Vancouver to Whistler Bus Options: Express Buses, YVR, Downtown

Taking the Vancouver to Whistler bus is a great way to dodge having to drive the icy Sea to Sky Highway.

That’s right: no extra insurance on the rental car, no gas price checking – just you, your tablet, and a quick movie, and you’re there.

Let’s figure out if the bus to Whistler from Vancouver is right for you.

Vancouver to Whistler Bus

A visit to Whistler is a must on any Vancouver itinerary, regardless of the season.

In addition to two world-class ski resorts, this alpine playground offers an endless variety of outdoor activities.

Add in a collection of fine dining restaurants and a host of amazing Whistler bars to après the day away – and I assure you that you’ll never run out of things to do in Whistler.

At as little as $40.60 a ticket, the Vancouver to Whistler bus is the quickest and cheapest way to experience all of this without a car.

In all, taking the bus to Whistler is a bit like lounging at home in that you’ll have:

Ample leg room
Onboard washrooms
Free wifi
Onboard charging points
Large panoramic windows (you’ll need them!)

The Skylynx Whistler Bus Service

The Skylynx is a modern, comfortable coach that will deliver you from downtown Vancouver to Whistler in as little as two hours.

It’s the highest-rated Vancouver to Whistler bus service online.

As the official partner of Vancouver International Airport (YVR), it also provides service from right outside the departures terminal – the only provider to do so.

Service is offered to the heart of Whistler Village from three different departure points in Vancouver:

YVR (just outside the arrivals terminal)
Pacific Central Station
Burrard Skytrain Station

Vancouver to Whistler by Bus Prices

Prices for the bus from Vancouver to Whistler (or Squamish) vary by departure location.

Downtown Vancouver to/from Whistler Bus

Adults (13 and up) – $40.60 CAD
Children (6-12) – $20.30
Infants (0-5) – Free

*Includes departures from Pacific Central Station & Burrard Skytrain Station

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Vancouver Airport to/from Whistler Bus (Regular Service)

Adults (13 and up) – $68.60 CAD
Children (6-12) – $33.50
Infants (0-5) – Free

*Service includes stops at Pacific Central, Burrard and Squamish

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YVR Vancouver Airport to Whistler Express Bus (No Stops, Straight to Whistler)

Adults (13 and up) – $91.00 CAD
Children (6-12) – $45.50
Infants (0-5) – Free

*Children under 6 are free, provided they don’t require a seat.

*An adult must accompany children under 15.

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Where to Buy Vancouver to Whistler Bus Tickets

These Vancouver to Whistler bus tickets are bought via Viator.

The advantage of Viator is that they’ll instantly deliver downloadable tickets, and they have free cancellation up until 24 hours before your departure.

Here’s a quick walk-through of how to get to Whistler from Vancouver by bus using this simple system:

Purchase your Vancouver to Whistler bus ticket online in advance
Head to your chosen departure point at least 15 minutes before your departure
Show a printout of your email or your smartphone ticket to the driver
Board the bus and enjoy your trip to Whistler!

These buses run six-eight times a day – depending on the season.

Related: Best Hostels in Whistler

Vancouver to Whistler Bus Schedules

During the peak summer tourist season, the Vancouver to Whistler shuttle offers six daily departures – three in the morning and three in the afternoon – which includes one YVR Skylynx Express service.

Two additional departures are added during the winter to account for increased demand, for a total of 8 daily departures – including two YVR Express shuttles.

Don’t forget, you must arrive at least 15 minutes prior to departure.

Looking to lock in your time? Consult the Vancouver to Whistler bus schedule at Viator.

How Much Baggage Can I Bring on the Vancouver to Whistler Bus?

If you’re worried about paying excess baggage fees on your ski getaway, there’s no need to worry.

All Skylynx customers are entitled to bring:

One large suitcase
One piece of hand luggage
A snowboard or set of skis (additional sets cost $15)
Bikes cost $20 per trip

For a limited time, only baggage, ski equipment, and bike storage are free – so act fast.

All you have to do is buy your smartphone tickets online and show up at your chosen departure point.

The driver will even load all your gear for you, so the only thing you have to do is kick back and watch the Sea to Sky Highway in comfort.

I like bringing my iPad and plugging into the charging point and catching up on my latest Netflix shows – though the scenery outside definitely competes for your attention!

Express Bus from YVR to Whistler

Looking to head straight from the Vancouver airport to Whistler?

The new Whistler Express Shuttle Service is now the only shuttle that provides direct service to Whistler right from outside the arrivals terminal. No more stops downtown or in Squamish.

This can save you up to an hour of travel time, making this the fastest and most convenient shuttle between Vancouver and Whistler – clocking in at just 90 minutes.

Also, you can forget about the large coach packed with people here.

You get to ride in style in a luxurious 11-passenger Mercedes Sprinter van or deluxe 24-passenger mini bus coach for the ultimate in luxury and comfort.

