Public Transit Services in Vancouver, British Columbia
Visitors will find that the public transportation system in Vancouver is easy to use, which makes it an excellent option for getting around the city. The majority of Vancouver’s most popular tourist destinations are easily accessible by public transportation.
The regional transportation authority for Metro Vancouver is known as TransLink. It is responsible for the operation of the public transit system, which includes a bus network, a SkyTrain and SeaBus network, as well as the West Coast Express commuter train service.
The Safe Operating Action Plan, also known as SOAP, was introduced by TransLink in the spring of 2020. This plan is a program that has been meticulously designed to keep Metro Vancouver moving safely as the economy of British Columbia begins to recover.
As a part of this action, there are a number of Safety Tips available on how to use public transportation in the coming months to ensure that physical distancing is respected and that everyone feels safe.
In addition to the availability of public transportation, there are also two companies that run small ferries that cross False Creek to the south of the downtown core. These ferries provide an additional option for seeing Vancouver that is both enjoyable and convenient.
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Buses
The busiest times for routes in Vancouver are between the hours of 5 a.m. and 1 a.m., and the early morning hours are filled by a NightBus service that operates on a more limited basis.
Burrard Street, Granville Street, and Georgia Street are major thoroughfares for public transportation in the central business district of Vancouver. Visit the website of TransLink to access the Trip Planning tools.
SkyTrain
The SkyTrain in Vancouver is a completely automated light rapid transit system that provides a service that is both quick and efficient between the city center and the suburbs of Metro Vancouver.
SeaBus
The SeaBus is a one-of-a-kind ferry service that transports passengers only from the Waterfront Station in downtown Vancouver to the Lonsdale Quay located on the North Shore. This service is accessible to wheelchair users.
The breathtaking view of the city, the sea, and the mountains can be enjoyed during the short but scenic crossing of Burrard Inlet, which takes only 12 minutes.
During the day, it leaves every 15 minutes, and during the night, it leaves every 30 minutes, with the last trip leaving Lonsdale Quay at one in the morning (11:00 p.m. on Sundays).
Fares
When it comes to public transportation, Greater Vancouver is broken up into three different fare zones for the SkyTrain and SeaBus, however, bus rides only incur a single fare zone regardless of how far you travel. Zones are in place during peak service times, which are Monday through Friday from the beginning of service until 6:30 p.m.
Tickets are good for travel for up to 90 minutes and allow you to transfer between different means of public transportation, as long as travel stays within the zone(s) that you originally paid for.
The only exception to this rule is cash tickets paid on the bus, which allow you to transfer between different bus lines but not between bus lines and the SkyTrain or SeaBus.
Children ages 5 to 13 years old, children ages 14 to 19 years old with a valid Translink GoCard, and seniors aged 65 and older who can provide evidence of age are eligible for discounted rates. Children less than 4 are not charged for the ride.
