Can I use my phone instead of a Compass Card?

Yes, tap your phone or contactless credit card, but you'll pay single fares each time. Day passes and stored value discounts only work with Compass Cards.

What if I forget to tap out?

You'll be charged the maximum possible fare for that trip. On SkyTrain this could be $6.85 instead of $3.15. Always tap out at SkyTrain stations and SeaBus.

Does the SkyTrain run to the airport?

Yes, Canada Line runs from downtown Waterfront to YVR Airport in 26 minutes. It's a 2-zone trip ($4.45) or covered by 2-zone+ day passes.

Are bikes allowed on transit?

Yes on SkyTrain and SeaBus anytime, on buses only if there's space and bike racks aren't full. No extra fare for bikes.

What's the penalty for fare evasion?

$173 fine. Transit police regularly check fares on SkyTrain and SeaBus. Always have a valid fare when traveling.

How to use Vancouver public transit like a local

Buy a Compass Card at any SkyTrain station, load it with stored value or day passes, and tap in/out on all buses, SkyTrain, and SeaBus. Download the TransLink app for real-time arrivals and trip planning. Zones matter for SkyTrain and SeaBus but not buses.

Get a Compass Card. Buy a Compass Card ($6) at any SkyTrain station ticket machine or participating retailer like 7-Eleven. This is your key to the entire system. You can also use contactless payment (tap your phone or credit card) but the card gives you better fare options.
Load your card strategically. For tourists: buy day passes ($11.25 for 1-zone, $15.75 for 2-zone, $20.50 for 3-zone). For longer stays: load stored value and pay per trip. Single fares are $3.15-6.85 depending on zones and time of day.
Master the zone system. Vancouver has 3 zones radiating from downtown. Buses are always 1-zone fare regardless of distance. SkyTrain and SeaBus charge by zones crossed. After 6:30pm weekdays and all weekend, everything becomes 1-zone pricing.
Download the TransLink app. Get real-time arrivals, trip planning, and service alerts. The app shows which platform your SkyTrain arrives on and counts down bus arrival times. Essential for timing connections.
Learn the tap rules. Always tap in when boarding buses, entering SkyTrain stations, or boarding SeaBus. Tap out when exiting SkyTrain stations and SeaBus (but not buses). Forgetting to tap out charges you the maximum fare.
Navigate SkyTrain platforms. Check destination signs carefully. Expo Line splits at Columbia station - trains go either to King George or Production Way. Canada Line splits at Bridgeport - trains go to YVR Airport or Richmond-Brighouse.
Use local shortcuts. SeaBus from Waterfront to North Vancouver runs every 15-30 minutes and offers great harbor views. Bus #99 B-Line is the fastest way along Broadway. Priority seating is strictly enforced - give it up for elderly, pregnant, or disabled passengers.

Can I use my phone instead of a Compass Card?: Yes, tap your phone or contactless credit card, but you'll pay single fares each time. Day passes and stored value discounts only work with Compass Cards.
What if I forget to tap out?: You'll be charged the maximum possible fare for that trip. On SkyTrain this could be $6.85 instead of $3.15. Always tap out at SkyTrain stations and SeaBus.
Does the SkyTrain run to the airport?: Yes, Canada Line runs from downtown Waterfront to YVR Airport in 26 minutes. It's a 2-zone trip ($4.45) or covered by 2-zone+ day passes.
Are bikes allowed on transit?: Yes on SkyTrain and SeaBus anytime, on buses only if there's space and bike racks aren't full. No extra fare for bikes.
What's the penalty for fare evasion?: $173 fine. Transit police regularly check fares on SkyTrain and SeaBus. Always have a valid fare when traveling.