The insider's guide, from travelers who've actually been through.
The Canada Line SkyTrain connects directly to the terminal on Level 4, with trains running every 6 to 8 minutes from 5am to 1am. The ride downtown takes about 30 minutes. One thing to know upfront: there is a CA$5 AddFare surcharge when boarding at YVR, on top of the regular transit fare. Have a Compass card or cash ready before you reach the platform.
Before your layover here
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YVR is a genuinely pleasant airport to spend time in. The terminal is well known for its extensive collection of Northwest Coast Indigenous art, which makes wandering the concourses feel like something other than just killing time. Food options are solid by airport standards, the building is easy to navigate, and major airline lounges serve international departures if you have access.
The numbers work against you on short layovers. Transit to downtown is 30 minutes each way. Immigration runs 20 to 30 minutes for most arrivals using the PIK kiosks, but US Preclearance passengers should budget a full 60 minutes. Add 30 minutes back at security before your connection. That is 90 minutes minimum in transit and formalities alone, before you have spent a single minute in Vancouver. A 3-hour layover does not work. Neither does a 5-hour one. At 6 hours or more, the city is absolutely worth the trip out. Under that, stay in the terminal.
Currency exchange is available in the terminal, but ATM rates in the city will serve you better. If you are connecting through US Preclearance, give yourself considerably more time than you think you need, particularly during peak travel periods.
