Vancouver Transport Tickets and Compass Card Guide

Quick answer: which Vancouver transport ticket should tourists buy?

• Best for one or two rides: contactless payment or Compass Ticket
• Best for several days: Compass Card with Stored Value
• Best for heavy sightseeing in one day: DayPass
• Best for airport arrival by SkyTrain: Compass Card or contactless payment, plus YVR Airport AddFare when applicable
• Best for families: check child fare rules; children 12 and under can ride free
• Best for downtown visitors: Compass Card or contactless payment for SkyTrain, SeaBus and buses
• Best for North Vancouver: Compass Card or DayPass if combining SkyTrain, SeaBus and buses
• Main mistake to avoid: forgetting to tap out on SkyTrain and SeaBus

Ticket or payment method	Best for	Main advantage	Main limitation
Compass Card	Visitors using transit several times	Reusable, reloadable, works across the TransLink network	Requires purchase, deposit and loading value or pass
Contactless payment	Short-stay visitors taking occasional trips	No card purchase needed; tap with bank card or mobile wallet	Less control than Compass Card and may not suit every fare product
Compass Ticket	One-off trips	Simple paper-style ticket from vending machines	Less convenient for repeated travel
DayPass	One day of heavy sightseeing	Unlimited travel for the day on covered services	Not worth it if you only take one or two rides
Monthly Pass	Long stays, students, commuters	Good for frequent travel across a month	Usually unnecessary for short tourist stays

Compass Card: the best reusable transport card

The Compass Card is Vancouver’s main reusable transit card. It can be loaded with Stored Value, a DayPass, Monthly Pass or other fare products. For visitors who plan to use public transport repeatedly, it is usually the most practical option.

Compass Card works on SkyTrain, buses, SeaBus and many TransLink services. It is especially useful if you are staying several days, using Canada Line from YVR, taking SeaBus to North Vancouver, visiting multiple districts or mixing bus and rail trips.

The card has a refundable deposit, so it is not always necessary for someone taking only one ride. But for a multi-day Vancouver visit, especially if you are not relying on taxis, Compass Card is usually worth understanding.

Compass Card is best if:

• you will use public transport several times during your stay,
• you want a dedicated transit card,
• you plan SkyTrain, bus and SeaBus journeys,
• you want to load Stored Value or a DayPass,
• you are staying outside the downtown core,
• you prefer not to use your bank card at transit gates.

How to use Compass Card

1. Buy a Compass Card from a valid source such as a Compass Vending Machine, online source, customer service centre or authorized retailer.
2. Load Stored Value, a DayPass or another fare product.
3. Tap the card on the validator when boarding a bus or entering a SkyTrain or SeaBus fare gate.
4. For SkyTrain and SeaBus, tap out when leaving the system.
5. For buses, tap when boarding according to the validator instructions.
6. Use the same card for the whole journey to receive the correct fare and transfer benefits.

Do not keep multiple contactless cards together when tapping. If you tap your wallet instead of your Compass Card, another bank card may be charged accidentally.

Contactless payment in Vancouver

Contactless payment is one of the easiest options for short-stay visitors. You can tap an accepted contactless credit card, debit card or mobile wallet at fare gates and validators where Tap to Pay is supported.

This is very convenient if you only plan a few journeys. You avoid buying a Compass Card and can start riding immediately. It is especially useful for visitors who arrive at YVR, take Canada Line downtown, and only use transit occasionally afterward.

The main rule is simple: always use the same physical card or the same mobile wallet device to tap in and tap out. A bank card and the same card loaded into a phone wallet may be treated as different payment methods.

Use contactless payment if:

• you are taking only a few trips,
• you do not want to buy a Compass Card,
• you are paying adult fares,
• you are comfortable using your bank card or mobile wallet,
• you are visiting Vancouver for a short stay.

Compass Ticket: best for one-off rides

A Compass Ticket is a single-use ticket that can be purchased from Compass Vending Machines. It is suitable if you only need one journey and do not want to buy a reusable card.

Compass Tickets can be useful for visitors who take a taxi from the airport but later need one SkyTrain or SeaBus ride. They are less useful if you will ride public transport multiple times because a Compass Card, contactless payment or DayPass may be more convenient.

DayPass: best for one busy sightseeing day

A Vancouver DayPass can be very useful if you plan to take several trips in one day across the TransLink network. It is especially strong if your day includes SkyTrain, SeaBus and buses.

A typical DayPass-value day might include Downtown Vancouver, North Vancouver via SeaBus, a bus connection to Capilano or Lynn Canyon, and an evening SkyTrain ride back to your hotel. If you only ride once or twice, a DayPass is usually not worth it.

