Vancouver International Airport Terminals (YVR)

Arrived in Vancouver, or are you getting ready for an international trip? You check your flight details and suddenly realize you aren’t sure which terminal you are supposed to be using. Is it the Main Terminal? The South Terminal? Do you need a shuttle? And most importantly, how easy is it to get around?

If you have these questions, you are not alone. Every day, thousands of travelers search for information about Vancouver International Airport Terminals before arriving at the airport. 

In this guide, we’ll explore the different Terminals at Vancouver International Airport, available services, transportation options, and everything else travelers need to know before arriving at YVR.

How Many Terminals are at Vancouver International Airport?

One of the most common questions travelers ask is: How Many Terminals are at YVR?

The answer is simple. Vancouver International Airport has two main terminals:-

• Main Terminal
• South Terminal

Together, these Vancouver Airport Terminals handle millions of passengers every year and connect Vancouver with destinations across Canada, the United States, and around the world.

A Closer Look at YVR Terminals

Although there are only two terminals, the Main Terminal is divided into several operational areas to efficiently manage different types of flights.

Let’s take a closer look at each terminal.

Main Terminal

The Main Terminal at YVR is the primary passenger facility and handles the majority of commercial flights at the airport.

It is divided into three distinct zones:-

Domestic Terminal

• The Domestic Terminal serves flights traveling within Canada. It has 3 gates: A, B, and C.
• Passengers flying between Vancouver and destinations such as Toronto, Calgary, Edmonton, Montreal, Ottawa, and Halifax will generally use this section. 

International Terminal

1. The International Terminal handles flights traveling outside Canada and to destinations other than the United States.
2. Travelers flying to Europe, Asia, Australia, Mexico, and other international destinations typically depart from here.
3. International gates are marked with D Gates.

U.S. Transborder Terminal

• One of the most unique features of the Vancouver Airport Terminals layout is its dedicated U.S. Transborder area.
• Passengers traveling to the United States complete U.S. Customs and Border Protection procedures before departure.
• This process allows travelers to arrive in the U.S. as domestic passengers, often saving time upon arrival.
• Gates in this section are identified as E Gates.

South Terminal

The South Terminal at YVR operates separately from the Main Terminal and serves a different purpose. It is located at: 4360–4440 Cowley Crescent, Richmond, British Columbia.

The South Terminal primarily handles:-

• Regional flights
• Charter operations
• Floatplane services
• Corporate aviation

The South Terminal also provides access to the nearby Floatplane Facility located on the Fraser River.

Airlines Operating at YVR Terminals

The various Terminals at Vancouver International Airport accommodate a wide range of domestic, international, and regional carriers.

• The Main Terminal serves most commercial airlines. Major carriers include Canadian Airlines, U.S. Airlines, and International Airlines.

• The South Terminal focuses on regional and specialty aviation services.

How to Transfer Between Vancouver Airport Terminals?

Many travelers wonder how easy it is to move between the YVR Terminals. Fortunately, Vancouver International Airport offers a convenient solution.

A complimentary South Terminal Courtesy Shuttle operates between:-

• Main Terminal
• South Terminal
• Floatplane Dock

The shuttle service allows passengers to transfer quickly and efficiently between facilities. The journey typically takes only a few minutes, making connections relatively straightforward.

Travelers should still allow extra time when transferring between terminals, especially during peak travel periods.

Services Offered at Vancouver International Airport Terminals

The Vancouver Airport International Terminals are designed to provide travelers with a comfortable and efficient airport experience. Whether you are arriving, departing, or connecting, you’ll find a wide range of passenger amenities available throughout the airport.

Map to Navigate Vancouver Airport Terminals 

You can check out the Vancouver International Airport Map to find the right directions around the crowded airport.

• https://www.yvr.ca/-/media/yvr/images/terminal-maps/terminal-map-en-01-2025.pdf 

• https://www.yvr.ca/-/media/maps-2022/dom-arrivals-conx-map-en-oct-22-final-ua.pdf 

• https://www.yvr.ca/-/media/maps-2022/intl-arrivals-conx-map-en-oct-22-final-ua.pdf 

How to Contact Vancouver Airport For Assistance?

If you need assistance before or during your trip, Vancouver International Airport provides several support options.

Conclusion

Understanding the layout of the Vancouver International Airport Terminals can make your journey significantly easier. While YVR has only two primary terminals, the Main Terminal and the South Terminal, each serves a specific purpose and is designed to efficiently handle different types of travel.

Together, these Terminals at Vancouver International Airport provide travelers with modern facilities, convenient transportation connections, excellent dining options, and a wide range of passenger services.

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