Buses to and from Kelowna Airport (YLW)

Kelowna International Airport is located approximately 11.5km, or 7.1 miles from the city of Kelowna, and is one of the important airports in the Canadian province of British Columbia. It is also one of the larger airports of the country, although its passenger traffic does not come close to that of the airports of Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal. Kelowna’s airport handles around 1.39 million passengers per annum. Options for ground transportation include the Kelowna International Airport buses, operated by private and local bus companies. By shuttle is often considered a convenient and cost effective way of reaching a following destination from the airport, or a convenient way to travel to a departure flight.

Kelowna’s Airport, with the official IATA code of YLW, has a single terminal building that is currently capable of processing up to 400 passengers per hour. In future years the airport will be expanded, enabling it to handle up to 900 passengers per hour. The runway will be lengthened and the terminal will be nearly double its current size. All facilities of the airport are found within the terminal building, and the ground transportation services can be located outside. The licensed airport shuttles, that include the Okanagan Shuttle/Vernon Airporter and Falcon Bus Charters, depart from outside of the south terminal building entrance. They are nearby to the security screening facilities, and are well signposted from the arrival areas. The airport is also served by public regional buses, with very affordable transit rates.

Regional Transit

Passengers who would like to travel to Kelowna by public transport (managed by BC Transit) will find the bus stop along Airport Way, nearby the end of the car rental lot. It is also nearby to the railway tracks, and there are further bus stops on Highway 97, nearby the junction of Airport Way and the highway. The best place to find out all information regarding the bus schedules and pickup/drop off locations is on the official Kelowna Regional Transit website, at http://www.bctransit.com. In general, however, a bus ticket will cost just $2.25 for an adult, or an adult day pass can be purchased for $6.00. Passengers who plan to stay for a while in Kelowna and use the bus system can purchase a monthly pass for $60.00. Ten tickets are available as well for $20.25. If another bus will be required within ninety minutes of purchasing the ticket, a transfer should be requested. The transfer is then shown to the driver of your connecting bus. Children aged four or younger may ride for free.

The Kelowna Regional Transit System has services available for disabled passengers. The majority of their buses are equipped with low floors and wheelchair ramps, and the handyDART Service is also available, which is a special transportation service for persons who are unable to use the conventional buses. If the handyDART Program is unavailable, the Taxi Saver Program is provided, which is a subsidised taxi service. Further details are available at 250-762-278.

The Okanagan Airport Shuttle

The Okanagan Airport Shuttle is licensed to transport passengers throughout the Okanagan Valley, and the Vernon Airporter is used for transport to and from Vernon and areas north of Vernon. The company Vernon Airporter is an associate company of Premier Pacific Coach Lines, and have been providing luxury transport services for sixteen years. They cater for the individual airport passenger as well as for small to large groups of passengers. Their services can be requested for conventions, weddings, sports teams, winery tours, airport trips, golf course trips etc. The Okanagan Ski Bus is also available from the airport for trips to the Silver Star Mountain Resort.

Passengers should make a reservation for the shuttle at least 24 hours in advance, and should be at their pickup location at least fifteen minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive. Further details are available on the company’s website at http://www.okanaganairportshuttle.com or http://www.vernonairporter.ca. Details are also available telephonically at 250-542-7574

Falcon Bus Charters

Falcon Bus Charters is a private company offering efficient, reliable and comfortable coach services to, from and between Kelowna International Airport, the region’s golf courses, Kelowna and Vernon Hotels, restaurants and the area’s four major ski resorts, which are Silver Star, Big White, Apex and Sun Peaks. They also offer tours of the region’s best wineries and vineyards. Departing passengers can be collected from their residence, hotel or place of business, and travel to the airport. Passengers who are arriving at the airport are offered a meet and greet service, where the driver will be waiting in the arrivals area with your name on a board. The driver will assist you with your luggage, and show you the way to the shuttle. To make a reservation, call 1-866-764-1911, or visit http://www.falconbuscharters.com for more information. The office number available is 250-488-8972, and an email address for quotes is quotes@falconbuscharters.com.

Within the terminal, passengers can find assistance relating to the Kelowna International Airport buses from the Tourism Kelowna Desk, or from the airport volunteers, dressed in red blazers or golf shirts.