Vancouver Airport Arrival Alerts
Get a text when their flight lands at YVR.
Get a text when they land at YVRAirport Code
YVR
Passengers/Year
26 million
Terminals
Domestic Terminal, International Terminal, South Terminal
Exit Time
25-45 minutes after landing
About
Arriving at Vancouver International Airport
Vancouver International Airport is western Canada's premier gateway and a major trans-Pacific hub connecting North America with Asia. The airport consistently ranks among the best in North America for passenger experience, with award-winning art installations, aquariums, and First Nations artwork throughout the terminal. For US travelers, YVR is the gateway to Vancouver, Whistler, the Canadian Rockies, and Alaska cruise departures.
US passengers arriving at YVR clear Canadian customs and immigration in the International Terminal. Canada's Automated Border Kiosks make the process efficient for US passport holders—typically 15-25 minutes through immigration. Total time from landing to the arrivals hall runs 25-45 minutes depending on flight size and time of day. Asian flights arriving in the morning can create longer immigration queues. The airport connects to downtown Vancouver via the Canada Line SkyTrain, a 25-minute ride that runs every 5-8 minutes.
Like Toronto Pearson, Vancouver offers US Preclearance—passengers flying from YVR to the US clear American customs and immigration before boarding in Vancouver, arriving in the US as domestic passengers. This is especially useful for connecting flights. The airport is located on Sea Island in the city of Richmond, about 15 minutes south of downtown Vancouver by train or car. Many US travelers use YVR as a starting point for Alaska cruises departing from Canada Place in downtown Vancouver, making landing alerts valuable for coordinating with cruise embarkation schedules.
Pickup tip
US flights are processed in the International Terminal since passengers clear Canadian customs. The Canada Line SkyTrain runs from YVR to downtown Vancouver in 25 minutes. YVR offers US Preclearance for flights returning to the US. The cell phone waiting lot is on Grant McConachie Way.
How it works
Track YVR arrivals.
Enter the flight number
Type the flight number for the arrival to YVR.
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We track the flight and text you when they touch down at Vancouver International Airport.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions.
How long to exit Vancouver airport after landing?
Plan for 25-45 minutes from landing. Canadian immigration uses automated kiosks for US citizens, and the airport is well-organized for efficient passenger flow.
How do I get from YVR to downtown Vancouver?
The Canada Line SkyTrain runs every 5-8 minutes and reaches downtown Vancouver in about 25 minutes. Taxis and rideshares take 20-30 minutes depending on traffic.
Does Vancouver airport have US Preclearance?
Yes. Passengers flying from YVR to the US clear American customs in Vancouver and arrive in the US as domestic passengers with no immigration line.
Airlines at YVR
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