Vancouver Transport Tickets & Fares: Compass Card, Prices & DayPass [2026]
Vancouver Transport Fares & Tickets: Quick Comparison
| Ticket / Payment | Price | Best for | Validity | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compass Stored Value | $2.85 / $4.20 / $5.40 | Several rides or multi-day stays | 90-min transfer | ⭐ Best value for regular use |
| Contactless | $3.50 / $5.10 / $6.70 | Occasional rides | 90-min transfer | ⭐ Easiest for short stays |
| Compass Ticket | $3.50 / $5.10 / $6.70 | One-off journeys | 90 min | Simple single-use option |
| DayPass | $12.55 | Transit-heavy sightseeing day | All zones for the service day | ⭐ Best for many rides |
| Monthly Pass | From $117.20 | Long stays / commuters | Calendar month | Usually unnecessary for tourists |
| YVR Airport AddFare | +$6.50 | Trips starting at YVR-area stations | Added to eligible fare | Important airport rule |
Adult fares shown. 1-zone / 2-zone / 3-zone prices where applicable. Fares reviewed in August 2026.
Vancouver’s public transport fare system is based on three fare zones, but it is easier than it first appears. Buses are always charged as a 1-zone fare, while SkyTrain and SeaBus fares can depend on the number of zones crossed and the time of travel.
For most visitors, the choice is between Compass Card with Stored Value and contactless payment. Compass Stored Value gives discounted adult fares, while contactless is more convenient because you can simply tap an accepted bank card or mobile wallet.
If you are arriving by plane, see our Vancouver Airport to City Center guide for the Canada Line, taxi, rideshare and private transfer options from YVR.
Quick answer: which Vancouver transport ticket should tourists buy?
- 1–2 occasional rides: use contactless payment
- Several rides over multiple days: Compass Card with Stored Value
- Heavy sightseeing day: consider the $12.55 DayPass
- Children 12 and under: ride TransLink services free
- Airport arrival: remember the $6.50 YVR Airport AddFare
- Evenings and weekends: all regular transit travel is charged as 1 zone
- Main payment mistake: forgetting to tap out on SkyTrain or SeaBus
Vancouver Public Transport Prices [2026]
TransLink adult fares depend on your payment method and, for SkyTrain and SeaBus during weekday daytime hours, the number of fare zones travelled.
| Adult fare | 1 Zone | 2 Zones | 3 Zones |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compass Card Stored Value | $2.85 | $4.20 | $5.40 |
| Compass Ticket / Cash | $3.50 | $5.10 | $6.70 |
| Contactless | $3.50 | $5.10 | $6.70 |
Important: Compass Card Stored Value is cheaper than paying the adult cash/contactless fare. If you expect to use transit repeatedly during your stay, this saving can make the Compass Card worthwhile.
Concession fares
Reduced concession fares are available to eligible passengers including youth aged 13–18, seniors aged 65+ and HandyCard holders. Valid proof of eligibility may be required.
Children 12 and under
Children aged 12 and under ride TransLink services free of charge. Families using gated SkyTrain or SeaBus stations may need assistance accessing the fare gates.
Compass Card: Best Value for Regular Transit Use
The Compass Card is Vancouver’s reusable public transport smart card. It works across SkyTrain, buses and SeaBus and can hold Stored Value, a DayPass or a Monthly Pass.
How much does a Compass Card cost?
A Compass Card requires a $6 refundable deposit. You can then load Stored Value or an eligible pass onto the card.
For adult single journeys, Stored Value is cheaper than cash, Compass Ticket or contactless payment.
Compass Card Stored Value fares
- 1 Zone: $2.85
- 2 Zones: $4.20
- 3 Zones: $5.40
You do not need to select the number of zones in advance when travelling with Stored Value. Tap correctly and the system calculates the appropriate fare.
How to use Compass Card
- Buy a Compass Card and load Stored Value or a pass.
- Tap when boarding a bus.
- Tap when entering SkyTrain or SeaBus.
- Tap out when leaving SkyTrain or SeaBus.
- Use the same card throughout your journey.
Where to buy a Compass Card
Compass Cards are available from Compass Vending Machines, the TransLink Customer Service Centre at Waterfront Station, authorized Compass retailers and other official sales channels.
If you are unfamiliar with Vancouver’s network, our How to Use Public Transport in Vancouver guide explains SkyTrain, buses and SeaBus step by step.
Our recommendation: if you expect to use public transport regularly for several days, Compass Card with Stored Value is usually the most economical and flexible option for an adult visitor.
