This one hits close to home. It was just two weeks ago that, when faced with an unfortunate delay of my inbound flight, I was wondering to myself if a one hour layover would be enough time in Vancouver.
Long story short (despite feeling massively stressed), 1 hour ended up being plenty of time to go from a domestic flight to a US bound flight at YVR. It was tight, but it was fine.
- Basically, 1 hour layovers at YVR are perfectly fine if you’re going from one domestic flight to another.
- Doing what I did (coming from a domestic flight going to a flight bound for the United States), you would probably want at least an hour and a half.
- The same goes for making international connections (to destinations other than the US). Plan for an hour and a half, and you should be OK.
The reason why a 1 hour layover is enough time in Vancouver (most of the time)
The vast majority of passengers traveling through the Vancouver Airport are connecting from one domestic flight to another. For those people, one hour is plenty of time.
All domestic flights in Vancouver arrive and depart from the Domestic Terminal (concourses A, B, and C). All of the gates in the three concourses inside the Domestic Terminal are connected airside, meaning that you will not have to pass through an additional checkpoint to move between them.
Even if you’re arriving flight docks at the far end of Concourse A, and your departing flight is leaving from the far end of Concourse C, 1 hour is still plenty of time. You’ll make it.
Reasons why a 1 hour layover might not be enough time
Even though I started this guide by bragging about how I successfully achieved a 1 hour layover between a domestic flight and one bound for the US (which you can read more about in my Air Canada Express CRJ-900 business class review), I will fully admit that it was a very stressful experience.
Basically, I got lucky since there were no lines to wait in to go through US Preclearance. I moved through the entire process in five minutes, and I was on my way. However, it won’t always be that easy. If there’s a long line, you could be waiting a while.
Also, the Domestic and International terminals at YVR are not connected airside. This means that you will have to pass through additional security checkpoints to move from one to the other. This could add time to your layover.
What is the minimum layover for domestic flights in Vancouver?
Based on my experience traveling through the Vancouver Airport over the years, I would say that 45 minutes is about the minimum amount of time that you would want for a domestic layover. YVR is a large airport, so there’s always a chance that you’ll have to walk a bit to reach your next gate.
What is the minimum layover for international flights in Vancouver?
As I’ve already proven, 1 hour is enough time to make domestic to US connections in Vancouver. However, there are several different types of international connections at YVR, so let’s break them down individually:
1. Connecting to a flight headed to the United States
Personally, I would want an hour and a half layover (minimum) for flights headed to the United States from YVR.
All passengers on flights headed to the United States from the Vancouver Airport are required to pass through US Pre-clearance. You will be legally entering the United States before you leave Canada (so that you don’t have to go though passport control and customs upon arriving in the US). Depending on how long the lines are, this could take some time.
2. Connecting to an international flight (to anywhere in the world other than the United States)
A layover of an hour and 25 minutes would be my minimum for connecting from a domestic flight to an international flight (to destinations other than the US) at YVR.
You won’t have to go through passport control and customs like you would for a US bound flight, but you will have to go through an additional security checkpoint to move between the domestic and international terminals.
3. Connecting FROM an international flight
Just as how there are several ways to connect to an international flight in Vancouver, there are also a handful of ways to connect from an international flight. Here are my recommendations for the length of the layover you’ll need for each scenario:
A. Connecting from an international flight to a domestic flight
Although you could probably do it in less time, my recommendation is for a 2 hour layover minimum when you’re arriving on an international flight and departing a domestic flight.
You’re going to have to go through passport control and customs, which takes time. Especially considering how many international flights pass through YVR on any given day.
B. Connecting from an international flight to a US bound flight
Connecting from an international flight to a US flight isn’t as common, but try to plan for a 2 1/2 hour layover if possible. This is because you will not only need to pass through passport control and customs to enter Canada, but then you’ll also have to pass through passport control and customs to enter the United States. It’s a pain, and that’s why it’s not so common.
C. Connecting from one international flight to another (to a destination other than the US)
Connecting from one international flight to another at YVR is relatively easy if you’re flying Air Canada. Upon arrival, simply proceed to your connecting gate. You’ll only need about an hour layover for this.
If you’re flying any other airline, it could be more complicated. You might have to go through Canadian passport control and customs before reaching your connection gate. If that’s the case, a 2 1/2 hour layover is ideal.
