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Getting Around Surrey

Getting Around Surrey

Surrey British Columbia, Canada Travel Guide

Public Transportation

TransLink's system includes SkyTrain (automated rapid transit), extensive bus routes, and the SeaBus (a passenger ferry connecting Vancouver and North Vancouver). The SkyTrain Expo Line directly serves Surrey with stations at Scott Road, Gateway, Surrey Central, and King George.

Buses cover all areas of Surrey, connecting to SkyTrain stations, main shopping centers, and other municipalities. No tram system operates specifically in Surrey.

Hubs & Ticketing

  • Key Centers: Surrey Central Station, King George Station, Scott Road Station.
  • Ticketing: Zonal fare system (1, 2, or 3 zones; Surrey is Zone 3).
  • Compass Card: Reloadable smart card, discounted fares. Available at SkyTrain stations.
  • Contactless Payment: Tap credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) or mobile wallet directly.

Hours & Frequency

SkyTrain operates approx. 5 AM - 1:30 AM weekdays; slightly reduced on weekends. Trains run every 3-15 mins. Bus hours vary by route.

Accessibility

All SkyTrain stations and buses are accessible with ramps/elevators and designated spaces.

Efficiency Tips

Use TransLink Trip Planner (website/app) or Google Maps. Purchase a Compass Card or DayPass for best value. Tap in/out for SkyTrain/SeaBus; tap only on coaches.

Fare Options CAD

Zonal Fares Compass Card
  • 1 Zone (within Surrey): $2.55
  • 2 Zones (Surrey to Burnaby/New Westminster): $3.60
  • 3 Zones (Surrey to Vancouver): $4.65
Other Fares
  • Single-use Compass Ticket: Higher cash fares (e.g., 3 Zones $6.05).
  • DayPass: Unlimited travel all zones for one day: $11.60.
  • Off-Peak Discount: All travel after 6:30 PM weekdays and all day weekends/holidays is 1-zone fare.

Important Hubs and Maps

Surrey Central Station

Busiest SkyTrain station, major bus exchange.

King George Station

Southern terminus of Expo Line, bus exchange for Southern Surrey.

Scott Road Station

Major SkyPublic transport by train and bus exchange on western border.

Route Maps

Available on TransLink website and Google Maps.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

For direct, on-demand transportation, taxis and ride-sharing services provide easy alternatives to public transit, especially for late-night travel, carrying luggage, or reaching areas less served by buses.

Licensed Taxis

  • Identification: Easily identifiable with company branding (e.g., Yellow Cab) and rooftop light.
  • Hailing/Booking: Call a company by phone, use their app, or find at taxi stands. Less common to hail on street.
  • Fares: Metered system. Typical short trip within Surrey $15-25. YVR trips have fixed zone rates.
  • Payment: Accepts cash, major credit cards, debit cards. Tipping: 10-15% customary.

Ride-Sharing Uber & Lyft

  • Availability: Widely available and legally operating in Surrey and Metro Vancouver.
  • Booking: Exclusively through their respective smartphone apps.
  • Safety: Always verify driver, vehicle make/model, and license plate match app details before entering.
  • Share Trip: Use the app's feature to divide trip details with a trusted contact.

Road Conditions & Parking

  • Road Conditions: Highways and major roads are generally well-maintained.
  • Traffic Congestion: Expect during peak hours (7-9 AM, 3-6 PM) on major routes.
  • Seasonal Changes: Wet roads from fall to spring. Occasional ice/snow in winter.
  • Parking: Generally ample in Surrey. Free at malls, parks, residential areas.
  • Paid Parking: Available in Surrey Downtown and some commercial zones.
  • Observe Signs: Always read parking signs attentively to avoid tickets or towing.

Self-Driving & Rental Options

Car Rental

Requires a valid driver's license, IDP (if applicable), and major credit card.

Major Companies

Enterprise, Budget, Hertz, Avis, National, Discount. Book in advance for best rates.

Driving Laws

Drive on the right, seatbelts mandatory, no handheld phones. DiscoverCars.com to compare.

Walking & Cycling

Surrey contains a lot of areas ideal for walking, with expanding networks of dedicated bike lanes and multi-use pathways.

Pedestrian-Friendly Areas

  • Surrey City Centre: Wide sidewalks, pedestrian plazas, public art.
  • Crescent Beach: Scenic waterfront walks in South Surrey.
  • Parks: Bear Creek, Green Timbers Urban Forest, Serpentine Fen, Tynehead Regional Park.
  • Historic Cloverdale: Walkable the main part in the village with heritage buildings.

Cycling Infrastructure & Safety

  • Infrastructure: Expanding network of dedicated bike lanes and multi-use pathways.
  • Helmet Law: Mandatory for all cyclists in British Columbia.
  • Safety: Cyclists must follow all road rules; use hand signals, lights, reflectors.
  • Bike Routes: City of Surrey website has maps of its cycling network.

Walking Tour Options & No-Go Zones

Self-Guided Tours

Many parks and historical areas offer maps and interpretive signage.

Make your own using Google Maps.

Guided Tours

Less common specifically within Surrey compared to Vancouver.

Review local listings for occasional themed walks.

No-Go Areas

Highways are generally not permitted for pedestrians or cyclists.

Avoid poorly lit or unfamiliar areas at night.

Specialized Transportation

Tour Buses & Water Transport
  • Tour Buses: Not typically Within Surrey. Hop-on-hop-off in Vancouver.
  • Water Transport: No public boat taxi in Surrey. SeaBus connects Vancouver and North Vancouver.
  • Unique Local Transport: No cable cars/funiculars in Surrey. Grouse Mountain in North Vancouver has a Skyride.
Accessibility Services
  • TransLink: Offers extensive accessible services (refer to Public Transportation).
  • Private Services: Transportation for people with disabilities services (wheelchair-accessible vans) are available for hire.
  • Search online for "transportation for people with disabilities Surrey BC" for providers.

Motorcycle & Scooter Rentals

  • Availability: Less common directly in Surrey.
  • Location: Find specialized rental companies in other parts of Metro Vancouver.
  • Requirements: Requires a valid motorcycle license.
  • Safety: Protective equipment (helmet, protective clothing) is mandatory.
  • Specialty Vehicle Options: Not available in Surrey.
  • Vehicles like tuk-tuks or jeepneys are not common in Canada.
  • For seamless travel, combine SkyTrain for distances, bus for local, and walking/riding a bicycle for neighborhoods.
  • Use the TransLink Trip Planner for real-up-to-the-minute details.

Travel Strategy

For seamless travel within Metro Vancouver, look into pairing SkyTrain for longer distances with bus routes for connecting flights with locals and walking/biking for exploring specific neighborhoods.

Utilize the TransLink Trip Planner for real-time schedules, route planning, and fare estimates to optimize your journeys.

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