Transportation
Transit & U-Pass
The Vancouver area has an extensive public transportation system called Translink. It includes buses, a light rail system called the SkyTrain, and a commuter ferry called the SeaBus. The Translink website has information about routes and schedules, as well as a useful trip planning feature on its home page.
Most Regent students are eligible to participate in the U-Pass BC program, a valuable benefit that provides unlimited transit access at highly subsidized rates. Visit our U-Pass page to learn more.
Wondering how to get to Regent by public transit? Visit our Getting Here page.
Driving in BC
If you plan to drive in BC during your time at Regent, here are a few things to consider.
Driver's licenses and car insurance can be obtained through the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC).
According to ICBC, if you are a full-time visiting student (whether Canadian or international), you can retain your driver's license from your home province or country. However, this applies only to the registered student, not to your spouse. Spouses can drive on their current license for three months, but then they're required to get a BC driver's license. This period can be extended to six months if they have an International Driving Permit. International students are advised to keep a copy of their study permit and UBC card with them while driving.
If you are a North American student, you can either insure your vehicle with ICBC, or you may be able to retain insurance coverage from your home province or state, providing you register the insurance with ICBC. Detailed information can be found on the ICBC website.
Parking on Campus
Regent College does not have its own parking lot. Regent students can purchase parking passes at University Chapel (a ten-minute walk from Regent) for a month or a semester at a time. Find out more or contact University Chapel to secure your parking space. Day parking rates are not available at University Chapel.
A number of parking options are available on the wider UBC Campus, including the following options.
- Metered parking: There are quite a few parking spots with paid meters on the side streets just behind Regent College—Western Parkway, Dalhousie Road, and Allison Road.
- UBC hourly parking: UBC Parking operates two paid parking lots within a 5-minute walk of Regent College—the Health Sciences Parkade at the UBC Hospital, and the North Parkade behind the War Memorial Gym. Find information and directions on the UBC parking map.
- Parking permits are available through UBC Parking, which also lists current parking rates.
Other Transportation
Airport
The Vancouver International Airport is located just 20 minutes from campus by car, and is also accessible by public transit using the SkyTrain's Canada Line.
Cycling
Vancouver has many cycling paths crossing the city. Many students buy a good raincoat for the wet days and cycle to Regent. UBC and Regent are separated from the city by a beautiful forested park, which makes cycling and walking a wonderful experience.
UBC provides online cycling routes, or you can visit the City of Vancouver's site.
Taxis & Uber
A taxi fare from Regent to downtown Vancouver or from Regent to the airport is approximately $35. The most common taxi companies operating in Vancouver are:
- Black Top & Checker Cabs, 604.683.4567, toll-free 1.800.494.1111
- MacLures Cabs, 604.683.6666
- Vancouver Taxi, 604.871.1111, toll-free 1.800.871.8294
- Yellow Cab, 604.681.1111, toll-free 1.800.898.8294
Uber also operates in Vancouver. You will need to download the app to access this service.
BC Ferries
Planning to explore some of the islands off the coast of Vancouver? Visit the BC Ferries website for schedules and fares.
Long-Distance Trains and Buses
- The Rocky Mountaineer offers train rides to Whistler.
- VIA Rail is Canada's chief railway line, connecting Vancouver with the rest of the country.
- Amtrak Cascades carries passengers between Vancouver, Seattle, and Portland, with stops in various smaller cities.
- Greyhound provides bus transportation between cities, and covers routes across the entire country and into the US.
