Vancouver TransLink Schedule Guide 2026: Real-Time Transit Routes, SkyTrain Frequencies, And Commuter Planning

This guide details the public transit schedule and network managed by TransLink in Metro Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, and does not refer to transit networks of the same name in Australia or Europe.

Navigating Metro Vancouver's public transit system requires a precise understanding of its schedules, routes, and seasonal service adjustments. As the transit authority for the region, TransLink manages an interconnected network consisting of the SkyTrain rapid transit system, an extensive bus and RapidBus network, the SeaBus passenger ferry, and the West Coast Express commuter rail.

To maximize travel efficiency in 2026, commuters must understand how to access real-time schedule data, decode seasonal service changes, and leverage the integrated ticketing system to transition seamlessly between transit modes.

Deciphering the Metro Vancouver Transit Network: Rail, Sea, and Road

TransLink operates a multi-modal transportation matrix across 21 municipalities, one electoral area, and one treaty First Nation. The system's backbone is highly integrated, allowing riders to transition between rail, sea, and road routes using a single fare structure managed via the Compass Card.

[ WaterFront Station ] / | \ SeaBus / | SkyTrain \ West Coast Express / | \ [ Lonsdale Quay ] [ Regional Hubs ] [ Mission City ] | [ RapidBus / Bus ]

The SkyTrain Rapid Transit System

Operating on automated, driverless tracks, the SkyTrain is the primary rapid transit artery. It consists of three main lines:

• The Expo Line: Connects Downtown Vancouver (Waterfront Station) with Burnaby, New Westminster, and Surrey.
• The Millennium Line: Links East Vancouver, Burnaby, and Coquitlam. It is undergoing critical rapid-transit expansion work along the Broadway corridor toward Arbutus.
• The Canada Line: Connects Downtown Vancouver with Richmond-Brighouse and Vancouver International Airport (YVR).

SeaBus Passenger Ferry

The SeaBus is a high-frequency, passenger-only catamaran ferry connecting Waterfront Station in Downtown Vancouver to Lonsdale Quay in North Vancouver. Operating across the Burrard Inlet, it acts as a critical link for North Shore commuters.

West Coast Express Commuter Rail

This heavy rail service operates specifically during weekday peak commute hours, transporting passengers between Mission City in the Fraser Valley and Waterfront Station in Downtown Vancouver.

Bus and RapidBus Network

Spanning thousands of kilometers of roadway, the bus network is split into local routes, community shuttles, express services, and high-capacity RapidBus corridors. RapidBus routes feature dedicated lanes, signal priority at intersections, and distinct bus stops to bypass standard traffic delays.

Navigating the 2026 SkyTrain Lines and Scheduled Frequencies

The SkyTrain system does not operate on a rigid, minute-by-minute printed timetable for daily commuters. Instead, it runs on frequency-based scheduling, meaning trains arrive at designated intervals depending on the line, the day of the week, and the time of day.

Expo Line Scheduled Frequencies

The Expo Line splits at Columbia Station, with trains alternating destinations between King George Station in Surrey and Production Way–University Station in Burnaby.

• Peak Weekday Hours (07:00–09:00 and 15:00–18:30): Trains run every 2 to 3 minutes on the shared section between Waterfront and Columbia. On the individual branches to King George and Production Way–University, trains arrive every 4 to 6 minutes.
• Mid-day and Evening Hours: Frequencies on the shared portion range from 4 to 6 minutes, and up to 8 to 10 minutes on the branches.
• Late Night (After 23:00): Service drops to every 10 to 12 minutes on the shared corridor.

Millennium Line Scheduled Frequencies

As key expansion phases continue along the Broadway corridor, Millennium Line frequencies remain optimized for East Vancouver and Tri-Cities commuters.

• Peak Weekday Hours: Trains operate every 3 to 4 minutes.
• Off-Peak and Weekends: Frequencies run between 5 and 8 minutes.
• Late Night: Frequencies transition to 10-minute intervals until the end of service.

Canada Line Scheduled Frequencies

Because the Canada Line branches at Bridgeport Station toward either YVR Airport or Richmond-Brighouse, passengers must pay close attention to station platform displays.

• Peak Weekday Hours: Trains arrive every 3 minutes on the shared section between Waterfront and Bridgeport, and every 6 minutes on the YVR Airport and Richmond-Brighouse branches.
• Off-Peak / Weekends: Shared section trains run every 6 minutes, with branch lines running every 12 minutes.
• Late Night: Frequencies adjust to every 20 minutes on the branches and 10 minutes on the shared downtown section.

Bus and RapidBus Schedules: Maximizing Regional Connectivity

Unlike the SkyTrain, standard buses run on fixed-time schedules. TransLink implements major scheduled service adjustments four times per year—in January, April, June, and September—to reflect seasonal passenger volumes, school terms, and weather patterns.

RapidBus Routes (R1 through R6)

The RapidBus program represents the highest tier of road-based transit in Vancouver. These routes are designed to feel like rail transit on rubber tires.

