How to Get to Whistler BC: My Experience & The Easiest Way (2025)

Whistler in British Columbia is the largest mountain resort in North America and, in my humble opinion, also the most beautiful.

It’s incredible in winter with over 200 slopes, endless off-piste terrain across two mountains, and plenty of charming little towns with amazing hotels.

I’ve been to Whistler twice now. The first time, I actually lived there for 8 months, working for Vail Resorts and Whistler Blackcomb for the entire ski season. That’s when I really fell in love with the place. I went back again recently in the summer, and it was just as amazing in a totally different way.

Getting to Whistler is a bit of a thing, and people have all kinds of opinions on the easiest or best way to get here.

So in this quick guide on how to get to Whistler from Vancouver, I’ll share my own experience and tips on the best and easiest options for making the trip.

How to Get to Whistler from Vancouver – My Experience

The first time I went to Whistler, I took the SkyLynx bus from Vancouver, and honestly, it couldn’t have been easier.

I booked my ticket online in advance, met the bus at the downtown Vancouver terminal, and they had more than enough space for everyone’s ski and snowboard gear. The seats were comfortable, the ride was smooth, and it only took about 90 minutes to 2 hours. Super easy and I’d definitely recommend this option.

When I went back to Whistler more recently, I rented a car in Vancouver and drove up myself and it was amazing. The Sea to Sky Highway that connects Vancouver and Whistler is one of the most scenic drives I’ve ever done.

I like both options, and they each have their pros and cons. If you’re staying right in Whistler Village or Blackcomb Village, close to the lifts (maybe even ski-in/ski-out), you really don’t need a car, just take the bus.

But if you’re staying a little farther from the lifts, especially with family or friends in a chalet, holiday home or cabin, I’d recommend having a car in Whistler. It just makes getting around much easier.

Drive to Whistler by Car

Option number one is to rent a car in Vancouver and drive up yourself. I booked mine through Kayak.com and it was super easy. I think it was only around $30 USD a day. The drive to Whistler was absolutely gorgeous, and once I was there it was perfect for getting around, checking out different hikes, lakes, and just exploring the area. I loved it. (For context, I did this in the summer.)

Driving in winter, though, is a different story. Plenty of people do it and it’s absolutely possible, but I recommend getting a bigger vehicle (at least an SUV like a RAV4 but ideally even bigger) with all-wheel drive. 

Whistler snow can be intense, and the highway from Vancouver to Whistler often gets icy, snowy, and occasionally blocked due to accidents from inexperienced drivers. I saw this happen a lot when I worked there, and it even caused delivery delays for the ski resort.

So, if you’re driving in winter, make sure you have the right car for the conditions and that you’re confident driving in snow and ice, for your safety and everyone else’s.

Click here for the best car rental deals in Vancouver

Take the Bus to Whistler Canada

Taking the bus from Vancouver to Whistler is what I did many times when I lived there, and honestly, it’s the easiest way to get between the two. 

It’s a large coach with comfortable seats, plenty of storage, and both AC in summer and heating in winter, so you’re comfortable no matter the season.

Unless I was staying in a chalet or holiday home outside Whistler town, I’d do this again in a heartbeat. It’s just so easy and convenient. Tickets are currently around CAD $32 one-way or CAD $42 round trip, which is actually a great deal.

For me, this is the simplest option, and I definitely recommend it, especially in winter.

There are actually a few different bus and shuttle service that run this route and not just Skylynx.

You’ve got Skylynx, Whistler Shuttle, and Epic Rides, and honestly, they all do pretty much the same thing. Most can pick you up either in downtown Vancouver or right at the airport, which is super handy. I’ve personally only used Skylynx, but the others get good feedback too, so it’s worth checking them out and seeing which one works best for your schedule (and budget).

Click here to book online bus tickets to Whistler.

Take the Helicopter from Vancouver to Whistler

I only recently found out about this option, but I wanted to include it because you never know, maybe one of you will want to do this.

Needless to say, I’ve never taken a helicopter from Vancouver to Whistler, but it is possible. There are private companies that will fly you straight from Vancouver International Airport to Whistler.

Of course, this one’s a bit more on the luxury side and prices start at around $4,000 for a private charter from Vancouver Airport.

Is There a Train from Vancouver to Whistler?

No, at this stage there’s no train running between Vancouver and Whistler, which honestly is still a bit of a mystery to me. 

Especially in peak season, the Sea to Sky Highway gets clogged like there’s no tomorrow, with tourists pouring in and accidents causing even more delays. A train here would make so much sense.

The tracks already exist, but right now they’re only used for cargo and a super-luxury sightseeing train that runs once a week, definitely not a proper commuter option.

I’ve heard people mention talks about introducing a regular train line, but for now it’s just wishful thinking. It would be amazing if it ever happened though since many European ski resorts already have train connections, and they work perfectly.

Where to Stay in Whistler British Colombia

When it comes to choosing where to stay in Whistler, I actually have a lot of opinions, and yes, I do think it matters more than you might expect.

Whistler isn’t just one single village. You’ve got Whistler Village, Blackcomb Village, Creekside Village, plus a handful of neighbourhoods and smaller communities like Alpine Meadows that are a bit farther out from the ski lifts.

For me, the first question when planning a trip is: do I want ski-in/ski-out access and to be able to walk to the lifts? If so, you’ll want to stay in Whistler Village, Blackcomb, or Creekside.

If that’s not a priority, then you can look farther out. When I go on a ski trip with my family, we often rent a full house or cabin outside the main villages and just drive to the lifts each day. Both options work, it really just depends on your style and budget.

I have a full guide to the best areas and hotels in Whistler, but here are a few quick recommendations:

Luxury Hotels in Whistler: Four Seasons Whistler & Fairmont Chateau Whistler

Mid-Range Hotels: Pan Pacific Whistler Village

Budget Hotels: Blackcomb Springs

FAQs About How to Get to Whistler from Vancouver

How to get to Whistler by train?

You can’t, simple as that. There’s no commuter train at the moment. The Skylynx bus is what I recommend.

Is visiting Whistler worth it?

Absolutely. Whistler has some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the world, plus charming villages and amazing hotels.

Is Whistler expensive to visit?

I’ll be honest, yes. Compared to other North American mountain resorts, it’s definitely on the pricier side.

What is the easiest way to get to Whistler?

It depends. In winter, I’d say the bus. In summer, I think renting a car and driving yourself is more fun.

Final Thoughts on How to Get to Whistler Ski Resort

For me, the best and easiest way to get from Vancouver to Whistler really depends on the trip. 

If I’m going with my partner for a short getaway, I’ll usually take the bus or use a hotel shuttle, mainly because I tend to stay in one of the bigger resorts right by the lifts, so there’s no need for a car.

When I go with my family, it’s different. We like having our own cabin or house, cooking meals together, and making it feel a bit more like home. In that case, renting a car just makes sense. We’ll do a big grocery shop, then drive to the lifts each morning.

Hopefully, this guide helped you figure out the easiest way for you to get to Whistler from Vancouver.

Check Out My Other Whistler Travel Guides

Is Whistler Worth Visiting: My Honest Review

Best Time to Visit Whistler: My Whistler Guide by Season

How to Get to Whistler: The Easiest Way to get There