Trains to and from Kelowna Airport (YLW)

Kelowna International Airport (YLW) is a public establishment operated by the City of Kelowna, but owned by Transport Canada, the company that owns the majority of major airports in Canada. Kelowna’s airport is considered as one of the busiest in the country, although it only handles just over a million passengers per annum. It is served by several airline companies, and offers its passengers various forms of ground transportation. However, there are no Kelowna International Airport trains available, as Vancouver International Airport is the only one of the country with its own railway station.

The airport of YLW consists of a single terminal building that is currently of sufficient size to handle its arriving and departing passengers. The terminal is easy to navigate and all facilities are clearly signposted. The single-runway airport offers flights to and from cities in Canada, the United States of America and Mexico, and its main airline companies include Air Canada, Horizon Air, Central Mountain Air, SkyWest Airlines and WestJet. A few charter airlines serve the airport as well, such as North Air, CanJet and Sunwing Airlines. Passengers arriving at Kelowna Airport can travel to the city by public buses, private shuttles or taxis, but there is no train station at the airport. There are also limited (if any) rail stations and services for public transport within the city of Kelowna.

Although there are no trains at the airport, passengers will find the buses to be convenient. BC Transit is the company in charge of the public bus services of Kelowna, and offers numerous bus routes. There are bus stops nearby to the airport terminal, and an adult bus ticket will cost just $2.25. Children four years of age or younger may travel for free. The Okanagan Airport Shuttle, Vernon Airporter and Falcon Bus Charters are private shuttle companies that offer transport to and from the airport. Their coaches are comfortable and available at frequent times from nearby the terminal building. They travel to all the main downtown locations of Kelowna, including popular hotels, as well as to the nearby areas, including Vernon and the four major ski resorts of Kelowna. Tickets for private shuttles vary in price, depending on the destination, and should be reserved in advance. Taxis are available outside the airport terminal, and can be called to collect you from any location in Kelowna.

Although public bus services are available for transport in the city, there is no light rail system, and no trains that travel to other cities in Canada. There is only the Kelowna Pacific Railway that is used for the transportation of goods (mainly wood products but also grain, cement, scrap metal and industrial products). This railway line is approximately 174km in length (108 miles), and runs to Kamloops through the Okanagan Valley. The trains currently using the line are operated by Kelowna Pacific Railway, although Canadian Pacific Railway shares the line as well.

The Okanagan Valley is well known for its spectacular wineries and vine yards, which have become a major attraction for the region over the years. One of the best ways to enjoy the scenic countryside is on the Okanagan Valley Wine Train. The train is operated by Funtrain Canada Inc., an affiliate of Edmonton-based Nagel Tours, and is an original Super Continental cross-country passenger train. The journey begins in Kelowna and is about five hours in duration. The trip by the handsomely restored railcars pass through two valleys, alongside three lakes and through the middle of a golf course. They also pass by numerous orchards and farms. Passengers can choose to sit in one of the three different Theme Bar Cars and enjoy a wonderful meal, or in the Day Coach, and simply enjoy the ride. The Theme Bar Cars include the Hollywood Car, the Rock and Roll Car and the Country and Western Car. Local wines are also offered for sale on board, or passengers can order as they wish from the full bar service.

Further information regarding Kelowna International Airport, trains or other options for ground transportation is available at 250-765-5125 (Airport Administration).