The simplest way from downtown Vancouver to Burnaby is the SkyTrain Expo Line from Waterfront Station to Metrotown Station. By road the same trip is about 14 km and 25 minutes, depending on traffic.
Expo Line from Waterfront to Metrotown
Waterfront Station is the downtown end of the Expo Line, and Metrotown is one of its stations in Burnaby. Board at Waterfront or at any other downtown station on the line and ride to Metrotown. The TransLink trip planner gives the current travel time and the next trains.
Burnaby has other SkyTrain stops too. The Millennium Line also crosses the city, so check which line serves the part of Burnaby you are visiting. Burnaby is large, and Metrotown is only one of several centres.
How fares work
TransLink divides the system into three zones during weekday peak hours, from the start of service until 6:30 p.m. After 6:30 p.m. on weekdays, and all day on weekends and holidays, the whole system is one zone. Because the price depends on the day and time you travel, look at the TransLink fare page for the amount that applies to your trip.
Driving to Metrotown and parking
Allow extra time on weekday rush hours, when the bridges and major roads back up. A navigation app with live traffic helps you choose the best route that day.
Metrotown has large shopping centre lots and street parking in places. Fees, time limits and enforcement vary by location, so read the posted signs. The City of Burnaby website covers rules for street parking.
Getting there by taxi
A taxi suits late nights, shopping trips with heavy bags, or a destination that is a long walk from a station. See the Vancouver taxi page for how to book, and use the taxi fare estimator to get an idea of the cost beforehand.
For travel on weekends and holidays or late at night, check the SkyTrain schedule on the TransLink site, since frequency and the last train times differ from weekday service.