Welcome Pickups / Kelowna / Kelowna Airport to Downtown

How to get from Kelowna Airport to Downtown Kelowna

Kathryn Shaw

April 28, 2023

Kelowna is a charming city nestled in the heart of the Okanagan Valley. It is known for its picturesque lakes, world-renowned wineries and thriving culinary scene featuring local farm-to-table cuisine. Kelowna is home to several parks and nature reserves, stunning landscapes and friendly locals, and offers an unforgettable travel experience for all.

So when visiting the vibrant town, you will be landing at Kelowna International Airport, and you have 2 transport options to get from Kelowna Airport to downtown; you can take a taxi or a bus. Taking a taxi or a private shuttle from Kelowna Airport to downtown Kelowna is a hassle-free and dependable transport option. Taxis offer 24/7 door-to-door service, with a travel time of just 15 minutes to reach the central hotels. If you’re looking for a more cost-savvy alternative, the shuttle bus No. 23 provides a direct route to the city centre, with a travel time of 30 minutes.

Welcome Pickups offers meet and greet services and a friendly introduction to Kelowna at the same price as a regular taxi. Click here to see the cost.

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Comparison of the options

PRICE FOR 2PASSENGERS

OPTION	PRICE	DURATION	AVAILABILITY
Taxi	€27	15min	24/7
Bus	€3.40	30min	05:56–19:44

How to get from Kelowna Airport to downtown by taxi

Taking a taxi or private transfer from Kelowna Airport to downtown is always the easiest and most comfortable option, particularly when travelling with children and/or heavy luggage. Taxis are reliable and provide easy 24/7 door-to-door transportation, getting you to Kelowna city centre in around 15 minutes.

How much is a taxi from Kelowna Airport to downtown?

Kelowna Airport taxis calculate their fares using a taximeter based on time and distance travelled to your exact location, with only one applicable tariff. You can expect to pay around €27 (CAD 40) from Kelowna Airport to downtown depending on traffic.

Still, to ensure a fixed price and transparent fees with a local, friendly driver, you can pre-book your private airport shuttle with Welcome Pickups.

Cost

€27 (CAD 40)

Trip Duration

15 Min.

*Prices may vary unless booked in advance.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Taxis are available 24/7 at Kelowna International Airport (YLW).

Where do I get a taxi from?

You can find Kelowna International Airport’s taxi rank outside the terminal building, on the right of the main exit doors.

Convenience

Taking a taxi or a private transfer from Kelowna Airport to downtown is the easiest, fastest and most reliable way to travel. Taxis are available 24/7 and provide safe and comfortable door-to-door transfers – even more so if you’re travelling late at night, on the weekend or with children and heavy luggage.

Editor’s Note

It is good to know that only one tariff is applicable, meaning there are no price surcharges for day, night or weekend trips.

Useful Tips

Tipping your Kelowna cab driver is expected; most travellers leave around 10-15% of the total fare.

Make sure that the taximeter is turned on and reset before starting your journey.

Taxis in Kelowna accept card payments, although it is best to check with your driver beforehand.

How to get from Kelowna Airport to downtown Kelowna by bus

A great cost-savvy alternative for travellers on a budget is to take the shuttle bus No. 23 from Kelowna Airport to downtown. The bus runs frequently from the airport on weekdays and only takes 30 minutes to reach Kelowna’s city centre.

How much is a bus ticket from Kelowna Airport to downtown?

A one-way bus ticket from Kelowna Airport to the city centre costs €1.70 (CAD 2.50). You can purchase the ticket directly on the bus in cash. Please note that the bus driver does not carry change; therefore, you should carry the exact amount in Canadian Dollars.

Cost

€1.70 (CAD 2.50)

Trip Duration

30 Min.

The bus leaves the airport every 30 minutes on weekdays and sparingly on Saturdays.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

The bus is available Monday to Friday from 05:56 to 19:44 and on Saturdays from 07:05 to 20:51.

Where do I get the bus from?

The bus stop at Kelowna International Airport (YLW) is located just outside the main terminal building, to the right of the main exit doors.

Convenience

Taking the bus from Kelowna Airport to downtown is a cheap and convenient travel alternative. Bus No. 23 ensures frequent and direct routes from the airport to the city centre, however, the bus has limited operational hours at night, with only a few departures on Saturdays and none on Sundays. Additionally, there is no dedicated baggage storage space, so it is recommended to take a taxi if you are travelling with bulky luggage.

Timetables

Bus Website

Editor’s Note

Please note that you can purchase your tickets directly on the bus; however, you must have the exact amount of cash, as drivers don't carry change.

Useful Tips

Discounted tickets are available (seniors, students, children) on ID presentation.

Ticket bundles (10x) and day and monthly passes are also available.

The bus doesn't have luggage storage space onboard. However, passengers can bring their luggage on the bus if it is clear from the aisles.

Frequently asked questions

How much is a cab from Kelowna Airport to downtown?

Kelowna taxis calculate fares using a taximeter with no price difference for day, night or weekend trips. You can expect to pay around €27 (CAD 40) for your 15-minute journey from Kelowna Airport to downtown.

Nonetheless, if you prefer travelling at a fixed price with a friendly local driver, you can pre-book your private airport shuttle with Welcome.

How long is the drive time from Kelowna Airport to downtown?

Kelowna Airport is located 14 km north of Kelowna city centre; it takes around 15 minutes to reach by car or taxi.

Is there a bus from Kelowna Airport to downtown?

Yes – bus No. 23 operates direct and frequent routes from Kelowna Airport to downtown Kelowna, taking around 30 minutes to cover the route.

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How to get from Kelowna Airport to Downtown Kelowna

Book a trusted, English-speaking driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular taxi Learn more

How to get from Kelowna Airport to downtown by taxi