Transportation during the Vancouver Winter Olympics

The Vancouver 2010 Olympic venues stretch over 120-kilometers from Whistler to downtown Vancouver, Cypress Mountain and Richmond (the latter two are both part of Metro Vancouver). Vancouver has improved its public transportation during the Olympics among these areas and is recommending bus, train and Olympic shuttles as the best way to get around the Games.

Reasons you may want to leave your car behind include:

• vehicle access to highway 99 to Whistler is restricted to residents and people with vehicle access passes,
• parking is restricted in Whistler Village,
• no parking at any of the Olympic venues, and
• public transit is included with your Olympic ticket for the day of the event.

Getting from the Vancouver Airport to downtown Vancouver, Whistler and Richmond

Public transportation is easy from Vancouver Airport to downtown Vancouver and elsewhere in Richmond (the Vancouver Airport is actually in Richmond), thanks especially to the Canada Line, which offers inexpensive rapid rail service between the airport, downtown Vancouver and Richmond. For more details on transportation from the airport, read Getting to and from Vancouver Airport and Getting from Vancouver to Whistler.

Getting to Whistler Olympic Venues

Most of the Olympic alpine events are in Whistler, a small town about two and a half hours away with limited space for cars. Vehicle restrictions are in place along the Sea to Sky Highway - the main artery to Whistler - during the Olympics as is parking in Whistler. Thus, arriving without a car by private coach or, for ticket-holders, by the Olympic Bus Network is the best bet.

Ticket holders for events in Whistler may buy their Olympic Bus Network ticket to Whistler through Click and Park, an online reservation tool, beginning November 30, 2009 (book early; prices double as of Jan. 4, 2010). If you are arriving in Whistler and do not have a ticket, go to Ridebooker.com to reserve your seat on one of the buses Whistler bound. Book on Ridebooker.com by November 30, 2009, and pay only CAD$35 for your seat - about 40% off regular prices.

Getting around the Games - Whistler Venues

Whistler is a small village and once you're there, getting around is best done on foot or by public transit, which is enhanced during the Games and reasonably priced. No parking is available at any of the Olympic venues and any vehicles in Whistler will require permits.

Getting around the Games - Cypress Mountain Venues

Cypress Mountain, located in the district of West Vancouver, is the venue for freestyle and snowboard competition events. Like vehicle access to Whistler during the Games, access to Cypress Mountain is restricted and there is no parking at this venue. People should buy an Olympic Bus Network ticket to Cypress Mountain through Click and Park, an online reservation tool, beginning November 24, 2009 (book early; prices double as of Jan. 4, 2010).

Getting around the Games - Vancouver & Richmond Venues

There is no parking at any of the Vancouver Olympic venues, so having a car will slow you down during the Games. Enhanced public transit with extended hours and more frequent departures is available during the Games and included in 2010 Winter Games tickets for the day of your event.