Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or you are just quickly passing through, our Vancouver Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit. Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport – including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.
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I would like to thank the staff of Vancouver Airport for the most beautiful, clean and comfortable airport I have ever been stuck at. – Bob and Paul
YVR Airport Overview
To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at Vancouver Airport.
What to Expect
Vancouver Airport (code: YVR) is large, bright, and modern. It has two terminals: the Main and the South. The main terminal is one large interconnected terminal divided into three sections: Domestic, Transborder, and International. You can transfer to all these sections through the airside area. The South Terminal is used for float planes, helicopters, and corporate charters.
Travellers appreciate the airport’s design, which features lots of natural lighting, local artwork, an aquarium, and comfortable seating. You’ll find plenty of dining and shopping options, including 24-hour eateries in both the International and Domestic areas. WiFi is free, and mobile charging can be found at the gates. Economy class passengers looking to upgrade their layover can pay to enter a few airport lounges, some of which have showers. See Airport Lounges in the guide below for locations and rates.
Sleeping in Vancouver Airport
The airside areas are pretty comfortable, especially in the International Terminal, where you’ll find plenty of armrest-free airport seats, plus seats with footstools and cushioned block-like furniture. Landside, you’ll have to look a little harder, but you’ll be able to find some comfy spots. If you prefer to stretch out on the floor, there is a lot of carpeting, especially on the airside.
Here are good sleep spots that travellers have reported:
- For some privacy on the landside, head to the Mezzanine Level near the C Gate security checkpoint, but be prepared to sleep on the carpeted floor.
- Landside: head to the Baggage Claim area for benches without armrests.
- Landside: benches are located near the American Airlines and WestJet check-in areas.
Read the latest traveller airport reviews for more tips or click here to write a review. For uninterrupted sleep, check out the hotel located landside in the International Terminal. Several nearby hotels also offer free shuttle service. See Airport Hotels in the guide below for more info.
Good to Know
If you are transiting airside from the Domestic area to the US Transborder area, you must go through the International section. If you have a long connection, you may opt to stay here to relax, shop, eat and check out the water displays and aquarium before proceeding to the USA security area. Allow enough time to go through security.
To help us keep this guide up-to-date, you can add or update information or write a review to submit airport tips and photos. You can also visit the airport’s website for current information. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our Vancouver Airport Guide.
In this guide we may refer to locations as “landside” and “airside”. Landside is the public area of the terminal located in the non-secure zone, before security. Airside is the secure area of the terminal that you must reach by going through security. For more information on Europe’s Schengen Area, click here.
Airport Hours
The airport is open 24 hours.
Rest & Relaxation Zones
There is a quiet zone equipped with comfy seating, a stretching mat, low-volume speakers and soft lighting. Signage asks all visitors in this area to remain quiet. Location: International Terminal, Airside, Gate D67. Additionally, there are numerous areas in the International Departures Area that have sleep friendly seating. You will find either lounge style seats near the windows or cushioned block style furniture that are often covered with airport sleepers.
Take precaution even when sleeping in the rest zones. In December 2019, a traveller at another airport reported that money and credit cards had been stolen from their bag even though the bag was right beside them. Protect and lock your bags as you would sleeping elsewhere in public.
Vancouver Airport Hotels
Quick Facts
- Nearest Hotel: Inside the Airport
- Sleep Cabins or Pods: Yes
- Day Rooms: Yes
- Nearby Hotels with Free Shuttles: Yes
When the prospect of sleeping on the floor or in a chair gives you nightmares, there is good news for those who are looking to sleep at Vancouver Airport in comfort. If you are on a layover in the international terminal, there is a lounge that offers nap rooms that can be booked for three and six-hour time slots. A hotel is located in the public area of the airport, so transit travellers would need to pass through security to access it, but day rooms are available. Most nearby hotels offer free airport shuttles.
Hotels inside Vancouver Airport
- Fairmont Vancouver Airport – (10-minute walk from the Domestic Terminal or 5-minute walk from within the International Terminal) Located inside the International Terminal, above the USA departures desk. They offer drop-in access to the Health Club for $20 per person. Day-use rooms are available for rent in blocks of four, six, or eight hours between 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM. Earplugs and eye masks are provided if required. » Check Rates
- Plaza Premium Lounge – The International Terminal location has nap rooms available for three and six-hour time slots. (Rates $70/3 hours – $110/6 hours). See Airport Lounges above.