• R1 King George Blvd (Surrey): Connects Guildford Town Centre to Newton Exchange. Peak frequency is 8 minutes or better.
• R2 Marine Dr (North Shore): Connects Park Royal in West Vancouver to Phibbs Exchange. Peak frequency is 8 to 10 minutes.
• R3 Lougheed Hwy (Coquitlam/Maple Ridge): Connects Coquitlam Central Station to Haney Place. Peak frequency is 10 minutes.
• R4 41st Ave (Vancouver): Connects Joyce–Collingwood Station to the University of British Columbia (UBC). Peak frequency is 3 to 5 minutes during university terms.
• R5 Hastings St (Vancouver/Burnaby): Connects Downtown Vancouver to Simon Fraser University (SFU). Peak frequency is 4 to 6 minutes.
• R6 Scott Rd (Surrey/Delta): Connects Scott Road Station to Newton Exchange. Peak frequency is 7 minutes.

The NightBus Network

When the SkyTrain system shuts down for nightly maintenance, the NightBus network provides late-night transport. Key routes operate hourly or half-hourly between 01:30 and 05:00, with most routes radiating from the downtown hub at Granville Street and Georgia Street.

Comparative Breakdown: Transit Modes, Frequencies, and Operational Hours in 2026

The table below outlines the core operational characteristics of each major TransLink transit mode.

Real-Time Tracking vs. Static Schedules: Tools for Transit Accuracy

While paper pocket schedules and PDF timetables exist, actual road traffic, weather events, and minor mechanical issues mean static schedules are best used as a baseline. For the most accurate travel planning, commuters should utilize TransLink's modern tracking ecosystem.

Next Bus Service

By texting the 5-digit blue bus stop number (found on any bus stop pole) to 33333, passengers receive an automated reply with the next scheduled and real-time departure times for that specific stop. If a time is preceded by a star (*), it is a real-time GPS-tracked departure; if it has no star, it represents the static scheduled time.

TransLink Live Alerts and Trip Planner

The official mobile-friendly Trip Planner uses real-time vehicle locations and route advisories to plan multi-modal journeys. Additionally, riders can configure transit alerts via email or SMS to receive immediate notifications regarding delays on specific lines or bus routes.

Third-Party Integrations and Open Data

TransLink shares its real-time GPS data and scheduling through the General Transit Feed Specification (GTFS). This feed drives third-party transit applications, including Transit App and Google Maps, which display high-accuracy vehicle positioning, passenger crowding levels, and detours.

Troubleshooting Delay Disruptions: Commuter Resiliency Strategies

Even with automated systems, regional disruptions occur due to extreme weather, mechanical problems, or power outages. Knowing how to adapt to scheduling delays keeps commuters moving.

• The Bus Bridge System: If a section of the SkyTrain track is closed due to a technical failure, TransLink deploys a temporary shuttle service known as a "bus bridge." Buses are diverted from normal routes to shuttle passengers between the affected stations. Look for TransLink staff in high-visibility vests directing crowds outside station entrances.
• The Three-Zone Fare Rule: Fares are based on a zone system during weekdays from start of service until 18:30. Ensure your Compass Card is tapped out correctly at SkyTrain gates or SeaBus terminals to avoid being charged a default three-zone fare for an incomplete tap. Tap-out is not required on buses, which are strictly one-zone fares regardless of the municipal boundary crossed.
• Winter Weather Schedules: Heavy snowfall in Metro Vancouver often triggers special winter operations. Articulated (60-foot) buses may be replaced by standard (40-foot) buses for better traction on hills, and tire socks or chains may be deployed. Always expect transit frequencies to double during active winter storms.

Frequently Asked Questions About the TransLink Schedule

What time does the last SkyTrain leave Waterfront Station?

On weekdays, the last eastbound Expo Line train to King George departs Waterfront Station at approximately 01:16, while the last train to Production Way–University departs at 01:11. The last Canada Line train to Richmond-Brighouse departs Waterfront at 01:15. Weekend schedules may vary slightly, so passengers should verify schedules using real-time apps after midnight.

How often does the SeaBus run on weekends?

The SeaBus runs every 15 minutes throughout the day on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. During early morning hours or late evenings (typically after 21:00), the frequency transitions to 30-minute intervals.

Why is my bus schedule different on holidays?

On designated statutory holidays, TransLink operates on a Sunday schedule. This means routes run less frequently, and some specialized commuter routes or express buses may not run at all. Always double-check holiday schedules via the Trip Planner prior to setting out.

What is the difference between a schedule time and a real-time estimate?

A scheduled time is the planned departure time published in TransLink's seasonal timetable database. A real-time estimate is calculated dynamically using GPS tracking hardware mounted on the actual bus or train. Real-time tracking adjusts for traffic congestion, passenger boarding delays, and weather conditions, providing a much higher degree of accuracy.

Does the West Coast Express run on weekends?

No, the West Coast Express operates strictly from Monday to Friday during peak morning commute times (westbound toward Vancouver) and peak afternoon commute times (eastbound toward Mission). On weekends and holidays, WCE trains do not run, and commuters must use local bus routes and the SkyTrain network instead.

Master Your Metro Vancouver Commute

Understanding the subtleties of TransLink schedules ensures your journey through Metro Vancouver is efficient and stress-free. Whether you are catching the SeaBus across the Burrard Inlet, taking the SkyTrain to a major hub, or riding a RapidBus corridor, accessing real-time updates is key to arriving on time. Keep your Compass Card loaded, monitor live alerts during inclement weather, and use mobile trip planners to stay ahead of schedule.