Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or you are just quickly passing through, our Vancouver Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit. Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport – including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.
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I would like to thank the staff of Vancouver Airport for the most beautiful, clean and comfortable airport I have ever been stuck at. – Bob and Paul
YVR Airport Overview
To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at Vancouver Airport.
What to Expect
Vancouver Airport (code: YVR) is large, bright, and modern. It has two terminals: the Main and the South. The main terminal is one large interconnected terminal divided into three sections: Domestic, US, and International. You can transfer to all these sections through the airside area. The South Terminal is used for regional and coastal air services, float planes, helicopters, and corporate charters.
Travellers appreciate the airport’s design, which features lots of natural lighting, local artwork, an aquarium, and comfortable seating. You’ll find plenty of dining and shopping options, including 24-hour eateries in both the International and Domestic areas. WiFi is free, and mobile charging can be found at the gates. Economy class passengers looking to upgrade their layover can pay to enter a few airport lounges, some of which have showers.
Sleeping in Vancouver Airport
The airside areas are pretty comfortable, especially in the International Terminal, where you’ll find plenty of armrest-free airport seats, plus seats with footstools and cushioned block-like furniture. Landside, you’ll have to look a little harder, but you’ll be able to find some comfy spots. If you prefer to stretch out on the floor, there is a lot of carpeting, especially on the airside.
For uninterrupted sleep, check out the hotel located landside in the International Terminal. Several nearby hotels also offer free shuttle service. See Airport Hotels in the guide below for more info.
Good to Know
If you are transiting airside from the Domestic area to the US Transborder area, you must go through the International section. If you have a long connection, you may opt to stay here to relax, shop, eat and check out the water displays and aquarium before proceeding to the USA security area. Allow enough time to go through security.
Read the latest traveller airport reviews for more tips. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our Vancouver Airport Guide.
To help us keep this guide up-to-date, you can add or update information or write a review to submit airport tips and photos.
In this guide we may refer to locations as “landside” and “airside”. Landside is the public area of the terminal located in the non-secure zone, before security. Airside is the secure area of the terminal that you must reach by going through security.
Airport Hours
YVR is open 24 hours a day. The landside areas are always accessible. Airside access depends on flight schedules, as security checkpoints typically close overnight, reopening around 4:30 AM.
Rest & Relaxation Zones
There is a designated Quiet Zone equipped with comfortable seating, a stretching mat, soft lighting, and low-volume ambient sound. Signage asks visitors to keep noise to a minimum. Location: Main Terminal, International Departures, Airside, near Gate D67.
Beyond the Quiet Zone, the International Departures airside area has several seating areas that airport sleepers commonly use overnight. These include lounge-style seats near windows and large, cushioned block seating. Comfort varies by area, and most seating does not have armrests, but lighting remains fairly bright.
As with sleeping in any public space, keep valuables secure and within reach. Lock bags where possible and use them as a physical barrier while resting.
Cots
Vancouver Airport Hotels
Quick Facts
- Nearest Hotel: Inside the Airport
- Sleep Cabins or Pods: No
- Day Rooms: Yes
- Nearby Hotels with Free Shuttles: Yes
If sleeping in a chair or on the floor isn’t appealing, Vancouver Airport has both an on-site hotel and several nearby airport hotels. The on-site hotel is located landside, so transit passengers must clear security to access it. Day-use rooms are available. Many off-airport hotels provide free shuttle service.
Hotels inside Vancouver Airport
- Fairmont Vancouver Airport – Located inside the main terminal, above U.S. Departures. Walk time: Approx. 10-minutes from Domestic Departures and 5-minutes from International Arrivals (landside). Day-use rooms available in blocks of 4, 6, or 8 hours (typically between 8:00 AM and 7:00 PM). » Check Rates
Nearby hotels with airport shuttles
- Hampton Inn by Hilton Vancouver Airport » Check Rates
- Days Inn Vancouver Airport » Check Rates
- Radisson Hotel Vancouver Airport » Check Rates
For more options, visit Tripadvisor to see a list of hotels near Vancouver Airport that can be sorted by price, distance, traveller rating and popularity.
Airport Lounges
Pay-per-use, Single Visit Passes & Lounge Memberships
Regardless of what class of service you are flying, there are lounges that you can enter by paying at the door, purchasing a lounge pass or through a lounge membership program.
Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge – Lounge Access: Prepaid lounge passes • Eligible Air Canada, Air Canada Express, Air Canada Rouge, or Star Alliance Business/First Class passengers • Aeroplan Elite Status Members (with same-day Air Canada or Star Alliance ticket) • Maple Leaf Club members • Emirates Business/First Class passengers on select routes.
