Vancouver SkyTrain Map: Stations, Hours, Fares and Airport Route

Vancouver SkyTrain is Metro Vancouver’s fully automated rapid transit system in British Columbia, Canada. Opened in 1985, it serves the region with three lines, 54 stations, and 79.6 km (49.5 miles) of track, using grade-separated underground and elevated guideways rather than a street-running tramway. The system is a key part of public transport and local transport across Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, Surrey, Richmond, Port Moody, Coquitlam, and Vancouver International Airport.

Key	Information
System type	Fully automated rapid transit
Opened	1985
Lines	Expo Line, Millennium Line, Canada Line
Stations	54 stations
Track length	79.6 km (49.5 miles)
Main operator structure	Expo and Millennium lines are operated by British Columbia Rapid Transit Company under contract from TransLink; Canada Line is operated by ProTrans BC under the same framework
Service area	Metro Vancouver, including Downtown Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, Surrey, Richmond, Port Moody, Coquitlam, and YVR Airport
Notable feature	SkyBridge, a transit-only bridge over the Fraser River

Vancouver SkyTrain Map

Map of Vancouver Metro showing different lines. Click on the map to enlarge it or download the Vancouver Metro map in PDF format.

Vancouver SkyTrain Lines and Stations

The Vancouver SkyTrain route network has three automated lines. The Expo Line connects Downtown Vancouver with Burnaby, New Westminster, and Surrey. The Millennium Line runs from East Vancouver through Burnaby into Port Moody and Coquitlam. The Canada Line links Downtown Vancouver with Vancouver International Airport and Richmond.

Waterfront Station is the terminus for both the Expo Line and the Canada Line. The Canada Line branches at Bridgeport Station, with one route to YVR–Airport Station and another to Richmond–Brighouse Station. On the Expo Line, trains operate from Waterfront Station to King George Station, Braid Station, and Production Way–University Station. Columbia Station is the key transfer point for trains serving King George or Production Way–University.

All stops and stations are accessible. For trip planning, a stations map is especially useful because several stations work as transfer points between lines, buses, SeaBus, and West Coast Express.

SkyTrain Stations

The stations list below covers the main SkyTrain stations mentioned for the Expo Line, Millennium Line, and Canada Line.

Station	Details
Waterfront Station	Expo Line and Canada Line terminus; connects with SeaBus and West Coast Express
Burrard Station	Expo Line station in Downtown Vancouver
Granville Station	Expo Line station in Downtown Vancouver
Stadium–Chinatown Station	Expo Line station near Chinatown, Rogers Arena, and BC Place
Main Street–Science World Station	Expo Line station near Science World and False Creek
Commercial–Broadway Station	Major Expo Line and Millennium Line transfer station
Nanaimo Station	Expo Line station
29th Avenue Station	Expo Line station
Joyce–Collingwood Station	Expo Line station
Patterson Station	Expo Line station
Metrotown Station	Expo Line station in Burnaby
Royal Oak Station	Expo Line station
Edmonds Station	Expo Line station
22nd Street Station	Expo Line station
New Westminster Station	Expo Line station
Columbia Station	Expo Line transfer point for King George and Production Way–University services
Scott Road Station	Expo Line station reached after the SkyBridge crossing
Gateway Station	Expo Line station in Surrey
Surrey Central Station	Expo Line station in Surrey
King George Station	Expo Line terminus in Surrey
Braid Station	Expo Line route terminus for some services; also noted in Millennium Line history
Sapperton Station	Station noted in the Millennium Line opening history
VCC–Clark Station	Millennium Line terminus in Vancouver
Renfrew Station	Millennium Line station
Rupert Station	Millennium Line station
Gilmore Station	Millennium Line station
Brentwood Town Centre Station	Millennium Line station
Holdom Station	Millennium Line station
Sperling–Burnaby Lake Station	Millennium Line station
Lake City Way Station	Millennium Line station
Production Way–University Station	Expo Line and Millennium Line transfer station
Lougheed Town Centre Station	Expo Line and Millennium Line transfer station
Burquitlam Station	Millennium Line station
Moody Centre Station	Millennium Line station
Inlet Centre Station	Millennium Line station
Coquitlam Central Station	Millennium Line station
Lincoln Station	Millennium Line station
Lafarge Lake–Douglas Station	Millennium Line terminus in Coquitlam
Vancouver City Centre Station	Canada Line station in Downtown Vancouver
Yaletown–Roundhouse Station	Canada Line station
Olympic Village Station	Canada Line station
Broadway–City Hall Station	Canada Line station
King Edward Station	Canada Line station
Oakridge–41st Avenue Station	Canada Line station
Langara–49th Avenue Station	Canada Line station
Marine Drive Station	Canada Line station
Bridgeport Station	Canada Line branch point for YVR–Airport and Richmond–Brighouse trains
Templeton Station	Canada Line station on Sea Island
Sea Island Centre Station	Canada Line station on Sea Island
YVR–Airport Station	Canada Line station at Vancouver International Airport
Aberdeen Station	Canada Line station in Richmond
Lansdowne Station	Canada Line station in Richmond
Richmond–Brighouse Station	Canada Line terminus in Richmond

