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Airport Transportation

Airport Transfers

Kelowna Airport Transportation

Private airport transportation from Kelowna International Airport (YLW) in British Columbia to hotels and homes in downtown Kelowna, the Mission, West Kelowna and Lake Country, booked before you land.

  • Private, never shared
  • Priced per vehicle
  • Flight monitored
  • Free cancellation up to 24 h before pickup
Pickup
YLW
Drop-off
Departure date
Return date
Passengers

Airport Transportation in Kelowna

Pre-booked private transportation takes you directly from Kelowna International Airport to your hotel, resort or vacation rental.

After immigration, baggage claim and customs, continue outside the terminal to the meeting area named in your confirmation. Your vehicle is reserved only for the passengers on your reservation: unlike a shared shuttle, it makes no extra hotel stops for other travelers, and the price is per vehicle, not per person.

Our airport transportation in Kelowna takes you from YLW to hotels, condos and vacation homes downtown and along the Okanagan Lake shore, the Mission and Lower Mission, West Kelowna's wineries, Lake Country and the UBC Okanagan campus.

Kelowna Airport Transfers

Kelowna airport transfers start in the arrivals area of the single terminal, where your driver meets you after baggage claim, and after customs if you fly in from the US or Mexico. We track your flight, so the pickup follows your real landing time, and the price for your vehicle is fixed before you fly, from a sedan for two to a van for a family or group with skis and golf bags.

Each transfer goes door to door to your hotel, condo or vacation home in Kelowna, West Kelowna or Lake Country. Heading on to Big White, Vernon, SilverStar or Penticton? Enter your address in the booking form to see whether a transfer is offered; if it is not, contact us before you fly.

Kelowna Airport Shuttle

Our Kelowna airport shuttle is a private van for your party only, not a shared ski or hotel shuttle that waits for other flights and stops along the way. It leaves when you have your bags, with room for skis, golf clubs and bikes, and suits families, wedding parties and groups.

Landing at Kelowna Airport

Kelowna International Airport (YLW) is in the north of Kelowna, beside Highway 97, and the City of Kelowna runs it. All flights use one terminal; a new departures lounge opened in January 2026.

Domestic flights arrive with no passport check. Flights from the US, Mexico and other countries clear Canadian customs and immigration with the Canada Border Services Agency first, and one of the three baggage carousels is set aside for them. After baggage claim you walk out into the arrivals area, with car rental counters inside and taxis and shuttles at the curb outside.

Kelowna is on Pacific Time, one hour behind Calgary and Edmonton, and uses the Canadian dollar.

Entry requirements and local notes

eTA or visa. Most visa-exempt visitors flying to Canada need an electronic travel authorization (eTA) before boarding, and others need a visitor visa. US citizens need only a valid passport, and US green card holders need their passport and green card.

Customs declaration. On flights from outside Canada you declare goods to the CBSA on arrival, including alcohol, food and plants. Taking cannabis across the Canadian border is illegal, even though it is legal within Canada.

Rideshare zone. Uber and Uride pick up at the north end of the terminal, outside arrivals, while taxis and pre-booked cars use the curb at the front.

Canadian dollars. Canada uses the Canadian dollar, and cards and contactless payments are widely accepted.

Terminal, immigration and customs details for Kelowna International Airport

How Kelowna Airport pickup works

  1. 1

    Clear arrivals

    Immigration, baggage claim, then customs. Representatives can't enter those areas.

  2. 2

    Meet your representative

    At the meeting point in your confirmation. Check the company name before getting in.

  3. 3

    Go straight there

    No other stops, no other passengers.

At YLW

Meet in the arrivals area

Kelowna has one terminal, and pre-booked drivers meet passengers in the arrivals area after baggage claim, and after customs for international and US flights.

At YLW

Curb outside the terminal

Taxis, limousines and licensed shuttles load at the curb outside the front of the terminal, while Uber and Uride use the north end outside arrivals.

Don't accept a ride from someone claiming to know your booking.

Check the company name and reservation details before getting in.

Return trips and flight changes

One-way arrival

YLW Hotel

From the airport to your hotel, resort or rental.

One-way departure

Hotel YLW

From where you're staying back to Kelowna International Airport.

Round trip

YLW Hotel

Both journeys on one reservation. Give both flights, the return pickup address and the passengers for each. Staying at more than one hotel? Give the full itinerary.

Going back to the airport

Transportation can also be booked from your hotel, resort or vacation rental to Kelowna International Airport. Your pickup time covers the drive plus check-in, security and border procedures, and your airline's instructions come first. Give the correct departure time and terminal when you book.

2 h

before a domestic flight

3 h

before an international flight

If your flight changes

We monitor the arrival of the flight on your reservation, but can't find you on a different one. Tell customer service if any of these change:

  • Flight number
  • Arrival date
  • Airline
  • Missed connection
  • Canceled flight
  • Arrival airport
  • You decide not to travel
  • Long delay after customs

What's included

Included

  • A private vehicle for your party
  • Transportation between the confirmed locations
  • Direct service, no shared hotel stops
  • Airport meeting instructions
  • Flight-arrival monitoring
  • A professional driver
  • An air-conditioned vehicle
  • Room for your party and standard luggage
  • Customer-service support

Confirmed separately

  • Child seats
  • Additional stops
  • Extra waiting time
  • Oversized luggage or equipment
  • Special requests

Luggage, child seats and special requests

Luggage

About one checked suitcase and one carry-on each; the right vehicle depends on the total volume. Tell us about golf clubs, surfboards, bikes, strollers or extra bags.

