Vancouver to Detroit (YVR–DTW) — Airlines, Schedules & Connections

Canadian citizens do not need a visa or ESTA to enter the United States for tourism or business stays up to 6 months. A valid Canadian passport is required for air travel. Land and sea crossings also accept a NEXUS card, enhanced driver's license, or FAST card. At the border, officers determine the length of stay and may ask for proof of ties to Canada and a return plan.

The Canada Line SkyTrain connects Waterfront Station in downtown Vancouver to the airport in 26 minutes for CAD $4.45 (Compass card, add-fare zone from zone 2). Trains run every 6–8 minutes from 05:00 to 01:00.Taxis to the airport from downtown cost CAD $35–45; Uber and Lyft operate from a designated ride-share zone at the Domestic and International terminals. Driving via Highway 99 South takes 20–35 minutes in normal traffic; budget more during evening rush on the Oak Street Bridge approach.

DTW has no rail. Ride-shares and taxis are the practical options. Taxis to downtown cost $45–60. Ride-shares run $30–45. The two terminals (McNamara and North) are connected by the automated people mover (MTC); both share the same baggage claim and ground transport facilities.Car rental desks are in the consolidated facility accessible from McNamara Terminal. SMART bus Route 261 serves the airport with transfers into the bus network. Allow extra time for I-94 congestion during peak hours.

Humid continental climate. Winters are cold and snowy (−8 to 0°C) from December through March. Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair generate significant lake-effect snow that can fall heavily with little warning. Ice storms and blizzards cause the most serious flight disruptions.

Summers are warm and humid (26–32°C) with frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Spring and fall are transitional with frost risk into April and from October. January and February are the highest disruption-risk months.