Use a DayPass if:

• you plan several journeys in one day,
• you will combine SkyTrain, SeaBus and buses,
• you want simple unlimited travel for the day,
• you are visiting North Vancouver from downtown,
• you are staying outside downtown and commuting into the center,
• you prefer not to track individual ride costs.

Vancouver fare zones explained

Metro Vancouver has three fare zones. The number of zones matters primarily for SkyTrain and SeaBus travel during weekday daytime hours. If you cross zone boundaries, you may need a 2-zone or 3-zone fare.

Buses are simpler: all bus trips are charged as 1-zone fares at all times. This makes buses useful and predictable for many local journeys.

The most visitor-friendly rule is that all travel after 6:30 p.m. on weekdays, on weekends and on provincial statutory holidays is charged as a 1-zone fare. This can make evening and weekend sightseeing cheaper and simpler.

Single fares and 90-minute transfers

A single TransLink fare is valid for up to 90 minutes on bus, SkyTrain, SeaBus and HandyDART. This means you can transfer between modes during that window as long as you stay within the fare rules and zones you have paid for.

This is useful for common tourist routes, such as SkyTrain from downtown to a bus connection, SeaBus to North Vancouver plus a local bus, or Canada Line plus a short bus ride to your hotel.

If using Compass Card or contactless payment, the system calculates the appropriate fare when you tap correctly. If using a Compass Ticket, make sure you buy the correct number of zones before travelling.

YVR Airport AddFare explained

The YVR Airport AddFare is a special airport charge applied to some trips starting at YVR–Airport, Sea Island Centre or Templeton stations and travelling beyond Sea Island. This is the key fare rule visitors must understand when taking Canada Line from Vancouver Airport.

The AddFare is automatically deducted when you use Compass Card Stored Value or contactless payment for an eligible airport-originating trip. It can also be included in Compass Tickets or DayPass products purchased from airport-area stations depending on the product and conditions.

For most visitors, this does not mean avoiding the Canada Line. The airport train remains fast and convenient. But it does mean you should factor the AddFare into the total cost, especially if travelling as a group.

If you are still comparing the airport train with taxi or rideshare, read our detailed Vancouver Airport to City Center guide, which explains when Canada Line is best and when taxi or private transfer may be easier.

Can you avoid the YVR Airport AddFare?

Some travelers research ways to avoid the YVR Airport AddFare by using local buses or nearby stations. While this can sometimes reduce cost, it is usually not worth it for most first-time visitors with luggage.

If your priority is simplicity, use the Canada Line from YVR–Airport Station. If your priority is saving every dollar and you travel light, local bus strategies may be possible, but they require more planning and are not ideal after a long flight.

Bus fares in Vancouver

Vancouver bus fares are simple compared with SkyTrain zones because all bus travel is treated as a 1-zone fare. This is useful for visitors moving around local areas, reaching Stanley Park, connecting from SkyTrain stations or accessing neighborhoods not directly served by rail.

Buses are important for places such as Stanley Park, Kitsilano, UBC, Capilano-area connections, Commercial Drive, Mount Pleasant and many residential districts.

Buses are useful for:

• Stanley Park,
• Kitsilano,
• UBC,
• Capilano and North Vancouver connections,
• hotel areas away from SkyTrain,
• short local transfers from Canada Line or Expo Line stations.

SkyTrain fares in Vancouver

SkyTrain is Metro Vancouver’s rapid transit system. It includes the Canada Line, Expo Line and Millennium Line. For tourists, the most important line from the airport is the Canada Line, while Expo Line is useful for Gastown/Waterfront connections, Commercial–Broadway, Stadium–Chinatown, Metrotown and other urban routes.

SkyTrain fares depend on zones during weekday daytime hours. You must tap in and tap out. If you forget to tap out, you may be charged incorrectly.

SeaBus fares and North Vancouver

SeaBus connects Waterfront Station in Downtown Vancouver with Lonsdale Quay in North Vancouver. It is both practical transport and a scenic harbour crossing.

For tourists, SeaBus is one of the best-value transport experiences in Vancouver. It is useful for North Vancouver restaurants, Lonsdale Quay, Shipyards District and onward buses toward Grouse Mountain, Capilano Suspension Bridge or Lynn Canyon.

A DayPass can be attractive if you plan to combine SkyTrain, SeaBus and North Vancouver buses in one day.

West Coast Express tickets

The West Coast Express is mainly a weekday commuter rail service. Most tourists do not need it for normal Vancouver sightseeing. It is more relevant for commuters or visitors heading to specific eastern suburbs during peak-direction service times.

