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How to Get to Surrey

How to Get to Surrey

Surrey British Columbia, Canada Travel Guide

Air Travel

Vancouver International Airport YVR

Located in Richmond, approximately 25-35 kilometers (15-22 miles) from central Surrey. YVR is the main international gateway to British Columbia and one of Canada's busiest airports.

Information

  • Role: Handles vast international, trans-border (USA), and domestic flights.
  • Connectivity: Direct SkyTrain Canada Line link, then connects to the Expo Line for Surrey.
  • Airlines: Served by major international airlines like Air Canada, WestJet, United, Delta, British Airways, Lufthansa, Cathay Pacific, KLM.

Abbotsford International Airport YXX

Located east of Surrey in the city of Abbotsford, approximately 50 kilometers (31 miles) away.

Information

  • Role: mainly serves domestic and some trans-border (USA) flights, often with budget carriers.
  • Airlines: Mainly served by Canadian budget carriers like Flair Airlines and WestJet.
  • Routes: Typically connections to other Canadian cities (e.g., Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto) and some US destinations.

Seasonal Pricing

Peak season (Summer & Major Holidays) often brings the highest prices. Book well in advance.

Better Value Seasons

Shoulder seasons (Spring & Autumn) are a better deal, with more mid-range prices and fewer crowds.

Lowest Prices

Low season (Winter, except for holidays) typically has the lowest prices for flights.

Airport Transfers to Surrey

From YVR Vancouver International

  • SkyTrain: Most efficient. Canada Line from YVR to Waterfront, then Expo Line to Surrey.
  • Travel Time: Approx. 50-70 mins to Surrey Central.
  • Cost: CAD $9.70 - $12.30 (includes YVR AddFare).
  • Taxi/Ride-share (Uber/Lyft): CAD $60-90. Car rental available.

From YXX Abbotsford International

Airport Facilities & Direct Flights

YVR Facilities

Duty-free shopping, diverse dining, airline lounges, car rental agencies, free Wi-Fi.

YXX Facilities

Smaller airport with more fundamental services: car rentals, cafes, limited retail.

Direct Flights YVR

Flights straight to major cities worldwide: London, Frankfurt, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Sydney, Los Angeles, New York, Toronto.

Land Transportation

Border Crossing & Train Services

Surrey directly borders Washington State, making land crossings a common entry point.

Border & Rail

  • Major Crossings: Peace Arch (Hwy 99), Pacific Highway (Hwy 15). Open 24/7.
  • Requirements: Valid passport. NEXUS card for expedited crossing.
  • Train: VIA Rail and Amtrak Cascades from Pacific Central Station in Vancouver.

Long-Distance Bus Options

Several inter-city bus companies link to and from Surrey.

Bus Companies

  • Ebus: Connects Vancouver, Surrey, and other BC cities.
  • FlixBus: Offers service connecting Vancouver to Seattle and BC cities.
  • Rider Express & Megabus: Services to Seattle and other points.

Self-Driving & Car Rental

Renting a car offers greatest adaptability for exploring Surrey and the surrounding region.

Requirements & Laws

  • Valid driver's license. AN international driving permit for non--English/French licenses.
  • Major credit card in renter's name. Minimum age 21 (surcharges for under 25).
  • Driving Laws: Right-hand side, seatbelts are required, no handheld phones. Speed in km/h.

Road Conditions & Parking

Highways and highways are well-maintained. Be aware of traffic and seasonal changes.

Conditions & Parking

  • Traffic Jams: Expect during peak hours (7-9 AM, 3-6 PM) on major routes.
  • Seasonal Changes: Wet roads Fall-Spring. Occasional ice/snow in Winter.
  • Parking: Ample in Surrey. Free at malls/parks. Paid in The Central area. DiscoverCars.com for rentals.

Border Crossing Wait Times

  • Expect potential waiting periods at border crossings.
  • Especially on weekends, US holidays, and Canadian holidays.
  • Check current border waiting periods online before departure.
  • Wildlife: Deer or other animals can be a hazard on country roads at dawn/dusk.
  • Construction: Ongoing road construction projects cause delays. Check local traffic reports.
  • Wet roads from fall to spring require caution.

Sea/River Arrivals

Ferry Services & Cruise Ports

While Surrey is not a major port, how near it is to the coast means you can utilize travel by ferry to reach the broader region.

Services

  • BC Ferries: Connects Lower Matowards the center to Vancouver Island (Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal).
  • Tsawwassen Terminal: Approx. 20-30 -minute car ride from central Surrey.
  • Cruise Ports: Closest major port is Canada Place in Vancouver; Surrey has no cruise port.

River Transportation & Connections

No significant public river transit choices exist directly within Surrey. The Fraser River is mainly a commercial waterway.

Connections

  • Tsawwassen Ferry: Connected to TransLink bus system for SkyTrain links to Surrey.
  • Taxis/Ride-shares: Available at Tsawwassen terminal.
  • Canada Place (Vancouver): Accessible by public transit (SkyTrain, bus) for connection to Surrey.

Departure Timing - Air

International flights: Arrive 2-3 hours before departure. Domestic: 1.5-2 hours. US pre-clearance at YVR takes extra time.

Departure Timing - Land

Check border wait times online before departing for the US. Have passport and US entry documents ready.

Departure Timing - Ferry

Foot passengers: 30-60 mins before sailing. Vehicles: 60-120 mins before (reservations recommended).

Departure Information

Exit Fees & Procedures

Canada has no specific "exit fee" for departing travelers. Various taxes and fees are typically a portion of your flight cost or other travel tickets at the time of purchase. You will not face an extra charge upon departure.

Departure Guidelines

  • Timing: Arrive well in advance of scheduled departure times.
  • Airport Procedures: Allow time for check-in, bag check, security screening.
  • US Pre-Clearance: At YVR, clear US customs before your flight.

Airport & Station Facilities

Facilities vary by location, providing services for departing travelers.

Available Facilities

  • YVR: Vast retail (duty-free), wide dining, airline lounges, currency exchange.
  • YXX: More basic amenities, typically cafes and basic services.
  • Bus/Train Stations (Vancouver - Pacific Central): Basic waiting areas, restrooms, some food services.

Airline Compensation for Delays

Flight Delays

If your flight is delayed, you might qualify for compensation.

Flight Cancellations

Canceled flights also fall under compensation rules.

Claim Assistance

Services like AirHelp can assist passengers in receiving up to 600 euros.

Departure Reminder

Reconfirm your flight, bus, or ferry schedule 24-48 hours before departure, as changes can occur.

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