Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
On the edge of Chinatown, the grand-looking white-stucco
Pacific Central Station
(1150 Station St, Chinatown) is the city's main terminus for long-distance train services -
from across Canada on VIA Rail, and from Seattle (just south of the border) and beyond
on Amtrak. It's also the main arrival point for major intercity bus services: Canada and
cross-border buses on Greyhound; cross-border budget bus services on Bolt Bus; Vict-
oria and Whistler services on Pacific Coach Lines; Sunshine Coast services on
Malaspina Coach Lines.
While the station building itself has seen better days, Pacific Central has places to
pick up coffee, snacks and sandwiches, and it also has free wi-fi. Keep in mind that al-
though this part of Vancouver is not far from the city center on maps, it can be confusing
to navigate from here to downtown on foot: best to hop on the nearby SkyTrain or take a
cab.
Train
Main Street-Science World SkyTrain Station (on the Expo and Millennium Lines) is just
across the street from Pacific Central. If you're heading downtown (which is a five-
minute trundle away), jump on any train bound for Waterfront Station. The fare will be
$2.50.
Taxi
There are usually a few cabs just outside Pacific Central Station. The ride to most down-
town hotels from Pacific Central will take around 10 minutes, depending on traffic. It
should cost around $10, or more if you're staying deep in the wilds of the West End.
Car
Hertz offers car-rental services in the train station. From the station, turn right along
Main St and, within a minute or two, turn left onto the signposted 'City Centre' ramp that
leads straight into the heart of downtown. You'll be there (traffic depending) in less than
10 minutes.