Schedules and Timetables

SkyTrain operating hours, opening times, working hours, and closing time vary by line, route, direction, and day of the week. The Expo Line, Millennium Line, and Canada Line also have different service patterns, so check the train schedule for your exact station before you travel, especially for late-night trips or transfers.

Service frequency by time of day

SkyTrain frequency is highest during peak hours and usually widens in the evening and late at night. For schedule today and timings today, use the station-specific timetable for the line and direction you plan to ride.

Service detail	Timings
Expo Line frequency	Every 2–5 minutes during peak hours, 6 minutes at midday, 6–8 minutes in the evening, and 12 minutes late night Sunday–Thursday
Millennium Line frequency	Every 3–4 minutes during peak hours, 6 minutes at midday, 6–8 minutes in the evening, and 8–10 minutes late at night
Canada Line frequency	Every 5–10 minutes in early morning service, typically every 3–8 minutes through the day, with longer gaps late at night

First and last trains

The starting time and last train depend on the route timetable. On the Expo Line, eastbound service from Waterfront to King George starts as early as 5:16 a.m. on weekdays, while westbound service from King George to Waterfront runs until 12:38 a.m. on weekdays. On the Millennium Line, eastbound service from VCC–Clark to Lafarge Lake–Douglas starts at 5:30 a.m. on weekdays, and westbound service from Lafarge Lake–Douglas to VCC–Clark starts at 5:03 a.m.

Service detail	Timings
Expo Line weekday first train noted	Waterfront to King George starts as early as 5:16 a.m.
Expo Line weekday last train noted	King George to Waterfront runs until 12:38 a.m.
Millennium Line weekday eastbound starting time	VCC–Clark to Lafarge Lake–Douglas starts at 5:30 a.m.
Millennium Line weekday westbound starting time	Lafarge Lake–Douglas to VCC–Clark starts at 5:03 a.m.
Canada Line opening hours	Waterfront-to-airport and Waterfront-to-Richmond trains begin early in the morning and continue past midnight; exact opening times vary by terminal and day type

Route notes

The Expo Line operates three routes: Waterfront to King George, Waterfront to Braid, and Waterfront to Production Way–University.
Some Waterfront-to-Braid trains run only during peak hours, middays, evenings, and daytime weekends and holidays.
From February 2024 for approximately two years, service is reduced to Production Way–University and Lougheed Town Centre stations.
The Canada Line operates between Waterfront and YVR–Airport, and between Waterfront and Richmond–Brighouse.

If you need the fastest running time or a clean route plan, check the timetable before boarding. That is especially helpful when the system is close to its late-night closing time.

Fares, Tickets, and Cards

Vancouver SkyTrain fare is zone-based. The price depends on when you travel and how many zone boundaries you cross. Bus and HandyDART trips are always a 1-Zone fare, SkyTrain can require a 1, 2, or 3-Zone fare, and SeaBus requires a 1 or 2-Zone fare.

