How to navigate Vancouver using public transit
Use a Compass Card or your contactless credit card to tap in and out on all buses, SkyTrains, and SeaBuses. Fares are calculated by zone, but your payment method automatically handles the math and transfers for you.
- Get a payment method. Buy a Compass Card at any SkyTrain station vending machine for a $6 refundable deposit, or simply tap your personal Visa, Mastercard, or mobile wallet (Apple Pay/Google Pay). Tapping your own card is faster and eliminates the need for a physical card.
- Master the tap. Always tap your card on the reader when entering a station or boarding a bus. On SkyTrain and SeaBus, you must tap out at the exit gate to ensure you are charged the correct fare.
- Understand the zones. Vancouver transit is divided into three zones. SkyTrain and SeaBus fares increase if you cross zone boundaries. Buses are always a single-zone fare, regardless of how far you travel.
- Use the 90-minute transfer window. Your fare allows for unlimited transfers between bus, SeaBus, and SkyTrain for 90 minutes from the first tap. As long as you use the same payment method, the system tracks this automatically.
- Do I need to tap out on the bus?
- No. On buses, you only tap when you board. Tapping out is only required for the SkyTrain and SeaBus.
- Is transit safe at night?
- Yes, TransLink is generally very safe. Stay in well-lit areas, and buses have a 'Request Stop' program after 9:00 PM where drivers can drop you closer to your destination.
- Can I use cash?
- You can use cash on buses, but you will not receive a transfer. You must have exact change as drivers do not carry cash.