The quickest way from Gastown to Yaletown is the Canada Line. Board at Waterfront Station and get off at Yaletown-Roundhouse, which is the next stop down the line, so the ride itself is a minute or two. By road the two areas are about 2 km and 5 minutes apart.
Canada Line from Waterfront to Yaletown-Roundhouse
Gastown sits right beside Waterfront Station, a short walk from the Steam Clock at Water and Cambie. Yaletown-Roundhouse is one stop south, and trains run about every 7 minutes for most of the day. The trip is so short that waiting for a train can take longer than the ride, which is why many people just walk.
A single TransLink fare is valid for 90 minutes across bus, SkyTrain and SeaBus, so a short hop can also be part of a longer outing without paying twice. Current fares are on the TransLink website.
Bus 6 along Davie Street
Route 6 Davie runs between Davie and Denman and Cambie and Dunsmuir, passing through Yaletown and the Davie Village area. It runs every 10 minutes or so, more often at peak. From Gastown you would walk to the Cambie end first, so it suits trips that continue toward the West End more than a plain Gastown to Yaletown hop. For exact stops and times, use the TransLink trip planner.
Walking or cycling between the two
Walking is realistic. The distance is short and mostly flat, and you cross the downtown grid with plenty to look at on the way. Give yourself a little extra time for traffic lights around Cambie and Pacific.
Cyclists can use the Seaside Greenway, the waterfront path that passes through Yaletown and along False Creek. The path separates walkers from riders, so stick to the cycling lane. Mobi bike share has stations around downtown if you do not have your own bike.
When a car makes sense
If it is raining, late at night or you are carrying shopping, a short cab ride costs little and drops you at the door. The taxi fare estimator gives a rough figure, and Vancouver taxi covers pickups in the city centre.
Parking in both neighbourhoods is metered and busy in the evenings, so on a night out most visitors leave the car at the hotel. Check the posted signs and the City of Vancouver parking pages for current rates and hours before you park.