Is a 45 min layover in Vancouver long enough?

YVR · Vancouver International · Vancouver, Canada
It Depends

A 45 minutes layover at YVR (Vancouver) is tight — it may or may not be enough.

Fine for domestic-domestic, borderline for domestic-international connections.
Concourses
3
Max Transit
30m
Avg. Security
20m
Primary Hub
Air Canada
Domestic → Domestic
35min
✓
Domestic → International
50min
✗
International → Domestic
75min
✗
International → International
90min
✗
AD PLACEMENT — CONTEXTUAL
If arriving internationally and connecting to a US flight, budget extra time since you must clear Canadian customs, recheck bags, then go through full US CBP preclearance again.
Domestic-to-domestic connections within Air Canada's network at YVR are fast since both terminals share the same secure zone.
Use the Link moving walkways rather than trying to shortcut on foot — the domestic-international corridor is longer than it looks on the map.
NEXUS and Global Entry can meaningfully speed up the US preclearance process at Concourse E during peak periods.
Allow buffer time for early morning and late afternoon banks when transpacific and transborder flights cluster and lines lengthen.
12a6a12p6p12a
Low risk
Moderate
High risk
Tight connections are safer outside peak hours. Morning rush (6–9a), midday (11a–2p), and evening (4–8p) are highest risk.
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.
Is 45 minutes enough for a layover at Vancouver International (YVR)?

Fine for domestic-domestic, borderline for domestic-international connections.

What is the minimum connection time at YVR?

Minimum connection times at Vancouver International: Domestic-to-Domestic is 35 minutes, International-to-International is 90 minutes. These are the shortest layovers airlines will sell.

Can I make a 45 minutes connection at YVR on an international flight?

45 minutes is below the 90-minute international MCT at Vancouver International. You may need to rush and could miss your connection. 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.

How much time do I need for a layover at YVR?

We recommend at least 50 minutes for a comfortable connection at Vancouver International. This gives you enough buffer for security (typically 20 minutes) and transit between terminals (up to 30 minutes).

What happens if I miss my connection at YVR?

Air Canada's rebooking desks are located in both the Domestic and International terminals, and agents can usually rebook onto the next available flight at the gate or nearest service counter; for missed transborder connections, check with CBP-area staff since preclearance schedules affect rebooking options.

AD PLACEMENT — BEFORE FOOTER