If you are looking for travel options from Kamloops to Vancouver then you are in the right place! There are several ways to travel, car, train, plane, and bus. You will want to do a little preparation if this is your first time to the area. Kamloops is known for hosting various sporting events so perhaps that is bringing you into the city. Or if you are a local and looking to get from Kamloops into Vancouver for a vacation or to travel somewhere else, you will find everything you need to know below
Kamloops to Vancouver by Car
Driving from Vancouver to Kamloops is the most popular way to make the journey. It is approximately 350 kilometres and mostly a 2 lane each way divided highway. The most direct route is via the Coquihalla Highway (Highway 5). It is mountainous driving, but a well maintained highway. However, the weather can be extreme and road clearing teams can only do so much. You must have winter tires to travel between Oct 1st and March 31st because it is often snowing at the highway elevations.
Kamloops to Vancouver by Plane
Flying from Kamloops to Vancouver is a great way to travel, especially in the winter when the Coquihalla Highway can be treterious. Kamloops airport code is YKA. There are flights from Vancouver (YVR) daily. Kamloops airport is serviced by Air Canada, Pacific Coastal Airlines, Central Mountain Air and WestJet. I always start with Google Flights so I have a good idea of the airlines and prices, and then book direct with the airline.
Kamloops to Vancouver by Train
Via Rail services Kamloops to Vancouver but the journey takes over 12 hours. There are a few stops along the way and it is generally an overnight journey. If you are familiar with the train lines, you will also see the Rocky Mountaineer goes from Kamloops to Vancouver. But you are not able to book just that segment. You need to start in either Banff or Jasper and continue to Kamloops and then Vancouver.
Kamloops to Vancouver by Bus
Bus travel in British Columbia is possible, but not overly popular. It has been the best way to connect small communities between the provinces, but companies struggle to stay afloat. Recently the longtime Greyhound service in British Columbia ended its service. But another company, called EBus has picked up to provide this essential service between towns and cities in BC. The shortest direct bus takes about 4.5 hours.
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Lindsay Nieminen is the creator of UncoveringBC.com. She grew up and still lives in the suburbs of Vancouver with her family. She aims to inspire inform, and educate others about traveling in her home province of British Columbia. She is also the creator of carpediemourway.com which aims to show parents how to seek out adventure at home or abroad, with their children in tow!