All the options to get from the sea to the sky
There are lots of options when travelling from Vancouver to Whistler. Use this guide to help determine the best transport method to suit your needs (and your ski equipment).
- Note: With this in mind, there is no passenger train service from Vancouver to Whistler. In particular, while the Rocky Mountaineer offers a luxury rail experience with an overnight stay in Whistler, you cannot disembark and leave the journey.
Option 1: Intercity Bus
- Travel time: ~2.-3 hours
- Straightaway, several operators such as YVR Skylynx and Epic Rides offer multiple daily (and express) departures from the airport and downtown (Burrard Station). Arriving in Whistler the bus stops at the Gateway Loop in the village centre as well as several resorts.
- Fares: Starting at $32.00 CDN
- Pros: Budget friendly; frequent, multiple daily service options
- Cons: slower, limited drop off points in the village
- The gist: A great budget friendly option for those with ski gear.
Option 2: Shuttle Bus
- Travel time: 2-2.5 hours
- For a more personalised bus service, consider shuttle bus operators that don’t operate on a set schedule. As a result, Whistler Shuttle offers on demand service from YVR via downtown Vancouver to Whistler.
- Fares: Starting at $70.00 CDN (summer), $100.00 CDN (winter)
- Pros: Door-to-door service, direct on-demand service, request specific stops like hotels
- Cons: More expensive than intercity bus
- The gist: A great, direct option but the most expensive bus option given the custom pick-up and drop-off options.
Option 3: Charter Bus
- Travel time: ~2.5 hours
- Correspondingly, for those travelling in a large group from Vancouver to Whistler should booking a charter bus. Several operators offer charter bus and luxury car services for larger groups. They are:
- Fares: Starting at $425 for a group of two.
- Pros: Good for groups, luxurious rides, plenty of space for gear storage
- Cons: Very expensive
- The gist: All things consider, a charter bus is good for large groups who don’t want to rent a car.
Option 5: Air
- Travel time: ~45 minutes
- Uniquely, departing out of downtown Vancouver by floatplane or helicopter is another option.
- Vancouver Harbour Flight Centre sees airlines such as Harbour Air fly seasonal daily service (May – September) to Green Lake (3km from Whistler village).
- Moreover, Charter helicopter service is also available departing out of Vancouver Airport (YVR) and the downtown Vancouver Heliport with Blackcomb Helicopters.
- Fares: Starting at $150 CDN for Harbour Air
- Pros: Quick and a fashionable way to arrive into the village
- Cons: Expensive flights, only operate during the season and good weather
- The gist: A fast premium service for those who want scenic views of Whistler.
Option 6: Drive
- Travel time: ~2 hours
- Finally, there is driving. Depart from the airport (YVR) by taking Grant McConachie Way and head westbound onto Marine Drive SW. Turning into Highway 99 (Granville St). Continue north through downtown Vancouver over the Lions Gate Bridge with sweeping views of Vancouver Harbour. Once in North Vancouver, head west onto Highway 1 (Trans Canada Highway). Eventually at Horseshoe Bay, Highway 1 leaves the freeway option but this portion of Highway 99 better known as the Sea to Sky Highway continues northbound. Although the expressway portion ends in Squamish but is still four lanes onto Whistler. Ultimately, the Sea-to-Sky offers extremely scenic ocean-like views of Howe Sound that give way to the dramatic Coastal Mountains.
- Pros: Fastest, extremely scenic drive
- Cons: Traffic and parking in Whistler can be very challenging especially at peak season, expensive parking, driving can also be dangerous during the winter season
- The gist: Driving is a convenient option. Nevertheless, traffic and expensive parking in Whistler is a pain.
In conclusion, there are many travel options between Vancouver and Whistler. Overall, keep note of the budget and ski luggage.