Layovers At YVR Vancouver Int’l Airport

Have a few hours to spare before your next flight? Looking for things to do in Vancouver airport or wondering what there is to do near Vancouver International Airport if you decide to leave?

YVR Airport is located in the city of Richmond, B.C., directly south of Vancouver. With beautiful parks, world-class shopping and some of the best Asian food in North America, Richmond is well worth a visit.

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Should I leave YVR during my layover?

Travellers often ask if it’s worth leaving YVR during a layover, and the answer depends on how much time you have. If your layover is short, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Vancouver airport itself, from dining and shopping to art displays and spas. 

With longer layovers, there are endless things to do near Vancouver International Airport, including visiting parks, shopping at McArthurGlen Designer Outlet, or enjoying Richmond’s world-famous food scene.

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How long do I need?

We recommend arriving at YVR early: at least three hours before your departure time for an international flight, and two hours for a domestic flight.

If you have at least three additional hours to spare, you should have plenty of time to leave the airport and explore a bit of Richmond.

Need a secure place to store your bags? CDS Baggage offers affordable luggage storage at YVR’s Main Terminal from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. To find locations and pre-book your drop off, visit www.cdsbaggage.ca.

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How do I get to Richmond?

YVR is connected to Richmond via the Canada Line, a light rail train with a station right inside YVR’s Main Terminal.

Trains run every 6 to 20 minutes from 5:07 a.m. to 12:46 a.m. For current fares and schedules, visit thecanadaline.com. You can purchase tickets from the machines inside the station, or simply tap your credit or debit card at the gate to pay.

The station is located on Level 4 of the Main Terminal. Follow signs for “Train to City” or ask a staff member for help.

You can also get to Richmond by:

• Taxi: Taxi stands are located on Level 2. Travel within Richmond from YVR is a fixed rate of $20 or $23, depending on your destination.
• Ride App: Lyft, Uber and KABU are authorized providers of Ride App services at YVR. Pickup is in designated areas on Level 2.

Visit our Transportation in Richmond, BC page to learn more.

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Inside YVR

Start with a walk through the terminals to see the impressive Indigenous art collection, including Spirit of Haida Gwaii and several striking totem poles. Keep an eye out for the 114,000-litre aquarium exhibit, where more than 20,000 marine plants and animals including jellyfish and other marine life bring a bit of the West Coast indoors. For food, YVR is home to Salmon n’ Bannock On the Fly, the first Indigenous restaurant in a Canadian airport, along with plenty of local favourites for a quick bite or sit-down meal. 

If you have time to relax, check into one of the Plaza Premium Lounges or the Fairmont Vancouver Airport for spa treatments, showers, or a quiet place to nap. You’ll also find Absolute Spa, charging stations throughout the terminals, and plenty of quiet corners for reading or catching up on work.

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Just Outside YVR

If you’d like some fresh air, there are many things to do near Vancouver International Airport, from parks and shopping to waterfront strolls and incredible food.

Larry Berg Flight Path Park, located right at the end of the runway, offers a fun spot to watch planes come and go. A little further out, Iona Beach Regional Park stretches along the ocean with long walking and biking paths, birdwatching opportunities, and wide open views. Minoru Park, near Richmond Centre, is a peaceful green space that’s easy to reach by Canada Line. 

Wondering where the best shopping is near Vancouver International Airport? McArthurGlen Designer Outlet is only a short train ride or drive away and has a mix of international brands and local shops. If you have more time, head to Steveston to stroll along the waterfront, visit the historic Britannia Shipyards, or explore Garry Point Park. Richmond is also famous for its food scene, from dim sum and Hong Kong–style cafes to late-night eats on Alexandra Road.