Nearby hotels with airport shuttles
- Pacific Gateway Hotel Vancouver Airport » Check Rates
- Hampton Inn by Hilton Vancouver Airport » Check Rates
- Days Inn Vancouver Airport » Check Rates
- Radisson Hotel Vancouver Airport » Check Rates
For more options, visit Tripadvisor to see a list of hotels near Vancouver Airport that can be sorted by price, distance, traveller rating and popularity.
Airport Lounges
Pay-per-use, Single Visit Passes & Lounge Memberships
Regardless of what class of service you are flying, there are lounges that you can enter by paying at the door, purchasing a lounge pass or through a lounge membership program. Visit the individual lounge page for more details about the lounge itself and to also find out how you can gain lounge access with just an economy class ticket!
- Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge – Multiple Locations – (1) Domestic Departures, (1) Transborder Departures and (1) International Departures.
- Plaza Premium Lounge (Domestic, Gate B15) – Location: Domestic Departures, Airside, Level 3, near Gate B15. Showers are available. Lounge Access: Pay at the Door • Lounge membership programs.
- Plaza Premium Lounge (Domestic, Gate C29) – Location: Domestic Departures, Airside, Level 3, near Gate C29. Lounge Access: Pay at the Door • Lounge membership programs.
- Plaza Premium Lounge (International) – Location: International Departures, Airside, Level 3. Showers and nap rooms are available ($). Lounge Access: Pay at the Door • Lounge membership programs.
- Plaza Premium Lounge (Transborder) – Location: USA Transborder Departures, Airside, Level 3, near Gate E87. Lounge Access: Pay at the Door • Lounge membership programs.
- SkyTeam Lounge – Location: International Terminal, Airside, near Gate 53. Hours: open 24 hours. Showers are available. Lounge Access: Prepaid lounge pass • Lounge membership programs.
Airline Lounges
If you are a First or Business Class traveller you may have access to the lounges listed below. For more information, check the airline’s website.
International Terminal (Non-USA), Airside – British Airways Galleries Club Lounge • British Airways Galleries First Lounge • Cathay Pacific First and Business Class Lounge.
Related Pages: Vancouver Airport Lounges
Drinking Water
Thirsty? Need to refill your water bottle? There are 31 water fountains throughout the airport (landside and airside in both terminals).
Food & Drinks
When you get the midnight munchies or give up trying to sleep and need a coffee to stay awake, 24-hour food concessions are available. Check out these vendors:
- Domestic Terminal, landside: Subway • Tim Horton’s • 7-Eleven
- Domestic Terminal, airside: UpMeals vending machines
- International Terminal, landside: Tim Hortons • Wendy’s
- International Terminal, airside: illycaffe • Relay • A&W
Luggage Storage & Lockers
Store your stuff at CDS Baggage Services. Short and long term services available for $5 – $8.50 per item. Locations: Domestic Terminal, Landside, Level 2 • International Terminal, Landside, Level 2. Hours: 7:00AM – 10:00PM (Intl) • 6:00AM – 10:00PM (Domestic).
Mobile Charging
Charging stations are available near the seats at the gates throughout the airport.
Showers
Freshen up before or after your flight by enjoying a shower at one of these locations:
- Airside – Plaza Premium Lounges (International and Domestic Terminal) and the Sky Team Lounge (International Terminal).
- Landside – The Fairmont Vancouver Airport Hotel offers drop-in access to the Health Club, saunas and showers for $20 per person.
WiFi / Internet
Free WiFi is available at Vancouver Airport.
Security & Safety
At the time of this update, airport staff don’t seem to mind airport sleepers, and those who’ve written in have not reported any safety issues at Vancouver Airport. However, sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. It’s important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Here are a few tips:
- Safety First. It’s a good idea to know where the security office is located and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. You can also ask the security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
- Don’t Seclude Yourself. If you’re travelling alone, we recommend you stay near other travellers or close to security. This will help you feel more secure and deter potential thieves.
- Hide Your Valuables. It’s also important to hide your valuables. Don’t leave them out in plain view, as this could make you a target for theft. Additionally, if you are a deep sleeper, you may want to padlock your bag to something or sleep with your bag up against a wall to make it harder for someone to access zippers and pockets. We have received reports of sleepers who woke up without their phones and laptop bags. The travellers were left with just their headphones and laptop bag strap.
