The best ways to get from Vancouver Airport to the Cruise Terminal are really a matter of preference.
In fact, if you’re wondering how to get to the cruise terminal from Vancouver Airport, you’ve already got a budget and time frame in mind.
So, let’s get the perfect transportation from YVR to the cruise terminal based on your needs.
How to Get to the Cruise Terminal from Vancouver Airport
Getting from Vancouver Airport (YVR) to the cruise terminal is straightforward, with several convenient options available to suit different preferences and budgets.
First things first: the journey from Vancouver Airport to the cruise terminal is about 15 kilometres (9 miles).
And how long does it take to get to the cruise port from YVR?
It takes around 25-40 minutes, depending on your chosen transport method.
Here’s a quick summary of the transport options:
- Taxi Service: The quickest and most direct way is by taxi. Taxis are available outside the arrivals area, offering a flat rate to the cruise terminal. The journey typically takes about 30 minutes, depending on traffic.
- Public Transit: For a more economical option, Vancouver’s public transit system, TransLink, provides an efficient service. You can take the Canada Line SkyTrain straight from YVR to Waterfront Station, which is a short walk to the cruise terminal. The SkyTrain ride takes about 25 minutes.
- Private Shuttle Services: Several companies offer shuttle services from the airport to the cruise terminal. These cruise shuttles can be pre-booked online and offer a quicker, more personalized experience – they’ll even handle all your luggage after a long flight.
- Car Rental: For those who prefer driving, car rental services are available at the airport. This option provides flexibility, especially if you’ve planned a Vancouver itinerary before boarding your cruise.
- Ride-Sharing Services: Ride-sharing options like Uber and Lyft are also available, offering a convenient and often cost-effective way to reach the cruise terminal directly from the airport.
Still not sure?
Allow me to break down these transport options between Vancouver Airport and the cruise port even further:
Best Way to Get from Vancouver Airport to Cruise Terminal
YVR Airport to Cruise Terminal Private Transfer
This is the fastest transportation from Vancouver Airport to the Cruise Terminal – a VIP treatment like in the movies where your driver has a sign with your name on it.
Your professional chauffeur will grab your bags and load you into a luxury SUV (for up to three passengers) and head straight to the Vancouver Cruise Terminal in 25 minutes.
Obviously, it’s the most expensive option. But with SUV transfers starting at just $75.97 CAD, it’s not even double the price of a cab—if there are three of you, that’s only about $25.00 each ($18.00 USD).
Do you have a larger group? You can opt for a Luxury Shuttle Bus Cruise Port Transport starting at just $258.31 CAD.
Best for: Easy door-to-door Vancouver airport to cruise port transportation
Vancouver Airport to Cruise Terminal Taxi
Vancouver taxi services also take you directly to the cruise terminal, and are a fine option for cruisers who don’t mind waiting 10-15 minutes outside at the taxi rank.
To Vancouver Cruise Terminal the set fare in 2023 is $36.00, and you can expect to be there in about 40 minutes including a the wait at the taxi stand.
*Be sure to mention the cruise port set fare to avoid additional charges.
Honestly, using Uber or Lyft is the superior option here. You’ll get slightly cheaper fares of around $32.00—as long as it’s off peak. During price surges, expect to pay around $50.00.
The taxi rank and ridesharing pick-ups are right outside the international arrivals terminal.
Best for: Basic Vancouver International Airport to cruise terminal transport
⌛ Looking to save a ton of time? Book a Vancouver Pre-Cruise Tour with Port Drop Off
Vancouver Airport to Cruise Ship Public Transportation
Warning (new for 2024): Trips starting after 6:30 p.m. from YVR Airport to the cruise port are subject to the $5.00 YVR AddFare fee. Your total fare will be $9.55.
The cheapest option is to take transportation from Vancouver airport to the cruise terminal, with an adult one-way ticket costing just $4.55.
From Level 3 at YVR, you can take the Canada Line (one of the lines of our subway system) to Waterfront Station. From here, it’s just a five-minute walk to the cruise port.
From the moment you exit the terminal, you can expect to be at the cruise port in about 45 minutes.
Trains run every 6-20 minutes, depending on the time of day.
Best for: Budget-conscious cruisers
Related: Best Cheap Hotels near Vancouver Airport
Cruise Terminal from YVR Shuttle Bus
Update 05/20/23: This service has gone offline for the time being. I will add more info as it comes available.
Several shuttle companies like Ace Charters offer transportation from YVR to the cruise terminal but keep in mind there are quite a few whistle stops along the way.
Most of them stop at about a dozen top Vancouver airport hotels along the way, so expect the trip to take more than an hour.
Also, if there are two people or more it’s actually cheaper to get a taxi. If there are three, you might as well chip in a few more bucks each to get a YVR to Cruise Port private transfer.
Best for: Visitors on an overnight stay who are in no rush
YVR to Cruise Terminal Car Rental
If you prefer getting from Vancouver airport to the cruise terminal with your own vehicle, you can rent a car from one of the many rental agencies at YVR.
Naturally, prices will vary depending on the type of car you rent and the length of your rental period – some very basic cars can be rented for about $20.00 a day.
The great thing about renting a car though is that you can go off and explore places like Grouse Mountain, Stanley Park, and Capilano Suspension Bridge in utmost comfort.
Best for: Travellers with a few days to spend before their cruise.
Still Looking for the Best Way to Get from YVR to the Cruise Port?
Overall, the best option for getting from YVR to the cruise terminal will depend on your budget and preferences.
If you are willing to pay a little extra for convenience I strongly recommend going for the private transfer – this is the cruise ship of options here in Vancouver!
Booking also helps me get one step closer to my dream: doing Vancouver Planner for a living.
Whichever YVR to cruise port transport options you decide, please don’t hesitate to get at me in the comments below for custom advice ?
Related: How Far is it from YVR Airport to the Cruise Terminal?
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