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If you're planning a trip to the stunning and lively country of Canada, make sure to check out some key information about its Vancouver International Airport in the article below, brought to you by Mytour.vn.
1. Where is Vancouver International Airport located?
Vancouver International Airport is located on Sea Island in Richmond, British Columbia, Canada, about 12km southwest of downtown Vancouver.
Vancouver Airport is the main hub for Air Canada, WestJet, and Air Transat. It offers direct daily flights to Europe, Asia, Oceania, the United States, Mexico, and various other airports within Canada.
Vancouver International Airport is approximately 12km southwest of the city center.
2. Explore the terminals at Vancouver Airport
Vancouver Airport currently has 3 terminals:
- The Main Terminal, which is divided into the Domestic Terminal and the International Terminal.
- The South Terminal.
Domestic Terminal
The Domestic Terminal has 3 lounges: A, B, and C.
- Lounge A: Exclusively serves WestJet Encore flights.
- Lounge B: Used for domestic flights by Air Transat, First Air, Air North, Central Mountain Air, Sunwing Airlines, and WestJet.
- Lounge C: The main hub for Air Canada and Air Canada Express domestic flights. Gates C50 - C52 can also handle international flights.
International Terminal
The International Terminal consists of two lounges: D and E.
- Lounge D: All gates in this lounge can handle international and U.S. flights. It has two jet bridges that can accommodate Airbus A380 flights. Gates D50 - D52 may be used for domestic flights.
- Lounge E: Primarily serves U.S. flights, except those with international origins (Cathay Pacific from Hong Kong - Vancouver - New York and Philippine Airlines - Vancouver - New York) or flights departing after 8:30 PM.
South Terminal
The South Terminal primarily serves airlines operating within the British Columbia region, helicopter flights, or chartered flights.
The interior space of Vancouver Airport's terminal.
Getting Around Between Vancouver Airport Terminals
Vancouver Airport offers FREE shuttle services between its terminals. Shuttle stops include:
- At the South Terminal: In front of the terminal.
- At the International Terminal: Bus Route 3, second floor arrivals hall.
- At the Domestic Terminal: Second floor arrivals hall.
2. Transportation Options from the Airport to Downtown
Long-Distance Bus Service
- A round-trip bus service operates between Whistler and Vancouver Airport.
- Whistler SkyLynx connects the airport with Whistler, Downtown Vancouver, Squamish, and surrounding areas.
- Passengers can purchase bus tickets at the Whistler/SkyLynx ticket counter, located on the second floor of the International Terminal's arrivals hall.
Whistler SkyLynx Bus Service
Hotel Shuttle Services
A number of downtown hotels offer free shuttle transportation between the airport and the hotel, or vice versa. If you require hotel shuttle service, please take note of the following:
- At the International Terminal: Pick-up and drop-off are located under the green canopy outside the arrivals hall on the second floor.
- At the Domestic Terminal: Second floor, arrivals hall.
- Additionally, passengers can request hotel pick-up service by making a direct (free) phone call from the second floor of the International/Domestic Terminal or at the bus pick-up/drop-off point.
The following hotels offer airport shuttle services:
Accent Inn Vancouver Airport, Best Western Plus Abercorn Inn, Coast Vancouver Airport, Days Inn - Vancouver Airport, Executive Airport Plaza Hotel & Conference Centre Richmond, Four Points by Sheraton Vancouver Airport, Hampton Inn by Hilton Vancouver Airport, Hilton Vancouver Airport, La Quinta Inn Vancouver Airport, Radisson Hotel Vancouver Airport, Pacific Gateway Hotel at Vancouver Airport, Quality Hotel Airport (South), Sheraton Vancouver Airport Hotel, Vancouver Airport Marriott, Westin Wall Centre Vancouver Airport.
Railway
The Canada Line rapid transit line connects Vancouver's airport to the city center in less than 30 minutes, with Richmond just about 18 minutes away. The entrances to the Canada Line trains are located between the domestic and international terminals, offering convenience to passengers. Travelers can access the station from both the departure and arrival halls of these terminals.
Ticket price: 5 USD.
The Canada Line railway station at Vancouver Airport
Taxi
Taxis at Vancouver Airport are yellow in color. Passengers can easily catch a taxi from the second floor of the domestic terminal and the arrival area of the international terminal. All taxis are equipped to provide wheelchair access or accommodate special requirements.