- Stay Alert. It’s best to stay alert and awake if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages to help you stay awake, and remember that you can always catch up on sleep during your flight. These simple precautions can help you enjoy a safe night at the airport.
Pro-tip: If you sleep in the public zone, don’t be surprised if you receive an early morning wake-up call. Security is known to make the rounds, waking people up as travellers arrive for morning flights.
More Airport Information
Airport Ambassadors – Look for volunteers in green vests/jackets which are located throughout the terminal. Staff in blue vest/jacket can be found at information counters throughout the airport.
Chapel – Gather your thoughts in peace at the interfaith chapel. Location: International Terminal, landside, Arrivals Level 2. Hours: 8:00AM – 8:00PM.
Dry Cleaners – Airport Fabricare Cleaners offers same day service if you need a quick alteration. Location: Domestic terminal, landside, Level 1. Hours: 7:00AM – 6:00PM (Mon-Fri) • 9:00AM – 5:00PM (Sat) • Closed Sunday.
Family Services
- Baby Care Facilities – If you are travelling with an infant, cribs, playpens and a changing area are available in the Nursery. Location: US Terminal, Landside, Level 3, next to the restrooms. Hours: 3:00AM – 8:30PM.
- Children’s Play Area – When you want to ensure your kids burn off all their energy before their flight, take them to the children’s play area. Location: Domestic Terminal, Airside, C46 • Domestic Terminal, Landside, Level 3 • International Terminal, Airside, D54.
Gym– The Fairmont Vancouver Airport Hotel offers a gym that contains cardio and training equipment, stretching area, and free weights. The facility offers change rooms with showers, soap, conditioner, lotion, hair dryers. Location: International Terminal 1, Landside. Rate: Day passes cost $ 30 per person per day for access to the gym, pool and showers. Workout gear is available free of charge. Hours: 7:00AM – 10:00PM (Pool) • 24 hours (Fitness Center).
Information Desks – There are 12 customer care counters throughout the airport, with representatives available 24 hours a day.
Postal Services – Send your last minute postcards to friends and family from the airport’s Canada Post branch. Location: Domestic terminal, Landside, Level 1, inside the 7-11 convenience store.
SIM Cards – A reader tells us “The airport does not offer a spot to buy SIM Cards. You would need to go to Regent Mall (14 Min – (15.2 km) from the Airport) to purchase SIM Cards.” (July 2023)
Luggage
- Luggage & Shoe Repair – Walter’s Shoe Service provides shoes/luggage repairs and cleaning. Location: Domestic terminal, airside, near Gate C30. Hours: 6:00AM – 8:00PM (Daily).
- Luggage Storage & Lockers – see “Luggage Storage & Lockers” above.
- Luggage Wrapping – Protect your bags from theft and damage by having your bags wrapped in plastic. Safe Bag provides baggage wrapping services, bike box purchases and other packing/shipping supplies. Location: International Terminal, Landside, Level 3. Hours: varies.
Medical Services
- Dental Services – Check-ups, cleanings, a full range of preventative and emergency dental services and cosmetic treatments are available at the Vancouver Airport Dental Centre! Location: Domestic, Landside, Level 1. Hours: 9:00AM – 6:00PM (Mon-Fri).
- Medical Clinic – Travel medicine, podiatry, acute pain management and more, available at Vancouver Airport Medical Clinic. Walk-ins welcome! Location: Domestic Terminal, Landside, Level 1. Hours: 8:00AM – 8:00PM (Mon-Fri), 10:00PM – 4:00PM (Sat – Sun).
- Pharmacy – Pharmasave is conveniently located next to the airport medical clinic. Location: Domestic Terminal, Landside, Level 1. Hours: 9:00AM – 5:00PM (Mon-Fri). Closed weekends and holidays.
Money
- ATMs / Cash Machines – Need cash? ATMs are available. Fees may apply, so be sure to check your bank’s fee schedule and your daily withdrawal limit if you are travelling internationally. You may also want to notify your bank of your travel plans.
- Banking Services – A full-service (including currency exchange) Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) is available. Location: Domestic terminal, landside, Level 3. Hours: 9:00AM – 4:30PM (Mon – Fri).
- Currency Exchange – International Currency Exchange (ICE) locations:
- Domestic Terminal: Landside (Level 3) and Airside (Level 3)
- US Terminal: Airside (Level 3)
- International Terminal: Landside (Levels 2 ) and Airside (Level 2 and Gate D53).