Contactless Payment: Easiest for Occasional Rides
You do not need a Compass Card to use Vancouver public transport. TransLink accepts supported contactless bank cards and mobile wallets directly at fare readers.
What payment methods work?
Supported options include eligible:
- Interac contactless debit cards
- Visa credit cards
- Mastercard
- American Express
- Apple Pay
- Google Pay
- Samsung Pay
How much does contactless cost?
- 1 Zone: $3.50
- 2 Zones: $5.10
- 3 Zones: $6.70
Contactless uses the adult cash fare rather than the discounted Compass Stored Value fare.
Always use the same card or device
Use the same physical card or the same mobile device throughout your journey. A physical bank card and that same card stored in a phone wallet can be treated as different payment methods.
Each traveler needs their own payment method.
Contactless vs Compass Card: contactless is easier because there is nothing to buy, but Compass Stored Value is cheaper. For only a few journeys, convenience may matter more than the small fare saving.
Compass Ticket: Best for a One-Off Journey
A Compass Ticket is a single-use fare product available from Compass Vending Machines.
Adult Compass Tickets use the cash fare: $3.50 for 1 zone, $5.10 for 2 zones and $6.70 for 3 zones.
A Compass Ticket allows transfers across eligible TransLink modes for up to 90 minutes within the zones purchased.
For most tourists, contactless payment is easier for an occasional journey because there is no need to stop at a ticket machine.
Vancouver DayPass: Price & When It Is Worth It
Adult DayPass — $12.55
The adult Vancouver DayPass costs $12.55 and provides unlimited travel across all zones on buses, SkyTrain, SeaBus and HandyDART for the service day.
It is valid from the beginning of the first transit service until 4:00 a.m. the following day. It is not valid on West Coast Express.
When is a DayPass worth it?
A DayPass is particularly useful for a transit-heavy sightseeing day involving several journeys or multiple modes.
A good example might combine:
- SkyTrain from your hotel
- SeaBus to North Vancouver
- local buses in North Vancouver
- another SkyTrain or bus journey later in the day
When should you skip the DayPass?
If you only expect one or two paid journeys, pay-as-you-go will usually be cheaper.
Simple rule: don’t automatically buy a DayPass just because you are sightseeing for a full day. Count your likely paid journeys first — Downtown Vancouver itself is very walkable.
Vancouver Monthly Pass Prices
| Monthly Pass | Adult Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Zone | $117.20 | Regular local travel |
| 2 Zones | $156.70 | Frequent cross-zone travel |
| 3 Zones | $211.65 | Frequent regional travel |
Monthly Passes are primarily useful for residents, commuters and longer stays. They are rarely necessary for a typical short Vancouver vacation.
Vancouver Fare Zones Explained
Metro Vancouver has three fare zones. Zone pricing mainly matters when travelling on SkyTrain and SeaBus during weekday daytime hours.
Buses are always 1 Zone
All regular bus journeys are charged as a 1-zone fare regardless of distance.
This is one of the simplest and most useful Vancouver fare rules for visitors.
SkyTrain uses 1, 2 or 3 zones
During weekday daytime hours, your SkyTrain fare depends on the number of fare-zone boundaries crossed.
SeaBus uses 1 or 2 zones
SeaBus between Downtown Vancouver and North Vancouver can require a 2-zone fare during weekday daytime hours.
Evenings and weekends are simpler
All regular TransLink journeys beginning after 6:30 p.m. Monday to Friday, as well as all travel on weekends and provincial statutory holidays, are charged as a 1-zone fare.
Visitor tip: a journey that costs a multi-zone fare on a weekday afternoon may cost only a 1-zone fare in the evening or at the weekend.
90-Minute Transfers
A standard fare gives you up to 90 minutes of travel across buses, SkyTrain, SeaBus and HandyDART within the fare conditions and zones paid.
The 90-minute period begins when you first tap into a fare-paid zone.
| Payment method | Transfer between bus / SkyTrain / SeaBus? | Important rule |
|---|---|---|
| Compass Card | Yes | Tap correctly throughout journey |
| Compass Ticket | Yes | Must cover required zones |
| Contactless | Yes | Use the same card/device |
| Cash paid on bus | Bus-to-bus only | Paper bus transfer cannot be used on SkyTrain or SeaBus |
YVR Airport AddFare — $6.50
The YVR Airport AddFare is one of the most important fare rules for visitors arriving at Vancouver International Airport.
