Vancouver Airport to Cruise Port: Transport Comparison
| Transport Method | Cost | Journey Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| SkyTrain (Canada Line) | $9.85 CAD | 25-26 mins + 4 min walk | Budget travellers, solo/couples with light luggage |
| Taxi | $35-41 CAD + tip | 25-30 mins | Travellers with multiple cases, those wanting convenience |
| Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) | $28-36 CAD | 25-30 mins | Tech-savvy travellers, cost-conscious with convenience needs |
| Private Transfer | $60-120 CAD | 25-30 mins | Groups, families, travellers wanting stress-free transfers |
| Shared Shuttle | $15-20 CAD pp | 30-45 mins | Budget-conscious groups, social travellers |
| Private Car Rental | $40+ CAD/day + parking | 25-30 mins | Extended Vancouver stays, road trip planners |
I’ll be honest… when I first started researching cruise departures from Vancouver, I was surprised by how many transport options there are from the airport to Canada Place. Having navigated this journey myself three times now and spoken to countless first-time cruisers, I’ve learned there’s definitely a best approach depending on your situation.
If you’re flying into Vancouver International Airport (YVR) for an Alaska cruise or Pacific voyage, you’ll need to get to Canada Place, Vancouver’s iconic cruise terminal with those distinctive white sails. Here’s everything you need to know about making that transfer smoothly, including the real costs, timing, and practical tips that most guides don’t tell you.
Quick Summary Cheapest: SkyTrain – $9.85 CAD
Most convenient: Taxi – $35-41 CAD
About Canada Place Cruise Terminal
Canada Place sits right in downtown Vancouver at 999 Canada Place, Vancouver, BC, V6C 3E1. You honestly can’t miss it – those iconic white sails make it look like a giant ship itself, which is rather fitting! The terminal is surrounded by restaurants, shops, and city attractions, making it a brilliant location if you’re planning to explore Vancouver before or after your cruise.
All major cruise lines dock here, including Royal Caribbean, Princess, Norwegian, and Celebrity. It’s the central hub for Alaska-bound cruises and other Pacific voyages like my Princess Transpacific route to Sydney, handling over 1 million passengers annually during cruise season.
Distance and Travel Time
Vancouver Airport is approximately 13-16 km (8-10 miles) from Canada Place, depending on your route. The journey typically takes 25-40 minutes, but here’s what I learned: timing matters more than distance in Vancouver.
Key timing considerations:
Rush hour : Morning (7-9 AM) and late afternoon (4-6 PM) can add 10-15 minutes if you’re taking a cab
Cruise embarkation days : Sundays get crazy busy during Alaska cruise season
Weather : Rain (and Vancouver gets plenty) can slow traffic significantly
Cheapest Option: SkyTrain
The Canada Line SkyTrain is hands down the most economical way to reach the cruise port, and it’s actually quite straightforward once you know the process.
How It Works
The SkyTrain runs directly from YVR Airport Station (located between the international and domestic terminals) to Waterfront Station in downtown Vancouver. From there, it’s just a 4-minute walk to Canada Place.
Cost: $9.85 CAD one-way (that’s a 2-zone ticket at $4.85 plus the $5.00 YVR AddFare). The AddFare only applies when departing from the airport, not when returning to it. After 6:30 PM, the AddFare is always charged regardless of direction.
Journey time: 25-26 minutes on the train, plus the short walk to Canada Place.
Frequency: Trains run every 6-10 minutes during most of the day.
Payment: You can buy tickets at the vending machines or tap in/out with a contactless credit or debit card. For current pricing, check the official TransLink fare page.
The Walk to Canada Place
Here’s the bit most guides gloss over: once you arrive at Waterfront Station, exit the station and turn right onto W. Cordova Street, then head toward Howe Street. Canada Place is just ahead – the white sails are your landmark. It’s genuinely only about 4 minutes of walking, and some of the route is covered if it’s raining.
