Do You Need a Car in Vancouver? (From a Local)

1. Parking Challenges

Finding parking in Vancouver is one of the biggest headaches. In busy areas like Downtown, parking spaces are hard to find and expensive. Metered spots can cost up to $6 per hour, and parking lots frequently charge $20 to $30 per day.

Residential areas may offer temporary relief, but free or long-term parking is rare, with many requiring permits or having strict time limits…or no signs at all (looking at you, City of Burnaby) to tell you you’re not allowed to park somewhere for more than 3 hours. 😒

2. High Costs

Driving in Vancouver comes with high expenses:

• Car Rentals: Expect daily rental costs to start around $50-$100 CAD, with added insurance, fees, and taxes pushing that even higher.
  
• Gas Prices: Gas prices in Vancouver, BC, are some of the highest in Canada, averaging around $1.75 per litre.
  
• Parking Fees: Parking in central areas can quickly add to your total costs, making public transport a much more affordable option.

3. Traffic and Congestion

Vancouver’s dense streets often get congested, especially during rush hour (8-9 AM and 4-6 PM). Even when traffic is lighter, construction or special events can lead to unexpected delays.

Navigating the city’s one-way streets, cyclist-heavy areas, and pedestrian zones adds to the stress of driving, especially for newcomers or visitors unfamiliar with the area.

4. Stress of Navigating

Driving in Vancouver, especially Downtown, can be overwhelming. One-way streets, heavy foot traffic, and strict regulations for turns or bus lanes can easily confuse those unfamiliar with the city’s roadways.

And, OMG all the left turns where there are no left turn signals! You’ll be pulling your hair out in no time. . .so annoying!

5. Environmental Impact

Vancouver’s green culture makes driving less popular. The city has committed to reducing carbon emissions, with many locals opting for biking, walking, or public transportation.

Driving contributes to air pollution and traffic congestion, which goes against the city’s sustainability goals.

Fines for mistakes like turning in bus-only lanes are hefty, making navigation a stressful experience for both visitors and locals alike.

Tips for Driving in Vancouver

• Avoid rush hours (7–9 AM and 4–6 PM) to escape heavy traffic.
• Use apps like Parkopedia to locate parking spots downtown.
• Watch for cyclist-heavy areas and pedestrian zones.
• Familiarize yourself with one-way streets and turn restrictions.

Still deciding? Use the Transit vs. Car Calculator below to weigh your options based on costs and convenience.

Transit vs. Rental Car Calculator

Best Alternatives to Driving in Vancouver: Public Transit, Car Sharing and More

Before you consider renting or driving a car in Vancouver, take a look at the alternatives that make getting around easy, affordable, and environmentally friendly. Below are some ways of how to get around in Vancouver without a car.

Public Transit: Convenient, Cost-Effective, and Eco-Friendly

Vancouver’s public transportation system is highly efficient and well-connected and offers a stress-free alternative to driving.

Public transit is a reliable option, even for those travelling solo. It’s a safe and efficient way to explore the city while keeping costs low. Check out these tips for your Vancouver solo adventure to stay protected and make the most of your trip.

Here’s why many locals and visitors opt for transit over a car:

Extensive Coverage: Vancouver’s SkyTrain system connects major areas like Downtown, Burnaby, Richmond, and Surrey. The buses offer frequent service to virtually every part of the city, and the SeaBus provides a scenic ferry ride between Downtown and North Vancouver.

Cost-Effective: A single trip on the SkyTrain or bus costs under $4, depending on the zone. For visitors or frequent travellers, a DayPass gives you unlimited travel for a day across all public transport.

Hassle-Free: You don’t have to worry about finding parking or dealing with traffic. Public transit runs frequently and efficiently, making it perfect for trips to Stanley Park, Granville Island, or Science World.

Important Note: The reason why I had a car in North Vancouver was because of the limited transit options (or, like, it would take an hour and a half or longer to get into Vancouver to meet friends or do anything) within the North Shore.

I also find that the transit options in the City of Burnaby, where I live, are really not great, especially for going short distances…that’s when I use these other options:

Is public transit your best option? Check out my Transit vs. Rental Car Calculator to find out.

