Riding the SkyTrain and SeaBus

The SkyTrain (three driverless lines) and the SeaBus passenger ferry are the backbone of getting around Metro Vancouver, and both use the same Compass fare. The SeaBus crossing to North Vancouver is a 12-minute mini harbour cruise for the price of a bus ride, which is one of the best-value views in the city.

Key facts

Frequently asked questions

How often does the SeaBus run?

Every 10 minutes at peak, every 15 minutes most of the day, and every 30 minutes in the evenings and early Saturday mornings. It's frequent enough that you rarely wait long, so you can just show up rather than plan around a timetable.

Is there an extra charge from the airport?

Yes, a CAD $5 YVR AddFare applies to Canada Line trips that start at YVR-Airport Station, on top of the normal fare. It only applies leaving the airport, not on the way back to it, so your return trip to catch a flight is just the standard fare.

What are the SeaBus operating hours?

From Waterfront it runs roughly 6:16am to 1:22am Monday to Saturday, and 8:16am to 11:16pm on Sundays and holidays. From Lonsdale Quay it's a bit earlier, starting around 6:02am. The last sailings are your cutoff, so check the app if you're out late in North Van.

How many SkyTrain lines are there and where do they go?

Three: the Expo Line (downtown to Burnaby, New Westminster, and Surrey), the Millennium Line (East Van through Burnaby to Coquitlam), and the Canada Line (downtown to the airport and Richmond). They connect at hubs like Waterfront and Commercial-Broadway.

What hours does the SkyTrain run?

Roughly 5am to 1am on weekdays, from 6am Saturdays, and 7am to about 12:30am on Sundays and holidays. Frequencies are excellent during the day (every few minutes on the Expo Line) and stretch to 15-20 minutes late at night.

How much does the SeaBus cost?

It's a 1 or 2-zone fare depending on time and day; the Waterfront to Lonsdale Quay crossing is 2 zones during peak, dropping to 1 zone after 6:30pm and on weekends. As of July 2026 that's CAD $4.20 peak or $2.85 off-peak with a Compass Card or contactless tap. Same fare covers a connecting bus or SkyTrain.

How long is the SeaBus ride?

About 12 minutes to cross Burrard Inlet between downtown Waterfront and Lonsdale Quay in North Vancouver. It's short, smooth, and doubles as one of the cheapest harbour tours you'll find anywhere.

Do I need a ticket before boarding the SkyTrain?

Yes, you tap in and out at the fare gates with a Compass Card, contactless credit card, or phone. There's no ticket check on board because the gates handle it, but fare inspectors do spot-check, so always tap and keep it valid.