Flying in or out of Vancouver for the World Cup? Here's what you need to know

Newly installed CT scanners at Vancouver International Airport. Photo by NICK PROCAYLO /10111779A

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The World Cup lands in Vancouver in 10 days, and getting around the airport, through customs and onto transit will be new territory for many visitors.

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Vancouver International Airport is expecting 2.7 million passengers over the tournament period — roughly 88,000 a day — as the city prepares for one of its busiest summers.

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“For many visitors coming to Metro Vancouver, their first impression of our region will start right here at YVR,” said Anita Bathe, TransLink’s senior manager of media relations. “It will start the moment they step off the plane, they pick up their bags and they look for their first sign.”

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To prepare, the airport has 240 World Cup-specific volunteers on top of its regular 400, set up a 24-7 co-ordination desk for players, referees and officials, and installed new CT scanners at some security checkpoints so passengers will not need to remove liquids and laptops from their bags.

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TransLink is adding extra bus routes, increasing SeaBus sailings and running special weekend West Coast Express service during the international tournament.

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New departure gate games have been installed at Vancouver International Airport (YVR) as preparations are made to welcome passengers arriving for the 2026 World Cup. Photo by NICK PROCAYLO /10111779A

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YVR held a media readiness event Wednesday alongside Canada Border Services Agency, TransLink and the Vancouver Host Committee to share what travellers can expect when they arrive.

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Here is what you need to know:

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How can I avoid long waits at customs?

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Download the CBSA “advanced declaration” app and submit your customs and immigration information up to 72 hours before you land. Travellers who do this will have access to a dedicated express lane at YVR.

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What else should I know?

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Children travelling without one or both parents need a signed consent letter. Anyone carrying $10,000 or more in cash must declare it. Cannabis cannot be brought across the border.

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How can I get from Vancouver airport to downtown?

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The Canada Line is the fastest and cheapest option. It runs directly from the airport to downtown in under 30 minutes. Tap a contactless credit or debit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay at the fare gates. No pre-purchase is needed.

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The fare from YVR to downtown is $9.65, which includes a $5 airport surcharge. If you are staying in Vancouver for several days, a Compass Card will save you money on every trip and is available at vending machines in SkyTrain stations.

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Can I take a cab or Uber from YVR?

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Uber and Lyft are both available in Vancouver, but expect surge pricing during the tournament. A cab or ride hire from YVR to downtown typically runs $35 to $50, but may cost more on match days.

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Use Main Street-Science World station, as TransLink has designated it as the primary access point to the stadium. Stadium-Chinatown and Yaletown-Roundhouse will remain open, but will have limited access to B.C. Place. SkyTrain will run every two to 2½ minutes before and after matches.

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For the three evening matches on June 13, June 26 and July 2, SkyTrain will run for one hour later than usual. On those nights, the last Canada Line train will leave Waterfront at 2:15 a.m., the last Expo Line train will leave Waterfront at 2:16 a.m., and the last Millennium Line train will leave VCC-Clark at 2:22 a.m.

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I’m a local flying during the tournament. What should I know?

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The airport will operate as normal, but leave extra travel time around match days, when both YVR and transit will be at their busiest. Some airport security checkpoints are now equipped with CT scanners, which means you no longer need to remove liquids or large electronics from your carry-on.

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