TransLink Fares 2026: Compass Card Prices & Monthly Passes

Vancouver Public Transit for Tourists: Compass Card, Zones, and Day Passes Explained

Metro Vancouver runs one transit system, TransLink: SkyTrain, SeaBus and buses share the same fare and the same Compass card. In 2026 an adult single fare is $2.85 within one zone and $4.20 across two, a DayPass is $12.55, and a journey that starts at YVR–Airport station adds a $6.50 AddFare. Two rules save visitors the most money: buses are always single-zone no matter how far you ride, and zones stop applying after 6:30 p.m. on weekdays and all weekend. This page covers what to buy, where the zone lines fall, and which trips are worth taking for the ride itself.

Almost every visitor overpays in the same two ways: buying single tickets when a DayPass has already paid for itself, and assuming a trip to the airport costs extra when it does not. The table below is the whole fare system on one screen, and the rest of this page is the handful of rules that decide which line of it you actually pay.

The Compass Card: Your Essential Ticket to Ride

The Compass Card is TransLink's reloadable fare card, and it's by far the most convenient and cost-effective way for tourists to pay for transit in Vancouver. Think of it as your all-access pass to the entire system. While you *can* use contactless credit cards, the Compass Card offers significant advantages, especially for multi-day visitors.

Why a Compass Card is Better Than Tapping Your Credit Card:

• Discounted Fares: Compass Card users pay a discounted "stored value" fare compared to tapping a credit card or buying a single-use paper ticket. This adds up quickly, especially if you're making multiple trips.
• DayPass on the same card: Load a DayPass ($12.55) onto the card and ride every zone until 4 a.m. There is no automatic daily cap on stored value or card taps, so on a busy day buy the DayPass before your first tap.
• Seamless Transfers: The Compass Card automatically handles transfers between modes (SkyTrain, SeaBus, bus) within a 90-minute window, ensuring you're only charged once per journey.
• Easy Reloading: You can load stored value or day passes onto your Compass Card at any SkyTrain station, SeaBus terminal, London Drugs store, or online.
• Refundable deposit: A new Compass Card carries a $6 deposit. TransLink refunds it, minus any negative balance, when you hand the card in at the TransLink Customer Service Centre in Waterfront Station, or mail it in with TransLink’s refund form.

Getting Your Compass Card:

• SkyTrain Stations: The easiest place to buy and load a Compass Card is at any Compass Vending Machine (CVM) located at every SkyTrain station and SeaBus terminal. These machines accept credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express), debit cards, and Canadian cash.
• London Drugs: Many London Drugs stores across the Lower Mainland sell and reload Compass Cards.
• Online: If you plan ahead, you can order a Compass Card online and have it mailed to a Canadian address, or register an existing card for online management.

Using Your Compass Card:

Simply tap your Compass Card on the card reader at the fare gate when entering and exiting a SkyTrain station or SeaBus terminal. For buses, tap when you board. Remember to tap out on SkyTrain and SeaBus to ensure you're charged the correct zone fare. On buses, you only tap in, as all bus travel is considered a one-zone fare, regardless of how many zones you cross (more on zones below).

Understanding Vancouver's Fare Zones: Simplified for Tourists

This is where many visitors get a bit confused, but it's simpler than it seems once you grasp the basics. Vancouver's transit system uses a three-zone fare structure during peak hours (weekdays until 6:30 PM). After 6:30 PM on weekdays, and all day on weekends and holidays, the entire system operates as a one-zone fare. This is a huge bonus for evening and weekend explorers!

The Zones:

• Zone 1: Covers Vancouver (including Downtown, Stanley Park, Gastown, Yaletown, Kitsilano, UBC).
• Zone 2: Extends east to Burnaby, New Westminster, Richmond (including YVR Airport) and the North Shore (North Vancouver, West Vancouver).
• Zone 3: Reaches further east to Surrey, Delta, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, and Langley.

How Fares are Calculated (Peak Hours - Weekdays until 6:30 PM):

• One Zone: Travel within a single zone (e.g., from Waterfront to Metrotown in Burnaby). Cost: $2.85 (Compass Card stored value).
• Two Zones: Travel crossing one zone boundary (e.g., from Downtown Vancouver to North Vancouver on the SeaBus). Cost: $4.20 (Compass Card stored value).
• Three Zones: Travel crossing two zone boundaries (e.g., from Downtown Vancouver to Surrey). Cost: $5.40 (Compass Card stored value).

Off-Peak Hours (After 6:30 PM Weekdays, All Day Weekends & Holidays):

• All travel is a One-Zone Fare! This is fantastic for tourists. Explore Richmond for dinner, head to North Van for a hike, or visit friends in Surrey – all for the lowest fare. Cost: $2.85 (Compass Card stored value).

