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Whether you have a layover, an overnight stay, or are just passing through, this Vancouver Airport Guide will help you plan your time at the airport. In addition to tips for sleeping in Vancouver Airport, this guide covers available services and facilities, including lounges, WiFi, charging points, food options, and nearby hotels.
Table of Contents
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
What to Expect
Vancouver Airport (code: YVR) is large, bright, and modern. It has two terminals: the Main Terminal and the South Terminal. The Main Terminal is one interconnected building divided into Domestic, U.S., and International areas, all accessible airside. The South Terminal serves regional and coastal flights, including float planes, helicopters, and charter services.
The airport features natural light, local artwork, and an aquarium display, along with a wide range of dining and shopping options, including some 24-hour eateries in the Domestic and International areas. WiFi is free, and mobile charging is available at the gates. Pay-per-use lounges are available in select areas, some offering showers.
Sleeping in Vancouver Airport
The airside areas are generally comfortable, especially in the International area, where there are armrest-free seats, some with footrests, and cushioned seating. Landside seating is more limited, but it is still possible to find a few comfortable spots. Carpeting is available in several areas, which may be useful if you prefer to lie down.
For uninterrupted sleep, consider 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.
Read the latest traveller airport reviews for more tips. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our Vancouver Airport Guide.
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. Landside areas are always accessible. Airside access depends on flight schedules, as security checkpoints typically close overnight and reopen around 4:30 AM.
What this means for airport sleepers:
You can stay inside the terminal overnight, but your options depend on where you are. Landside areas remain open all night. Airside access usually closes after the last departures and reopens early morning (around 4:30 AM). If you arrive late and have not cleared security, plan to spend the night landside. If you are already airside from a late or connecting flight, you may be allowed to remain there, but seating, food, and services will be limited until morning.
Rest & Relaxation Zones
There is a designated Quiet Zone with comfortable seating, a stretching mat, soft lighting, and low 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 often used overnight, including lounge-style seating near windows and large cushioned blocks. Most seating does not have armrests. Lighting remains fairly bright throughout the night.
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
YVR does not provide cots to stranded travellers. During major disruptions, airlines may distribute blankets. If this has changed, click here to update the guide.
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 Vancouver Airport sounds like a nightmare, an on-site hotel and several nearby airport hotels are available. The on-site hotel is landside, so transit passengers must clear security to access it. Day-use rooms are available, and many nearby hotels offer free airport shuttle service.
Hotels inside Vancouver Airport
- Fairmont Vancouver Airport – Upscale hotel. Located inside the main terminal above U.S. Departures. Approx. 5–10 minute walk (landside). Day-use rooms available. » Check Rates
Nearby hotels with airport shuttles
- Hampton Inn by Hilton Vancouver Airport – Mid-range hotel. Approx. 5–10 minute drive. Free airport shuttle. » Check Rates
- Days Inn Vancouver Airport – Budget hotel. Approx. 5–10 minute drive. Free airport shuttle. » Check Rates
- Radisson Hotel Vancouver Airport – Mid-range hotel. Approx. 5–10 minute drive. Free airport shuttle. » Check Rates
Visit Tripadvisor to see more hotels, compare prices, check availability, and read recent traveller reviews.
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 – 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. 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.
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 • Credit card rewards programs.
- (Domestic, Gate B15) – 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 – Location: International Departures, Airside, near Gate D52, Level 3. Hours: Unknown. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: Yes (cell phone-free quiet zone). Sleep Facilities: No. 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.
Plaza Premium Lounge – Location: International Departures, Airside, Level 3, near Gate D67. Hours: Unknown. Showers: Yes (additional fee). Dedicated Rest Zone: Yes (private resting areas). Sleep Facilities: No. 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 • Credit card rewards programs.
SkyTeam Lounge – Location: International Departures, Airside, near Gate 53. Hours: Unknown. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: Yes (quiet areas). Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Eligible SkyTeam First/Business Class passengers • SkyTeam Elite Plus members.
Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge – Location: USA Departures, Airside, near Gate E84, Level 3. Hours: Unknown. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: Yes (cell phone-free quiet zone). Sleep Facilities: No. 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.
Plaza Premium Lounge – Location: USA Departures, Airside, Level 3, near Gate E87. Hours: Unknown. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: Yes (private resting areas). Sleep Facilities: No. 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 • Credit card rewards programs.
Aspire Lounge (Transborder) – Location: USA Departures, Airside, Concourse E, near Gate E85. Hours: Unknown. 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 – Cathay Pacific First and Business Class Lounge – Location: International Departures, Airside, near Gate D66, Level 3. Hours: Unknown. 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.
Drinking Water
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.
