Vancouver Buses

Information for tourists on riding Vancouver buses for sightseeing and visiting Vancouver attractions

While many destinations and attractions in Vancouver are just a short walk from a SkyTrain Station others will require a connection via a Vancouver bus. The bus system in Vancouver in extensive and the same fare you pay on SkyTrain or Seabus will also cover your transfer onto the bus. The system is easy to use, but be sure to read Transit tips before you go, as riding on Vancouver buses is probably the one area where travellers have more problems if they are not prepared. As a transit operator in Vancouver I deal with a lot of tourists, so I offer my experience here in order to help you have a smooth and enjoyable trip.

Transit buses in Metro Vancouver are operated by Coast Mountain Bus Company under contract to Translink with the exception of West Vancouver "Blue Buses" which are operated by the District of West Vancouver under contract to Translink. Much of Vancouver City is serviced by electric trolley buses which get their power through overhead wires and switches. Buses that travel into the suburban areas run on diesel, hybrid or natural gas. Most of the new buses being ordered are now Hybrid (diesel and electric combined). All buses have bike racks which accommodate two bikes on the front and almost all are wheelchair accessible.

When you enter a Vancouver transit bus simply drop your fare media lightly into the left hand slot on the fare box with the magnetic strip towards you and the arrow pointing down. The electronic fare box will read or validate your fare and eject it again. Be sure to retrieve it and keep it with you for further use on the system, or in case of a fare inspection. If paying with cash have the exact coin fare ready and drop it into the coin slot on the right hand side of the fare box (avoid pennies as they or a handful of small change as they then to jam the farebox). Advise the driver if you are purchasing more than a one zone fare. See Fares - how much and where to purchase for more information on fares. Again please read all the information at Transit tips, as a little knowledge will go a long way towards making your travels go smoothly.

Transit system maps that show all of the bus routes can be downloaded here. The Transit Connections pdf will give you a good overview of the entire region showing all SkyTrain Lines and major connecting bus routes. Don't feel intimidated by all of this. I'll give you easy to follow instructions for getting to all of the attractions listed in the Destinations page. Download a system route map here.