Vancouver

Train System in Vancouver

For information on SkyTrain and Canada Line, please see section entitled “Subway.”

West Coast Express

The West Coast Express (WCE) is Metro Vancouver’s daily commuter train running between downtown Vancouver and Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Pitt Meadows, Maple Meadows, Port Haney, and Mission City, all located east of Vancouver. WCE trains bring commuters into Vancouver in the mornings, and take them back home again in the evenings. A complete schedule can be found here: http://www.westcoastexpress.com/schedule.asp?PageID=SCHEDULE.

The WCE exists for “rush-hour refugees,” those who are sick of fighting traffic and rising gas prices on their daily commute. On a WCE train, you can enjoy a cup of coffee while taking care of some paperwork or reading the newspaper. All trains are equipped with tables, comfortable seating, accessible washrooms, and coffee and snacks (available for purchase). WCE trains can now accommodate bicycles as well. The WCE website provides a handy New Rider informational section with the following helpful tips for those new to the WCE:

First Steps to riding WCE

1. Getting there is easy by car or public transit. Parking is first-come-first-served at $3 per day, or $60 for 28 days. Familiarize yourself with the stations, and fares.
2. Give yourself plenty of time – you need at least 15 minutes prior to the scheduled departure.
3. Your ticket can be bought right out of the Ticket Vending Machine (TVM). The Service Host will be happy to assist you in choosing the best ticket type for you.
4. Once you have a ticket, stand well back from the yellow line until the train comes to a complete stop. Keep your ticket handy in case the TransLink Constables are making their rounds.
5. When you get to your destination – have a great day!

WCE also operates TrainBus, a 47-seat coach bus designed to provide direct connecting service to all WCE stations. A schedule can be found here: http://www.westcoastexpress.com/scheduletb.asp?PageID=SCHEDULE&MenuSubID=SCHE-TB. TrainBus is not yet wheelchair-accessible.

Fares can be purchased at any one of the Ticket Vending Machines located at all WCE stations. The ticket vending machines accept cash, credit cards (Visa and Master Card), and debit cards for payment. WCE tickets can be used on all TransLink services, and passengers coming from transit services can purchase an Add-Fare Ticket before boarding WCE. WCE operates in the Fare Paid Zone, and proof of purchase is required. Other types of fares include the Weekly Pass and the 28-Day Pass. A one-way adult fare costs between $6.75 and $11.25, a weekly pass costs between $58 and $97.50, and a 28-day pass costs between $178.50 and $298.50. Rates depend on your final destination. Concession rates are as follows: a one-way fare costs between $4.00 and $7.00, a weekly pass costs between $38.25 and $65.75, and a 28-day pass costs between $110.75 and $193.00. Children 4 and under ride for free.

Bikes are welcome aboard for $1.00 per day or $15 for 28 days, or bike racks and rental lockers are available at WCE stations. Monthly and quarterly passes may also be purchased. Each car has “tie-downs” for two bikes (tie-downs secure the bike in the car) with adjacent seating. If one car is full, you may be asked to move to another car with available space for your bike.

For further information on fares, schedules, stations, and TrainBus, please refer to the West Coast Express website: http://www.westcoastexpress.com/.

Railway

Besides the WCE, there are 4 other train lines operating passenger service to and from Vancouver:

Rocky Mountaineer—offers scenic train travel from Vancouver to the Canadian Rockies with stops in Banff, Jasper, and Calgary between the months of April and October, on select weekdays. For further information call 1-877-460-3200 or go online: http://www.rockymountaineer.com/.

Whistler Mountaineer—branch of the Rocky Mountaineer offering daily travel between Vancouver and Whistler, between the months of May and October. For further information call 1-888-687-RAIL (7245) or go online: http://www.whistlermountaineer.com/.

ViaRail—Canada’s national passenger railroad offering year-round transportation between Vancouver and other major Canadian cities. For further information call 1 888 VIA-RAIL (1 888 842-7245) or access the website at http://www.viarail.ca/en.

Amtrak—offers daily passenger service between Vancouver and Seattle (one round trip daily). For further information call 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245) or go online: http://www.amtrak.com/.