Public transit
TransLink operates transit in Metro Vancouver, and BC Transit serves most other communities. Fare structures, zones and passes differ, so check the operator for your area.
Life in BC
Getting Around British Columbia
What to expect from transit, driving and travel between communities in BC.
Start here
What this means in BC
How you get around depends heavily on where you live. Metro Vancouver has an integrated regional transit network, other communities are served by BC Transit, and many parts of the province assume you have a vehicle. Coastal and island communities also rely on ferries.
The overview
How it generally works
Driving and licensing
ICBC administers driver licensing and basic vehicle insurance in BC. New residents are generally expected to exchange or apply for a BC licence within a set period, and the process depends on where your existing licence is from. Confirm the current requirements with ICBC.
Ferries and inter-city travel
BC Ferries connects the mainland with Vancouver Island and other coastal communities; reservations are common in busy seasons. Regional bus, rail and air services connect larger centres.
Choosing where to live
Commute time is one of the strongest predictors of whether people are happy where they settled. Test your likely commute at a realistic hour before committing.
Vocabulary
Important terms
- Compass Card
- The fare card used on Metro Vancouver transit.
- ICBC
- The provincial body for driver licensing and basic auto insurance.
- Fare zone
- A geographic pricing area used by some transit systems.
- Licence exchange
- Converting an out-of-province or foreign licence to a BC licence.
Sequence
Typical steps
A general order most people follow. Your situation may differ.
- 1Check which transit operator serves the communities you are considering.
- 2Test your commute at a realistic weekday time.
- 3Start the BC driver's licence process soon after arriving.
- 4Arrange vehicle insurance before driving.
- 5Get a transit fare card if you will use transit regularly.
- 6Learn ferry reservation practices if you are island-bound.
Budgeting
Common costs or considerations
- Monthly transit passes or per-trip fares.
- Vehicle insurance, fuel, parking and maintenance.
- Licence exchange and testing fees.
- Ferry fares and reservations.
- Bridge or road tolls, where they apply.
We do not publish specific prices, rates or fees. Amounts depend on your situation and should be quoted by the provider or confirmed with the official source.
Learn from others
Common newcomer mistakes
- Choosing housing based on distance in kilometres rather than actual travel time.
- Delaying the licence exchange past the allowed period.
- Assuming parking is available and inexpensive.
- Travelling by ferry in peak season without a reservation.
Be prepared
Questions to ask a professional
Bring these to any meeting. Good professionals welcome them.
“What does the real commute look like from this address at 8 a.m.?”
“What do I need to exchange my licence, and how long does it take?”
“What will insurance cost for my situation?”
“Is parking included with this home, and at what cost?”
Where this comes from
Sources and accuracy
Last updated: August 2026
Please confirm before relying on it
- — Current fares, pass prices and licence exchange timelines — confirm with the operator or ICBC.
Rules, programs, amounts and costs change over time. Always confirm current details with the official source before making a decision.
This page is general education, not legal, tax, financial, mortgage or real-estate advice.
Keep going
Related SettleInBC resources
Commute decides comfort
Compare cities on transit, commute and cost side by side before choosing a neighbourhood.