Pro tip: The stations have lifts and escalators, so managing luggage isn’t as difficult as you might expect. However, if you’ve got multiple large cases, you might find a taxi a more comfortable option.
Most Convenient: Taxi and Rideshare
For door-to-door convenience, especially with cruise luggage, taxis and rideshares are brilliant options.
Taxi from YVR
Where to find them: Taxis wait at Level 2 Arrivals, outside both the Domestic and International terminals. There’s usually a good queue of cabs available.
Cost: Vancouver taxis operate on a flat rate system for airport transfers. Expect to pay $35-$41 CAD plus tip (typically 15-20%). Larger vehicles for families or extra luggage may cost slightly more.
Journey time: 25-30 minutes in normal traffic, but allow extra time during rush hour, rain or busy cruise days.
Tip: If you’re traveling with lots of suitcases, mention this when joining the taxi queue. Some larger vehicles are available, though you might have to wait a bit longer.
Rideshare (Uber, Lyft, KABU)
Where to meet your driver: After booking through the app, head to Level 2 Arrivals and look for the green rideshare pickup signs – they’re clearly marked beyond the taxi stands.
Cost: Typically $28-$36 CAD, often cheaper than taxis. However, surge pricing can apply during peak cruise times, especially on Sunday embarkation days.
Journey time: Similar to taxis, around 25-30 minutes.
Advantage: You can track your driver and know the exact cost upfront, which some travellers prefer.
Best for Groups: Private Shuttles
If you’re traveling with family or a group, private shuttles can offer excellent value and convenience.
Hotel Shuttles
Here’s something many people don’t know: several hotels near Canada Place offer free shuttle service for cruise passengers. I think they’re a bit inconsistent to be honest, and I’d rather stay within walking distance of Canada Place, particularly on a busy embarkation day.
Popular options include Pan Pacific Vancouver and Fairmont Waterfront, but I’ve gathered up the best places to stay before your cruise in this post.
Private Transfer Services
How they work: You book in advance, and a driver meets you at Arrivals with a sign. No waiting, no sharing with strangers. I compare prices using GetTransfer.
Cost: $60-$120 CAD depending on group size and vehicle type. For families of 4+, this can actually work out cheaper per person than individual taxis.
Journey time: 25-30 minutes, similar to taxis.
Best for: Groups with lots of luggage, families with children, or anyone who wants stress-free transfers.
Shared Shuttles
Cost: Around $15-$20 CAD per person for scheduled shared shuttles.
Journey time: 30-45 minutes due to multiple stops.
Booking: Always book in advance, especially during cruise season (May-September).
If You’re Exploring: Car Rental
Renting a car solely to reach the cruise port doesn’t make much sense, but if you’re planning to explore Vancouver or British Columbia before your cruise, it’s worth considering.
Car rental desks: Located in the airport’s parking area, with some smaller providers requiring a shuttle ride.
Journey time: 25-30 minutes to Canada Place.
Parking reality check: Here’s the expensive truth – long-term parking at Canada Place costs over $450 CAD per week. If you’re renting a car, consider leaving it at the airport’s long-term parking and taking the SkyTrain to the cruise port instead.
Best for: Extended Vancouver stays or those planning road trips before/after cruising.
Timing Your Transfer
Getting the timing right can make or break your embarkation day experience. Here’s what I’ve learned:
Buffer Time Recommendations
SkyTrain: Allow 45 minutes total (including walk time and potential delays)
Taxi/Rideshare: Allow 45-60 minutes during normal times, 60-90 minutes during rush hour
Private shuttle: Allow 60-90 minutes depending on whether it’s shared or private
Rush Hour Reality
Vancouver’s rush hour can add significant time to your journey:
Morning rush (7-9 AM): Add 10-15 minutes to taxi/rideshare times
Afternoon rush (4-6 PM): Can add 15-20 minutes
Friday afternoons: Particularly challenging
Cruise Day Considerations
Sunday embarkation: Most Alaska cruises depart on Sundays, making this the busiest day. Allow extra time for all transport options.
