With the opening of the Canada Line, Vancouver has joined a list of global cities such as London and Hong Kong that offer rapid-rail links to their international airports.
Travel time between Waterfront Station and Vancouver International Airport is 26 minutes for $3.75-per-adult fare. While there are plans for a premium fare for the portion of the line between Bridgeport Station and the airport, its introduction has been postponed until at least Jan. 1.
According to TransLink spokesperson Ken Hardie, the Canada Line actually has an earlier daily departure time from Waterfront Station than SkyTrain, at 4:50 a.m., to accommodate those travelling to the airport to catch an early-morning flight.
Hardie points out that due to the Canada Line opening ahead of schedule, the morning hours at Waterfront Station have not yet been extended before 5:15 a.m. — meaning that those accessing the Canada Line at this location between 4:50 a.m. and 5:20 a.m. need to do so from the entrance at the intersection of Hastings and Granville streets.
While downtown, travellers can check in for their flights at kiosks located at both the Waterfront and Vancouver City Centre stations. Both machines serve nine airlines, including Air Canada and WestJet.
Baggage check?
• While no concrete plans are in the works, TransLink spokesperson Ken Hardie said “it’s possible” that in the future, airport-bound passengers will be able to check their baggage at downtown stations.