Important Note on Buses: All bus travel, regardless of how many zones you cross, is always charged as a one-zone fare. This means if you're planning a trip that involves only buses, you'll always pay the lowest fare. However, if your journey involves a bus *and* SkyTrain/SeaBus, the zone rules for SkyTrain/SeaBus will apply to the entire journey.

YVR Airport (Richmond) and Zones: YVR Airport is on Sea Island in Richmond, which is Zone 2. If you're leaving YVR by SkyTrain, you'll incur a "YVR AddFare" of $6.50 in addition to your regular zone fare. It is charged only on trips that start at YVR–Airport, Sea Island Centre or Templeton and travel east of Bridgeport — there is no AddFare on the way to the airport. It comes off a Compass Card stored-value balance or a contactless tap automatically. Monthly Pass holders are exempt, and so is a DayPass or single ticket bought anywhere other than those three Sea Island stations.

Day Passes vs. Stored Value: Which is Right for You?

Deciding between loading "stored value" (cash equivalent) onto your Compass Card or buying a DayPass depends entirely on your itinerary and how much you plan to use transit.

Compass Card Stored Value:

• Best For: Light transit users, those making only one or two trips per day, or visitors primarily staying within Zone 1.
• Cost: As listed above ($2.85 for one zone, $4.20 for two zones, $5.40 for three zones with stored value on a Compass Card; tapping a contactless bank card instead costs $3.50 / $5.10 / $6.70).
• No daily cap: Stored value keeps charging per trip however many rides you take. From the fifth one-zone ride of the day, or the third across two zones, a DayPass would have been cheaper — load it before you set out.

DayPass:

• Best For: Heavy transit users, those planning multiple trips across different zones in a single day (especially during peak hours), or anyone who wants unlimited peace of mind.
• Cost: A one-day DayPass typically costs ~CAD $12.55.
• Coverage: A DayPass covers unlimited travel across all three zones for the entire operating day, regardless of peak or off-peak hours. This means no worries about tapping out or calculating zones.
• YVR AddFare: A DayPass bought anywhere off Sea Island covers the $12.55 AddFare; one bought at an airport station has the AddFare added. Trips to the airport never pay it.

Monthly Pass:

• Best For: Extended stays (a month or more) where you'll be using transit daily.
• Cost: Varies by zone, e.g., a 1-zone Monthly Pass is $117.20, a 2-zone $156.70 and a 3-zone $211.65 (adult, Compass Card).
• Coverage: Unlimited travel within your purchased zones for the calendar month.

My Recommendation: For most first-time tourists, start with loading about ~CAD $20-30 of stored value onto your Compass Card. This gives you flexibility. Stored value is not capped, so on a day with five or more rides switch to a DayPass before the first tap. If you know you'll be doing a lot of inter-zone hopping (e.g., Downtown to Deep Cove for hiking, then to Richmond for dinner) during peak weekday hours, then a DayPass is a smart purchase for that specific day.

SeaBus: Your Scenic Journey to the North Shore

The SeaBus is not just a mode of transport; it's a quintessential Vancouver experience! This passenger-only ferry connects Downtown Vancouver (Waterfront Station) with North Vancouver (Lonsdale Quay Market) in a scenic 12-minute crossing. It's fully integrated into the TransLink system, meaning your Compass Card or contactless credit card works.

Getting There: The SeaBus terminal is located at Waterfront Station, which is a major transit hub for all three SkyTrain lines (Canada Line, Expo Line, Millennium Line) and numerous bus routes. Simply follow the signs within Waterfront Station to the SeaBus. You'll tap in at the fare gates before boarding.

Why Take the SeaBus?

• Lonsdale Quay Market: A colourful public market with food stalls, local crafts, and impressive city views.
• North Vancouver Access: From Lonsdale Quay, you can catch buses to popular attractions like Grouse Mountain (Route 236), Capilano Suspension Bridge Park (Route 236 or 246), and the pretty Deep Cove (Route 227 or 239, with a transfer).
• Views: Enjoy panoramic views of the Vancouver skyline, Stanley Park, and the North Shore mountains. It's a fantastic photo opportunity!
• Frequency: SeaBuses run every 15 minutes during the day and every 30 minutes in the evenings, making it very convenient.

Zone Considerations for SeaBus: Waterfront Station (Downtown) is Zone 1. Lonsdale Quay (North Vancouver) is Zone 2. So, during peak hours (weekdays until 6:30 PM), a SeaBus trip is a two-zone fare. Off-peak, it's a one-zone fare. If you have a DayPass, no zone worries at all!

SkyTrain: Rapid Transit to Key Attractions and YVR

Vancouver's SkyTrain is a fully automated, driverless light rapid transit system, and it's incredibly efficient. It's your fastest way to get to many popular destinations, including the airport.