A brief overview of the terminal layout at YVR
There are three terminals at the Vancouver international airport: the Domestic Terminal, the International Terminal, and the South Terminal.
- The Domestic Terminal and the International Terminal are connected. However you will have to go through a security checkpoint to move between them.
- The Domestic Terminal is broken up into three individual concourses (A, B, and C ).
- The International Terminal is broken up into two separate concourses (D and E). Concourse D is for international arrivals and departures, and Concourse E is for United States arrivals and departures.
- The South Terminal is its own separate building, and is used for regional flights.
Walking time between all terminals at YVR
I’ve spent a lot of time walking the concourses of the Vancouver International Airport over the years, and I have to say that it’s a very passenger-friendly airport. Walking from end to the other is not only easy, but very pleasant. Here’s how long it will typically take:
Domestic Terminal A gates to:
- Domestic Terminal B gates: 5 minutes
- Domestic Terminal C gates: 10 minutes
- International Terminal D gates: 16 minutes (+ the time it takes to go through security)
- International Terminal E gates: 15 minutes (+ the time it takes to go through security)
- South Terminal: 15 minutes via the complimentary shuttle (+ the time it takes to go through security)
Domestic Terminal B gates to:
- Domestic Terminal A gates: 5 minutes
- Domestic Terminal C gates: 5 minutes
- International Terminal D gates: 11 minutes (+ the time it takes to go through security)
- International Terminal E gates: 10 minutes (+ the time it takes to go through security)
- South Terminal: 15 minutes via the complimentary shuttle (+ the time it takes to go through security)
Domestic Terminal C gates to:
- Domestic Terminal A gates: 10 minutes
- Domestic Terminal B gates: 5 minutes
- International Terminal D gates: 6 minutes (+ the time it takes to go through security)
- International Terminal E gates: 5 minutes (+ the time it takes to go through security)
- South Terminal: 15 minutes via the complimentary shuttle (+ the time it takes to go through security)
International Terminal D gates to:
- Domestic Terminal A gates: 16 minutes
- Domestic Terminal B gates: 11 minutes
- Domestic Terminal C gates: 6 minutes (+ the time it takes to go through security)
- International Terminal E gates: 5 minutes (+ the time it takes to go through security)
- South Terminal: 15 minutes via the complimentary shuttle (+ the time it takes to go through security)
International Terminal E gates to:
- Domestic Terminal A gates: 15 minutes
- Domestic Terminal B gates: 10 minutes
- Domestic Terminal C gates: 5 minutes (+ the time it takes to go through security)
- International Terminal D gates: 5 minutes (+ the time it takes to go through security)
- South Terminal: 15 minutes via the complimentary shuttle (+ the time it takes to go through security)
South Terminal to:
- Domestic Terminal A gates: 15 minutes via the complimentary shuttle (+ the time it takes to go through security)
- Domestic Terminal B gates: 15 minutes via the complimentary shuttle (+ the time it takes to go through security)
- Domestic Terminal C gates: 15 minutes via the complimentary shuttle (+ the time it takes to go through security)
- International Terminal D gates: 15 minutes via the complimentary shuttle (+ the time it takes to go through security)
- International Terminal E gates: 15 minutes via the complimentary shuttle (+ the time it takes to go through security)
How long of a layover do you need in Vancouver for a no-stress connection?
The Vancouver International Airport is beautiful. It’s a great place to hang out, that’s why I’m always bummed whenever I have a short layover there. If you want to be sure to have the most pleasant experience possible, here are my estimated layover times for a no-stress connection:
Domestic to domestic connections
Do yourself a favor and give yourself 2 hours for making a domestic to domestic connection at YVR. There’s no need to rush, and hey – travel is a lot more pleasant when you’re not running around with your hair on fire, right?
Domestic to United States connections
Only because you never know how long US Preclearance is going to take, I would want a minimum of 2 1/2 hours to go from a domestic flight to a US bound flight at YVR.
Domestic to international connections (to anywhere other than the US)
2 1/2 hours would also be a good amount of time for a no-stress layover when connecting from a domestic flight to an international flight (to destinations other than the US) at YVR.
This will give you plenty of time to get something to eat or do some duty-free shopping.