If you are a short-stay tourist, focus on SkyTrain, buses and SeaBus first. West Coast Express is useful only for specific itineraries.

Best ticket for Vancouver Airport to downtown

If you take Canada Line from YVR to Downtown Vancouver, use Compass Card, Compass Ticket or contactless payment. Remember that the YVR Airport AddFare may apply when leaving the airport stations.

For one adult traveler, contactless payment is usually the easiest. For a longer stay, Compass Card with Stored Value may be better. For a group with luggage, compare the total SkyTrain fare plus AddFare with taxi or rideshare.

Best ticket for Downtown Vancouver

If you stay in Downtown Vancouver and mostly walk, you may only need occasional contactless fares or a Compass Ticket. A Compass Card becomes useful if you take transit daily.

If your day includes multiple rides, such as downtown to North Vancouver, Stanley Park, Yaletown and back to your hotel, a DayPass may be more convenient.

Best ticket for Canada Place and cruise passengers

Cruise passengers often arrive with heavy luggage. If you travel light, Canada Line plus Waterfront Station is excellent for Canada Place. If you have multiple bags, taxi or private transfer may be easier.

If you stay in Vancouver before or after a cruise and plan to use public transport for sightseeing, Compass Card or DayPass may be useful after you have dropped off luggage.

Best ticket for Stanley Park

Stanley Park is close to downtown but large. Depending on your starting point, you may walk, take a bus, use a bike rental or take a taxi. Public buses are useful for reaching park entrances and nearby areas.

If Stanley Park is part of a day with several other transit rides, a DayPass may be useful. If you only go there and back, Compass Card or contactless payment is usually enough.

Best ticket for North Vancouver

North Vancouver often involves SeaBus plus bus. If you are going to Lonsdale Quay only, a single fare may be enough. If you continue to Grouse Mountain, Capilano, Lynn Canyon or multiple stops, a DayPass can be practical.

For visitors who want a simple sightseeing day without monitoring zone rules, DayPass is often the easiest choice.

Best ticket for UBC

UBC is mainly reached by bus from Vancouver. If you are staying downtown, you may take a bus directly or combine SkyTrain and bus depending on route planning.

A single fare with Compass Card or contactless payment is usually enough for a straightforward UBC trip. A DayPass may be better if UBC is part of a larger transit-heavy day.

Best ticket strategy by trip length

One day in Vancouver

If you only need one or two rides, use contactless payment or a Compass Ticket. If you plan a full sightseeing day using SkyTrain, SeaBus and buses, buy a DayPass.

Two days in Vancouver

Use contactless payment for light travel or Compass Card if you expect several trips. A DayPass can be useful on the busiest public transport day.

Three to four days in Vancouver

Compass Card with Stored Value becomes more attractive because you can use it flexibly across different modes. Buy a DayPass only on days with many rides.

One week in Vancouver

For a week, Compass Card is usually the best base product. Monthly Pass is normally unnecessary unless you are staying much longer or using transit heavily.

Best ticket strategy by traveler type

First-time visitor

Use contactless payment from YVR if you want simplicity. Buy a Compass Card if you plan multiple days of transit. Use DayPass on a day when you plan North Vancouver or multiple districts.

Budget traveler

Use Compass Card with Stored Value and avoid taxis. Walk downtown where possible. Consider buses because bus travel is always charged as 1-zone fare.

Family traveler

Check children’s fare rules because children 12 and under can ride free. For airport arrival with luggage, compare SkyTrain total cost with taxi or rideshare.

Cruise passenger

Use taxi or transfer with luggage. After luggage drop-off, use Compass Card or DayPass for sightseeing around downtown, Stanley Park and North Vancouver.

Business traveler

Use contactless payment or taxi depending on schedule. If your hotel and meeting locations are near Canada Line, SkyTrain is often fastest.

Where to buy Compass Card and tickets

Compass Cards and Compass Tickets are available from Compass Vending Machines at SkyTrain, SeaBus and West Coast Express stations, as well as online, authorized retailers and TransLink service locations.

Visitors arriving at YVR can buy a Compass Ticket or use contactless payment at the airport station. If you want a reusable Compass Card, check available vending machines and retailers.

How to avoid payment mistakes

• Use the same card or device: tap in and tap out with the same Compass Card, bank card or mobile wallet.
• Do not tap your whole wallet: one of your bank cards might be charged instead of your Compass Card.
• Remember to tap out: SkyTrain and SeaBus require tapping out to calculate the correct fare.
• One payment method per rider: each traveler needs their own card or ticket.
• Check airport trips: YVR AddFare may apply from airport-area stations.
• Know when 1-zone applies: after 6:30 p.m. weekdays, weekends and holidays can simplify fares.

