Vancouver Travel Guide

Getting Around Vancouver

The integrated Translink public transport system is both highly efficient and good value. The computerised SkyTrain (light rail) has six underground downtown stops as well as an elevated track. Its latest addition, the Canada Line, now connects downtown to Vancouver International Airport. The Translink system also includes buses; electric trolley buses; West Coast Express trains (week days only) and SeaBus passenger ferries that connect downtown to North Vancouver. The network reaches every part of the city, including the beaches and ski slopes. After midnight the regular bus system is replaced by a limited ''Owl'' night bus service on main routes. Fares are based on a zone system and tickets are valid for buses, the SkyTrain and SeaBus with transfers valid for 90 minutes from the time they are validated. Various travel passes are available, but the cheapest is probably the DayPass, which allows unlimited transport and is valid across all zones. Taxis are easy to come by at taxi stands, hotels or by telephone, but can be difficult to hail outside of the downtown area. Vancouver''s traffic and road situation is fairly well-ordered, but hiring a car is not necessary in the city because the public transport is more than sufficient.