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.
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.