When you arrive for your adventures in Vancouver, you might face a key decision about how you'll get around -- the choice between renting a car or relying on public transit to check out this diverse city. Vancouver's public transit system is comprehensive and relatively easy to use, but some visitors prefer the comfort of driving at their own pace and letting their GPS systems tell them where to turn. Whichever choice you make, you'll find getting around fairly easy in this metropolitan Canadian city.
If you have ever found yourself on the verge of a meltdown in the frenzied traffic of a strange metropolitan city, you know how frustrating driving this can be. You probably won't, however, find this to be the case in Vancouver. The city has no freeways, so traffic moves at a more manageable pace, although you might find this doesn't work in your favor when you're in a hurry. Most rental car agencies in the area require you to be at least 25 years old to rent a car -- and you must have a valid driver's license. A U.S. license will grant you six months of hassle-free driving in Canada. Most major hotels have parking available, but you'll find that downtown metered parking is a hot commodity, reports Lonely Planet. Prices will vary, but, in general, renting a car in Vancouver is on par with the prices you'll find in most major cities.
You'll see the biggest benefits from renting a car if you plan on taking any excursions out of the city -- to the North Shore Mountains, for instance. Although paying for a rental, gas and parking can add up quickly, renting a car affords you the ability to see Vancouver at your own pace. And you can even save some money and reduce your carbon footprint by using a car service such as Zipcar, which leaves hybrid vehicles in designated spots around town to rent for portions of the day. You can reserve these at your convenience for lower prices than renting with traditional agencies. If you would rather stick to what you know, you shouldn't have any trouble locating the standard car-rental agencies available at the Vancouver International Airport and throughout the city.
Vancouver's public transit system includes an electric trolley system, buses, a ferry service and a light train. Buses and trolleys run from 5 a.m. to 2 a.m. every day and accept transit tickets or cash fares -- but you must have exact change. The SkyTrain system is a light train that can take you from one end of the city to the other, with approximately 20 stops. SeaBus ferries depart from Waterfront Station in downtown every 15 minutes and take passengers across town to Lonsdale Quay in North Vancouver.
If you're staying in downtown Vancouver and don't have plans to leave the city, you can get nearly anywhere you need -- including all the tourist attractions -- by using one of the city's several mass transit options. The network is extensive and relatively cheap compared with the cost of renting a car. Vancouver's transit website also makes getting around even easier. Enter your departure point and destination, and you'll find instructions on what route to take. Day passes are available for all visitors, too, and can save you a considerable amount of money on days when you know you'll be constantly on the go.
