Getting from Vancouver to Whistler is easy.
That said, with about half a dozen options, figuring out the best way to get to Whistler from Vancouver can get down-right confusing.
Luckily, I’m here to take you through all the methods so we can find the right one for you.
How to Get from Vancouver to Whistler
Driving to Whistler
If you’ve got wheels I’d highly recommend driving to Whistler from Vancouver via the Sea to Sky corridor.
Why? Well, for starters our arch nemesis Tripadvisor ranked this as one of the 10 most scenic drives in the world.
It’s also the most convenient way and gives you the most flexibility.
As you can see below, the short 121 km drive should take around 90 minutes to complete.
If you’re driving expect to pay about $30.00 in gas using 2023 prices (le sigh) for the one way trip.
Just remember the Sea to Sky is a mountain highway where rapid changes in weather can have a significant impact on road conditions.
Especially if you’re in Vancouver in winter, make sure to check the Highway 99 weather report first.
Related: Best Whistler Hotels
Busses to Whistler
Taking a bus from Vancouver to Whistler is the cheapest way to get there unless you’ve got your own car or you’re fit to walk.
The Whistler bus service takes around 2 hours from its stop in downtown Vancouver outside the Hyatt Regency Hotel.
The most frequent and most reliable bus service is run by Skylynx.
I love using them because they’ve got free wifi and charging stations so I can zone out on my tablet, or get work done on my laptop.
They also give you one 50 lb carry on as well as a ski or snowboard.
One way tickets cost $44.00 CAD ($33.10 USD).
With schedules frequently changing, it’s best to click the orange booking link below for times:
Book My Vancouver to Whistler Bus Now
The Whistler bus from Vancouver airport (YVR) meanwhile costs $54.00 ($39.95 USD):
Book My YVR Airport to Whistler Bus Now
Related: Best Hostels in Whistler
Flights to Whistler
Unfortunately, Whistler doesn’t have an airport so typical commercial jet flights are just not possible.
Luckily, there are Vancouver to Whistler seaplanes that not only get you there in just 45 minutes, but offer a once in a lifetime scenery escape as well.
Along the way you get views of the Vancouver skyline, Howe Sound, and the North Shore Mountains. You then fly over majestic glaciers, rugged peaks, and lush alpine meadows.
Let’s take a deeper look.
Floatplanes to Whistler
Harbour Air offers floatplane service from the Vancouver Harbour Flight Centre to the Whistler Floatplane Terminal.
You’ll land 3 km north of Whistler Village on Green Lake, and they’ll even give you a complimentary shuttle to your hotel.
The service runs seasonally from May to October.
These seaplane flights cost $211.00 CAD for adults and $115.00 CAD for children
Click the button below to check out the latest seaplane schedules:
Book My Vancouver Whistler Seaplane Now
Related: Best Whistler Seaplane Tours
How to Go to Whistler from Vancouver with Private Transfers
Does lugging your skis through the streets of Vancouver at six in the morning sound like a nightmare?
The convenience of private door-to-door service via the top Vancouver to Whistler private transfers is the answer.
There’s a wide variety of private transfer options that connect Whistler Village to Vancouver.
The most reasonably priced private transfer costs $296.10, and will pick you up at any hotel or residence in Vancouver and bring you to Whistler in a luxury sedan or SUV.
Book My Private Transfer to Whistler
That said, our partners at Viator have a huge selection of options whether you’re coming from downtown, the airport, or any where else.
Feel free to take a look clicking the orange button below:
Show Me the Whistler Private Transfers List
Looking to get to Whistler from YVR Airport? Check out our post on Vancouver Airport to Whistler private transfers.
Related: Best Vancouver to Whistler Tours
Trains to Whistler
At the end of 2015 the Rocky Mountaineer cancelled it’s Sea to Sky Climb service.
As a result, there is unfortunately no longer a dedicated train service connecting Vancouver and Whistler.
However, travel to Whistler is still offered as part of the Rocky Mountaineer’s Rainforest to Gold-Rush Package.
This allows you to spend one night in Whistler on your way to the BC interior’s gold-rush country, before travelling through the Rocky Mountains to Jasper, Alberta.
The journey offers breathtaking views of BC’s varying landscapes, including; lush coastal rainforests, vast ranch lands and rugged snow capped peaks. All before you reach the stunning Rocky Mountain Trench and Rocky Mountain National parks.
The Rainforest to Gold-rush Package is available in 3 and 5 day packages.
For more information on this, and other Rocky Mountaineer packages, visit the Rocky Mountaineer website.
How to Get to Whistler from Vancouver FAQ
How far is Whistler from Vancouver?
Whistler is located 120 kilometres (75 miles) from Downtown Vancouver. The trip takes approximately an hour and a half depending on traffic and weather.
How do you get from Vancouver to Whistler?
If you are unable to drive there are a variety of options available; such as bus, private transfer, train and even Summer floatplane service.
How do you get from YVR to Whistler?
The only direct transport options available from YVR airport to Whistler Village are the Skylynx shuttle and private transfers.
If you’d prefer, there is a wide variety of car rental options available on site.
Can you fly from Vancouver to Whistler?
While Whistler does not have an airport, there is floatplane service available seasonally from Downtown Vancouver and Victoria between May and September.
Can you drive from to Whistler from Vancouver?
Whistler is located 120 kilometres or a 1.5 hour drive up the Sea to Sky Highway-99 from Downtown Vancouver.
What’s the cheapest way to get from Vancouver to Whistler?
The cheapest way to get to Whistler from Vancouver is by taking a bus – the price costs just $33.00 CAD (about $24.62 USD) for a one way trip.
Related: Best Whistler Hostels
Still Looking to Get to Whistler from Vancouver?
But before we go, I’d like to encourage you to submit any more questions you have regarding Vancouver to Whistler transport.
Whether you hit me up in the comments below or on the Vancouver Planner Facebook page, I’m sure I’ll be able get them answered ASAP and get you on your way.
See you on the slopes!
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