The Canada Line is the easiest way from downtown Vancouver to Richmond. Trains run straight south from the downtown stations to Richmond, and the ride takes about 25 minutes.
Riding the Canada Line to Brighouse
Downtown, board at Waterfront or Vancouver City Centre Station. City Centre is linked to the Pacific Centre and Vancouver Centre malls, so it is handy if you are shopping or staying near Granville Street. Waterfront connects to the SeaBus and the West Coast Express.
The line splits at Bridgeport. One branch goes to Richmond and ends at Brighouse Station, the other goes to the airport. Check the destination shown on the front of the train before you board so you end up on the right branch. Trains are frequent through the day, and the downtown to Bridgeport stretch gets the most service. Exact gaps between trains change by time of day, so the TransLink SkyTrain schedule page has the current numbers.
Pay with a Compass Card or tap with a contactless card at the gates. Fares depend on zones and on your fare type, so look up the current price on TransLink before you travel instead of trusting an old figure.
When a bus or a car suits Richmond better
The train is hard to beat for anything near a Canada Line station. If you are headed to a part of Richmond away from the line, such as the east side or the waterfront at Steveston, plan the trip with the TransLink trip planner. It will show whether a bus from a Richmond station gets you closer.
By road the time varies a lot with traffic, especially across the bridges at rush hour. Parking in downtown Vancouver is expensive, which is one more reason to leave the car at home for this trip.
Taxi or rideshare
A taxi makes sense with heavy luggage, late at night, or when your destination sits well away from the train. The taxi fare estimator gives a rough idea of the cost before you book, and the Vancouver taxi page covers pickups in the city.