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Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is located on Sea Island in Richmond, British Columbia, and serves the city of Vancouver and the Lower Mainland region. The airport is about 12 km from Downtown Vancouver and is the second busiest airport in Canada by passenger traffic. YVR covers a total area of about 1,340 hectares and includes separate domestic and international terminals. The airport's unique three-letter code, YVR, is a common feature of Canadian airports, with most codes beginning with the letter Y.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Vancouver International Airport |
| Airport Code | YVR |
| Location | Sea Island in Richmond, British Columbia |
| Distance from Downtown Vancouver | 12 km (7.5 mi) |
| Area | 1,340 hectares (3,311 acres) |
| Amenities | Free Wi-Fi, native artwork, shops, bars, restaurants |
| Transport Links | SkyTrain, bus services (412 bus), N10 night bus, pedestrian footbridge |
| Awards | SkyTrax Best North American Airport award (2007, 2010-2022) |
| US Border Preclearance | Yes, one of eight Canadian airports with this facility |
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What You'll Learn
- Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is located on Sea Island in Richmond, British Columbia
- YVR is the second busiest airport in Canada by passenger traffic
- The airport has a SkyTrain link to Vancouver and a bus service to the city centre
- YVR has basic amenities including free Wi-Fi and outlets for charging devices
- The airport features native artwork, an abundance of glass and steel, and large open spaces
Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is located on Sea Island in Richmond, British Columbia
Vancouver International Airport, also known by the airport code YVR, is located on Sea Island in Richmond, British Columbia. The airport covers a total expanse of about 1,340 hectares (3,311 acres) of airport property. In 1929, the City of Vancouver purchased the land on Sea Island to be used for aviation purposes, replacing the original grass airstrip at Minoru Park on Lulu Island. During World War II, the airport was leased to the federal government and operated by the Department of National Defence and the Department of Transport as RCAF Station Sea Island. The airport was used for the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan, and the crews and their families lived in a new town on the island named Burkeville, after Boeing president Stanley Burke.
Vancouver International Airport is located 12 km (7.5 mi) from Downtown Vancouver. It is the second busiest airport in Canada by passenger traffic, with 26.2 million passengers, behind Toronto Pearson International Airport. As a trans-Pacific hub, YVR has more direct flights to China than any other airport in North America or Europe. It is a hub for Air Canada and WestJet and has won several notable international best airport awards, including the SkyTrax Best North American Airport award for 12 consecutive years.
The airport features native artwork, an abundance of glass and steel, and large open spaces. It offers basic amenities such as free Wi-Fi and outlets for charging electronic devices. YVR has a station on the SkyTrain network, providing easy access to the city centre. The airport also has a pedestrian footbridge connecting the international and domestic terminals, serving as the arrival and departure area for the Canada Line.
Vancouver International Airport is one of eight Canadian airports with United States border preclearance facilities. It is also one of the few major international airports with a terminal for scheduled floatplanes. The airport has a range of sustainable initiatives, including solar panels, energy-efficient measures, and recycling containers distributed throughout its terminals.
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YVR is the second busiest airport in Canada by passenger traffic
Vancouver International Airport, also known by the airport code YVR, is the second busiest airport in Canada by passenger traffic. Located on Sea Island in Richmond, British Columbia, it is approximately 12 km (7.5 mi) from Downtown Vancouver. YVR is a significant hub for both domestic and international travel, serving the city of Vancouver and the Lower Mainland region.
In 2024, YVR recorded the second-highest passenger count in its history, with 26.2 million travellers passing through the airport. This marked a five percent increase from the previous year's count of 24.9 million travellers. The airport serves as a critical economic engine for Metro Vancouver and the province, contributing approximately $15 billion to Canada's GDP.
YVR is a diverse global hub that connects people, cargo, data, and ideas. It is known for its beautiful architecture, featuring native artwork, abundant glass and steel, and large open spaces. The airport has won several awards, including the SkyTrax Best North American Airport award for 12 consecutive years (2007-2022). It is also one of the few major international airports with a terminal for scheduled floatplanes.
The airport has a vast expanse of about 1,340 hectares (3,311 acres) and is easily accessible via the SkyTrain network. The YVR-Airport Station provides convenient transportation to and from the airport, connecting it to the city of Vancouver and beyond. YVR is also one of eight Canadian airports with United States border preclearance facilities, making it a convenient choice for travellers heading to the US.
With its continuous growth in passenger traffic and cargo volume, YVR plays a crucial role in the region's economic development and has solidified its position as one of the busiest airports in Canada.
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The airport has a SkyTrain link to Vancouver and a bus service to the city centre
Vancouver International Airport (IATA: YVR, ICAO: CYVR) is located on Sea Island in Richmond, British Columbia, about 12 km (7.5 mi) from Downtown Vancouver. The airport is well-connected to the city of Vancouver and offers convenient transport options for travellers.
