How to get from Vancouver Airport to Cruise Terminal

Vancouver International Airport (YVR) to Vancouver’s Cruise Terminal at Canada Place is a straight shot: one fast rail line, easy taxis/rideshares, and prebooked cars all deliver you downtown quickly. Choose based on luggage, budget, and arrival time—details below with step-by-steps and map links.

At A Glance (Vancouver Airport to Cruise Terminal)

Mode	Duration	Best For
🚇 Canada Line (YVR → Waterfront) + Walk	~26m train + 8–12m walk	Fast & cheapest, light/medium luggage
🏷️ Cost: ~CAD 10–12 adult incl. YVR AddFare » YVR Canada Line info
🚖 Taxi / Rideshare (Door-to-door)	~25–45m (traffic)	Ease with heavy bags, kids, mobility needs
🏷️ Cost: ~CAD 40–60 per car + tip » YVR taxi info
🚐 Private Transfer / Van (Meet & greet)	~25–45m	Groups, bulky gear, guaranteed pickup
🏷️ Cost: ~CAD 80–140 per vehicle » compare vehicles | more options | GYG transfers
🚘 Rental Car (Short stay or road trip)	~30–45m drive	Pre/post-cruise explorations
🏷️ Cost: ~CAD 60–120/day + downtown parking » compare rentals

Which Option or Route Should You Choose?

• Fastest + cheapest: Canada Line to Waterfront, then a short, mostly level walk to Canada Place.
• Most convenient with luggage or late arrival: Taxi or rideshare from the official queue, straight to the terminal.
• Best for families/groups: Private transfer/van with meet-and-greet and child seats on request.
• If you’re sightseeing before embarkation: Rent a car and drop at a downtown branch near the terminal.

How to Book and Practical Tips

• Contactless works on transit: Tap a credit/debit card or mobile wallet at gates (Canada Line). The airport surcharge (YVR AddFare) applies when leaving YVR.
• Luggage at the terminal: Arrive with cruise tags on bags; if early, use porters or stash bags via Radical Storage Vancouver until check-in.
• Rideshares: Uber and Lyft operate in Vancouver; follow airport signs to the app pickup zones. For fixed-price meet-and-greet, compare GetTransfer or browse Klook.
• Staying overnight? Check downtown hotels near Canada Place on Booking.com (Canada Place area) or near the airport if you land late.
• Peak days: Cruise mornings get busy—build a buffer (60–90 minutes from airport exit to check-in, more if driving).

🚇 Option #1 — Canada Line (Fast & Cheapest)

Budget Frequent (every ~6–10m) Short walk at end

• Overview: Board the Canada Line at YVR–Airport Station directly from the terminal and ride to Waterfront Station (end of the line). Walk 8–12 minutes to Canada Place Cruise Terminal—well-signed and mostly flat.
• How to book (with price): No booking; buy a Compass ticket, DayPass, or tap a bank card. Expect ~CAD 10–12 including the YVR AddFare when leaving the airport. See official guidance: YVR Canada Line.
• Pros: Predictable, frequent, avoids traffic. Cons: Short outdoor section if raining; can be crowded at rush hour.

Step-by-step: Canada Line

1. From arrivals, follow signs for Canada Line / Trains to City to YVR–Airport Station (connected by walkway).
2. Purchase fare or tap contactless; board any train marked Waterfront.
3. Ride ~26 minutes to Waterfront Station; exit toward Canada Place.
4. Walk ~700 m: follow signs along Cordova St/Howe St to Canada Place Cruise Terminal. With heavy bags, consider a short taxi for the last stretch.

Getting to the main embarking points (YVR–Airport Station & Waterfront)

• YVR–Airport Station: Connected to both Domestic and International terminals via signed walkways; elevators available.
• Waterfront Station: Multiple exits—look for Canada Place / Cruise Ship Terminal signage.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚖 Option #2 — Taxi / Rideshare (Door-to-Door)

Convenience 24/7 Traffic-dependent

• Overview: Authorized taxis queue outside arrivals; rideshares (Uber/Lyft) pick up at designated app zones. Typical travel time ~25–45 minutes to Canada Place.
• How to book (with price): Pay the meter fare plus tip; expect ~CAD 40–60 depending on traffic. See official taxi guidance on YVR Taxis. For fixed quotes or larger vehicles, compare GetTransfer.
• Pros: No transfers; great with kids or lots of luggage. Cons: Pricier than transit; peak-time congestion possible.