- (Domestic) – Location: Domestic Departures, Airside, near Gate B24, Level 3. Hours: 4:30 AM – 11:00 PM. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: Yes (cell phone-free quiet zone). Sleep Facilities: No.
Plaza Premium Lounge – Lounge Access: Open to all passengers regardless of airline or class. Pay at the door (starting from CA$40 for 2 hours) • Prepaid lounge passes (3 or 6 hour passes) • Lounge membership programs • select credit cards.
- (Domestic, Gate B15) – Location: Domestic Departures, Airside, Level 3, near Gate B15. Hours: 5:00 AM – 10:30 PM. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: Yes (private resting areas). Sleep Facilities: No.
- (Domestic, Gate C29) – Location: Domestic Departures, Airside, Level 3, near Gate C29. Hours: 5:00 AM – 10:30 PM.
Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: Yes (private resting areas). Sleep Facilities: No.
Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge – Lounge Access: Prepaid lounge passes • Eligible Air Canada, Air Canada Express, Air Canada Rouge, or Star Alliance Business/First Class passengers • Aeroplan Elite Status Members (with same-day Air Canada or Star Alliance ticket) • Maple Leaf Club members • Emirates Business/First Class passengers on select routes.
- (International) – Location: International Departures, Airside, near Gate D52, Level 3. Hours: 7:30 AM – 11:00 PM (Mon–Wed); 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM (Thu, Sat); 7:00 AM – 11:30 PM (Fri); 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM (Sun). Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: Yes (cell phone-free quiet zone). Sleep Facilities: No.
Plaza Premium Lounge – Lounge Access: Open to all passengers regardless of airline or class. Pay at the door (starting from CA$40 for 2 hours) • Prepaid lounge passes (3 or 6 hour passes) • Lounge membership programs • select credit cards.
- (International) – Location: International Departures, Airside, Level 3, near Gate D67. Hours: 8:00 AM – 1:00 AM. Showers: Yes (additional fee). Dedicated Rest Zone: Yes (private resting areas). Sleep Facilities: No.
SkyTeam Lounge – Location: International Departures, Airside, near Gate 53. Hours: Open 24 hours. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: Yes (quiet areas). Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door (starting from CA$45 for 3 hours) • Prepaid lounge passes • Eligible SkyTeam First/Business Class passengers • SkyTeam Elite Plus members • Lounge membership programs.
Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge – Lounge Access: Prepaid lounge passes • Eligible Air Canada, Air Canada Express, Air Canada Rouge, or Star Alliance Business/First Class passengers • Aeroplan Elite Status Members (with same-day Air Canada or Star Alliance ticket) • Maple Leaf Club members • Emirates Business/First Class passengers on select routes.
- (US Transborder) – Location: USA Departures, Airside, near Gate E84, Level 3. Hours: 6:10 AM – 8:00 PM. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: Yes (cell phone-free quiet zone). Sleep Facilities: No.
Plaza Premium Lounge – Lounge Access: Open to all passengers regardless of airline or class. Pay at the door (starting from CA$40 for 2 hours) • Prepaid lounge passes (3 or 6 hour passes) • Lounge membership programs • select credit cards.
- (US Departures) – Location: USA Departures, Airside, Level 3, near Gate E87. Hours: 4:30 AM – 8:30 PM. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: Yes (private resting areas). Sleep Facilities: No.
Aspire Lounge (Transborder) – Location: USA Departures, Airside, Concourse E, near Gate E85. Hours: 4:30 AM – 8:00 PM daily. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: Yes (quiet areas). Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door (starting from CA$35 for 3 hours) • WestJet Rewards members with eligible tier benefits or vouchers • Business Class passengers on WestJet Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner • Lounge membership programs.
Airline Lounges
If you are a First or Business Class traveller, you may have access to the lounges listed below. Walk-in or pay-at-the-door access is not available at these lounges. For more information, check the airline’s website.
Cathay Pacific First and Business Class Lounge – Location: International Departures, Airside, near Gate D66, Level 3. Hours: 6:00 AM – 12:30 AM daily (subject to Cathay Pacific flight schedules). Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: Yes (quiet areas). Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Eligible Cathay Pacific First/Business Class passengers • Marco Polo Club Gold/Diamond members • Oneworld Sapphire/Emerald members • select codeshare partners’ premium passengers. No walk-in or pay-at-the-door access available.
Drinking Water
Thirsty? Drinking water fountains are available throughout the airport, both landside and airside, in all terminals.
