The World Cup arrives in Vancouver in just 10 days, and navigating the airport, customs, and public transit will be a new experience for many visitors. Vancouver International Airport (YVR) expects 2.7 million passengers over the tournament period, or roughly 88,000 per day, as the city braces for one of its busiest summers.
What to Expect at YVR
Anita Bathe, TransLink's senior manager of media relations, noted that for many visitors, their first impression of Metro Vancouver will begin at YVR. To prepare, the airport has recruited 240 World Cup-specific volunteers in addition to its regular 400 staff, established a 24-7 coordination desk for players, referees, and officials, and installed new CT scanners at some security checkpoints. These scanners allow passengers to keep liquids and laptops in their bags, speeding up the screening process.
Transit Enhancements
TransLink is adding extra bus routes, increasing SeaBus sailings, and running special weekend West Coast Express service during the tournament. YVR held a media readiness event with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), TransLink, and the Vancouver Host Committee to outline what travelers can expect.
How to Avoid Long Customs Lines
Download the CBSA's advanced declaration app and submit your customs and immigration information up to 72 hours before landing. Travelers who do so will have access to a dedicated express lane at YVR. Additionally, children traveling without one or both parents need a signed consent letter. Anyone carrying $10,000 or more in cash must declare it, and cannabis cannot be brought across the border.
Getting from YVR to Downtown
The Canada Line is the fastest and cheapest option, running directly from the airport to downtown in under 30 minutes. Tap a contactless credit or debit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay at the fare gates—no pre-purchase is needed. The fare from YVR to downtown is $9.65, which includes a $5 airport surcharge. For longer stays, a Compass Card offers savings on every trip and is available at vending machines in SkyTrain stations.
Taxi and Ride-Hailing Options
Uber and Lyft are both available in Vancouver, but expect surge pricing during the tournament. A cab or ride-hire from YVR to downtown typically costs between $35 and $50, though prices may rise on match days.
Getting to B.C. Place on Match Days
Use Main Street-Science World station, as TransLink has designated it as the primary access point to the stadium. Stadium-Chinatown and Yaletown-Roundhouse stations will remain open but will have limited access to B.C. Place. SkyTrain will run every two to 2.5 minutes before and after matches. For the three evening matches on June 13, June 26, and July 2, SkyTrain will operate one hour later than usual: the last Canada Line train leaves Waterfront at 2:15 a.m., the last Expo Line train leaves Waterfront at 2:16 a.m., and the last Millennium Line train leaves VCC-Clark at 2:22 a.m.
Tips for Local Travelers
The airport will operate normally, but allow extra travel time on match days when both YVR and transit will be at their busiest. Some security checkpoints now have CT scanners, so you no longer need to remove liquids or large electronics from your carry-on.
