Madrid to Vancouver (MAD–YVR) — Airlines, Schedules & Connections

Spanish passport holders do not need a visa to visit Canada for up to 6 months. You do need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before boarding your flight. Apply online at the IRCC website. It costs CAD 7 and is usually approved within minutes. The eTA is linked to your passport and valid for 5 years or until your passport expires.

Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay. There is no strict 6-month validity rule, but the border officer determines how long you can stay. Bring proof of funds, a return ticket, and accommodation details. The officer may ask about your travel plans.

The eTA is only required for air travel. If you enter Canada by land or sea from the US, no eTA is needed. If you are transiting through a Canadian airport to the US, you still need the eTA even if you do not clear Canadian immigration.

Metro Line 8 runs from Nuevos Ministerios (central Madrid) to T1/T2/T3 in 12–15 minutes (€6, including the airport supplement). T4 requires an additional free shuttle from T2; add 10 minutes. The Cercanías commuter train (Line C-1) reaches T4 from Atocha station in 25 minutes (€2.60, no supplement).Taxis have a fixed fare of €30 from central Madrid zones. The ride is typically 20–35 minutes depending on traffic. Avenida de América bus hub serves several airport bus routes (€5).

The Canada Line runs from the airport to Waterfront/downtown in 26 minutes for CAD $4.45 on Compass card. Trains depart every 6–8 minutes from the International Terminal station (basement level). Taxis queue outside arrivals; metered fares to downtown are CAD $35–45. Uber and Lyft have a designated pick-up zone.Rental car desks are in the terminal. The VALET shuttle also connects to other transit points on Sea Island. YVR is particularly well-organised for transfers; pre-clearance facility clears U.S.-bound passengers through U.S. customs before departure.

Temperate oceanic climate. One of the mildest in Canada. Winters (November–March) are wet and overcast at 2–8°C. Snow is infrequent at sea level, but when it does fall, the city struggles and the airport can see delays. Fog in winter and early spring is a more consistent disruption risk. Summers (June–August) are warm and dry at 20–27°C with very little rain.

Wildfire smoke from BC and Alberta can reduce visibility at the airport during August and September. Pack rain gear for autumn through spring. Summers are dry and clear.