Plan your Trip

Arriving in Vancouver

Vancouver International Airport/YVR

Before you arrive, check out the Vancouver International Airport website to get a detailed view of the airport arrival process from the plane to the arrivals area & ground transportation. The British Columbia Visitor Centre is conveniently located inside International Arrivals and is open 24 hours a day. This centre can give you information on:

  • Transportation options to Vancouver and SFU
  • Accommodation in the area
  • Purchasing long-distance phone cards
  • Tourism information for Metro Vancouver

Transportation

BC TransLink - Skytrain/Rapid Transit Train, Bus and Seabus

Use TransLink's online Trip Planner to find out the fastest and easiest transit route to your destination. The Trip Planner will also let you know the fare you will need to pay, and the approximate travel time. For reference, a few common routes for our students when they arrive at YVR Airport:

  • YVR Airport to Downtown Vancouver/SFU Vancouver:
    Take Canada Line train from Airport station to Waterfront station downtown.
  • YVR Airport to SFU Burnaby:
    Take Canada Line train from Airport station to Waterfront station; take the 95 B-Line bus from Hastings St/Granville St stop to SFU Burnaby.
  • YVR Airport to SFU Surrey:
    Take Canada Line train from Airport station to Waterfront station; take Expo Line to Surrey Central Station (Surrey).

Note: Many students consider other convenient transportation alternatives when arriving with luggage:

Beaton's Meet & Greet

While we do not recommend any particular company, one company that students have used in the past is Beaton's Meet & Greet.

This company is not endorsed by/affiliated with Simon Fraser University. The information is listed as a resource for students looking for airport pick up services. Simon Fraser University assumes no liability for any disputes arising from services advertised here.

Taxi/Cab Services

Taxis run on a meter, so prices will vary depending on trip length/traffic volume.  A 15% gratuity/tip is typically expected in addition to the charge on the meter.  A taxi to SFU Burnaby Campus will start at approximately $65 with no traffic.

Limousine Services

For more information on these services, follow the link.