Food & Drinks
Late-night and overnight food options are limited but available. Hours can change, so availability may vary by night. Overnight options include:
- Domestic Terminal, landside: A & W (Level 3) • Japadog (Level 3) • Subway (Level 3) • Tim Horton’s (Level 3) • 7-Eleven (Level 1)
- Domestic Terminal, airside: UpMeals vending machines
- International Terminal, landside: Tim Hortons (Level 2) • Wendy’s (Level 3)
- International Terminal, airside: illycaffe (Gate 69) • A&W (Gate D71) • Starbucks (Gate D71) • Subway (Gate D71)
Luggage Storage & Lockers
Store your stuff at CDS Baggage Services. Locations: Domestic Area, Landside, Level 2. Hours: 6:00AM – 10:00PM • International Area, Landside, Level 2. Hours: 7:00AM – 10:00PM. Rates: CA$ 11.00 – 15.00 per 24 hours.
Mobile Charging
Power outlets and USB charging ports are available near seating at many gates and common areas. Availability varies by seating type.
Showers
Freshen up before or after your flight by enjoying a shower at one of these locations:
- Airside – Plaza Premium Lounges (US and Domestic Departures) • Sky Team Lounge (International Departures) • Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge (International and US Departures).
- Landside – The Fairmont Vancouver Airport Hotel offers drop-in access to the Health Club, saunas and showers for CA$30 per person.
WiFi / Internet
Free WiFi is available at Vancouver Airport. Connect to the “YVR Free WiFi” network.
Security & Safety
At the time of this update, airport staff don’t seem to mind airport sleepers, and those who’ve written in have not reported any safety issues at Vancouver Airport. However, sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. It’s important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Here are a few tips:
- Safety First. It’s a good idea to know where the security office is located and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. You can also ask the security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
- Don’t Seclude Yourself. If you’re travelling alone, we recommend you stay near other travellers or close to security. This will help you feel more secure and deter potential thieves.
- Hide Your Valuables. It’s also important to hide your valuables. Don’t leave them out in plain view, as this could make you a target for theft. Additionally, if you are a deep sleeper, you may want to padlock your bag to something or sleep with your bag up against a wall to make it harder for someone to access zippers and pockets. We have received reports of sleepers who woke up without their phones and laptop bags. The travellers were left with just their headphones and laptop bag strap.
- Stay Alert. It’s best to stay alert and awake if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages to help you stay awake, and remember that you can always catch up on sleep during your flight. These simple precautions can help you enjoy a safe night at the airport.
Pro-tip: If you sleep in the public zone, don’t be surprised if you receive an early morning wake-up call. Security is known to make the rounds, waking people up as travellers arrive for morning flights.
More Airport Information
Airport Ambassadors – Need help finding your way or have a quick question? Airport Ambassadors and customer service staff are stationed throughout the terminal. Look for volunteers in green vests or staff in blue vests at information counters.
Chapel – The airport has a quiet interfaith chapel for reflection and prayer. It’s open daily during daytime and evening hours.
Location: International Area, Landside, Arrivals Level 2.
Dry Cleaners – A dry cleaning and alteration service is available landside if you need clothing cleaned or adjusted before a flight. Same-day service may be offered on weekdays.
Family Services
- Baby Care Facilities – Baby care rooms are available throughout the airport, including airside and landside areas. Facilities may include changing areas and quiet space for feeding.
- Children’s Play Area – Several play zones are available in domestic, international, and U.S. departure areas to help kids burn off energy before a flight.
Gym– The Fairmont Vancouver Airport Hotel offers access to a fitness centre with cardio equipment, weights, and showers. Day passes are available.
Information Desks – Customer care and information counters are located throughout the airport, with staff available 24 hours a day.
Postal Services – A Canada Post outlet is available landside for mailing postcards and letters before you travel.
SIM Cards – A reader tells us “The airport does not offer a spot to buy SIM Cards. You would need to go to Regent Mall (14 Min – (15.2 km) from the Airport) to purchase SIM Cards.” (July 2023)
Luggage
- Luggage Storage & Lockers – see “Luggage Storage & Lockers” above.
- Luggage Wrapping – Baggage wrapping and packing services are available landside in the International terminal.
Medical Services
- Dental Services – A full-service dental clinic offers routine and emergency care on weekdays.
- Medical Clinic – A medical clinic provides general and travel-related care, with limited weekend hours.
- Pharmacy – A pharmacy is located near the medical clinic and is open weekdays.