Common Vancouver ticket mistakes

• Forgetting the YVR Airport AddFare: airport-originating Canada Line trips can cost more than normal transit rides.
• Buying a DayPass for only one short journey: use contactless or Compass Ticket instead.
• Not tapping out on SkyTrain: this can lead to incorrect fare calculation.
• Using one card for multiple riders: each person needs a separate payment method.
• Assuming buses have multi-zone fares: buses are 1-zone at all times.
• Forgetting evening/weekend rules: all travel after 6:30 p.m. weekdays and on weekends is 1-zone.
• Ignoring SeaBus: it is one of the best ways to reach North Vancouver.
• Choosing a hotel far from transit: Vancouver is much easier near SkyTrain, SeaBus or frequent bus routes.

Final recommendation

For most visitors, the best Vancouver transport ticket strategy is simple. Use contactless payment if you only need occasional rides. Use a Compass Card with Stored Value if you plan to use public transport regularly. Buy a DayPass only on days with several trips across SkyTrain, bus and SeaBus.

If you arrive at Vancouver Airport by Canada Line, remember that the YVR Airport AddFare may apply. For airport transfer planning, check our Vancouver Airport to City Center guide before deciding between SkyTrain, taxi, rideshare or private transfer.

Once you are in the city, Vancouver’s network becomes very practical for sightseeing. Our How to Use Public Transport in Vancouver guide explains how to combine SkyTrain, buses, SeaBus and walking for Downtown Vancouver, Stanley Park, North Vancouver, UBC, Granville Island and day trips.

FAQ – Vancouver Transport Tickets

What is the best transport ticket for tourists in Vancouver?

For occasional rides, contactless payment is easiest. For several days of transit, Compass Card with Stored Value is usually best. For one heavy sightseeing day, a DayPass can be convenient.

What is a Compass Card?

A Compass Card is Vancouver’s reusable transit card. It can be loaded with Stored Value, DayPasses or monthly passes and used on TransLink services.

Is Compass Card worth it for tourists?

Yes, if you plan to use public transport several times. If you only take one or two rides, contactless payment may be simpler.

Can I use contactless payment in Vancouver?

Yes. Accepted contactless cards and mobile wallets can be used on many TransLink services.

Do I need to tap out in Vancouver?

Yes. You should tap out on SkyTrain and SeaBus to pay the correct fare.

Do I need to tap out on buses?

Bus travel is simpler because buses are 1-zone fares. Follow the validator instructions when boarding.

How many fare zones are there in Vancouver?

There are three fare zones across Metro Vancouver.

Are buses always one zone?

Yes. Bus and HandyDART trips are charged as 1-zone fares at all times.

When is all Vancouver transit one zone?

All travel after 6:30 p.m. on weekdays, on weekends and on provincial statutory holidays is charged as 1-zone.

How long is a single fare valid?

A single fare is valid for up to 90 minutes on bus, SkyTrain, SeaBus and HandyDART.

What is the YVR Airport AddFare?

It is an additional airport fee applied to some trips starting at YVR–Airport, Sea Island Centre or Templeton stations and travelling beyond Sea Island.

Can I use Compass Card from Vancouver Airport?

Yes. Compass Card can be used on the Canada Line from YVR Airport.

Can I use contactless from Vancouver Airport?

Yes. You can use accepted contactless cards or mobile wallets on Canada Line, including trips from YVR.

Is the DayPass worth it in Vancouver?

It is worth it if you plan several rides in one day, especially if combining SkyTrain, SeaBus and buses.

Does DayPass cover SeaBus?

Yes, a DayPass is useful for trips involving SeaBus and other TransLink services.

What ticket should I use for North Vancouver?

Use Compass Card, contactless payment or DayPass. A DayPass can be especially useful if you combine SeaBus with buses in North Vancouver.

What ticket should I use for Stanley Park?

Use Compass Card or contactless payment for occasional bus rides. Use DayPass if Stanley Park is part of a transit-heavy sightseeing day.

Can children ride free in Vancouver?

Children aged 12 and under can ride TransLink services free of charge, subject to current rules.

Where can I buy a Compass Card?

You can buy Compass Cards from Compass Vending Machines, online, TransLink customer service locations and authorized retailers.

What is the biggest Vancouver ticket mistake?

The biggest mistake is forgetting the YVR Airport AddFare and not tapping out correctly on SkyTrain or SeaBus.