The easiest way from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) to Richmond Centre is the Canada Line, with one change of train at Bridgeport. Richmond-Brighouse station, the end of the Richmond branch, sits right beside the mall. Taxis and rideshare are the alternatives if you have heavy bags.
Canada Line with a change at Bridgeport
The Canada Line splits at Bridgeport station into two branches. One goes west to YVR-Airport station, the other runs south along No. 3 Road to Richmond-Brighouse. Trains do not run straight from the airport to Richmond-Brighouse, so take an airport train toward Bridgeport, step off, and board a train marked Richmond-Brighouse. Check the destination sign before boarding, because the two branches share the platform area.
Richmond-Brighouse is at No. 3 Road and Saba Road, adjacent to Richmond Centre, so you can walk from the platform to the mall without a bus. From there, local buses run to other parts of Richmond.
The trip to central Richmond takes roughly a quarter of an hour on the train, though the change adds waiting time. TransLink publishes the exact fare and the current timetable, and its trip planner shows whether any service alerts apply on your day.
Paying for the ride
You can tap in with a Compass Card or a contactless credit or debit card at the fare gates. Rides starting at the airport station can carry an extra airport charge, so look at the TransLink fare page for the current amount rather than relying on an old figure.
Taxi and rideshare from YVR
Licensed taxis and rideshare vehicles both serve the airport, and a direct ride avoids the change at Bridgeport. That matters with several suitcases, with small children, or after a late arrival. Taxis are metered, so the fare depends on traffic and the exact drop-off. The taxi fare estimator and the Uber estimate calculator give a rough figure, and the Vancouver taxi page covers local companies.
Other ways to go
Shuttle companies and rental cars also operate at the airport. Both cost more effort to compare than the train, so check current availability and prices with the provider before you land. Allow extra time on the road at peak hours.