Transportation in Richmond, BC

It’s easy to get around in Richmond. Alongside our public bus and Canada Line rapid transit system, there are taxis, rental cars and hotel shuttles to keep you on the move. Many services are fully accessible to those with mobility challenges.

PUBLIC TRANSIT

TransLink operates public buses and the Canada Line rapid transit system in and around the city.

Please note that starting August 24, 2020, TransLink will require customers to wear non-medical masks or face coverings while on-board transit vehicles. Click here to learn more. 

BUSES

Transit buses in Richmond operate between (approximately) 5:00am. and 1:00am every day. A NightBus service also runs between Vancouver and Richmond from around 3:00am (southbound) and 4:00am. (northbound). Many buses stop at Canada Line stations for easy connection to rapid transit services.

CANADA LINE

This SkyTrain rapid transit system connects Richmond to Vancouver International Airport (YVR) and downtown Vancouver. From Vancouver, you can connect to additional Millennium and Expo Line SkyTrain routes. Visit our Canada Line pagefor more information.

TRANSIT FARES

TransLink’s service network is divided into three geographic zones, and fares are based on a three-zone map, typically rising in price depending on how many zones your trip covers. Reduced concession fares apply to people over 65 years old; youth aged 14 to 18 (with photo id proving age); and children aged 5 – 13 (kids under 5 always travel free). A single fare is valid for 90 minutes after purchase on bus, SkyTrain, and SeaBus routes, and costs between $3.00 ($1.95 concession) and $5.75 ($3.95 concession).

Many visitors also like to buy TransLink’s convenient DayPass for unlimited travel across the entire transit network for a whole day; it costs $10.50 or $8.25 concession ($15.50 or $13.25 concession if purchased on Sea Island).

If you are only travelling by bus, the fare is always charged at the one-zone rate. Fares for all transit services purchased after 6:30 pm on weekdays, Saturdays and Sundays, or holidays are also charged at the one-zone rate.

Your fare is valid for 90 minutes of travel, including transfers, across the entire network. Note that you cannot transfer from bus to SkyTrain services unless you are using a Compass Card or DayPass.

TRANSIT TICKETS & PASSES

TransLink’s Compass ticketing system includes single-use paper tickets or stored value plastic cards, called Compass Cards. You can buy both at SkyTrain station vending machines. You can only buy paper tickets on all transit buses.

Compass Cards might be useful if you are planning several trips during your stay. A $6 returnable deposit is needed to buy one at SkyTrain station vending machines or in local stores and supermarkets. This can then be loaded with stored value online or at station vending machines. The card is then “tapped” on buses or at station barriers, deducting the required fare from your stored value in a pay-as-you go approach. Stored value fares are charged at lower rates than the single-use ticket prices quoted above.

TAXIS & LIMOUSINES

There are several taxi operators in Richmond, each bookable via phone or online. Wheelchair-accessible vehicles are also available.

Taxis stands at Vancouver International Airport (YVR) are located on Level Two of the Domestic and International Arrivals areas. Taxis use set prices from the airport to many Metro Vancouver areas.

Luxury sedan and limousine services are also available at the airport.

OTHER TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS

Rentals cars are widely available in Richmond, with all the major providers operating desks at the airport. In addition, many Richmond-area hotels offer free airport shuttle buses for guests.

Long-distance bus companies also run services from the airport to Squamish, Whistler and beyond. You can also travel throughout B.C. on short-hop flights from YVR, some of which depart from the airport’s smaller South Terminal—accessible from the main airport site via a free shuttle bus.

ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATIONS

The City of Richmond is fully on board with electric vehicles, and has an ever-expanding array of low-cost charging stations throughout the city. There are three main service networks in this region: ChargePoint, Flo, and Greenlots. Click here for PlugShare’s general map resource—it shows specific station locations in and around Richmond.

You can also learn more about electric vehicles in BC here. Several prominent local sites have dedicated charging stations, including the Pacific Gateway Hotel, River Rock Resort Hotel, the Steveston Community Centre, and the Richmond Olympic Oval.