Whistler Bus Departure Points

Vancouver International Airport

You can find the YVR Skylynx kiosk alongside the exit by the international/US arrivals area – behind the wooden Musqueam welcome statues near the escalator.

You’ll receive further instructions from staff upon arrival. While tickets can be purchased at the kiosk, you’re much better off booking in advance.

Just make sure not to book your Vancouver to Whistler bus too soon after arrival. In fact, I’d recommend budgeting at least 2 hours from landing for international passengers.

This will allow for possible delays and provide ample time to claim your baggage and clear customs. With the crazy nature of travel in the post-COVID era, it’s simply better to play it safe.

Pacific Central Station

Pacific Central Station is a railway and intercity bus station located on the fringes of Downtown Vancouver. So, it will likely be more useful for locals or those staying in East Vancouver.

If this sounds like you, the station is located a short walk from the Main Street-Science World Skytrain. This places it about two stops from Burrard and Granville Stations – which are the stops closest to most Downtown hotels.

Check out our Vancouver Transport Guide to make sure you master the Vancouver transit system – and make your bus on time.

Burrard Skytrain Station

The most popular stop on the Vancouver to Whistler bus is the most central one – on Melville Street outside the Burrard Skytrain Station. If you’re staying at any of the best hotels in Vancouver, this will likely be your departure point of choice.

The pickup point is alongside the Hyatt Regency Hotel, so if you’re looking for a quick hack to make an early bus – consider staying at the Hyatt.

Squamish

Service is also available to and from the scenic Sea to Sky city of Squamish, though by appointment only. You’ll be dropped off at the Squamish Adventure Centre which is at 38551 Loggers Lane, beside Highway 99.

One unfortunate thing to note is that travellers to Squamish are charged the same fare as those going to Whistler – despite the fact that it is roughly half the distance.

Whistler Village

There are two drop-off points available once you arrive in Whistler: Creekside and the Whistler Gateway Loop.

Most travellers will get off in the Whistler Village, the terminus stop.

However, some may require service to the reservation only stop at Creekside Village. Simply follow the instructions when booking and in your email after purchase. You’ll be dropped at the bus stop outside of Legends.

Heading to Whistler Village? Well, many of our favourite Whistler hotels are located just meters away from the Whistler Gateway Loop, so you may be fortunate enough to be able to walk.

But even if you’re staying a little further afield, you’re likely only a 5-minute cab ride away – and there should be taxis waiting nearby.

If not, be sure to ask the Skylynx staff for assistance.

Vancouver to Whistler Bus FAQ

Is there a bus from Vancouver to Whistler?

Yes, the bus service from Downtown Vancouver to Whistler is run by Skylynx and takes approximately two hours. Pick-up can be arranged from Pacific Central Station or from Melville Street near Burrard Street Skytrain Station.

Is there a bus from YVR Vancouver Airport to Whistler?

Yes, if you’re visiting directly from Vancouver International Airport you can opt for their coach bus, which takes around 3 hours – or the new door-to-door YVR Skylynx Express shuttle, which cuts the time in half to 90 minutes.

How much is the bus from Vancouver to Whistler?

A ticket on the Vancouver to Whistler bus costs $40.60 for adults and $20.30 for children for service from Pacific Central Station or outside the Burrard Skytrain Station.

How much is the bus from Vancouver airport to Whistler?

If you’re looking for coach service from YVR, it’ll cost $68.60 for adults and $33.50 for children. Tickets for the quicker express service to Whistler will go for $91.00 per adult and $45.50 per child.

How long is the bus to Whistler from Vancouver?

The coach from Whistler to Vancouver takes between two and three hours, depending on your pick-up point. Travel times to/from Whistler are typically:

YVR – 3 hours
Pacific Central Station – 2 hours 40 minutes
Burrard Station – 2 hours
Squamish – 1 hour

At just 90 minutes, the new YVR Skylynx Express offers the fastest travel time due to its express nature. However, you’ll pay a slight premium for this benefit.

Are skis and snowboards allowed on the bus from Vancouver to Whistler?

Yes, of course! Each traveller is allowed to bring one set of skis or a snowboard – in addition to a suitcase and carry-on item. You’ll be charged $15 for each additional set.

How much luggage can I bring on the Vancouver to Whistler bus?

Thankfully, the Skylynx has a very generous luggage allotment, an absolute necessity for a ski getaway. Each traveller is allowed:

One large suitcase
One piece of hand luggage
A snowboard or set of skis
Overnight (until closure the following day) -$20

Ready to Book a Bus from Vancouver to Whistler?

You should now be an expert on the Vancouver to Whistler bus, and if you’re not then what were you doing?

However, if you feel I missed something, or you have any additional questions, don’t be afraid to get in touch in the comments below!

Vancouver to Whistler Bus Options: Express Buses, YVR, Downtown