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Compass Card

We offer a range of fares, passes, and ticket types, to reflect the different ways you can get around. Find out how our passes work, how to use a Compass Card, who is eligible for concession fares, and more.

For more information on West Coast Express fares visit the West Coast Express Fares page.

A blue adult Compass Card

Get Started with Compass Card

Purchase a reloadable Compass Card online at compasscard.ca. Cards can be loaded with Stored Value, or with prepaid passes.

To sign-in or check balance of the Compass Card online, please click here.

Buy online at compasscard.ca

Kids Can Ride for Free on Transit

Children aged 12 and under can ride TransLink services free of charge as part of a new provincial program.

Learn more

Compass Cards & Products

Compass Mini-Train keychains held in front of SkyTrain on station platform

Compass Cards are convenient, reloadable fare cards that can be used when taking transit within Metro Vancouver. Compass Cards can be loaded with Stored Value, or with prepaid passes (such as Monthly and DayPasses).

How Compass Card Works

  • Tap your card on the reader when entering buses, HandyDART, and at the gates when entering and exiting SkyTrain stations or SeaBus terminals.

  • The fare is automatically deducted from the stored value on your card.

  • Monthly Pass and DayPass riders tap in to validate their prepaid journey.

  • You cannot pay for two fares on the same journey with one card — each rider needs their own form of payment. You can use the Stored Value on your Compass Card to purchase a Compass Ticket for another rider at a Compass Vending Machine (CVM).

an orange concession compass cardSome passengers are eligible for concession fares, and can purchase an orange Concession Compass Card at the TransLink Customer Service Centre at Waterfront Station, Compass Retailers, online at compasscard.ca, or by telephone at 604.398.2042.

Concession Compass Cards are available for:

  • HandyCard holders

  • seniors 65+*

  • youth 13 to 18 years*

*Must present valid photo ID proving age (government issued ID or secondary school ID)

Children aged 12 and under can ride TransLink services free of charge. Learn more on the Fare Pricing and Zones page.

Monthly Passes provide unlimited travel on SkyTrain and SeaBus within the number of zones purchased, plus unlimited travel on buses at any time, and across all zones on all modes on weekends, statutory holidays, and after 6:30 p.m. on weekday evenings.

You can purchase and tap up to the 15th of the month to activate a pass for the current month. Passes purchased after the 15th are eligible for next month’s use.

Passes are sold for 1-, 2-, or 3-Zone travel. Passes for West Coast Express must be purchased separately as they are priced differently.

Buying a Monthly Pass

To purchase a Monthly Pass, you need to have a Compass Card. Monthly Passes are transferrable and valid for the calendar month in which they are activated. Visit our Where to Buy page for information on where to get a Compass Card.

You can pre-purchase your next month's pass online, at a Compass Vending Machine, by phone or in person starting on the 20th of each month until the 15th of the next. You can purchase a Monthly Pass at any time online. Your credit card will be charged at the time of purchase, and passes are activated the first time you tap during the period for which your pass is valid (typically on the first of the month).

Fare Upgrades

If you have a 1- or 2-Zone Monthly Pass on your Compass Card, but need to travel through extra zones on rail or SeaBus, just load Stored Value onto your Compass Card in advance of your trip and your upgrades will be seamless. Compass will deduct the correct amount for your trip when you tap out. Visit our Transferring and AddFare page for more information.

For single trips or a visit to Vancouver for the day, a Compass Ticket (single-use ticket) or DayPass is likely the best option for you. Compass Tickets and DayPasses purchased at a Compass Vending Machine (CVM) can only be used on the day they’re purchased. DayPasses purchased at a Compass Retailer can be used for future travel.

Tip: If you are buying one single adult ticket, you can save time and go paperless by tapping your contactless debit, credit card, or mobile wallet right at the SkyTrain fare gate or bus and West Coast Express card reader to ride. To learn more, please visit Pricing and Fare Zones page.

If you’re travelling with a large group (e.g., field trips), group discounts apply to purchases of 50 or more tickets. Learn more about our Group Travel Program.

With a Compass Ticket you can transfer between bus, SeaBus, HandyDART, and SkyTrain services as many times as you need in the number of zones purchased for up to 90 minutes. Compass Tickets are valid from the time of purchase until 4 a.m. the next day regardless of use.

Your fare must cover all the zones of your trip. Check the Fare Zones ahead of purchase.

Find out where to buy tickets.

Tip: If you are buying one single adult ticket you don’t need to print a ticket. Save time by tapping your debit, credit card, or mobile wallet right at the SkyTrain fare gate or bus and West Coast Express card reader to ride. Learn more at Pricing and Fare Zones page.

A DayPass provides unlimited transit use on all buses, SkyTrains, SeaBuses, and HandyDART for one full day from the start of the first transit service until 4 a.m. the following day. You can use it for travel through all zones, and save money over buying single fares when you take multiple trips in the same day.

There are two ways to purchase a DayPass:

  • Load a DayPass onto your Compass Card (can be done at a Compass Vending Machine or online at compasscard.ca). These can be used the same day or on a future day.