Money
- ATMs / Cash Machines – ATMs are available throughout the airport. Fees and withdrawal limits depend on your bank.
- Banking Services – A full-service RBC branch (including currency exchange) is available landside with weekday hours.
- Currency Exchange – ICE currency exchange counters are located throughout domestic, international, and U.S. terminals, both landside and airside.
Shopping – Duty-free and retail shops are located airside in the International and U.S. departure areas. One international duty-free location operates 24 hours, while others follow flight schedules. [ read more ]
SIM Cards – A reader tells us “The airport does not offer a spot to buy SIM Cards. You would need to go to Regent Mall (14 Min – (15.2 km) from the Airport) to purchase SIM Cards.” (July 2023) Prepaid local SIM cards are available for purchase in the airport from The SIM Shop. Location: International Area, Landside, Level 2. Hours: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM.
Spa – Absolute Spa locations offer massages, facials, manicures, and other treatments in Domestic and U.S. terminals. Hours vary by location.
Things to do & see
- Aquarium – There are two satellite Vancouver Aquarium exhibits: The main exhibit is a large 114,000-litre aquarium showcasing 850 indigenous sea animals, and the other is a smaller 1,800-litre jellyfish aquarium. Location: International Terminal, Airside, Level 3 (main exhibit) and Level 4 (jellyfish exhibit).
- Observation Area – Watch the activity on the tarmac at the airport’s observation area. There are telescopes, interactive kiosks and an interactive model of Sea Island. Location: Domestic Terminal, Level 4 (Landside). Rate: Free.
Do you want to make the most of your stopover or long layover by getting out of the airport to do some sightseeing? Check out our Vancouver Airport Layover Sightseeing guide or explore Things to do in Vancouver on Tripadvisor.
Bus
The airport is well connected to the bus system should you need to reach Whistler and beyond. The YVR Whistler Sky Linx connects to Whistler, Downtown Vancouver, Squamish and surrounding areas. For fares, routes and schedules, visit the Skylynx website. If you are looking to go to Victoria from the airport, there is a shuttle which takes passengers to where the BC Ferries depart. For more information and to buy tickets, visit the BC Ferries Connector website
Car Rentals
Alamo • Avis • Budget • Dollar/Thrifty • Enterprise • Hertz • National operate onsite on the ground floor of the parkade. Aligo • Evo Car Share • Routes Car Rental • Sixt Rent a Car • West Coast Car Rental have a nearby offsite location and are accessible by free shuttle bus.
Hotel Shuttles
Several area hotels provide airport shuttle service: Accent Inn Vancouver Airport • Days Inn Vancouver Airport • Executive Hotel Vancouver Airport • Hampton Inn by Hilton Vancouver Airport • Hilton Vancouver Airport • Radisson Hotel Vancouver Airport • Quality Hotel Airport (South) c Sheraton Vancouver Airport Hotel • Vancouver Airport Marriott.
The hotels shuttle stops are located at the outside of the International Area (ner US Departures, Level 3) and Domestic Terminal (outside Departures, Level 3). Hotel shuttle pick-up can be requested via direct-dial courtesy phone, available on Arrivals Level 3 of both International and Domestic areas.
See also Airport Hotels above.
Inter-Terminal Shuttle
YVR airport offers a free shuttle service between the South Terminal, a regional general aviation hub, and the International and Domestic Areas. South Terminal Shuttle stops are located in front of the South Terminal Arrival doors, at International Terminal (near US Departures Check-ins, Level 3) and Domestic Terminal (near Check-ins, Level 3).
Ride Apps
Lyft, Uber and KABU are authorized Ride Apps at Vancouver Airport. There are 3 pick-up areas: International Arrivals, Level 2 • Domestic Arrivals, Level 2, South Terminal. A trip to downtown Vancouver will cost you approximately CA$30.
Taxi
Licensed taxis are readily available from taxi stands located on Level 2 of the Domestic and International Terminals’ Arrivals Area. Zone fares apply to rides from the airport to destinations within the zoned areas in Vancouver. Metered rates apply to journeys from the city to the airport.
Train
The Canada Line is a rapid transit commuter rail service that runs between the airport and the city centers, reaching central Richmond in 18 minutes and central Vancouver in just 26 minutes. The Canada Line train platform is located between the International and Domestic Areas. For information on fares, schedules, routes and mass transit connections, visit the Canada Line website.
Last updated: 2025-11-26
This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning. All information, including rates and hours, is subject to change at any time without notice. The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers, and their websites. We are not representatives of any of the above-mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or write a review.