Shopping – A variety of duty-free shops are available airside on Level 3 (US and International terminals), in the D gates area (International terminal) and Gate E85 (US terminal). Note: the location on Level 3, International Terminal is open 24 hours. The only other shop which is open 24 hours is a Connoisseur Collection (Duty Free) which sells rare whiskeys and cognacs. Location: International Terminal, Airside, across from Gate 70.
Spa – Manicures, facials, massages and other beauty services are available at Absolute Spa. Hours: vary per location. Locations:
- Domestic Terminal, Airside: Absolute Spa (Gate C30) • Absolute Spa (Gate C47).
- US Terminal: Absolute Spa (Airside, Gate E85).
Things to do & see
- Aquarium – There are two satellite Vancouver Aquarium exhibits: The main exhibit is a large 114,000-litre aquarium showcasing 850 indigenous sea animals, and the other is a smaller 1,800-litre jellyfish aquarium. Location: International Terminal, Airside, Level 3 (main exhibit) and Level 4 (jellyfish exhibit).
- Observation Area – Watch the activity on the tarmac at the airport’s observation area. There are telescopes, interactive kiosks and an interactive model of Sea Island. Location: Domestic Terminal, Level 4 (Landside). Rate: Free.
Bus
The airport is well connected to the bus system should you need to reach Whistler and beyond. The YVR Whistler Sky Linx connects to Whistler, Downtown Vancouver, Squamish and surrounding areas. For fares, routes and schedules, visit the Skylynx website. If you are looking to go to Victoria from the airport, there is a shuttle which takes passengers to where the BC Ferries depart. For more information and to buy tickets, visit the BC Ferries Connector website
Car Rentals
Alamo • Avis • Budget • Dollar/Thrifty • Enterprise • Hertz • National operate onsite on the ground floor of the parkade. Aligo • Evo Car Share • West Coast Car Rental have a nearby offsite location. Aligo and Routes are accessible by free shuttle bus.
Hotel Shuttles
Several area hotels provide airport shuttle service: Accent Inn Vancouver Airport • Days Inn Vancouver Airport • Executive Hotel Vancouver Airport • Four Points by Sheraton Vancouver Airport • Hampton Inn by Hilton Vancouver Airport • Hilton Vancouver Airport • Radisson Hotel Vancouver Airport • Pacific Gateway Hotel at Vancouver Airport • Quality Hotel Airport (South) c Sheraton Vancouver Airport Hotel • Vancouver Airport Marriott.
The hotels shuttle stops are located at the green canopy outside of the International Terminal (Arrivals Level 2) and Domestic Terminal (Arrivals Level 1). Hotel shuttle pick-up can be requested via direct-dial courtesy phone, available on Arrivals Level 2 of both International and Domestic terminals, or at the shuttle bus stops.
See also Airport Hotels above.
Inter-Terminal Shuttle
YVR airport offers a free shuttle service between the South Terminal, a regional general aviation hub, and the International and Domestic Terminals. South Terminal Shuttle stops are located in front of the South Terminal Arrival doors, at International Terminal (Arrivals Level 2, shuttle waiting area) and Domestic Terminal (Arrivals Level 1).
Ride Apps
Lyft, Uber and KABU are authorized Ride Apps at Vancouver Airport. There are 3 pick-up areas: International Arrivals, Level 2 • Domestic Arrivals, Level 2, South Terminal.
Taxi
Licensed taxis are readily available from taxi stands located on Level 2 of the Domestic and International Terminals’ Arrivals Area. Zone fares apply to rides from the airport to destinations within the zoned areas in Vancouver. Metered rates apply to journeys from the city to the airport.
Train
The Canada Line is a rapid transit commuter rail service that runs between the airport and the city centers, reaching central Richmond in 18 minutes and central Vancouver in just 26 minutes. The Canada Line train platform is located between the International and Domestic Terminals. For information on fares, schedules, routes and mass transit connections, visit the Canada Line website.
Layover Sightseeing
Do you want to make the most of your stopover or long layover by getting out of the airport to do some sightseeing? Check out our Vancouver Airport Layover Sightseeing guide or explore Things to do in Vancouver on Tripadvisor.
Last updated: 2024-08-26
This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning. All information, including rates and hours, is subject to change at any time without notice. The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers, and their websites. We are not representatives of any of the above-mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or write a review.