International to domestic connections
If you don’t want to worry about making your domestic connection at YVR after arriving on an international flight, give yourself 3 hours. This will help to absorb any possible delays going through passport control and customs.
International to international connections
2 1/2 hours is a comfortable amount of time when going from one international flight to another in Vancouver. Maybe a little less if you’re flying Air Canada (or any other Star Alliance airline), and possibly a little more if you’re flying any other airline.
Useful tips for making a 1 hour layover at YVR
Just as I learned from my most recent experience transiting through the Vancouver Airport, you won’t have much to worry about with a 1 hour layover (most of the time). If you’re still feeling stressed, here are some tips and advice that will help get you through it:
- As I mentioned in my guide to 1 hour layovers in Toronto, being enrolled in Global Entry (and TSA PreCheck) will move you through US Preclearance very quickly. I highly recommend signing up for both if you’re a US resident who travels to and from Canada frequently.
- You might also consider enrolling in NEXUS if you’re a frequent traveler between Canada and the United States. Basically, NEXUS is a pre-clearance program that’ll allow you to cross the border quickly and easily.
- Keep moving, and don’t give up! In all honesty, I thought for sure that I was going to miss my connection on that 1 hour layover at YVR two weeks ago. However, despite my doubts, I kept moving and not worrying about the time. The Vancouver Airport is highly efficient and smartly designed, and you will be able to move through it more quickly than you might expect.
Willa
Wow, thanks for putting this together! I was contemplating whether I had time during my 1 hr 50 min layover in Vancouver to get Timbits (my sister’s request) before my flight to SF. It could be tight!
Scott (SANspotter)
You’re very welcome Willa! Yes, it could be tight, but I have made several sub 1 hour connections to the US out of YVR recently without any issues at all. Go for the Timbits!
Maricris
Hi Scott!
Me and my sister are thinking of doing a layover in YVR with an itinerary of SF-> YVR -> YYZ. Is 2hr 16 mins enough time?
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Maricris! Yes, 2 hours and 16 minutes will be plenty. I’ve always found the YVR customs and immigration process to flow smoothly (most of the time), so that’s a layover I’d feel comfortable making myself.
Have a great trip!
Karen
Hi, if you are transferring from an international to international at Vancouver airport , do you need to get a visa to land in Canada?
Thanks
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Karen – Nope, no visa will be required. Just follow the signs for international connections and that will keep you in the secure transit zone. You won’t officially enter Canada.
Nick
I am flying from PDX to YVR, 1 hour 15 min layover at YVR, then from YVR to YUL, 1 hour 3 min layover, then YUL to Athens, greece. My question is, do i have enough time at both YVR and YUL? I am flying air canada on one tickets. If I miss a connection, will they put me on the next flight out to athens free of charge? What signs do i follow at both airports?
Scott (SANspotter)
Hey Nick – you don’t have anything to worry about in my opinion. That said, your 1 hour and 15 minute connection at YVR might be a little tight due to the fact that you’ll be required to go through Canadian customs and immigration. I’ve made it through in far less time than that though, so I think you’ll be OK.
Upon arrival at YVR, just follow the signs for domestic connections. This will automatically lead you to customs and immigration.
Upon arrival in YUL, you can proceed directly to your connecting gate. Customs/immigration/security will not be required.
And yes – they will automatically rebook you if for whatever reason you mis-connect. The easiest way to see what flights you’ve been booked on is via the Air Canada app on your phone. You can also check in with any Air Canada customer service center at the airport. Have a great trip!
Carolyn
I am flying from Prince George to Cairo in November. I am flying Lufthansa and they just changed times. Air Canada flight from yxs to YVR is now arriving 1 hour and 30 minutes before Lufthansa flight departs to Frankfurt. Is it enough? It’s a codeshare flight.
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Carolyn – 1 hour and 30 minutes should be plenty of time. You’ll be arriving at the domestic terminal, and you will need to transfer to the international terminal. This will require going through a security checkpoint (but you’ll have plenty of time for it).
Also, your checked luggage (if any) will transfer automatically since Air Canada and Lufthansa are partners in the Star Alliance. Have a great trip!
Kat
Thanks for the detailed information. I am flying from LAS to YVR then to YYJ. Do we need to take our checked bags out for custom, then re-check the bags? Plan on doing the Advance declaration online because the layover is only 1 hour 50 minutes. Thanks!
