Major city · Canada
SurreySurrey, British Columbia
Skip Surrey as a base unless you have family or a specific errand: 1 night max, and only if you are already in the Vancouver area.
Surrey is Metro Vancouver's largest suburb by area and the second-largest city in British Columbia, about 45 minutes from downtown Vancouver on the Expo Line SkyTrain. It is a residential and industrial city with South Asian food, a small historic village in Cloverdale and a beach at Crescent Beach, not a sightseeing destination. Most travellers pass through or use it as a cheaper bed near Vancouver.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- CAD
- Best months
- Jun–Sep
- avoid Nov–Mar (rain)
- Airports
- YVR · YXX · BLI
- Nights
- 1
Rules in force · 6Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- Canada ↗Visa-exempt travellers flying to or through Canada usually need an eTA; check your passport on the official Government of Canada site (canada.ca) and apply only there.
- Canada ↗A Parks Canada pass is needed to stop in national parks such as Banff and Jasper; some spots (for example Moraine Lake) are reached only by shuttle or tour, so book ahead.
- Canada ↗Keep well away from bears, elk and moose; carry bear spray on Rockies trails and follow trail closures.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Surrey911 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance911
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Surrey, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Canadian dollar (CAD, $).Canada-wide
- SIM or eSIMRogers, Bell and Telus plus cheaper brands (Fido, Koodo, Public Mobile); prepaid SIMs in malls and stores.Canada-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable; treat water from lakes and streams (giardia).Canada-wide
- TippingRestaurant: 15–20% of the pre-tax bill.Canada-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Canada-wide
- SafetySurrey is a normal big suburb, not a dangerous city, but it has pockets of property crime around Whalley and Newton.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree in malls, Tim Hortons, stations and park visitor centres.Canada-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance
- Sundays & holidaysStatutory holidays close shops and offices, varying by province; many park facilities are seasonal (about mid-May to mid-October).Canada-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportYVR Vancouver International (About 30 min by car via Highway 91 or 99; also reachable by Canada Line to Waterfront, then Expo Line to Surrey Central).
- Getting aroundTransLink runs SkyTrain, buses and the SeaBus across Metro Vancouver.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeC$3–6 (≈ US$3–5)
- Beerdraught in a pub / can at a liquor storeC$7–10 (≈ US$6–8)C$2–4 (≈ US$2–3)
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)5 km (3.1 mi) taxi or rideshare3.1 mi (5 km) taxi or rideshareC$18–28 (≈ US$14–25)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a weekC$20–40 (≈ US$15–30)
- Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per personC$45 (≈ US$35)
- Mid-range bedMotel or hotel double room, a night, per roomC$180 (≈ US$140)
- High-end bedMotel or hotel double room, a night, per roomC$320 (≈ US$250)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget C$70 (≈ US$55) · Mid C$130 (≈ US$95) · High C$220 (≈ US$160)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- YVR Vancouver International (About 30 min by car via Highway 91 or 99; also reachable by Canada Line to Waterfront, then Expo Line to Surrey Central) · YXX Abbotsford International (Smaller airport east of Surrey, reached via 16 Ave) · BLI Bellingham International (About 25 min south of the US border; limited direct routes)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
Feb
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Mar
Avoid
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Apr
not flagged
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
May
not flagged
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Jun
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Jul
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Aug
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Sep
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Oct
not flagged
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Nov
Avoid
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
Dec
Avoid
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
Best: Jun–Sep. Avoid: Nov–Mar. Month by month →
Warmest Aug (24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)), coolest Jan (1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C) low), wettest Jan (18 rain days), driest Jul (6). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Surrey: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
18 rd
Feb
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
15 rd
Mar
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
16 rd
Apr
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
14 rd
May
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
12 rd
Jun
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
10 rd
Jul
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
6 rd
Aug
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
6 rd
Sep
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
9 rd
Oct
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
14 rd
Nov
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
18 rd
Dec
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
18 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
TransLink runs SkyTrain, buses and the SeaBus across Metro Vancouver. The Expo Line links Surrey Central and King George stations to downtown Vancouver in about 45 min. Compass Cards cost a $6 refundable deposit; contactless credit cards and mobile wallets also tap in. Fares are zone-based on weekdays before 6:30 pm when SkyTrain or SeaBus is involved, and single-zone otherwise; transfers last 90 minutes. Children 12 and under ride free.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Vancouver
goDoor to door: About 45–55 min
Expo Line SkyTrain from Surrey Central or King George to Waterfront
The main reason to sleep in Surrey: cheaper rooms with a direct rail link downtown.
