From Vancouver
SkyTrain is often the simplest option for Metrotown, Brentwood and Lougheed. Driving can be faster for some park destinations, but travel time varies with congestion.
From YVR
YVR is in Richmond. Public transit generally requires travelling through Vancouver before continuing to Burnaby. Taxi, rideshare, rental car and pre-arranged transportation can be more direct for groups or heavy luggage.
From the Fraser Valley
Highway 1 crosses Burnaby and is the main approach from the east. The correct exit depends on whether the destination is Brentwood, Burnaby Mountain, Metrotown, Deer Lake or another area.
From New Westminster and Surrey
Expo Line connections make southeast and south Burnaby accessible from New Westminster and Surrey. Driving routes vary by bridge and destination.
From the North Shore
Burrard Inlet separates Burnaby from North Vancouver, so bridge traffic matters. Barnet Highway and Ironworkers Memorial Bridge connections can be affected by peak periods.
Use the exact destination
Do not navigate simply to Burnaby. Put the complete address into the route planner and compare arrival time, parking and transfers.
Private transportation
For travellers who need a scheduled direct airport vehicle, our regional resources include Vancouver airport limousine and private black-car options. These should be compared with transit, taxi and rideshare based on passenger count, luggage and timing.
Start with the exact address
Burnaby covers a large, hilly area and a destination name can hide substantial travel time. Before choosing transportation or accommodation, put the complete address into the route planner. Metrotown, Brentwood, Lougheed, Deer Lake and Burnaby Mountain create very different arrival patterns.
Compare the complete trip, not one leg
SkyTrain can make Burnaby easy to reach, but some final destinations require a bus, walk or taxi. Driving may look faster until parking and congestion are included. Compare door-to-door time, luggage, passenger needs and the return journey rather than judging a mode by one segment.
Build margin around fixed obligations
Flights, concerts, medical appointments, tournaments and reservations need extra time. Work backward from the required arrival time and add a realistic buffer for traffic, transit connections, parking or weather. Burnaby's central location helps, but it does not remove regional congestion.
Before you go
Burnaby changes through construction, seasons, events and service updates. Confirm hours, closures, admissions, transit and accessibility with the responsible organization when those details affect your trip.
Continue planning
Use our Burnaby things to do guide, neighbourhood guide, getting around Burnaby guide and trip-planning guide to connect this page with the rest of your visit.
Before you make a decision
- Confirm the exact place. Burnaby neighbourhood names and park names can cover larger areas than a visitor expects.
- Test transportation. Compare the complete driving, transit and walking route at the time you will actually use it.
- Check current conditions. Verify hours, closures, events, trail notices and facility information with the responsible organization.
- Keep the day realistic. One strong anchor plus one or two nearby stops usually creates a better Burnaby day than a citywide checklist.
Direct regional transportation
Groups, business travellers and people carrying substantial luggage may also compare pre-arranged chauffeur transportation with public transit, taxi and rental vehicles. A direct service is most useful when reducing transfers or meeting a fixed arrival time matters.
Useful official resources
Use these sources for details that can change after this guide is published.