  • Buy a Compass DayPass Ticket (a single-use paper ticket, available at Compass Vending Machines (CVMs). These must be used the same day of purchase.

Find out where to buy DayPasses.

The $5 AddFare charge applies to Compass Tickets and DayPasses purchased at the YVR Airport, Sea Island Centre, and Templeton stations for travel outside of Sea Island.

For more information on AddFare, visit the Transferring and AddFare page.

orange and blue compass wristbands next to each otherCompass Wearables work the same as a Compass Card—tap in and out when travelling on transit.

Just like a regular Compass Card, Compass Wearables can be:

  • registered online

  • used for Bike Parkades

  • set up to AutoLoad

  • used for Monthly or DayPasses

Available for purchase at the TransLink Customer Service Centre at Waterfront Station.

Compass Wearables FAQ

Just like a Compass Card. Tap in and out when travelling on transit and reload online, at a Compass Vending Machine, by phone or in person. Just like a Compass Card, you’ll pay a $6 refundable fee when you pick up your wristband and/or mini. Remember to tap the part of the wristband that displays the contactless symbol. For minis hold it flat against the card reader. Hold both products against the reader until you hear a beep and see a check mark to proceed.

We have to encode them with a special machine before they're used for the first time and this can only be done at our customer-service centre in Vancouver.

Minis and wristbands work just like Adult and Concession Compass Cards, which means you can load a U-Pass BC onto a blue adult wristband or Compass Mini. At this time, only U-Pass BC program cards can be loaded onto a Compass Wristband and Mini.

The wristbands are adjustable and can accommodate small and large wrists.

Yes, but this can only be done at one of our customer service centres, because we need to encode the wearable before use.

We don’t have anything planned at this time. However, we’re always monitoring the availability of new products.

Like a Compass Card, you can register your wearable online which gives you balance protection and the option to sign up for other features like AutoLoad or our Bike Parkade program.

Just like Compass Card, you can register and sign up for AutoLoad online. This will provide you with balance protection, in case you lose your wristband or mini.

HandyCard allows for travel at concession fare prices on transit and provides free travel for an assistant or caregiver. HandyCards only provide for concession fares on conventional transit and can't be used for concession fares on HandyDART.

Use an orange Concession Compass Card to pay for travel on bus, SkyTrain, SeaBus, and West Coast Express. Be sure to carry your HandyCard with you as proof of concession fare eligibility.

Tap your Concession Compass Card card on the reader when entering or exiting SkyTrain stations, SeaBus terminals, and West Coast Express stations, and at the start of your bus journey. You do not need to tap out on the bus.

Who can apply?

To be eligible for a HandyCard, you must:

  • be 12 or older

  • have a permanent disability that keeps you from using public transit without assistance

  • live within TransLink’s service region

How to Apply

  • Complete and sign the Application Form.

  • Ask your family doctor to complete the verification section.

  • Include two recent hard-copy photographs, or one digital for your pass. Details are included in the form.

  • Mail your completed application to our Access Transit Customer Care Office at the address below, or email it to atcc@translink.ca.

Coast Mountain Bus Company

Access Transit Department
700-287 Nelson’s Court,
New Westminster, BC
V3L 0E7

Find out more about accessible transit in Vancouver.

At the end of each school year, every graduating Grade 12 student attending school in the TransLink transportation service region can enjoy two free days of unlimited travel by bus, SkyTrain, SeaBus or West Coast Express with a Compass GradPass.

GradPasses can be collected from your school representative and are typically valid to be used between May 15 and June 30 of the same school year.

GradPasses are non-transferable and must be used in conjunction with a valid secondary school or government issued photo ID.

Additional Information

Accepted Forms of Online Payment

As of Jan. 16, 2024, we will no longer accept non-Canadian debit or credit cards for online Compass payment and AutoLoad enrollment. Accepted credit cards for these payments include American Express, Mastercard, Debit Mastercard, Visa, and Visa Debit issued by Canadian financial institutions.

To update your payment methods, please sign in to your account at compasscard.ca.

You can donate your unwanted Compass Card or Ticket at YVR–Airport Station. We will convert any remaining value on the card into transit passes that help children, families, and seniors at United Way.

For larger group trips, such as school field trips, you can purchase your fares and tickets ahead of time.

Email bulkorders@translink.ca to request a bulk ticket order form. Once you submit your order form and cheque, your tickets will be couriered to you for free in Metro Vancouver (courier charges apply outside of Metro Vancouver).

You can also purchase bulk tickets in person at the TransLink Customer Service Centre at Waterfront Station. Please call ahead for large quantities so they can be prepared for you in advance.

Please allow 10 days for processing. If you're in a hurry, email your contact information to bulkorders@translink.ca or call 604.953.3333 and ask to be transferred to the bulk order team and we'll work with you to get your order expedited.

Tickets are not refundable or exchangeable. Please be aware of expiry dates.

Children aged 12 and under can ride TransLink services free of charge. Learn more on the Fare Pricing and Zones page.

To replace lost or stolen Compass Cards, visit our Lost and Found page.

Receipts and Transactions

Use the instructions below to find your Compass receipts and transaction history, based on the method of purchase.