White Rock
goDoor to door: About 1 h by bus
Bus 321 from Surrey Central toward South Surrey, or drive via King George Blvd
Seafront promenade and pier; pairs well with Crescent Beach.
Delta
cautionDoor to door: About 45–60 min
Bus 301 or 340 toward Delta, or drive via Highway 99 or 17
Mostly farmland and the Tsawwassen ferry terminal; go only if you are catching a ferry.
Abbotsford
cautionDoor to door: About 1–1.5 h
Drive via Highway 1, or bus 503 to Aldergrove then BC Transit route 21
Only worth it for the airport or the Abbotsford area itself.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Surrey City Centre / Whalley
High-rises around Surrey Central SkyTrain; cheapest beds with the fastest link to Vancouver.
Guildford
Mall and bus exchange; quieter, still on the Expo Line corridor.
Newton
Central Surrey; the main South Asian shopping and restaurant cluster.
South Surrey / Crescent Beach
More affluent, near the US border and the water; needs a car or a long bus ride.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- C$70–110 (≈ US$55–80) excl. bed
- Mid
- C$120–190 (≈ US$90–140) excl. bed
- High
- C$200 (≈ US$150)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Motel or hotel double room1 × 1 night × C$180 | C$180 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × C$130 | C$260 |
| TransLink day of travel, one zone2 × C$7 · check | C$13 |
| TransLink three-zone trip Surrey to Vancouver2 × C$12 · check | C$24 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × C$25 | C$50 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | C$53 |
| Trip total≈ C$290 per person per day, bed included | C$580≈ US$450 |
2026 estimate in Canadian dollars; flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | C$3–6 (≈ US$3–5) |
| South Asian meal in Newton | C$12–22 (≈ US$9–16) |
| Beer: draught in a pub / can at a liquor store | C$7–10 (≈ US$6–8) / C$2–4 (≈ US$2–3) |
| 5 km taxi or rideshare | C$18–28 (≈ US$14–25) |
| TransLink single fare, one zone | C$3.05 (≈ US$3) (check) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | C$20–40 (≈ US$15–30) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Surrey is spread out and mostly low-density: a car or a long bus ride is needed for Cloverdale, Newton and Crescent Beach.
- Some blocks around Whalley and Newton have property crime; keep bags close at night and use the SkyTrain stations rather than unlit side streets.
- The Expo Line does not run overnight; the N19 night bus is the only transit link to Vancouver after the last train.
- Border waits at Highway 99 (Peace Arch) and Highway 15 (Pacific Highway) can run to an hour on summer weekends.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
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SurreySurrey, British Columbia
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
Embassy
The US has a consulate general in Vancouver; most other countries keep consulates in Vancouver or embassies in Ottawa.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- SkyTrain Surrey Central to Waterfront, three zones: about C$5.90 (≈ US$5), about 45 min (check)
- Taxi YVR to Surrey: C$60–80 (≈ US$45–60), about 30 min (check)
- Bus 321 Surrey Central to White Rock: one-zone fare, about 1 h (check)
Say or show
- Thank you — Thank you
- Excuse me — Excuse me
- How much is it? — How much is it?
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card?
- Where is the SkyTrain station? — Where is the SkyTrain station?
- To this address, please — To this address, please
English is the working language; no phrase list is needed.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Surrey. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Jun–Sep · avoid Nov–Mar (rain) · month by month →
- 3 airports and 4 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for YVR: Canada Line plus Expo Line timing, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Walking clusters with rescue anchors: Surrey Central, Guildford, Newton, Cloverdale and Crescent Beach.
- Place pages with verified hours (Museum of Surrey, Darts Hill Garden Park, Surrey Arts Centre) and eat pages with last orders in Newton.
- Border-wait fixtures for Peace Arch and Pacific Highway so day-trip gates can go green.
Sources
- officialCity of Surrey
- officialDiscover Surrey
- officialTransLink
- secondaryWikivoyage: Surrey (British Columbia), revision 5261542 (CC BY-SA 4.0)