How much is the YVR AddFare?
As of July 1, 2026, the YVR Airport AddFare is $6.50.
When does it apply?
The AddFare applies to journeys starting at YVR–Airport, Sea Island Centre or Templeton stations and travelling beyond Sea Island, subject to TransLink’s exemption rules.
Is Canada Line still worth using?
Yes. The AddFare increases the airport fare, but Canada Line remains one of the fastest and simplest ways to reach central Vancouver.
For a solo traveler or couple, it can still compare very favorably with taxi or rideshare.
Arriving at YVR? See our complete Vancouver Airport to City Center guide for Canada Line travel times, airport fares, taxis, rideshare and the best arrival stations for Downtown Vancouver.
Tickets on SkyTrain, Bus & SeaBus
SkyTrain
SkyTrain includes the Canada Line, Expo Line and Millennium Line. During weekday daytime hours, fares can depend on the number of zones crossed.
Tap in and tap out.
Bus
All bus journeys are 1-zone fares at all times. Tap when boarding; you do not need to tap out when leaving the bus.
SeaBus
SeaBus connects Waterfront Station in Downtown Vancouver with Lonsdale Quay in North Vancouver. It can require a 2-zone fare during weekday daytime hours.
Tap in and tap out.
For routes, stations and practical instructions for each network, see our How to Use Public Transport in Vancouver guide.
Which Vancouver Transport Ticket Should You Buy?
| Your trip | Best option | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 1–2 rides | Contactless | Nothing to buy |
| Several rides over 2–4 days | Compass Card + Stored Value | Discounted adult fares |
| Transit-heavy sightseeing day | DayPass | Unlimited all-zone travel |
| Mostly walking Downtown | Contactless | Pay only when needed |
| North Vancouver day trip | Stored Value or DayPass | Useful for SeaBus + buses |
| One-week stay | Compass Card | Flexible discounted fares |
| Long stay / commuter | Monthly Pass | Unlimited regular travel |
Best Ticket for Popular Vancouver Trips
Downtown Vancouver
If you stay Downtown and walk frequently, contactless payment may be all you need. Compass Card becomes more attractive if you use transit several times each day.
North Vancouver
A trip to North Vancouver often combines SeaBus and bus. Stored Value works well for a simple return journey, while a DayPass can be convenient for a full sightseeing day with several additional rides.
Stanley Park
For a straightforward bus journey to or from Stanley Park, use Compass Stored Value or contactless. A DayPass only makes sense if the park is part of a larger transit-heavy itinerary.
UBC
UBC is mainly reached by bus. Because buses are always charged as 1 zone, a normal pay-as-you-go fare is often sufficient for a simple trip.
Canada Place & Cruise Terminal
Waterfront Station is very close to Canada Place. Public transport can be excellent if you travel light, but taxi or private transfer may be easier with several large bags.
Common Vancouver Ticket Mistakes
Forgetting to tap out
Tap out when leaving SkyTrain and SeaBus so the system can calculate the correct fare.
Tapping your whole wallet
Remove the card you want to use. Otherwise another contactless card in your wallet could be charged.
Using different devices
Your physical bank card and the same card stored in a phone wallet can be treated as separate payment methods. Use the same card or device throughout the journey.
Buying a DayPass automatically
A DayPass is excellent for heavy transit use but poor value if you only make one or two paid journeys.
Forgetting the YVR Airport AddFare
Trips beginning at YVR-area Canada Line stations can include the additional $6.50 airport charge.
Thinking buses use multiple zones
They do not. Regular bus travel is charged as 1 zone at all times.
Paying cash on a bus before changing to SkyTrain
A cash bus transfer cannot be used to transfer onto SkyTrain or SeaBus. Use Compass or contactless if you need to change modes.
Related Vancouver Transport Guides
Continue Your Journey in Vancouver
-
Flying into YVR?
See our Vancouver Airport to City Center guide
for Canada Line, taxi, rideshare and private transfer options. -
New to Vancouver’s transport network?
Read our How to Use Public Transport in Vancouver guide
for SkyTrain, buses, SeaBus, stations, connections and practical travel tips.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vancouver Transport Tickets
How much is public transport in Vancouver?
Adult Compass Stored Value fares are $2.85 for 1 zone, $4.20 for 2 zones and $5.40 for 3 zones. Adult cash, Compass Ticket and contactless fares are $3.50, $5.10 and $6.70 respectively.
How much does a Compass Card cost in Vancouver?
