We recommend at least 50 minutes for a comfortable connection at Vancouver International. The minimum connection time is 35 minutes for domestic flights and 90 minutes for international flights. Transit between terminals takes up to 30 minutes.

Domestic-to-Domestic: 35 min. Domestic-to-International: 50 min. International-to-Domestic: 75 min. International-to-International: 90 min. These are the shortest layovers airlines will sell at Vancouver International.

YVR is a well-organized hub for Air Canada with a distinctive three-way split between Domestic, International, and US Transborder (preclearance) terminals. Connections within the same zone are quick and efficient, but any itinerary crossing between international arrivals and a domestic or US-bound flight requires clearing Canadian customs, rechecking bags, and often going through US CBP preclearance, which adds real time. The Domestic and International terminals are physically joined by 'the Link,' a long moving-walkway corridor that takes about 10-15 minutes to traverse. The US Transborder terminal (Concourse E) branches off from the International terminal area and requires clearing US CBP preclearance on-site, which is essentially a full US immigration and customs process done in Vancouver before boarding.

Even a same-zone domestic connection needs the full walk plus gate time, so 30 minutes is too tight. See full 30 min guide →

Fine for domestic-domestic, borderline for domestic-international connections. See full 45 min guide →

Comfortable for most domestic and domestic-international pairings, though still tight if connecting from an international arrival. See full 1 hr guide →

This is the bare minimum if connecting from an international arrival to a domestic or transborder flight requiring customs clearance. See full 1¼ hr guide →

Meets the international-international MCT and gives reasonable cushion for customs and rechecking bags. See full 1½ hr guide →

Two hours covers virtually any combination, including peak-time US preclearance. See full 2 hr guide →

Ample time even during busy transpacific or transborder banks with long queues. See full 2½ hr guide →

Well beyond any realistic connection need at YVR, even with delays or gate changes. See full 3 hr guide →

Excessive buffer for any YVR connection scenario, useful only if flights are infrequent. See full 4 hr guide →