One of the most notable features of Vancouver International Airport's transport network is the SkyTrain, which provides a direct link to the city of Vancouver. The SkyTrain's Canada Line offers a rapid transit service, connecting the airport to downtown Vancouver in less than 30 minutes. The Canada Line has a dedicated station at the airport, called YVR–Airport, which is centrally located between the International and Domestic Terminals. Passengers can easily access the trains from both terminals, with a convenient pedestrian footbridge connecting the two.
The Canada Line also offers accessibility features, such as elevators from the arrivals and departures levels, and assistance from dedicated Guest Experience staff and Green Coat volunteers. Additionally, the line accommodates wheelchairs and mobility aids, ensuring that all passengers can utilise the service.
In addition to the SkyTrain, Vancouver International Airport also offers a bus service to the city centre. The YVR Skylynx bus service provides direct connections to Whistler, Squamish, and Creekside Village, with up to 16 services a day. The airport's south terminal is served by the 412 bus, connecting to the Canada Line at Bridgeport Station. During periods when the Canada Line service is interrupted, such as overnight, the N10 night bus operated by Coast Mountain Bus Company fills the gap, connecting the airport's terminals to Richmond and downtown Vancouver.
With its SkyTrain link and bus services, Vancouver International Airport ensures that travellers can easily access the city of Vancouver and surrounding areas. These transport options provide efficient and convenient connections, making it straightforward for passengers to navigate their way to their final destinations.
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YVR has basic amenities including free Wi-Fi and outlets for charging devices
Vancouver International Airport, also known by the airport code YVR, is located on Sea Island in Richmond, British Columbia. It is about 12 km or 7.5 miles from Downtown Vancouver. YVR is a large, bright, and modern airport with two terminals: the Main and the South. The main terminal is divided into three sections: Domestic, US, and International. The South Terminal is used for regional and coastal air services, float planes, helicopters, and corporate charters.
YVR has basic amenities, including free Wi-Fi and outlets for charging devices. The airport has won several awards, including the SkyTrax Best North American Airport award a record 12 consecutive times from 2007 to 2022. The airport features lots of natural lighting, local artwork, an aquarium, and comfortable seating. There are plenty of dining and shopping options, including 24-hour eateries in the International and Domestic areas. Charging stations can be found near the seats at the gates throughout the airport.
Passengers can connect to the "YVR Free WiFi" network. While one source mentions slow Wi-Fi, it may be worth noting that another source from the same year mentions free Wi-Fi without any speed concerns. In addition to charging stations near the gates, mobile charging is also available at the gates themselves.
YVR is well-connected to the bus system, with the YVR Whistler Sky Linx providing access to Whistler, Downtown Vancouver, Squamish, and surrounding areas. A shuttle service is available to Victoria, connecting passengers to the BC Ferries departure point. The airport also has a station on the SkyTrain network, with a pedestrian footbridge linking the international and domestic terminals.
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The airport features native artwork, an abundance of glass and steel, and large open spaces
Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is known for its impressive architecture and design, boasting an abundance of glass and steel, as well as large open spaces that create a sense of relaxation for travellers. The airport covers a vast area of approximately 1,340 hectares (3,311 acres), offering a spacious and modern ambiance.
One of the most striking features of YVR is its extensive display of native artwork. The airport is adorned with Indigenous art installations and cultural displays that honour the Indigenous peoples of the region and showcase their artistic traditions and cultural heritage. These installations aim to foster an appreciation for Indigenous cultures and histories among travellers passing through the airport. The artwork includes pieces by British Columbia's "First Nations" artists, with a particular focus on the Musqueam Nation, whose traditional territory the airport occupies.
The Pacific Passage area of the airport features notable artworks by Stan Wamiss and Connie Watts. Additionally, passengers can admire "The Spirit of Haida Gwaii: The Jade Canoe" by renowned Haida artist Bill Reid. This monumental bronze sculpture is one of the most prominent art installations at YVR, depicting mythological figures from Haida culture in a traditional canoe. The airport also includes a Musqueam Welcome Area, featuring Musqueam artwork such as a large wooden spindle whorl and a welcome pole, symbolising the deep connection between the airport and the Indigenous community.
Beyond its artistic offerings, YVR is an award-winning airport, recognised for its excellence in various aspects. It has received accolades for its accessibility features, such as the Rick Hansen Accessibility Award, acknowledging its commitment to providing accessible facilities for individuals with mobility limitations. The airport also boasts a SkyTrain network connection, with a station named YVR-Airport, offering convenient transportation to and from the airport.
In addition to its functional and aesthetic appeal, YVR is committed to sustainability. The airport has 450 recycling containers distributed across its terminals, facilitating the recycling of plastic and paper. Furthermore, YVR is home to North America's first and largest living green wall, a stunning display of greenery that enhances the airport's ambiance while promoting environmental initiatives.
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Frequently asked questions
YVR.
When the three-letter system was imposed in the 1940s, most Canadian airports used the Y for "yes" prefix due to weather/radio stations on-site.
The airport offers free Wi-Fi, native artwork, and large open spaces. There are also shops, bars, and restaurants.