- Domestic Terminal, landside: A&W (Level 3) • Japadog (Level 3) • Subway (Level 3) • Tim Hortons (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: illycaffè (Gate 69) • A&W (Gate D71) • Starbucks (Gate D71) • Subway (Gate D71)
Luggage Storage & Lockers
Store your luggage at CDS Baggage Services. Locations: Domestic Area, Landside, Level 2 (6:00 AM – 10:00 PM) • International Area, Landside, Level 2 (7:00 AM – 10:00 PM). Rates: CA$11.00 – 15.00 per 24 hours.
Mobile Charging
Power outlets and USB ports are available near seating at many gates and common areas. Availability varies by seating type.
Showers
Showers are available in these locations:
- Airside – Plaza Premium Lounges (US and Domestic Departures) • SkyTeam Lounge (International Departures) • Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge (International and US Departures)
- Landside – Fairmont Vancouver Airport Hotel offers drop-in access to its health club, saunas, and showers (CA$30 per person).
WiFi / Internet
Free WiFi is available. 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
Note: Locations, hours, and rates may change. Information is provided for general reference only.
- Airport Ambassadors – Volunteers (green vests) and staff (blue vests) are available throughout the terminal to assist with directions and general questions.
- Information Desks – Customer care counters are located throughout the airport and are staffed 24 hours a day.
- 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 the airport, both landside and airside.
- Baby Care Facilities – Baby care rooms are available in multiple locations across the airport, both landside and airside.
- Children’s Play Area – Play areas are available in Domestic, International, and U.S. departure areas.
- Chapel – An interfaith chapel is available for quiet reflection. Location: International Area, Landside, Arrivals Level 2.
- Medical Clinic – A medical clinic provides general and travel-related care, with limited weekend hours.
- Dental Services – A dental clinic offers routine and emergency care on weekdays.
- Pharmacy – A pharmacy is located near the medical clinic and is open weekdays.
- Dry Cleaners – Dry cleaning and alteration services are available landside. Same-day service may be available on weekdays.
- Luggage Wrapping – Baggage wrapping services are available landside in the International terminal.
- Postal Services – A Canada Post outlet is available landside for mailing letters and postcards.
- Shopping – Duty-free and retail shops are available in the International and U.S. departure areas. Some locations operate 24 hours, while others follow flight schedules. [ read more ]
- Spa – Absolute Spa offers massage and beauty treatments in the Domestic and U.S. terminals. Hours vary by location.
- Gym – The Fairmont Vancouver Airport Hotel offers a fitness centre with day passes available.
- Aquarium – Vancouver Aquarium exhibits are located in the International Terminal, including a large 114,000-litre marine tank and a smaller jellyfish display (Airside, Levels 3 and 4).
- Observation Area – A public observation area offers airfield views, telescopes, and interactive displays. Location: Domestic Terminal, Landside, Level 4. Free entry.
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.
The airport is well-connected to public transit and ground transportation, with options available throughout the day. Overnight service is limited, so late-night arrivals may need to rely on taxis or ride apps.
Bus
Regional bus and coach services connect the airport to Whistler, Squamish, and Downtown Vancouver. The YVR Whistler Sky Linx connects to Whistler, Downtown Vancouver, Squamish and surrounding areas. For fares, routes and schedules, visit the Skylynx website.
For travel to Victoria, a shuttle connects the airport to the BC Ferries terminal. For details and tickets, visit the BC Ferries Connector website
Car Rentals
Onsite rental companies (ground floor of the parkade): Alamo • Avis • Budget • Dollar/Thrifty • Enterprise • Hertz • National.
Offsite companies are accessible by free shuttle.
Hotel Shuttles
Several nearby hotels offer airport shuttle service. Pick-up locations are outside the International Terminal (near U.S. Departures, Level 3) and Domestic Terminal (Departures, Level 3). Courtesy phones are available in Arrivals areas.
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.
See also Airport Hotels above.
Inter-Terminal Shuttle
A free shuttle connects the South Terminal with the International and Domestic terminals. Stops are located outside each terminal entrance.
Ride Apps
Uber, Lyft, and KABU operate at the airport. Pick-up locations: International Arrivals (Level 2) • Domestic Arrivals (Level 2) • South Terminal.
Taxi
Licensed taxis are available at Arrivals (Level 2) of both terminals. Zone fares apply to trips into Vancouver. Metered rates apply from the city to the airport.
Train
The Canada Line provides direct service between the airport, Richmond, and Downtown Vancouver (approx. 26 minutes). The station is located between the International and Domestic terminals. For routes, schedules, and fares, visit the Canada Line website.
Last updated: 2026-04-10
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.