A Newcomer's Guide to Public Transit in Vancouver

Understanding TransLink: Vancouver's Transit Authority

TransLink is the regional transportation authority for Metro Vancouver. If you are a newcomer to Canada settling in the Vancouver area, you will likely use TransLink daily. The system covers Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, Surrey, Richmond, Coquitlam, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, and other municipalities in the region.

Compared to many cities worldwide, Vancouver's public transit is clean, safe, and relatively efficient. The SkyTrain is fully automated (no driver) and runs frequently during peak hours. Buses cover areas not served by the train. For newcomers who do not yet have a car or are deciding whether to buy one, understanding the transit system is essential. Many Vancouverites choose to live car-free and rely entirely on public transit, cycling, and walking.

Getting a Compass Card

What Is a Compass Card?

The Compass Card is a reloadable smart card that you tap when boarding and exiting transit. It is the primary way to pay fares on all TransLink services. You tap the card on a reader when you board (tap in) and tap again when you exit (tap out). The system automatically calculates your fare based on the zones you travel through.

Where to Buy a Compass Card

You can purchase a Compass Card at:

• Any SkyTrain station (from the Compass Vending Machines)
• London Drugs stores across Metro Vancouver
• Select 7-Eleven locations
• The TransLink Customer Service Centre at Stadium-Chinatown Station

The card costs a $6 refundable deposit. When you buy the card, you can load money onto it (stored value) or purchase a monthly pass. You can also load value online at compasscard.ca or through the TransLink app.

Compass Card vs Contactless Payment

TransLink also accepts contactless payment through credit cards, debit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. You tap your card or phone on the reader, just like a Compass Card. However, a Compass Card with a monthly pass loaded is usually cheaper for daily commuters. Contactless payment is convenient for occasional riders or visitors.

Understanding Fare Zones

The 3 Zone System

Metro Vancouver is divided into three fare zones:

• Zone 1: Vancouver, UBC
• Zone 2: Burnaby, New Westminster, Richmond, North Vancouver, West Vancouver
• Zone 3: Surrey, Langley, Coquitlam, Port Moody, Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows

The more zones you cross, the higher the fare. However, zones only apply to SkyTrain and SeaBus. On buses, you always pay a 1-zone fare regardless of how far you travel.

2026 Fare Prices

Fare Type	1 Zone	2 Zones	3 Zones
Adult Compass Card	$3.15	$4.55	$6.05
Concession (youth, senior)	$2.10	$3.05	$4.05
Monthly Pass (adult)	$104.90	$140.25	$189.45

Monthly Pass vs Stored Value: Which Is Cheaper?

A monthly pass makes sense if you commute regularly. To calculate your break-even point:

• 1-zone monthly pass ($104.90): Worth it if you take 34+ trips per month (about 17 round trips)
• 2-zone monthly pass ($140.25): Worth it if you take 31+ trips per month
• 3-zone monthly pass ($189.45): Worth it if you take 32+ trips per month

If you commute to work five days a week, a monthly pass almost always saves money. If you work from home some days or have irregular schedules, stored value with per-trip fares may be cheaper.

SkyTrain: The Rapid Transit Backbone

The Three SkyTrain Lines

The SkyTrain is Vancouver's rapid transit rail system. It is fast, frequent, and covers much of Metro Vancouver. There are three lines:

• Expo Line (blue): Runs from Waterfront in downtown Vancouver through Burnaby, New Westminster, and south to King George Station in Surrey. This is the oldest and longest line.
• Millennium Line (yellow): Runs from VCC-Clark through Burnaby and connects to the Evergreen Extension, ending at Lafarge Lake-Douglas Station in Coquitlam.
• Canada Line (green): Runs from Waterfront in downtown Vancouver south through Cambie Street, through Richmond, and branches to YVR Airport and Richmond-Brighouse.

Trains run approximately every 2 to 5 minutes during peak hours and every 5 to 8 minutes during off-peak hours. Service runs from approximately 5:00 AM to 1:15 AM daily.

Using SkyTrain

SkyTrain stations are marked with a distinctive blue "T" sign. To ride:

1. Tap your Compass Card on the reader at the station entrance (the gate will open)
2. Follow signs to the correct platform and line
3. Board the train (trains are fully automated with no driver)
4. When you arrive at your destination, tap your Compass Card on the reader at the exit gate

Buses Across Metro Vancouver

How Buses Work

TransLink operates an extensive bus network with over 200 routes covering areas not served by SkyTrain. Buses are especially important for east-west travel and for reaching neighbourhoods away from SkyTrain stations.

To ride a bus, tap your Compass Card on the reader when you board at the front door. You do not need to tap out on buses. Bus fares are always the 1-zone rate, regardless of distance travelled.