A Compass Card requires a $6 refundable deposit. You then load Stored Value or an eligible transit pass onto the card.
Is Compass Card worth it for tourists?
It can be. Compass Stored Value gives discounted adult fares, making it particularly useful if you expect to use public transport regularly during a multi-day stay.
Is Compass Card cheaper than contactless?
Yes for standard adult pay-as-you-go fares. For example, a 1-zone adult Stored Value fare is $2.85 compared with $3.50 using contactless payment.
Can tourists buy a Compass Card?
Yes. Visitors can buy a Compass Card from official vending machines, authorized retailers and other official TransLink sales channels.
How much is a Vancouver DayPass?
The adult DayPass costs $12.55 and the concession DayPass costs $9.75.
Is the Vancouver DayPass worth it?
It can be good value when you plan several paid journeys in one day, particularly if you combine SkyTrain, SeaBus and buses.
How long is a Vancouver DayPass valid?
It provides unlimited eligible travel across all zones for the service day, from the start of the first transit service until 4:00 a.m. the following day.
Can I use contactless payment on Vancouver public transport?
Yes. TransLink accepts supported contactless debit and credit cards and compatible mobile wallets.
Can I use Apple Pay on Vancouver SkyTrain?
Yes. Apple Pay is accepted as a contactless payment method.
Can I use Google Pay in Vancouver public transport?
Yes. Google Pay is accepted on compatible TransLink fare readers.
Can I use Visa or Mastercard on Vancouver transit?
Yes. Supported contactless Visa and Mastercard credit cards can be tapped directly at TransLink fare readers.
How many fare zones are there in Vancouver?
Metro Vancouver has three fare zones.
Are Vancouver buses always one zone?
Yes. All regular bus trips are charged as a 1-zone fare regardless of distance.
Is Vancouver transit one zone on weekends?
Yes. Regular travel across the system is charged as 1 zone on Saturdays, Sundays and provincial statutory holidays.
When does Vancouver transit become one zone on weekdays?
Trips beginning after 6:30 p.m. Monday to Friday are charged as 1-zone travel across the regular system.
How long is a single Vancouver transit fare valid?
A standard fare allows eligible transfers for up to 90 minutes on bus, SkyTrain, SeaBus and HandyDART.
Do I need to tap out on Vancouver SkyTrain?
Yes. Tap in when entering and tap out when leaving so the correct fare can be calculated.
Do I need to tap out on Vancouver buses?
No. Tap when boarding the bus; you do not need to tap out when exiting.
Do I need to tap out on SeaBus?
Yes. Tap when entering and when leaving the SeaBus fare-paid system.
What is the YVR Airport AddFare?
It is an additional $6.50 charge applied to eligible journeys starting at YVR–Airport, Sea Island Centre or Templeton stations and travelling beyond Sea Island.
How much is the YVR Airport AddFare in 2026?
The YVR Airport AddFare increased to $6.50 on July 1, 2026.
Can I use Compass Card from Vancouver Airport?
Yes. Compass Card can be used for Canada Line journeys from YVR, with the applicable YVR Airport AddFare automatically accounted for where required.
Can I use contactless payment from Vancouver Airport?
Yes. Accepted contactless cards and mobile wallets can be used at YVR–Airport Station.
Can children ride Vancouver public transport for free?
Yes. Children aged 12 and under can ride TransLink services free of charge.
What is the best Vancouver transport ticket for tourists?
Use contactless payment for only a few rides, Compass Card with Stored Value for regular multi-day travel, and consider a DayPass for a day with many paid journeys.
Editorial transparency
This guide is independently written and regularly reviewed.
TransLink fares, payment methods, fare zones and airport charges can change.
Prices on this page were reviewed in August 2026 following the July 1, 2026 TransLink fare increase.
Which Vancouver Ticket Is Best?
For most visitors, the choice is straightforward. Use contactless payment if you only expect a few journeys. Choose Compass Card with Stored Value if you plan to use Vancouver public transport regularly for several days.
Compass Stored Value provides discounted adult fares of $2.85, $4.20 and $5.40 depending on zones, while contactless payment uses the higher adult cash fare of $3.50, $5.10 or $6.70.
For a transit-heavy sightseeing day, the $12.55 DayPass can provide excellent flexibility. And if you arrive on Canada Line from YVR, remember to account for the $6.50 YVR Airport AddFare.
For airport travel, read our Vancouver Airport to City Center guide. For routes, SkyTrain, buses and SeaBus, continue with our How to Use Public Transport in Vancouver guide.