Taking transit in Metro Vancouver is the best way to explore our beautiful region, and it’s easier than you might think.

Wherever your destination may be, a little planning goes a long way.

We’ve outlined some of the basics to help you confidently navigate around town on transit like a total pro: including how to plan your trip, pay your fare, transfer between services, ask for help, and much more.

Don’t forget, you can always learn more at translink.ca.

Plan your trip

Start by checking your route before you go. Trip-planning tools — like the Transit app — can show you which bus, SkyTrain, SeaBus, or West Coast Express service to take, where to transfer, and how long your trip should take.

It helps to know the name of your stop or station before you leave. If you’re travelling during rush hour, heading downtown, or going to a major event (like a soccer match!) it’s a good idea to give yourself extra time.

How to pay

When it comes to payment, you have options: Compass Card, Compass Ticket, contactless credit or debit card, and mobile wallet.

Tap in when you board a bus or enter a SkyTrain, SeaBus, or West Coast Express station. On SkyTrain, SeaBus, and West Coast Express, tap out at the end of your trip. On buses, you only need to tap in once.

Choose your fare

Riders aged 19 to 64 pay an Adult fare; Concession fares are discounted fares available for seniors 65 and over, youth from 13 to 18 years old, and HandyCard holders. Kids 12 and under ride for free!

Learn more about the different pricing and fares HERE.

Know your fare zones

There are three fare zones across Metro Vancouver. Sometimes the system goes into a single zone, depending on the day and time. All bus trips are a 1-Zone fare no matter where you travel.

Transfers are built into your trip

Remember, your fare is good for 90 minutes (120 on West Coast Express) so you can transfer within that time window without paying extra.

If you have a Compass Card or Compass Ticket, you can transfer across all modes of transit (bus, SeaBus, SkyTrain, and HandyDART) on a single fare. 

When travelling by bus or HandyDART, cash-paid fares are not transferable on SkyTrain, SeaBus, or West Coast Express. To transfer between buses or HandyDART on a cash fare, show the operator your cash fare transfer.

Find the right ride

Before you board the bus, check the route number on the bus stop sign and on the front of the bus. At bus exchanges, look for the bay number for your route.

At SkyTrain stations, signs on the platform show which direction trains are travelling. Look for the final destination listed on the train or on platform screens to make sure you’re heading the right way.

Got questions? Customer Information can help

Need help with trip planning or have general questions? Contact Customer Information at 604.953.3333.

In addition to English, we can help you over the phone in more than 300 languages! Just tell the agent your preferred language and a certified translator will be added to the call.

You can also use the courtesy phones in SkyTrain stations to connect with our team.

Get help when you need it

If you see something, say something.

If you ever feel your safety is at risk while riding transit, we’re here to help. On SkyTrain, you can use the yellow strip silent alarms above every window or use the speakerphones to talk directly with staff. There are also red emergency phones on SkyTrain platforms and in stations.

Report any unusual behaviour or incidents to a uniformed transit employee or text Metro Vancouver Transit Police at 87.77.77.

Checklist before you go

• Plan your route.
• Check your stop or station.
• Bring a way to pay.
• Tap in.
• Tap out when needed.
• Give yourself extra time.
• Ask for help if you need it.

That’s it! Plan, tap, ride.