applies to journeys starting at the airport, so travelling towards YVR is cheaper.
- Compass Card: Buy or tap at the station. Contactless credit cards also work directly at the fare gates.
- Richmond and Bridgeport connections: One stop from the airport, Bridgeport station is a major bus interchange for Richmond, Delta and the ferry terminal at Tsawwassen.
- YVR Skylynx coach: Scheduled coaches to Whistler and Squamish, departing from the terminal kerbside.
- TransLink buses: Regional routes serve Richmond and the South Terminal, with a free shuttle bus linking the South Terminal to the main terminals.
Vancouver — Highlights in photos
Fares are researched from official and public sources and are approximate — always confirm the meter or fixed fare before you travel.