Receipts for Online or Phone Purchases

Stored Value and Passes

View receipts for Stored Value and pass purchases by logging into compasscard.ca and clicking on "view card usage" under the My Cards tab.

Receipts are also sent to the email address associated with your account.

Stored Value and Monthly Passes (AutoLoad)

Download transaction history for Stored Value and Monthly Pass AutoLoads by logging into compasscard.ca and selecting "My Cards" and then "Card Usage." Choose "Sales transaction" to filter your transaction history.

Note that only the dollar amount for Stored Value purchases will be displayed; Monthly Passes will show up as a $0 value.

Visit the Monthly Pass or West Coast Express fare pages for monthly pass fare pricing.

Receipts will be sent to the email address associated with your account.

Receipts for CVM or Compass Customer Service Centre Purchases

At CVMs, please select the receipt option at the end of your transaction and retain your receipts.

For purchases made at the TransLink Customer Service Centre, please retain the receipt provided to you by the customer-service clerk.

You can also view and download a history of the types of products loaded and purchased to your card by logging into compasscard.ca and selecting "My Cards" and then "Card Usage." Choose "Sales transaction" to filter your history. You'll see the types of products you've loaded, but only Stored Value amounts will appear; passes will show up as a $0 value.

Visit the Monthly Pass or West Coast Express fare pages for monthly pass fare pricing.

Difference between Sales Transactions and Usage Transactions

Sales transactions show the types of products loaded to the card.

Usage transactions show your taps in and out, along with the amount deducted if paying for your trips with Stored Value.

If you’re looking to return your Compass Card, bring the card to the TransLink Customer Service Centre at Waterfront Station. We’ll reimburse your $6 deposit and any remaining balance (or your deposit minus any negative balance). You can also mail your Compass Card along with a refund form to:

Compass Customer Service
PO Box 2212 STN Terminal
Vancouver BC, V6B 3W2

Please note, there are no deposit refunds for "Initial Release" or "No Deposit" Compass Cards or on most program cards.

When requesting a refund, please remember:

  • Most refunds are issued by cheque, which is mailed to the registered account holder. No refunds will be issued via electronic funds transfer.

  • TransLink reserves the right to restrict the number of refunds for Stored Value, Monthly Passes, and DayPasses to any individual in any calendar year.

  • Refunds will only be issued in Canadian dollars.

  • Refunds cannot be issued where the card is registered to a different person other than the person requesting the refund.

How to Request a Refund

Requests for refunds can be made the following ways:

  • Visit us in person at the TransLink Customer Service Centre at Waterfront Station.

  • Registered cardholders can also request product refunds by calling Compass Customer Service at 604.398.2042.

  • Complete and mail us a refund request form (if requesting a card deposit refund, remember to include the card).

    • Compass Customer Service
      PO Box 2212 STN Terminal
      Vancouver BC, V6B 3W2

       

Stored Value is refundable only if your Compass Card is registered. Requests for Stored Value refunds must be made within two years of the last tap in or tap out.

Monthly Passes and DayPasses are refundable to registered cardholders, as long as the pass hasn’t been used for travel. Requests for refunds of Monthly Passes and DayPasses must be made within 60 days of the pass purchase date.

The $6 deposit, minus any insufficient fare (e.g., negative balance), is refundable when you return your Compass Card to TransLink either in person or by mail along with a completed refund form.

There are no deposit refunds for "Initial Release" or "No Deposit" Compass Cards and most program cards.

If you’re visiting from outside the country and would like a refund for any unused transit fare product or Compass Card deposit, we encourage you to visit us in person at a location listed above to obtain a refund.

You may also return your Compass Card to us by mail, along with a completed refund request form, but please note the refund polices outlined above.

If you have leftover FareSavers, you can keep using them on the bus or convert them to Stored Value on a Compass Card. To convert FareSavers to Stored Value on a Compass Card, visit the TransLink Customer Service Centre at Waterfront Station. The amount that is converted is the amount that was paid for the FareSavers, not the face value of the tickets. For instance, if the book of FareSavers cost you $21, the conversation is based on $2.10 per ticket.

Please note that FareSavers distributed at no cost as part of a program can only be converted to Compass Tickets.

If a Compass Vending Machine (CVM) issues a receipt indicating that an amount to be refunded was not returned, a product was not dispensed, or another error occurred, a refund will be issued upon presentation of the receipt.

If no receipt is issued by the CVM, the request for a refund must include:

  • The station name where the malfunction occurred.

  • The five-digit CVM number (located on the front of the CVM).

  • The amount, date, and approximate time of the attempted transaction.

TransLink will verify the error and once the error is verified, will issue a refund, in-kind fare product, or adjust the Stored Value balance on a Compass Card.

Requests related to a CVM errors must be made within 60 days of the error.

Requests for refunds must be made by submitting the above-noted information to Compass Customer Service or submitted in person at TransLink Customer Service Centre at Waterfront Station.

Compass Card Logo

Compass for HandyDART is Here!

Enjoy an improved transit experience with Compass Card, the reloadable farecard that works everywhere on transit in Metro Vancouver.

Learn more about Compass for HandyDART

Buy passes and tickets

Find out where to buy a pass or ticket.