All trips after 6:30 p.m. Monday to Friday, on weekends, and on provincial statutory holidays are charged as a 1-Zone fare across the system. A single ticket is valid for 90 minutes on bus, SkyTrain, SeaBus, and HandyDART.

Journeys starting at YVR–Airport, Sea Island Centre, or Templeton stations include a CA$5 YVR Airport AddFare at all times. A fare calculator can help you estimate the ticket price before you travel, particularly if your route crosses zones.

You can pay with a Compass Card, Compass Ticket, contactless payment card, mobile wallet, or cash on buses. Compass Cards can be loaded with Stored Value, monthly passes, or a day pass, and they offer discounted fares. Compass Tickets are sold at cash fare rates from Compass Vending Machines.

Adult fares apply to most riders aged 19 to 64. Concession fares are available for HandyCard holders, seniors 65 and older, and youth aged 13 to 18, with valid photo ID required to prove age. Children 12 and under ride free on bus, SkyTrain, SeaBus, and West Coast Express.

Fare Product	1 Zone	2 Zone	3 Zone
Single or cash fare	CA$3.35	CA$4.85	CA$6.60
Stored Value	CA$2.25	CA$3.30	CA$4.50
Monthly pass	CA$111.60	CA$149.25	CA$201.55

Fare Product	1 Zone	2 Zone	3 Zone
Concession single or cash fare	CA$2.25	CA$3.30	CA$4.50
Concession Stored Value	CA$2.25	CA$3.30	CA$4.50

A DayPass gives unlimited transit use on buses, SkyTrain, SeaBus, and HandyDART for one full day, from the start of the first transit service until 4 a.m. the following day. It is valid for all zones and can reduce the cost if you make several trips in one day.

Fare Product	All Zones
DayPass	CA$11.95
Concession DayPass	CA$9.40

For a single adult ticket, contactless payment is also available. Tap a debit card, credit card, or mobile wallet at the SkyTrain fare gate or on the bus card reader. Accepted options include Interac Debit, American Express, Mastercard, Visa, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay.

Compass Cards and Compass Tickets can be purchased at SkyTrain stations, SeaBus terminals, Tsawwassen and Horseshoe Bay ferry terminals, YVR Airport, and select Vancouver retailers.

SkyTrain Tips

If you are riding the Vancouver SkyTrain for the first time, plan your route before you leave. A trip planner or map app can help you check the route plan, transfers, estimated running time, and the right platform.

A Compass Card is useful for regular travel because it is reloadable and makes tapping in and out quick at fare gates. For occasional trips, a Compass Ticket or contactless payment may be easier.

Watch the train frequency and service times, especially at night. The SkyTrain does not run 24 hours a day, and the last train is usually around 1:00 or 1:15 a.m., so check the schedule before a late trip.

At stations and on board, follow signs and listen for announcements. On the platform, wait behind the yellow line, let passengers exit first, and move to the side before boarding. It keeps the system safer and helps everyone move faster.

Etiquette matters on busy trains. Stand to the right on escalators, keep bags close, respect priority seats, and move farther into the car when people are boarding.

Vancouver weather can change quickly, so bring an umbrella and dress in layers. If you are going to the airport, double-check that your Canada Line train is headed to YVR Airport, since southbound service can alternate with Richmond–Brighouse trains.

Transit Connections

SkyTrain is one of the main pieces of city transport in Metro Vancouver, and it connects smoothly with other transportation in the region. One fare can include transfers to buses, SeaBus, and other SkyTrain lines within the fare rules.

Expo Line connects Downtown Vancouver with Burnaby, New Westminster, and Surrey.
Millennium Line runs from East Vancouver through Burnaby and into Port Moody and Coquitlam.
Canada Line travels between Downtown Vancouver, Vancouver International Airport, and Richmond.

Waterfront Station is the key downtown transfer point. It connects the Expo Line and Canada Line with SeaBus and West Coast Express.

Commercial–Broadway Station, Lougheed Town Centre Station, and Production Way–University Station are important transfer stations on the Expo and Millennium lines. Columbia Station is the place to change between trains serving King George and Production Way–University.

