Private Jet to Vancouver for the 2026 World Cup: Your Cross-Border Flight Guide

Vancouver is the only Canadian host city with a major US private jet market on its doorstep — Seattle is 140 miles south. That proximity makes Vancouver one of the more interesting World Cup destinations from a private aviation standpoint: the flight from Seattle is under an hour, and even from LA or San Francisco, it’s a 2–2.5 hour leg. Here’s what to know about flying private to Vancouver for a World Cup match, including the cross-border customs logistics that catch first-timers off guard.

The venue: BC Place Stadium

BC Place in downtown Vancouver holds about 54,000 in soccer configuration. It’s located in the False Creek neighborhood, 10 minutes from downtown and 25–30 minutes from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) in typical conditions. Match-day traffic around the stadium can be significant — private jet travelers arriving at YVR’s FBO are well-positioned to use a car service that routes via the Cambie Bridge rather than the congested Georgia Street approach.

Airport options for private jets

SkyAccess shows which certified operators hold Canadian flight authority and have available aircraft at each airport below.

Vancouver International (CYVR) is the primary option. Signature Aviation and Million Air both operate FBOs at YVR, and the airport handles everything from turboprops to ultra-long-range jets. Customs and immigration are processed through YVR’s facilities — Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) clears most general aviation arrivals there without issue, but pre-arrival notification is required.

Boundary Bay Airport (CZBB) in Delta, BC — about 25 km south of downtown Vancouver — is a smaller GA airport used by some light and midsize jet operators. It’s closer to the US border and offers less congestion, but you’ll still need customs clearance coordinated in advance.

For most travelers, CYVR is the practical choice.

Cross-border customs: what you actually need to know

Flying from the US to Canada in a private jet is a routine operation — but the paperwork needs to be right.

eAPIS / CBSA advance notification: US operators entering Canada must file a passenger manifest with CBSA at least 2 hours before departure (or before crossing into Canadian airspace if the flight is short). Your FBO or operator typically handles this, but confirm it explicitly.

Passport: Required for all passengers, no exceptions — not NEXUS, not a driver’s license. A valid US passport.

NEXUS: If you have NEXUS, it expedites the CBSA check at YVR, but it doesn’t replace the advance notification requirement.

Prohibited items: Canadian customs rules apply. Firearms, certain foods, and other items have restrictions that don’t apply on domestic US charters. Brief your group in advance.

The practical reality: most operators flying into YVR do this routinely. Your operator will know the process. Confirm with them that the advance notification is filed and ask for the CBSA confirmation number.

What does a private jet to Vancouver cost?

SkyAccess, the empty leg marketplace, lists live operator inventory across all these routes. Ranges below reflect current platform pricing:

• Seattle (KBFI/KSEA/KRNT) to CYVR: roughly $6,000–$10,000 for a light to midsize jet
• Los Angeles to CYVR: roughly $16,000–$28,000 for a midsize jet
• San Francisco to CYVR: roughly $14,000–$22,000 for a midsize jet
• Las Vegas to CYVR: roughly $12,000–$20,000 for a midsize jet
• Dallas to CYVR: roughly $25,000–$40,000 for a midsize to heavy jet
• New York to CYVR: roughly $45,000–$70,000 for a heavy or ultra-long-range jet

The Seattle–Vancouver leg is one of the most cost-efficient World Cup private jet options: short stage length, well-served by light jets, and Seattle has active private aviation FBO infrastructure. Split across 6 passengers from Seattle, a round trip to Vancouver for a World Cup match can run under $2,500 per person — genuinely competitive.

Empty legs and the Canadian border

Empty legs to and from CYVR appear on SkyAccess. The operators most likely to post them are those based in Seattle, Portland, or Vancouver itself. Because empty legs require the same customs filing as full charters — the operator must still notify CBSA — they’re slightly less common than domestic US empty legs, but they exist and they post.

If you catch an empty leg on the Seattle-Vancouver route on SkyAccess, expect to see prices 25–50% off a typical full charter rate. Set a route alert on SkyAccess and you’ll be notified the moment a repositioning flight posts — these legs sell quickly.

The Vancouver experience

Vancouver is, in the view of SkyAccess travelers, worth the trip independent of the soccer. The city is one of the most livable and scenically dramatic in North America: the North Shore mountains are visible from downtown, Stanley Park is a genuine wilderness park 400 acres in size, and the food scene — particularly Japanese and Chinese cuisine — is legitimately world-class.

For a World Cup trip, consider arriving the afternoon before the match, staying overnight, and returning the morning after. The city earns the extra night.

How to book

SkyAccess connects you to certified charter operators with authority to fly into Canada. Search CYVR as your destination. The operator will coordinate CBSA compliance — your job is to confirm that they have, and to ensure every passenger has a valid passport.

FAQ

Do I need a Canadian visa? US citizens do not need a visa to enter Canada for stays under 6 months. Citizens of other countries should check CBSA’s entry requirements.

What currency does the FBO bill in? US FBOs bill in USD; CYVR FBOs bill in CAD. Confirm with your operator which currency the charter contract uses.

Can I bring wine or spirits on a private jet to Canada? Personal quantities of alcohol are generally permitted but subject to provincial rules and applicable duties. Check CBSA’s current allowances.

Is the return (Canada to US) customs process different? US customs pre-clearance exists at CYVR — US passengers can clear CBP at the Vancouver airport before departing, arriving in the US as a domestic flight. Confirm with your operator whether they use this facility.