How to get from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) to Burnaby

While no single direct bus connects YVR to Burnaby, several bus routes can be used in combination with the SkyTrain or other buses for specific destinations. This is usually the slowest but most budget-oriented surface option.

Primary Bus Route Options

• Route 555 (Lougheed Station / Carvolth Exchange): A RapidBus service from YVR. Take it to Lougheed Town Centre Station in East Burnaby. From there, transfer to the Millennium Line SkyTrain or local buses. Travel time: ~60-75 mins to Lougheed.
• Route 430 (Metrotown Station): This bus goes from near YVR (Bridgeport Station) to Metrotown Station. However, you first need to take the Canada Line one stop to Bridgeport Station. Total journey is often slower than the pure SkyTrain route.
• Local Buses (e.g., 100, N10 Night Bus): Numerous local routes crisscross the region. They are useful for reaching specific residential areas but involve multiple transfers and long travel times (90+ minutes). Use TransLink’s Trip Planner for specific routing.

Cost & Practical Tips for Bus Travel

Bus fares are integrated with the SkyTrain using the same Compass Card system and zone pricing. A 90-minute transfer is included.

Key Tip: For almost all journeys to Burnaby, the SkyTrain+SkyTrain route is faster than any SkyTrain+Bus or Bus+Bus combination. Use buses primarily for the “last mile” from a Burnaby SkyTrain station to your final address.

For door-to-door convenience, especially with heavy luggage, late at night, or in a group, taxis and app-based ride-hailing services are the premier choice.

Cost Breakdown & Pickup

Official YVR Taxis operate on a fixed-fare system from the airport to designated zones. The fare to the "Burnaby Area" is a fixed CAD $57 (plus tip). Uber and Lyft prices are dynamic but typically range between $45 and $65 for destinations like Metrotown, Brentwood, or Lougheed.

• Taxi Pickup: Follow signs to the clearly marked taxi ranks on the Arrivals level.
• Uber/Lyft Pickup: Designated pickup areas are in the Parkade (for Domestic/Int'l) and at Level 2 of the Value Parkade for the International terminal. Use the app for precise instructions.

When Is It Worth It? (Decision Matrix)

Consider a taxi or ride-hail if:

• You are in a group of 3 or more (splitting the cost makes it competitive).
• You have more than one large suitcase per person.
• Your flight arrives after 12:30 AM (when SkyTrain service ends).
• You are going to a residential address in Burnaby far from a SkyTrain station.
• You value convenience and time over absolute lowest cost.

Private transfers can be pre-booked for a premium (~$80-$120) for luxury vehicles or large vans.

Navigate your transfer like a pro with these insights from frequent travelers.

• Buy a Compass Card Immediately: Even for one trip, the card saves money vs. a paper ticket. If you're staying a few days, load a DayPass or weekly pass for unlimited travel.
• Luggage Strategy: If you have large bags on the SkyTrain, stand near the priority seating areas or the end of the cars where there’s more open space. Avoid rush hour.
• The “YVR AddFare”: When boarding the Canada Line at YVR Airport Station, an extra $5 AddFare is automatically added to your fare UNLESS you are using a pre-purchased DayPass, Monthly Pass, or have a valid transfer from a bus that originated at the airport. This is why your fare to Burnaby is higher than a standard 2-Zone fare.
• Traffic Warnings: If taking a taxi/Uber/car during weekday rush hours (7-9 AM, 3-6 PM) or during major events, travel time can easily double. The SkyTrain is immune to this.
• Wi-Fi & Connectivity: Free Wi-Fi is available at YVR and on-board the Canada Line trains. Use it to book your ride-hail or check transit schedules via the TransLink app.
• Late-Night Arrival Contingency: Know your options. If your flight is delayed past SkyTrain hours, budget for a taxi or ride-hail. The N10 night bus is a sparse, last-resort option.