Car-Sharing: Flexible Without Full-Time Commitment

For those times when you need a vehicle but don’t want the burden of renting or parking it, Vancouver’s car-sharing services are a flexible alternative:

• Evo and MODO: These services allow you to rent cars by the hour or the day. You can pick up a car from designated locations and drop it off in any approved parking area, often without needing to return to the same spot (for Evo – MODO requires you to drop off the car at the same spot). Learn everything you need to know about driving a vehicle to Vancouver.
  
  I am a member of MODO, and I’m lucky to have two vehicles within a short walking distance of where I live, which makes it super convenient to book a car and head out.
  
• Pay Only When You Need It: Unlike renting a car, car-sharing services charge you only for the time you use, making it great for short trips or running errands. You may need to pay a small amount every month for admin fees, but it’s very minimal.
  
• Easy to Access: With hundreds of vehicles scattered across the city, it’s easy to find a car nearby when you need it.

Car-sharing is ideal if you need to make multiple stops or if public transport doesn’t cover your entire route. Plus, it’s cost-effective since you don’t have to worry about overnight parking fees.

Ridesharing: Quick, On-Demand Transportation

Since Uber and Lyft arrived in Vancouver, they’ve become a popular option for quick, on-demand transportation:

• No Parking or Waiting: Ridesharing apps offer a direct route to your destination without the need to park or navigate unfamiliar streets.
  
• Lots of Vehicle Options: You can choose an Uber Pet for times when you need to take your pets to the vet (I choose this option over MODO because I’m never sure how long I’ll need the car, and I don’t want to have to carry my rabbits in their carrier to go pick up the car).
  
  You can also choose Uber XL for times when you have luggage or when several people need to get somewhere. I choose this option when going on trips to the airport or cruise ship port with my family when they visit.
  
  I’ve never used Lyft, so I can’t speak to how they compare. 🤷🏽‍♀️

If you’re still undecided about what locations you’d even want to visit for attractions and nature spots, find out why Vancouver should be on your bucket list.

The Pros of Having a Car in Vancouver

While the alternatives to driving work well for most people, there are still some benefits to having a car, especially if you’re planning specific types of trips or have special needs.

To be clear, I am pro road trip as the absolute best way to travel. The second would be travelling by train (but this doesn’t really work when travelling anywhere within Western Canada. Boo!)

There is seriously nothing that makes me feel more ALIVE and FREE than being on the open road on a solo adventure.

Flexibility for Day Trips and Exploring Beyond the City

Vancouver is known for stunning mountains and trees and is surrounded by some of Canada’s most beautiful landscapes. Having a car provides flexibility when you want to venture outside the city.

Places like Whistler, Squamish, and Vancouver Island are more easily explored by car. You can stop at scenic spots along the way, travel on your own schedule, and access remote locations.

For example:

• Driving the Sea-to-Sky Highway to Whistler allows you to explore breathtaking stops like Porteau Cove or Mamquam Falls Trail, which aren’t very accessible by public transit.
  
• If you plan to ferry over to Vancouver Island, a car allows you to explore more remote places like Tofino or take detours to smaller coastal towns. Or, if you want to check out more of Bowen Island where you can walk around the ferry terminal.

Convenience for Families and Groups

For families with young children or groups of friends, having a car offers convenience that public transit may not provide:

• Car Seats and Gear: When travelling with kids, having your own car makes it easier to store strollers, car seats, and other gear. You also avoid the stress of navigating public transit with little ones.
  
• Multiple Stops: If you’re planning a day with multiple destinations—like visiting Stanley Park, heading to the Burnaby Village Museum, and then going out for dinner—a car allows you to do all that without juggling bus schedules or transfers.

Access to Hidden Gems

While public transit covers much of the city, some of Vancouver’s most stunning locations are off the beaten path. A car makes it easier to reach:

• Deep Cove: A charming seaside village known for its kayaking and scenic views, best accessed by car.
  
• Secret Beaches: Unless you want to walk a long distance, you’ll need a vehicle to get to these places.
  
• Lighthouse Park: A beautiful coastal park in West Vancouver that’s easier to reach with your own vehicle.
  
• Remote Hiking Trails: If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, having a car makes it easier to access less-travelled hiking spots around Cypress Mountain or further out of the city.