Key Bus Routes for Newcomers

• 99 B-Line: Runs along Broadway from UBC to Commercial-Broadway SkyTrain Station. One of the busiest routes in North America.
• R4 and R5 RapidBus: Express routes with limited stops and faster travel times, connecting major hubs.
• N-routes (NightBus): Late-night bus service that runs after SkyTrain closes, connecting downtown Vancouver to Surrey, Richmond, UBC, and other areas.

SeaBus: The Harbour Ferry

The SeaBus is a passenger-only ferry that crosses Burrard Inlet between Waterfront Station in downtown Vancouver and Lonsdale Quay in North Vancouver. The crossing takes approximately 12 minutes and departs every 10 to 15 minutes. It is included in your regular transit fare (2-zone fare or monthly pass).

The SeaBus is one of the most scenic transit rides in Metro Vancouver. From the water, you get views of the downtown skyline, the North Shore mountains, and the port. Lonsdale Quay has a public market, shops, and restaurants, making it a great outing destination.

West Coast Express

The West Coast Express is a commuter rail service that runs from Mission to Waterfront Station in downtown Vancouver during morning and evening rush hours only. It serves communities in the eastern Fraser Valley, including Port Moody, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge, and Mission. The service is more expensive than regular transit and uses a separate fare structure. It is primarily used by commuters who work downtown and live in the eastern suburbs.

HandyDART: Accessible Transit

HandyDART is a door-to-door shared ride service for people with physical or cognitive disabilities who cannot use conventional public transit without assistance. If you or a family member has a disability that prevents using regular buses or SkyTrain, you can apply for HandyDART. Call TransLink at 604-953-3333 for information or to request an application.

U-Pass: For Post-Secondary Students

If you are attending a participating post-secondary institution in Metro Vancouver (UBC, SFU, BCIT, Langara, Douglas College, and others), you are eligible for the U-Pass BC. This is a heavily discounted monthly transit pass that costs approximately $41 per month (included in your student fees). The U-Pass provides unlimited travel on all TransLink services across all zones. For newcomers attending college or university, the U-Pass represents exceptional value.

Trip Planning Tools

Apps and Websites

Several tools can help you plan your trips and navigate the system:

• TransLink app: Official app for trip planning, real-time bus tracking, Compass Card management, and service alerts. Available for iOS and Android.
• Google Maps: Provides transit directions, estimated travel times, and step-by-step navigation. Works well for Metro Vancouver transit.
• Moovit: A popular transit app used worldwide. If you used Moovit in your home country, it works the same way in Vancouver. Provides real-time arrival predictions and route options.
• TransLink website: translink.ca/next-bus provides real-time information on when the next bus or train will arrive at your stop.

Money-Saving Tips for Transit Users

Maximize Your Savings

1. Travel during off-peak hours: After 6:30 PM weekdays and all day weekends, you pay only 1-zone fares on SkyTrain and SeaBus.
2. Use the bus for long trips: Bus fares are always 1-zone, even if you travel across multiple zones. If your route is bus-only, you pay less.
3. Transfer within 90 minutes: A single tap-in gives you 90 minutes of travel on any combination of bus, SkyTrain, and SeaBus. Plan your errands to fit within this window.
4. Claim transit on your taxes: If your employer provides a transit pass, it may be a tax-free benefit. Keep records of your transit spending for potential deductions or credits.
5. Check for employer transit subsidies: Some employers in Metro Vancouver subsidize transit passes. Ask your HR department.

Safety and Etiquette on Transit

General Guidelines

• Offer priority seating (marked in blue) to seniors, pregnant women, and people with disabilities
• Remove your backpack and hold it at your feet during crowded rides
• Allow passengers to exit before boarding
• Keep conversations and phone calls quiet
• Eating and drinking are discouraged on transit
• If you feel unsafe, move to a busier part of the vehicle and contact the driver or Transit Police

Transit Police

Metro Vancouver Transit Police can be reached at 604-515-8300 (non-emergency) or by texting 87-77-77 to report concerns discreetly. In an emergency, call 9-1-1.

Key TransLink Contact Information

• TransLink Customer Service: 604-953-3333
• Lost and Found: 604-953-3334
• Compass Card website: compasscard.ca
• TransLink website: translink.ca
• Transit Police (non-emergency): 604-515-8300
• Transit Police text: 87-77-77

Get Moving in Metro Vancouver

Public transit in Metro Vancouver is a reliable and affordable way to get around, and many long-time residents depend on it as their primary mode of transportation. As a newcomer, learning the system early will save you time and money and give you independence to explore your new city. For more information on settling in the Vancouver area, check out our guide to finding housing in Vancouver and our first weeks in Canada guide.

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