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SkyTrain is the clearest backbone for visitors: central stations serve downtown, the Canada Line links the airport and Richmond, and other lines connect eastward through the region. Buses fill the gaps along major corridors, while SeaBus crosses Burrard Inlet between Waterfront Station and the North Shore. Use TransLink’s official trip planner for current routes, fares and service changes rather than relying on inherited route numbers. Payment and transfer rules differ by mode and can change, so confirm the current policy before the first ride. Waterfront Station is the key interchange for SkyTrain, SeaBus and nearby commuter rail; Vancouver City Centre and Granville stations serve central shopping and hotels; Stadium–Chinatown is convenient for the arenas. Leave extra time when a journey depends on a bus connection or major event crowds. For most sightseeing within downtown, walking remains faster than making a short transfer underground.