Vancouver International Airport: flights and transfers
After regularly receiving questions from business travelers about their short-stay flights to Vancouver, it was time to experience the trip for myself. And in particular the short transfer times used by Lufthansa and Air Canada, for example. After all, we often book this for our business travelers and many find it quite short, even though the airline guarantees these transfer times. I - Miranda, team leader Rotterdam - tested it with my partner, both outbound and return via Frankfurt and with a short transfer time. I take you through our journey in this blog!
Is the short transfer time at Frankfurt Airport feasible?
Meanwhile, I can tell you from my own experience that the transfer times are definitely achievable. On the outbound journey we had 1 hour and 20 minutes of transfer time and on the return journey 1 hour, which included a 15-minute delay and having to go through customs for the onward flight to Amsterdam. On all flights, luggage was relabeled and, not unimportantly, all luggage arrived at destination.
Information provision on board regarding the transfer in Frankfurt is more than excellent. You are really kept informed by the stewardess/purser, but also everything is visible on the entertainment system including hole numbers for the next flight.
The intercontinental flights were operated by Air Canada. They have very good on-board service, such as free drinks and meals (2 per flight), snacks, as well as their own entertainment system. Click here for additional information regarding their services. Also, the standard legroom in Economy Class is fine, unfortunately I did not get to experience Economy Premium / Business class myself.
Efficient and streamlined experience at Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
Although Vancouver International Airport consists of 3 terminals, it offers a remarkably uncluttered experience for travelers. Upon arrival at customs control, you are offered two options:
- Traditional passport control: You can choose to join the queue for passport control and possible goods declaration.
- Self-service via the Self Service column: Alternatively, you can use the Self Service column, where you receive a tracking number. To your senses, this way you will get through the check a lot faster since in this way only random checks are performed, without further delay.
After customs control, which in our case went very smoothly thanks to the use of the Self Service kiosk, you arrive at the baggage carousel. Everything at the airport is clearly marked making it an ideal choice for business travelers. Vancouver International Airport is located on Sea Island, right between Vancouver and Richmond, offering a compact and orderly environment.
The Vancouver International Airport consists of four levels:
- Level 1: Services Plaza
- Level 2: Arrivals
- Level 3: Departures
- Level 4: Train to city
Source: Terminal Maps Vancouver International Airport
Vancouver International Airport lounges
There are several lounges at Vancouver International Airpot, perhaps not of interest to arriving travelers, but certainly of interest to departing passengers:
- Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge (3 locations)
- Plaza Premium Lounge (Domestic, Gate B15)
- Plaza Premium Lounge (Domestic, Gate C29)
- Plaza Premium Lounge (International)
- Plaza Premium Lounge (Transborder)
- Sky Team lounge
Costs vary by lounge and walk-in fees. See here for more information about the Plaza Premium Lounges.
Transportation from Vancouver International Airport to the city
The city center is easiest to reach by metro or cab! Below I give you the easiest travel routes:
Metro
The distance from Vancouver International Airport to downtown Vancouver (Robson Square) is about 14 kilometers with a travel time of 25 to 30 minutes. Vancouver International Airport has its own subway station which is connected to the city's subway network called SkyTrain and can be found on Level 4. Between 5 a.m. and 1 a.m. (so almost 24 hours a day), the subway will take you to Vancouver City Centre Station in 25 minutes. You can also stay until Waterfront Metro Station and transfer there to the Metro Expo Line or the ferry to North Vancouver. Tickets can be purchased separately for a one-way ticket.
If you purchase a Compass Card (rechargeable card) upon arrival you will receive discounts on all public transportation. When the Compass Card is no longer used, it can be returned upon departure and you will get your money back. At the airport, you can buy a Compass Card at the 7-Eleven store in the Domestic Terminal.
Cab
A cab from Vancouver International Airport to Downtown Vancouver will cost you on average CAD 38.00 (EUR 29.00) excluding tip and takes about 30 minutes. There is a fixed price for each part of the city though, these prices are also communicated via the YVR Zone Fare Map. This map can be found at the cab stand (Level 2 Arrivals / directly in front of Domestic Terminal and International Terminal).
Car rental
We ourselves did not use public transportation or cab, but rented a car from Hertz. You can rent a car on the first floor of the parking garage (parkade) located opposite the terminal. The following car rental companies have desks at the airport: National, Alamo, Hertz, Dollar, Thrifty, Avis and Budget.
Whether you're looking for a seamless transfer or a streamlined experience at Vancouver International Airport, we're here to help you get more information and bookings to Vancouver and other worldwide destinations! Immediately curious about more tips and information about a business trip to Vancouver? Business Travel Consultant Femke, in her blog takes you through the vibrant city and shares tips for hotels, restaurants and leisure.
Travel Well!
Miranda Hilgers
Team leader Rotterdam office
