Why Your SkyTrain Fare From YVR Is About to Get Pricier
If you’ve ever hopped on the SkyTrain at Vancouver International Airport (YVR), you may have noticed an extra $5 tacked onto your fare. This fee, called the “YVR Airport AddFare,” has been in place since 2009—and soon, it’s going up for good.
What Is the YVR Airport AddFare?
The AddFare is a $5 surcharge applied to most SkyTrain trips starting from YVR Airport, Sea Island Centre, or Templeton stations and heading off Sea Island. TransLink uses this fee to help cover the cost of running the Canada Line, not for airport profits. The charge applies to:
Single-use tickets and DayPasses bought at Sea Island stations
Compass Card Stored Value trips
Tap to Pay rides using credit or debit cards
You won’t pay the surcharge if you:
Hold a Monthly Pass
Travel only between Sea Island stations (with a tap-out refund)
Use a Burkeville resident program card
Surcharge Increase Approved for 2026
For the first time since its introduction, the YVR AddFare is set to rise. Starting July 2026, the surcharge jumps from $5 to $6.50—a $1.50 increase. After that, expect a 2% annual increase beginning in 2027.
TransLink and the Mayors’ Council approved the hike to help fund expanded transit service and prevent future service cuts. The extra revenue aims to close the authority’s budget gap as demand for transit grows.
What Does This Mean for Travelers?
If you’re catching the SkyTrain from the airport, budget for a higher fare starting next summer. While the increase helps support transit improvements, it also means airport travelers will permanently pay more for the convenience of direct rail service.
With the YVR AddFare rising to $6.50 and set for yearly hikes, travelers should plan ahead for higher SkyTrain costs when leaving Vancouver Airport.