Please note:
- Taxi fares at Vancouver Airport are fixed rates.
- If two or more passengers are headed to different destinations within the same area, the fare applies until the first passenger exits the taxi. The meter will start running when the taxi begins heading to the second stop.
- The fare does not include tips.
Car Rental
Vancouver Airport offers a variety of car rental services, including Alamo, Avis, Dollar/Thrifty, Hertz, and National.
3. Options for Overnight Stays at Vancouver Airport
Vancouver International Airport operates 24/7, giving you the option to either stay at the airport or reserve a hotel room nearby.
If sleeping at the airport:
- The airside area of the international terminal is considered the most comfortable for overnight stays, with reclining chairs and cushions.
- The landside area can also be used for sleeping, although it tends to be colder at night and the chairs lack armrests.
- When staying overnight at the airport, it is recommended to bring warm clothes, a travel blanket, or a sleeping bag.
If booking a hotel near the airport:
- Fairmont Vancouver Airport: Just a 10-minute walk from the domestic terminal and 5 minutes from the international terminal. The hotel is located within the international terminal.
- Pacific Gateway Hotel Vancouver Airport: Located 5 minutes by car from the airport. This newly opened hotel near the airport offers free 24/7 shuttle service with no reservation required. The shuttle picks up guests from both terminals.
- Days Inn Vancouver Airport: Situated 8 minutes by car from the airport. Free shuttle service to the airport is available.
Fairmont Vancouver Airport is located inside the international terminal
4. Amenities at Vancouver Airport
WiFi/Internet
Vancouver Airport provides free WiFi access throughout all areas of the airport.
Airport Ambassadors
At Vancouver Airport, there are always ground staff in blue uniforms stationed at the terminals, information counters, and customs halls, ready to assist passengers with directions, answering questions, and providing information.
ATM/ Cash Withdrawal Machines
ATM machines are conveniently placed at various locations throughout the airport.
- International arrival hall (near the ICE currency exchange counter)
- International departure hall (near the ICE currency exchange counter)
- Domestic arrival hall (near Tim Hortons cafe)
- Level 1 of the domestic terminal (Counters 7-11, Scotiabank - the only location at the airport)
Currency Exchange Services
The International Currency Exchange (ICE) offices are located at:
- Domestic Terminal: Landside on level 3 and airside at gate B17.
- US Terminal: Landside on level 3 and airside on level 3, gate B86.
- International Terminal: Landside on levels 2 and 3; airside on level 2 and gate D53. Operating Hours: Vary by location. The currency exchange counter on level 3 of the international terminal operates 24/7.
Aquarium
At Vancouver Airport, passengers can also visit an aquarium showcasing a variety of unique marine species. Location: Two aquariums on landside, levels 3 and 4, of the international terminal.
At the airport, passengers can also visit the aquarium, home to a variety of unique marine species.
Baby Care Facilities
The airport offers baby care amenities such as cribs, baby beds, changing areas, and nursing rooms. Location: Landside, level 3, US Terminal.
Banking Services
At the airport, you will find the Royal Bank of Canada located at the airside, level 3, of the domestic terminal. Operating hours: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM, Monday to Friday.
Children's Play Area
Here are the locations with children's play areas at the airport:
- Food counter, domestic terminal (landside area).
- Gates 3 and 43, domestic terminal (airside area).
- Gate 54, international terminal (airside area).
- Gate 13, airside, level 3, departure hall, domestic terminal.
Children's Play Area at the Airport
Dental Services
Vancouver Airport Dental Centre provides dental care. Location: Landside, level 1, domestic terminal. Operating hours: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Monday to Friday), 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM (Saturday).
Dry Cleaning Services
Airport Fabricare Cleaners offers dry cleaning services on demand. Location: Landside, level 1, domestic terminal. Operating hours: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Monday to Friday), 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Sunday).
Duty-Free Shopping
Vancouver Airport has several duty-free stores located at the airside of the terminals. Specifically:
- US Terminal, level 3, and international terminal.
- Gate D area, international terminal.
- Gate E85, US terminal.
Note: The shop on level 3 of the international terminal operates 24/7. Additionally, there is only one other store open 24/7, Connoisseur Collection (duty-free shop), offering a selection of whiskey and distilled spirits. Location: Airside, international terminal, opposite gate 70.