Step-by-step: Taxi / Rideshare

1. Follow signs for Taxis / Ride App on the arrivals level; join the queue or request your car in the app.
2. Confirm destination as Canada Place Cruise Terminal (999 Canada Pl); ask the driver to use the cruise-ship drop-off loop.
3. Keep small bills/card ready; tip ~10–15% in Canada.

Getting to the main embarking points (Airport forecourt & Canada Place)

• Airport: Taxi stands are curbside at both terminals; rideshare zones are signed (look for app-pickup icons).
• Canada Place: Vehicles access the lower roadway; porters available for checked luggage.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚐 Option #3 — Private Transfer / Van (Meet-and-Greet)

Group-friendly Direct to pier Prebook required

• Overview: A driver meets you in the arrivals hall with a name sign and escorts you to a sedan/MPV/van for a nonstop ride to the cruise terminal.
• How to book (with price): From ~CAD 80–140 per vehicle depending on size/time. Compare quotes on GetTransfer (Vancouver), search providers on Klook, or browse GetYourGuide.
• Pros: Stress-free with kids or elderly travelers; guaranteed pickup even if your flight is delayed. Cons: More expensive than transit/taxi; watch for overtime if flights are very late.

Step-by-step: Private Transfer

1. Prebook with flight number and party size; request child seats if needed.
2. On landing, connect to Wi-Fi/cell and confirm your driver’s meeting point.
3. Ride directly to Canada Place Cruise Terminal drop-off loop for porters and check-in.

Getting to the main embarking points (Arrivals Meet-Area & Canada Place)

• Meet-and-Greet: Most providers wait in the arrivals hall; some use a short-term parking pickup—follow provider instructions.
• Canada Place: Use the vehicle access road signed Cruise Ship Terminal—drivers know the procedure.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚘 Option #4 — Rental Car (Only if You’re Touring First)

Flexibility Easy day trips Parking costs

• Overview: Pick up a car at YVR’s on-airport rental center, drive downtown, then return the car at a downtown branch before embarkation. Driving/parking directly at the pier is possible but usually unnecessary and expensive.
• How to book (with price): Expect ~CAD 60–120/day plus fuel/parking. Compare agencies and locations on Booking.com Car Rental (Vancouver) or Trip.com Car Hire.
• Pros: Great if you plan Capilano/Whistler/Steveston stops before sailing. Cons: One-way downtown returns and parking fees add cost; downtown traffic can be slow.

Step-by-step: Rental Car

1. Follow signs to Car Rentals at YVR; pick up your vehicle and set your GPS to Canada Place Cruise Terminal.
2. If returning downtown, choose a branch near Canada Place and drop your bags first.
3. Walk or short taxi from the rental garage to the cruise check-in area.

Getting to the main embarking points (YVR Car Rentals & Downtown)

• YVR Car Rentals: Located steps from the terminal via covered walkways.
• Downtown branches: Many agencies along Georgia, Pender, or Hastings Streets—check hours for Sunday/holiday closures.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

FAQ (Vancouver Airport to Cruise Terminal)

How long should I allow from landing to cruise check-in?
For international arrivals, 2.5–3 hours is comfortable (immigration + bags ~45–75m, transit/taxi ~30–45m, terminal check-in ~30–60m).

Is the walk from Waterfront Station to the terminal easy with bags?
Yes—about 8–12 minutes on sidewalks with curb cuts. If it’s raining or you have heavy luggage, grab a short taxi from Waterfront.

Can I pay for transit with a credit card?
Yes. Tap contactless at gates/readers. The YVR AddFare applies when you start your trip at the airport.

Are Uber and Lyft allowed at YVR?
Yes—look for signed ride-app pickup areas at arrivals. Prices surge at peak times; a taxi or prebooked transfer can be steadier.

Where exactly is the cruise terminal?
Canada Place (999 Canada Place) downtown. Search “Canada Place Cruise Terminal” in your map app; drivers know the cruise drop-off loop.

What if I arrive very early before boarding?
Store bags with porters or use city luggage storage via Radical Storage Vancouver, then explore Gastown/Waterfront on foot.

Best areas to stay the night before sailing?
Downtown/Coal Harbour for walking distance to the terminal. Compare options on Booking.com near Canada Place.