Vancouver taxis

[CINCY40]

Can anyone tell me how long it takes to get from the Vancouver airport to the downtown Hyatt? Also cost? Same info for the hotel to the port? Any information about the Vancouver airport process (customs) would also be appreciated. We leave next Friday on the Ryndam. Our fourth trip on HAL but our first on the Ryndam.

Thanks,
Nancy

[CINCY40]

...would sure appreciate some information.

Thanks,
Nancy

[dakrewser]

...would sure appreciate some information.

It's Saturday, and traffic on the boards is slow. It may be Monday before anyone knowledgeable about this chimes in. It's been about 5 years since we cruised out of Vancouver, though, and while I don't remember it being at all difficult (although we used HAL transfer from the airport), I don't remember the details either...

[Esme]

We arrived on a Sunday in Vancouver last year and traffic was very heavy going form the airport to the Pan Pacific Hotel - Hyatt is just up the street, so Friday will be just as congested. Taxi It took about 30 mins. If I remember correctly the fare was about $25-30 Cdn.

The hotel is very close to the port so it won't take you that long to get there - don't know the cost.

Can't help you with the Customs/Immigration as we are Canadians.

[Mary Ellen]

We arrived mid-week in Vancouver last year. I was NOT impressed with Canadian Immigration. The system of one long line with the head of the line going to the next available officer is MUCH better (IMHO) than the system in use there. They had seperate lines for each booth, and we got stuck in one that crawled along.

Lessons learned:
1) Look for a line in front of a booth with both windows opened - not just one.
2) AVOID any booth with a window that has 1 officer working and another standing behind them. This is a trainee and will most likely be VERY slow.

Good Luck -

[BSeaBob]

Limojet Gold Express provides exclusive limousine service from the airport 24 hours per day, seven days per week.
Limousines are conveniently located immediately outside the Domestic and International arrivals areas.
Limousines comfortably accommodate a maximum of six passengers (luggage pending) and charge flat rates to all destinations.
The rate to Downtown is $41.73 (inclusive of all taxes).
Canada Place & Ballantyne Ship Terminals are $50.29 (inclusive of all taxes).
Limojet Gold Express can be contacted at 604.273.1331 for further information or through e-mail at: info@limojetgold.com

Check on YVR website for taxi rates etc.

BTW Good advice for the Canadian Customs booths posted above

[mhshapiro]

As I recall it was less than 30 minutes from the airport to the downtown Hyatt in moderate traffic. I can't remember the cab fare.

[rocks]

We arrived at the Vancouver airport on 9/3 (a Friday-around 2:30pm) We didn't have that long of a wait for customs-the airport is huge & beautiful! In fact, the whole process was very easy. The carts for your luggage are free & there are lots of them. We went to the information desk after getting our luggage & inquired about the limo verses taxi costs. Was told that the taxi (to Pan Pacific) would depend on the traffic-at least $25; but more if traffic was heavy. The limo was $42 no matter how much traffic. We paid at the info. booth & even booked our return trip (it was discounted a little that way) It was a REALLY cool way to start our stay in Vancouver & I would do it that way again. I was worried that they would forget about us this morning, but I called after we got off the ship & they said they would be there at 6:30 this morning & they were there waiting for us.
Hubby & I were very impressed about how easy it was getting off the ship, claim our luggage, & then go through customs. Again, they have those free carts so there is no hassel about waiting for a porter. The luggage was separated in small groups since they had each color in separate rooms rather then having it all in one room. SO much easier then any of our Fort Lauderdale cruises.
The Ryndam is an awesome ship with a GREAT crew! We had a wonderful 2 wks on her!
Hope you have a GREAT cruise too!
rocks

[Pudgesmom]

I concur on the limo service. We took ten people on the Statendam two summers ago. The fare was the same for up to five people- cheaper than a taxi and much less than HAL.

I had called ahead and reserved two limos, but it appeared to be a very regular service from the airport- probably didn't need a reservation.

Have Fun!

Beth

[CaptData]

Reservation for limos are not required but some people who are on tight schedule may want to do this. It is approx 30 mins depending on traffic. It took an hour once for me and 23 mins another time.

It takes about 5-10 mins from Hyatt to pier. All prices above are Cdn. You can request a taxi at the Front Desk when you arrive for a certain time.

Customs can be slow or fast. As above if you see two in a booth pick another. Also ask the people in front if they have anything to declare beyond their limit. This will slow the line down too. We have two taxes that must be satisfied and it depends on the Province.

[Himself]

I don't know where the Hyatt is in relationship to Canada Place. I can tell you it takes about a half an hour to go from the Airport to Canada place and it cost about $25.00 Canadian money.
Himself

[CINCY40]

I appreciate the information, especially the advice about customs. We are looking forward to a wonderful time. Our first on the Ryndam.

Thanks again,
Nancy and Andy

[TMM9]

Live in Vancouver and consider our taxi's to be very reasonable.
Downtown during traffic jams it would cost up to Cdn$30 and take slightly more than half an hour. The taxi's always takes the fastest route to where you are going and I have difficulty keeping up with them in my car as they go in and out of traffic. I like the Black Top taxi as opposed to the Yellow Cabs that seem to be downsizing.
The Airport is very beautiful and always happy to be back in Vancouver with the welcoming fresh air. There are free trolley's and one can wheel them right out to the taxi stand. The Airport is busiest from 11.00am through to 2.00pm as all the jumbo jets arrive from Asia.