Vancouver Airport (YVR) Information

Where is Vancouver Airport?  

Vanouver International Airport (IATA: YVR, ICAO: CYVR), commonly referred to as YVR Airport, or simply Vancouver Airport, is located on Sea Island in Richmond, British Columbia, Canada, about 12 kilometres (7.5 miles) south of downtown Vancouver., British Columbia, Canada. YVR is one of eight Canadian Airports that have U.S. border pre-clearance facilities, and recently implemented Automated Passport Control for USA bound passengers.

YVR is one of the few big international airports to have a terminal for scheduled floatplanes. Vancouver Airport South is a regional hub for small aircraft, floatplanes, helicopters, corporate charters and sport fishing camp flights. YVR Airport South is situated on Sea Island, near Vancouver International Airport's main facilities, in the South Terminal Building. Seaplanes take off and land on the Fraser River.

In 2012, Vancouver Airport served 17.6 million passengers, making it Canada's 2nd busiest airport, after Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ).

Vancouver Airport is a hub for both AirCanada and Air Transat, and a focus city for WestJet. Other airlines that operate out of YVR include Air Canada Express, Air China, Air New Zealand, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, China Airlines, Condor, Delta Air Lines, EVA Air, Japan Airlines, KLM, Korean Air, Lufthansa, United Airlines, US Airways and Virgin Atlantic.

Cities with flights to YVRt include Amsterdam, Atlanta, Auckland, Beijing, Cancún, Chicago, Dallas, Frankfurt, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Honolulu, Las Vegas, London, Los Angeles, Mexico City, New York, Paris, Puerto Vallarta, San Francisco, Seoul, Shanghai, Sydney, Taipei, Tokyo and Zurich.

Cities within Canada with flights to YVR include Calgary, Campbell River, Edmonton, Fort McMurray, Fort St. John, Kelowna, Montreal, Ottawa, Port Hardy, Prince George, Prince Rupert, Regina, Saskatoon, Tofino, Toronto, Victoria, Whistler, Winnipeg and Yellowknife, to name just a few.

Your best bet for a Vancouver Airport transfer is the SkyTrain. Details on all options are included in this guide.

Or, to truly arrive stress free, treat yourself to a private Vancouver Airport transfer from IHateTaxis.

In July 2013, Vancouver International Airport was featured on Amazing Race Canada.

YVR Airport won the Skytrax "Best North American Airport" award in 2013, 2012, 2011, and 2010, recognition it first garnered in 2007. The Vancouver Airport also retains the distinction of "Best Canadian Airport" in the regional results.

Services at YVR include:

• Automated Passport Control to USA
• Pharmacy
• Post office
• Chapel
• Public Observation Area - Domestic Terminal, Level 4, above the food court
• Absolute Spa - Fairmont Vancouver Airport, 4 additional locations
• Satellite Vancouver Aquarium Marine Exhibits - International Terminal, Levels 3 and 4
• Jet Pet Resort Pet Hotel - next to Park'N Fly

Vancouver Airport's interior has a uniquely British Columbian theme, featuring the most extensive collections of Pacific Northwest Coast Native art in the world. Bill Reid's sculpture in bronze, "The Spirit of Haida Gwaii, The Jade Canoe", is displayed in the international departures area and is a popular photo op. If you are lucky enough to arrive at YVR internationally, pause to appreciate the large waterfall and native sculpture as you enter customs.

• Official YVR Vancouver International Airport Website    

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