Vancouver Airport handles flights well past midnight, with transpacific and delayed domestic flights often arriving between 11 PM and 1 AM. Late-night transport is available but your options narrow compared to daytime.
SkyTrain hours
The Canada Line runs until approximately 1:15 AM, with the last train departing YVR around 12:50-1:00 AM. If your flight lands before midnight and you clear customs within 30-45 minutes, you can likely catch the last train. Trains run every 6-8 minutes late at night. After the last train, you will need a car-based option.
Fixed-price private transfer
YVR Vancouver City Center
From€159for 2 passengers
4 passengers: €171 per vehicle, about €43 per person
- Fixed price, no meter
- Flight tracked
- 60 min free waiting
- Driver meets you at arrivals
- Free cancellation up to 24 h before pickup
Other destinations
Check the TransLink website for exact schedules on your travel date, as holiday schedules differ.
Taxis after midnight
Taxis operate 24 hours at YVR. The taxi line thins out after midnight but drivers are typically available. Wait times may increase to 10-15 minutes. The flat-rate zone pricing still applies, so fares are the same as during the day — CAD 37-43 to downtown.
Rideshare late at night
Uber and Lyft are available but driver numbers drop significantly after midnight. Wait times of 10-20 minutes are common. Surge pricing is less likely late at night (low demand) but can occur if many flights arrive simultaneously. Fares are often lower than daytime — CAD 20-35 to downtown.
Pre-booked transfers
A pre-booked transfer is the most reliable late-night option. Your driver monitors your flight and adjusts for delays. There is no waiting, no searching for transport, and no uncertainty. After a long transpacific flight arriving at 1 AM, having someone waiting for you in arrivals is worth the premium.
The drive at night
Vancouver traffic is minimal after 10 PM. The drive to downtown takes about 20-25 minutes on the Arthur Laing Bridge and through the city. Roads are well-lit and well-maintained. The only factor that might slow things down is rain, which is common in Vancouver — drivers naturally slow down on wet roads.
If you are stuck
If you miss the last SkyTrain and cannot find a taxi or rideshare, YVR has the Fairmont Vancouver Airport Hotel connected directly to the terminal. It is not cheap, but it is there. There are also comfortable seating areas in the terminal if you need to wait a few hours until the first morning train at approximately 5 AM.
Our recommendation
If your flight arrives before midnight, the SkyTrain is still the best value. For arrivals after midnight, a pre-booked transfer eliminates all guesswork. Taxis are a solid backup. Avoid counting on rideshare as your only plan for very late arrivals.
When a private transfer from YVR is the right choice
- Landing after the last train or bus: the driver is booked to your flight number and tracks the real arrival time, so a delay does not cancel the pickup.
- Arrivals after midnight: no searching for a rank or a night surcharge; the price you booked is the price you pay.
- Three or more people: a 4-seat car to Vancouver City Center is from €171, about €43 per person, usually level with or below separate public-transport tickets once you count the walk, the wait and the last mile with bags.
YVR → Vancouver City Center from €159Fixed price, flight tracked, free cancellation up to 24 h before pickup.
Fixed-price private transfer
YVR Vancouver City Center
From€159for 2 passengers
4 passengers: €171 per vehicle, about €43 per person
- Fixed price, no meter
- Flight tracked
- 60 min free waiting
- Driver meets you at arrivals
- Free cancellation up to 24 h before pickup
Other destinations