Check-in timing: Most cruise lines allow embarkation from 11 AM onwards. Don’t arrive too early – you’ll just wait in queues.
Flight timing: If possible, book morning flights to avoid rushing. An 8 AM arrival gives you plenty of buffer time.
Luggage Considerations
Cruise luggage is different from regular travel luggage – it’s bulkier and there’s usually more of it. Here’s how each transport option handles the reality of cruise packing:
SkyTrain with Luggage
Reality check: It’s doable, but not ideal if you have multiple large cases. The stations have lifts, but you’ll need to manage your luggage through the city centre for that final walk.
Works best for: 1-2 medium cases per person maximum.
Taxi/Rideshare with Luggage
Perfect for: Multiple cases, awkward shapes, or heavy bags. Most drivers are used to cruise passengers and their luggage requirements.
Tip: Larger vehicles are available if you mention luggage when booking.
Private Transfers with Luggage
Ideal scenario: The driver will help with your bags and there’s plenty of space. This is why many cruise passengers prefer this option despite the higher cost.
How much does it cost to get from Vancouver Airport to the cruise port?
The cheapest option is the SkyTrain at $9.85 CAD. Taxis cost $35-$41 CAD plus tip, whilst rideshares are typically $28-$36 CAD.
How long does it take to get from YVR to Canada Place?
By taxi or rideshare: 25-30 minutes in normal traffic. By SkyTrain: 25-26 minutes plus a 4-minute walk.
What’s the best transport option for cruise passengers?
It depends on your luggage and budget. SkyTrain is cheapest, taxis are most convenient, and private transfers are best for groups or lots of luggage.
Should I pre-book transport or decide at the airport?
Taxis and SkyTrain don’t require booking. For rideshares, you can book on arrival. Private shuttles and transfers should be booked in advance, especially during cruise season.
What if my flight is delayed on embarkation day?
Most cruise lines have late arrival procedures, but contact them immediately. The SkyTrain runs until late, taxis are available 24/7, and some private transfer companies offer flight tracking.
Are there luggage restrictions on the SkyTrain?
No specific restrictions, but you’ll need to manage your luggage yourself. If you have more than 2 large cases, consider a taxi or private transfer.
Is there luggage storage at Canada Place if I arrive early?
Canada Place doesn’t have public luggage lockers. If you arrive hours before boarding, consider storing bags at your hotel or at Waterfront Station.
Can I use public transport with multiple large suitcases?
Yes, but it’s not comfortable. The SkyTrain has lifts and space for luggage, but you’ll need to handle everything yourself, including that final walk to Canada Place.
Final Tips for a Smooth Transfer
Having made this journey myself and written and updated this guide, here are my top practical tips:
- Double-check your cruise check-in times before planning your transfer – don’t arrive too early and create unnecessary stress
- Keep local currency (CAD) handy or ensure your card works in Canada for fares and tips
- Use an eSIM for data to ensure your phone works in Canada. It’s inexpensive – I use Airalo.
- Download the TransLink app if you’re taking the SkyTrain – it makes payment and navigation easier
- Consider your luggage realistically – if you’re like most cruise passengers with multiple cases, the small extra cost of a taxi might be worth the convenience
- Build in buffer time – Vancouver traffic can be unpredictable, especially during cruise season
- Check if your cruise line offers transfers – some provide dedicated shuttle services from the airport
The journey from Vancouver Airport to the cruise port is actually quite straightforward once you know your options. If you’re like me, you’ll choose the budget-friendly SkyTrain, but don’t sweat going for convenience with a taxi or private transfer. However you get to Canada Place, enjoy your cruise adventure!
Visiting Vancouver before your cruise? Check out these highly-rated city excursions and tickets from Viator.