There are three SkyTrain lines:

• Expo Line: Connects Downtown Vancouver (Waterfront, Stadium-Chinatown, Granville, Burrard) with Burnaby, New Westminster, Surrey, and Langley. Key stops include Metrotown (for Metropolis at Metrotown shopping mall) and New Westminster (for the historic Quay).
• Millennium Line: Connects East Vancouver with Burnaby, Port Moody, and Coquitlam. It intersects with the Expo Line at multiple points, making transfers easy.
• Canada Line: Connects Downtown Vancouver (Waterfront, Vancouver City Centre, Yaletown-Roundhouse) with Richmond and YVR Airport. This is your go-to for airport transfers and exploring Richmond's colourful food scene (e.g., Aberdeen Station for Asian malls and restaurants).

Getting There: SkyTrain stations are well-marked and easily accessible throughout the city. Simply tap your Compass Card or contactless credit card at the fare gates to enter and exit. Remember to tap out to ensure correct fare calculation for zones.

Key SkyTrain Destinations for Tourists:

• YVR Airport: Take the Canada Line directly from Downtown (~25 minutes). Remember the YVR AddFare.
• Richmond Night Market (seasonal): Take the Canada Line to Bridgeport Station.
• Metropolis at Metrotown: Take the Expo Line to Metrotown Station.
• Granville Island (nearby): Take the Canada Line to Olympic Village or Broadway-City Hall, then a short bus ride or walk.
• Science World: Take the Expo Line or Millennium Line to Main Street-Science World Station.

Night Buses: Your Safe Ride Home After Dark

Vancouver is a city that enjoys its nightlife, and TransLink ensures you can get home safely even after the SkyTrain and SeaBus stop running (typically around 1 AM on weekdays, later on weekends). The "N" series night buses operate on key routes, often following similar paths to SkyTrain lines or major arterial roads.

Operating Hours: Night buses generally run from approximately 1:30 AM to 4:30 AM, with varying frequencies depending on the route. Check the TransLink website or use a trip planning app for specific schedules.

Key Night Bus Routes for Tourists:

• N19 Downtown/Surrey Central: Follows much of the Expo Line route.
• N20 Downtown/Victoria: Serves East Vancouver.
• N35 Downtown/SFU: Connects to Simon Fraser University.
• N9 Downtown/Coquitlam Central: Follows parts of the Millennium Line route.
• N10 Downtown/Richmond-Brighouse: Follows much of the Canada Line route.
• N15 Downtown/Cambie: Serves the Cambie Corridor.

Payment: Your Compass Card (with stored value or a DayPass from that day) works on night buses. You can also pay with exact cash fare (~CAD $3.50, one-zone adult fare) on the bus, but no change is given. Contactless credit card tap is also an option.

Important: All night bus travel is a one-zone fare, regardless of distance. This is consistent with off-peak pricing.

Safety Tip: While Vancouver is generally very safe, it’s always wise to be aware of your surroundings, especially when travelling alone late at night. Stick to well-lit areas and consider using a trip planning app to know exactly when your bus is due.

Practical Tips for US Visitors: Border, Currency, and More

For our friends from the United States, a few extra tips can make your transit experience even smoother:

• Border Crossing: If driving, the Peace Arch and Pacific Highway crossings are the most common. NEXUS cardholders can use dedicated lanes for faster processing. Expect potential delays, especially on weekends and holidays. Check border wait times online before you go.
• Currency Exchange: All prices mentioned are in Canadian Dollars (CAD). The exchange rate between USD and CAD fluctuates, but generally, USD holds a higher value. Many places accept credit cards, but having some CAD cash for smaller purchases or bus fares (if not using Compass Card) is a good idea. ATMs are widely available.
• Credit Cards: Most transit machines and vendors accept major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex). Be aware of potential foreign transaction fees from your bank.
• Mobile Wallets: Apple Pay, Google Pay, etc., linked to your credit card, also work for tapping on transit.
• Data Roaming: Consider purchasing an eSIM or a local SIM card if you plan on using your phone extensively for navigation and trip planning. Free Wi-Fi is available in many public places, but not universally on transit.
• Trip Planning Apps: Google Maps, Apple Maps, and TransLink's own Trip Planner (available on their website) are excellent resources for real-time transit information, schedules, and route planning. I use Google Maps daily.
• Tipping: While not transit-related, it's good to remember that tipping customs in Canada are similar to the US (15-20% for good service at restaurants, taxis, etc.).
• "Tap On, Tap Off": This is crucial for SkyTrain and SeaBus to avoid being charged the maximum three-zone fare. On buses, only tap on.

Conclusion: Embrace the Journey

Vancouver's public transit system is a first-rate network designed to get you where you need to go efficiently and affordably. By understanding the Compass Card, navigating the zone system, and knowing your options like DayPasses and night buses, you'll be well-equipped to explore our beautiful city like a local. From the urban buzz of Downtown to the natural beauty of the North Shore and the busy culinary scene of Richmond, TransLink makes it all accessible. So, grab your Compass Card, tap in, and enjoy your Vancouver adventure. I promise, once you get the hang of it, you'll wonder why you ever considered renting a car!