Scott (SANspotter)
You’re very welcome Kat! Yes, you will have to retrieve your luggage before going through customs at YVR, and then recheck them to YYJ afterwards. The advance declaration will help speed things up a bit, but not much IMHO (because of the luggage).
Kat
Thank you for your reply! Hopefully we can catch the YYJ flight.
Panupong
Thank you for your detailed information.
I have an enquiry about the transfer time at YVR since we will have an international flight (BKK-YVR) with China Airlines and arrive at YVR @ 19:20. Then, we have a domestic flight to Calgary (YYC) @ 21:40 with Air Canada. I’m not sure that we could make it in this transfer window. Shall we have to fill in the form in ArriveCan in advance?
Thanks !
Scott (SANspotter)
You’re very welcome! Yes, that will be more than enough time to make your connection to YYC. Pre-filling your information into the ArriveCan app will help speed things along (but not by much IMHO). Have a great trip!
Panupong
Thanks so much Scott. We will be there in June next year. Cheers !
Sandra
I’m arriving ar YVR from Manilla at 3:55 pm. Is there enough time to transfer to a domestic flight to Victoria that leaves at 6:10pm? Thank you.
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Sandra! Yes, anything more than two hours should be fairly easy (even with checked luggage). I wouldn’t worry about it. Have a great trip!
Sandra
Thanks very much.
James
Hello! We’re planning to fly from SFO (USA) to NRT (Japan), with a layover at YVR (all Air Canada). If flying into YVR from the USA and then going straight to Japan, do we need to go through customs and/or security at YVR? Or can we go straight through because we aren’t technically entering Canada? It’s technically international-to-international, but I’m unsure if the fact that the inbound is from USA changes things.
Asking because Air Canada is quoting a 1hr layover at YVR for this flight, and although we aren’t opposed to living on the edge (and will be wearing running shoes), we’d like to know if a 1hr layover is even possible.
Thanks!
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi James! You will have to go through a quick passport verification check – but not customs (or security). One hour is definitely possible! You’re probably not going to have a lot of time left over once you get through, but it’s not a high risk connection IMHO.
James
Thank you!
Heaven
Appreciate your detailed information. It helps a lot. Im flying with my dog who will be sent as checked baggage from mex to kor (through vancouver). Its connected by air canada. if there is no delay, 1hr 35min should be enough right? Otherwise i need to fly through Toronto which has much longer layover time – 6hr 45min. I think shorter layover time would be good for my dog. so considering vancouver
Scott (SANspotter)
You’re very welcome! Yes, as long as you can get your boarding pass for the connection to Korea when you check in at Mexico City, one hour and 35 minutes will be perfectly fine. Expect to go through a quick passport verification (but not customs and/or immigration). Hope you and your dog have a great trip!
Heaven
Awesome its so helpful! thanks for your quick answer
Heaven
Appreciate your detailed information. It helps a lot. Im flying with my dog who will be sent as checked baggage from mex to kor (through vancouver). Its connected and all the journey is operated by air canada. if there is no delay, 1hr 35min should be enough right? Otherwise i need to fly through Toronto which has much longer layover time – 6hr 45min. I think shorter layover time would be good for my dog. so considering vancouver to travel. what do you think about transit in vancouver or in toronto
Sandra
Hi Scott, Is a layover of 1h30 enough from my inbound flight from Amsterdam to YVR at 3:55 for the following domestic flight YVR-YPW at 5:30? Is there enough time to go by shuttle to the South Terminal?
Kind regards, Sandra
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Sandra! It is going to be tight, and you will have to hurry, but my guess is that it’s going to be OK. The only reason I say this is because I’ve successfully made some very tight international to domestic connections at YVR in the past. It’s a big airport, but they know how to move people through it quickly. Be prepared to hit the ground running!
Lia
Hi Scott, thanks a lot for detailed information. I wanted to ask you opinion on separately booked flights. Arriving from Toronto to Vancouver at 8.35 am and the following flight to Tokyo at 10.25 am. No checked baggage. Do you think almost 2 hours will be enough for domestic – international flight?
Best regards,
Lia
Scott (SANspotter)
You’re very welcome Lia! Yes, with no checked luggage, it won’t be an issue at all IMHO. That’s plenty of time. Have a great trip!