Vancouver Airport features several duty-free shopping options
Food and Beverages
The airport's food and beverage outlets have varying operating hours. However, some stores are open 24/7:
- At the domestic terminal, landside, level 3: Subway, Tim Horton's cafe.
- At the domestic terminal, landside, level 1: 7-11 convenience store.
- At the international terminal, landside, level 3: Starbucks, Wendy's.
- At the international terminal, airside: Hudson News Euro Cafe (Gate D66).
Information Desks
There are 12 information desks located throughout the airport, all operating 24/7. Passengers can also find staff members wearing blue uniforms.
At the US terminal: Level 3, departure area (landsid and airside).
At the international terminal: Level 3, departure area (landsid and airside); Arrivals area (landsid).
At the domestic terminal: Level 2, arrivals area (airside); Level 3, departure area (landsid and airside).
Luggage and Shoe Repair Services
- Location: Ground floor of the landside area, domestic terminal.
- Open hours: 7 AM - 6 PM (Monday to Friday), 9 AM - 5 PM (Saturday), closed on Sundays.
Luggage Storage and Locking Services at Vancouver Airport
- At the airport, you can store your luggage at the CDS baggage service, offering both short-term and long-term storage options with prices ranging from 5 to 8.5 USD per bag.
- This service counter is located on the second floor of both the domestic and international terminals.
- Operating hours: 7 AM - 1 AM (International Terminal) and 5 AM - 11 PM (Domestic Terminal).
Luggage Wrapping Service
- The airport offers a luggage wrapping service along with materials and various other items for your belongings.
- Location: Landside area, international terminal (7 AM - 11 PM).
Medical Clinic
The Vancouver Airport Medical Clinic is available at the airport. Location: Ground floor, landside area, domestic terminal. Open hours: 8 AM - 5 PM (Monday to Friday), closed on Saturday and Sunday.
Mobile Phone Charging Stations at the Airport
Charging stations for mobile phones are available at seating areas and gates throughout the airport.
Viewing Area
The airport's observation area is located on the 4th floor of the domestic terminal in the landside section. Passengers can visit this free space to watch the runway activities, use telescopes, and explore interactive exhibits.
Pharmacy
The pharmacy is conveniently located right inside the airport clinic.
- Location: First floor, landside area, domestic terminal.
- Hours: 8 AM - 6 PM (Monday to Friday). Closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays.
Postal services available here.
A Canada Post branch is located inside the 7-11 convenience store.
- Location: First floor, landside area, domestic terminal.
- Operating hours: 7 AM - 8 PM (Monday to Friday), 10 AM - 5 PM (Saturday), 12 PM - 4 PM (Sunday).
Quiet Zone area.
The Quiet Zone offers comfortable seating, carpets, a peaceful atmosphere, and soft lighting. All passengers are expected to remain silent to avoid disturbing others.
- Location: Airside area, Gate D67, international terminal.
Shower facilities available.
The airport provides shower facilities at the following locations:
- Airside: Premium Plaza lounge and SkyTeam lounge (domestic and international terminals).
- Landside: Fairmont Vancouver Airport Hotel offers shower, steam, and other services for a fee of 20 USD per person.
Spa services available.
To pamper your nails, skin, enjoy a massage, and explore a range of other beauty services, passengers can visit Absolute Spa at the airport. Locations include:
- Domestic terminal: landside area (floor 1) and airside (Gate C47)
- US terminal: landside area (floor 4 - at Fairmont Hotel) and airside (Gate E85)
Additionally, Refinery Spa offers spa and salon services for men. Location: airside, Gate C31, Domestic Terminal. Opening hours: 7:30 AM - 7:00 PM.
5. Airlines flying to/from Vancouver International Airport
Vancouver International Airport accommodates a variety of domestic and international airlines, including Vietnam Airlines.
Currently, the only domestic airline operating flights to Vancouver from Vietnam is Vietnam Airlines, and these are connecting flights.
We hope that the information and tips shared in this article by Mytour will provide passengers with the most helpful insights to ensure a smooth and successful flight experience when arriving at or departing from Vancouver International Airport, ready for an exciting journey of exploration and adventure.
T.Sáu, 10/01/2025 16:00
