Vancouver skytrain vs private transportation for cruise

[mlayman7]

What is the best way to get to a hotel close to the port in Vancouver? We are a family of 5 (one will need a booster). Going to stay at the Hyatt the night prior and was looking at options to get us to the hotel. Figured we will walk to the port the morning. The skytrain seems convenient and cheap. It'd be a good way to get back to the airport after the cruise too.

 

[GusterFan]

We cruised Iate May/early June and stayed in the same area. We found the skytrain easy and convenient, and used it to and from the airport to the port area. I say go for it!

 

[auntlynne]

Just watched a YT video by Don regarding his taking the Skytrain. Appears he stayed at the Pan Pacific at Canada Place. YouTube episode:


Around the 2:25 mark, you can see him going from the airport to the train. And also location when getting off train.

Stated fare was $8 CAD. The Trans Link website shows fares. His may have been non-peak (after 6:30 pm). Peak looks like $9.45 ($4.45 fare + $5 for using Canada Line from the airport). Kids appear to ride for free.



We used it in 2011.

 

[Marc D]

We just sailed from Vancouver and used the Skytrain both ways to the Pan Pacific. Riding on the weekend, the total cost for 2 adults and one child over 12 one way was around 8$CAN. Children 12 and under can ride for free (up to 4 with one adult paying a full fare) and are expected to pass the gate with the adult. The ride from the airport takes around 25 minutes to the Waterfront station. There were plenty of seats and space to put our luggage, but that might differ if you are traveling on a weekday during rush hour.

There are elevators at both ends of the journey, but also escalators if you can handle your luggage on them. The walk from Waterfront is easy and safe and is around 5-10 minutes to/from the pier. Since there are cruises sailing pretty much every day, there are plenty of tourists in the area walking around with luggage. The only situation where a taxi would be better, unless you have mobility issues, is if it’s pouring when you get to Waterfront or on disembarkation morning. At YVR, the access to the trains is well marked and covered. On disembarking, you just need to folllow the ‘Public transportation’ signs and walk to the Cordova entrance of the Waterfront station. The first Skytrain station you encounter after coming out of the cruise terminal does not lead to the Canada line trains.

 

[PsylockeSmythe]

For our May cruise, we took a taxi both from the airport to our hotel (we stated at the Fairmont Waterfront) and back to the airport after our cruise. I looked into the skytrain, but decided against it, due to our flights were not scheduled to arrive until around 10pm (we actually arrived after 11pm). We didn't feel comfortable walking around with 3 suitcases and 2 carry on bags in a city that we have never been to at that time of night, even though it would have only been a few blocks.

Psy

 

[mlayman7]

Just watched a YT video by Don regarding his taking the Skytrain. Appears he stayed at the Pan Pacific at Canada Place. YouTube episode:

View attachment 696908
Around the 2:25 mark, you can see him going from the airport to the train. And also location when getting off train.

Stated fare was $8 CAD. The Trans Link website shows fares. His may have been non-peak (after 6:30 pm). Peak looks like $9.45 ($4.45 fare + $5 for using Canada Line from the airport). Kids appear to ride for free.

View attachment 696909

We used it in 2011.

Thanks, I am going to have to watch this. Sounds like this is definitely going to be the way we go.

 

[mlayman7]

We just sailed from Vancouver and used the Skytrain both ways to the Pan Pacific. Riding on the weekend, the total cost for 2 adults and one child over 12 one way was around 8$CAN. Children 12 and under can ride for free (up to 4 with one adult paying a full fare) and are expected to pass the gate with the adult. The ride from the airport takes around 25 minutes to the Waterfront station. There were plenty of seats and space to put our luggage, but that might differ if you are traveling on a weekday during rush hour.

There are elevators at both ends of the journey, but also escalators if you can handle your luggage on them. The walk from Waterfront is easy and safe and is around 5-10 minutes to/from the pier. Since there are cruises sailing pretty much every day, there are plenty of tourists in the area walking around with luggage. The only situation where a taxi would be better, unless you have mobility issues, is if it’s pouring when you get to Waterfront or on disembarkation morning. At YVR, the access to the trains is well#marked and covered. On disembarking, you just need to folllow the ‘Public transportation’ signs and walk to the Cordova entrance of the Waterfront station. The first Skytrain station you encounter after coming out of the cruise terminal does not lead to the Canada line trains.

I like hearing that kids the kids will be covered, I think that makes our decision final. Thanks for the detailed information!

 

[Drfate102]

The Skytrain is inexpensive and easy and could be faster. I was Leary to use it, but it worked out great. We stayed at the Pan Pacific and was a short easy walk there, thanks to my phone. But the entire Canada Place was just really nice.

 

[Disneypeach]

Agre with others that it’s easy to use, one additional aspect that I found helpful, if you have a contactless credit card you can “tap” in and out of the gates without having to actually buy a ticket. Very convenient.

 

[mlayman7]

Agre with others that it’s easy to use, one additional aspect that I found helpful, if you have a contactless credit card you can “tap” in and out of the gates without having to actually buy a ticket. Very convenient.

That is very convenient. I am glad I asked, making it a much easier decision. Now just have to find a flight that is not crazy expensive.