The Canada Line splits at Bridgeport Station, where riders transfer between the YVR–Airport branch and the Richmond–Brighouse branch. For airport travel, the Canada Line also serves Templeton, Sea Island Centre, and YVR–Airport stations on Sea Island.

Airport Connection

The Canada Line provides the direct SkyTrain route between Downtown Vancouver and Vancouver International Airport. Trains run between Waterfront Station and YVR–Airport Station, while alternate trips continue to Richmond–Brighouse.

YVR–Airport Station is at the airport’s main terminal in Richmond. It serves both domestic and international terminals and gives travelers a transfer-free public transport connection to Downtown Vancouver.

At YVR, reach the station from the terminal via the covered walkway. From Domestic Arrivals, go to Level 3 and follow signs for the Canada Line through the Link Building. From International Arrivals, go to Level 3 and use the covered walkway across the street, or continue indoors to the Link Building in bad weather.

Travel time between YVR and Downtown Vancouver is about 25 minutes. Service starts very early in the morning and continues past midnight, with frequent trains through the day and evening.

Southbound trains from downtown alternate between YVR Airport and Richmond–Brighouse. If you are traveling to the airport, board a train marked YVR Airport, not Richmond.

Use Waterfront Station to connect with the Expo Line, Millennium Line, SeaBus, or West Coast Express. Bridgeport Station is the transfer point between trains bound for YVR–Airport and Richmond–Brighouse.

Fun Facts

Vancouver’s SkyTrain has a few unusual stories behind it. In the 1950s, the city considered a monorail system, but the project was abandoned because of budget constraints. By the 1970s, traffic congestion was still growing, while the municipal government could not afford rapid transit construction on its own.

Another turning point came from Ontario. The Urban Transportation Development Corporation developed a rapid transit technology called Intermediate Capacity Transit, and in 1980 the company needed buyers. Vancouver became the showcase city for the system as part of Expo 86.

The SkyTrain name matched Expo 86’s theme, Transportation and Communication: World in Motion — World in Touch. The Expo Line opened on December 11, 1985, offered free service for its first eight days, and entered full revenue service on January 3, 1986.

One recognizable detail is the SkyTrain voice. Calgary resident Laureen Regan recorded the automated announcements used across the network, and her voice has been re-recorded to reflect updated transit lines.

Ridership has continued to grow. Expo and Millennium Line boardings increased by 10.6 per cent since September of the previous year, and September 2017 reached 36 million transit boardings. Only February 2010, during the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, had a higher figure.

SkyTrain was developed as a fully automated, driverless system.
The Expo Line name was adopted in 2002 after the Millennium Line opened.
The Canada Line is officially part of the SkyTrain network.

Historical Overview

SkyTrain history is closely tied to Expo 86 and Metro Vancouver’s need for better urban transport. Earlier concepts reached back to the 1950s, including the unbuilt monorail proposal. By the 1970s, congestion and the lack of rapid transit had become major issues, and in 1980 the British Columbia provincial government selected advanced light rapid transit technology for Vancouver.

Construction of the original Expo Line began in March 1982. A 1-km (0.6-mile) demonstration section opened in 1983 to build public confidence in the new system. The first full segment, from Waterfront to New Westminster, opened for limited service on December 11, 1985, with revenue service beginning on January 3, 1986. Built partly through the Dunsmuir Tunnel to reduce costs, the line was ready for Expo 86 and its transportation theme.

The Expo Line expanded in stages. Service reached Columbia Station in 1989, crossed the Fraser River on the SkyBridge to Scott Road Station in 1990, and extended to King George Station in 1994. It became the first rapid transit link across the Fraser River and later took the Expo Line name when the Millennium Line opened.

Planning for more rapid transit corridors continued through the 1990s. BC Transit studied a possible Vancouver-to-Richmond line between 1989 and 1993, while the provincial government later shifted priorities toward a Broadway–Lougheed–New Westminster corridor. In 1997, discussions began about transferring responsibility for SkyTrain from the province to local governments, and in 1999 ownership and operation moved to TransLink.

