In Vancouver, taking the SkyTrain is an easy and effective way to get around the city. These pointers will help you have an easy SkyTrain ride whether you’re a tourist or a day-to-day commuter in Vancouver.

You can take the SkyTrain to Canoo partners across Vancouver, as well. So, use this guide to help you plan your visit to the Museum of Vancouver or the Polygon Gallery.

1. Get a Compass Card

To ensure easy access to the SkyTrain, get a Compass Card. These reloadable cards are compatible with Sea Bus and all other TransLink services. At SkyTrain stations, there are vending machines where you can even load money onto your card.

2. Plan Your Route

Use the SkyTrain system map to plan your itinerary before boarding. Be aware of your starting point, your next stop, and your ultimate destination. This will simplify your navigation and help you travel without needless stress.

3. Pay Attention to Peak Hours

If possible, steer clear of travelling during super busy times, particularly in the early morning and late afternoon. This can lessen the rush hour crowds and help you get a more comfortable seat on the train.

The inside of a SkyTrain. — Credit: Albert Stoynov

4. Move Aside to Let Passengers Get Off

When the SkyTrain stops at a station, let people get off before getting on. This small act of civility makes sure that traffic moves smoothly and that everyone can board and exit the vehicle quickly.

5. Keep Personal Items Secure

Use caution when using any public transit system. To avoid any unintentional loss or theft, keep your electronics near you, wallets safe, and bags securely closed.

6. Review Service Alerts

Look for any updates or alerts related to services before you travel. Real-time information about delays, maintenance, and other problems that might interfere with your travel plans is frequently available via TransLink.

What SkyTrain Should I be Taking?

To continue helping you on your future travels throughout Vancouver, here’s a list of the SkyTrain lines. Pay attention to where you can take them and find local Canoo spots nearby to help you make the most of a day out in Vancouver.

A person standing next to a SkyTrain in Vancouver. — Credit: Kwan Fung

Expo Line

The Expo Line was the first route of the SkyTrain system, opening in 1985. This line, which runs from the Waterfront to King George, links important locations like Surrey and New Westminster. It is essential for daily transportation and promotes car-free commutes from the suburbs into downtown Vancouver.

Millennium Line

The Millennium Line extended the SkyTrain’s service area from Waterfront to the other eastern suburbs when it was first installed in 2002. The Millennium Line connects communities like Burnaby, Lougheed Town Centre, and Coquitlam.

Canada Line

Connecting Vancouver International Airport to Waterfront Station, the Canada Line has been in service since 2009 and travels through major hubs like Richmond and downtown Vancouver. This line speeds up access to the airport for both locals and tourists.

Evergreen Extension

The Evergreen Extension connects Lougheed Town Center and Coquitlam Central with the Millennium Line. It was opened in 2016. By improving the length and distance of the line, this expansion benefits commuters in expanding communities in the northeastern portion of the metro area.

All things considered, the SkyTrain routes and lines create a dynamic, ever-evolving network that blends in perfectly with Vancouver’s urban environment.

To learn more about the public transit system in Vancouver, click here.