The Millennium Line opened in 2002 as the next major expansion. Its first section included Braid and Sapperton stations, and most of the remaining line began operating later that year. The final extension to VCC–Clark opened on January 6, 2006. The project came in under budget, though critics argued that the route did not best serve commuter needs.

The Canada Line opened on August 17, 2009, as a public-private partnership. It connected Waterfront with Richmond and Vancouver International Airport, adding a major north-south route and strengthening links between Downtown Vancouver, South Vancouver, Richmond, and YVR. It opened ahead of schedule and on budget.

The Evergreen Extension opened on December 2, 2016, extending the Millennium Line from Lougheed Town Centre to Lafarge Lake–Douglas in Coquitlam. With that expansion, SkyTrain became the longest rapid transit system in Canada and, at the time, the world’s longest fully automated driverless system.

Over time, SkyTrain has shaped growth around stations and helped create denser urban corridors across Metro Vancouver. Its development has been marked by staged construction, changing planning priorities, and a steady focus on automated, high-frequency service.

Future Expansions

Metro Vancouver is growing, and SkyTrain expansion is being planned around that growth. TransLink is investing in new trains, station upgrades, modern control systems, and expanded maintenance facilities to prepare for more riders and more neighborhoods.

The SkyTrain Expansion Program supports the Broadway Subway Project and the Surrey Langley SkyTrain while keeping the system safe, reliable, and comfortable. It includes fleet growth, infrastructure upgrades, and more storage and maintenance space for longer and newer trains.

By 2029, these improvements are expected to increase capacity by about 20% on the Expo Line and 50% on the Millennium Line during the busiest times of day. TransLink is also adding more than 200 cars to the Expo and Millennium lines, with new trains offering more room for passengers, bikes, and mobility devices.

Fleet and infrastructure upgrades

SkyTrain fleet expansion: more cars are being added for additional and longer trains.
Control and systems upgrades: control centers and operating systems are being updated for a larger network.
Maintenance and storage expansion: new and expanded facilities will make room for the current and future fleet.

The program is funded through Phase 2 of TransLink’s Investment Plan, with support from the Government of Canada, the Government of British Columbia, and the Metro Vancouver region through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program.

Longer-term planning continues around where SkyTrain should go next after the projects already underway. The main question is how to improve today’s service while extending rapid transit to serve Metro Vancouver’s future growth.

Attractions Nearby

The SkyTrain makes it easy to reach some of Vancouver’s most popular sights, shopping areas, and neighborhoods. If you are planning a sightseeing day, several stations connect directly to places worth a stop.

Vancouver City Centre Station

This downtown Canada Line station is within walking distance of Pacific Centre shopping mall, the Vancouver Art Gallery, and the Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art. Robson Street is nearby, with boutiques, restaurants, and sidewalk cafés.

Yaletown-Roundhouse Station

Use this stop for Yaletown, where restored heritage buildings sit near boutique shops, cafés, restaurants, and nightlife venues.

King Edward Station

For an outdoor break, get off at King Edward Station and head to Queen Elizabeth Park. The park is known for landscaped grounds and activities such as pitch-and-putt golf, tennis, and lawn bowling. Nearby Bloedel Conservatory has a tropical indoor garden under a glass dome.

Aberdeen Station

Aberdeen Station serves Aberdeen Centre, an Asian-influenced retail complex with more than 85 stores and services, including herbal and tea shops, fashion, international cuisine, and home goods.

Stadium-Chinatown Station

From this station, you can visit cultural attractions in and around Chinatown, including the Vancouver Public Library’s Central Branch, Queen Elizabeth Theatre, and the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden. It is also convenient for Rogers Arena and BC Place.

Main Street-Science World Station

A short walk from the station brings you to Science World, the geodesic dome on False Creek. Inside are exhibits on science, the human body, electricity, and dinosaurs, along with films at the OMNIMAX Theatre.

Commercial-Broadway Station

Commercial Drive is easy to reach from this major transfer station. Walk north along Commercial to find cafés, ethnic grocery stores, and boutiques in one of the city’s most diverse neighborhoods.