Child seats

Request them when booking, with the child's age and size. Availability and any fee are confirmed on your reservation.

Accessibility

Give the wheelchair's size, weight and whether it folds, so a suitable vehicle is assigned.

Pets

Ask for authorization before booking and tell us about the animal and its carrier.

Before you fly to Kelowna

  • eTA or visa

    Most visa-exempt visitors flying to Canada need an eTA before boarding; US citizens and US green card holders are exempt.

  • Customs on arrival

    Flights from the US, Mexico and other countries clear Canadian customs with the CBSA before baggage claim.

  • Canadian dollars

    Canada uses the Canadian dollar, and cards and contactless payments are widely accepted.

  • Rideshare pickup

    Uber and Uride pick up at the north end of the terminal, outside arrivals.

  • Local time

    Kelowna is on Pacific Time, the same as Vancouver and Seattle.

Groups and events

Traveling with a large group, planning a destination wedding, or organizing transportation for a corporate retreat or conference? We offer larger vehicles and multi-vehicle coordination for groups of any size, including multiple pickup points and scheduled transfers timed around your event. Contact us with your group size and itinerary and we'll put together transportation that keeps everyone moving together.

  • Destination weddings
  • Conferences
  • Corporate retreats
  • Sports teams
  • Multi-vehicle arrivals
Request group transport

Airport Transportation happy customers

Sarah L., an Airport Transportation customer
“Absolutely fantastic service! My driver was early, courteous, and the car was immaculate.”

Sarah L. · March 2026

James H., an Airport Transportation customer
“The ride was comfortable and quick. Quality service that's well worth it.”

James H. · February 2026

William C., an Airport Transportation customer
“I use airporttransportation.com whenever I travel. Consistently reliable, and their drivers are top-notch.”

William C. · February 2026

María G., an Airport Transportation customer
“Booking was simple and the price was clear. No surprises at the airport. Highly recommended.”

María G. · January 2026

Booking, changes and cancellations

24 h

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before pickup, with a full refund. Later cancellations aren't refundable.

Changes

Contact us to change the flight, hotel or pickup time. Deadlines are in the reservation policies.

No-shows

Waiting time, no-shows and extra stops follow the reservation policies you accept at checkout.

Book your transfer online in a few minutes using the form above. If your plans change, contact us as soon as possible to modify your pickup details or cancel your reservation, response times and any applicable fees depend on how close to your pickup date the change is requested.

Read the reservation policies →

Kelowna Airport Transportation FAQs

Where will my driver meet me at Kelowna airport?

In the arrivals area of the single terminal, after baggage claim, and after customs if you fly in from outside Canada. Your confirmation gives the exact meeting point.

How far is Kelowna airport from downtown Kelowna?

YLW is about 11.5 km (7 miles) northeast of downtown Kelowna, beside Highway 97, and the drive usually takes about 20 minutes, longer at rush hour. West Kelowna is across the Okanagan Lake bridge, a little farther, and Big White is about an hour away.

Can you take me to downtown Kelowna and the lakeshore hotels?

Yes. We drive to hotels, condos and vacation homes downtown, along the Okanagan Lake shore and in the Mission and Lower Mission.

Can you take me to West Kelowna wineries?

Yes. We drive across the bridge to hotels, homes and wineries in West Kelowna, including the Westside Wine Trail area.

Can you take me to Lake Country or UBC Okanagan?

Yes. Lake Country and the UBC Okanagan campus are close to the airport, and we drive door to door to both.

Can you take me to Big White Ski Resort?

Big White is in the mountains east of Kelowna. Enter your address in the booking form to see whether a transfer is offered; if it is not, contact us before you fly.

Can you take me to Vernon, SilverStar or Penticton?

Vernon and SilverStar are north of the airport, and Penticton is south down the lake. Enter your address in the booking form to see whether a transfer is offered; if it is not, contact us before you fly.

How many terminals does Kelowna airport have?

One. All domestic, US and international flights use the same terminal, and every arriving passenger exits into the same arrivals area.

Do you drive to vacation rentals and homes in Kelowna?

Yes. Give the full street address and any gate code or access details when you book, so your driver can take you to the door.

Can I book a pickup for a late-night or early-morning flight?

Yes. Give your flight number and arrival time when you book, and your driver is scheduled for your real landing, including late evening arrivals and early departures.

Should I take a ride from someone offering transport inside Kelowna airport?

There is no need. Booking ahead gives you a confirmed vehicle and a meeting point before you land, so check the company name against your confirmation before getting in.

What happens if my flight is delayed or canceled?

We monitor the flight on your reservation, so your driver waits for the actual landing. If your flight number, date or airline changes, or your flight is canceled, tell customer service so the pickup can be moved.

Can I book a ride back to Kelowna airport?

Yes. Book a one-way departure or a round trip from your hotel, condo or vacation home, and give your flight number and departure time so the pickup leaves time for check-in and security.

Is this page for Kelowna, British Columbia?

Yes. This page books rides from Kelowna International Airport (YLW) in British Columbia, Canada. Penticton has its own smaller airport, YYF, so check the code on your ticket.

Is Airport Transportation the same as Kelowna International Airport?

No. Airport Transportation is a private transfer service that books rides from YLW; we are not the airport or its operator. For terminals, airlines and other ways to get around, see our Kelowna airport page.

Why book with Airport Transportation?

We provide private transportation from any airport to any hotel at the best price, and we are licensed with complete insurance liability.

Is the transportation private or shared?

Airport Transportation provides private transportation only, in vans, luxury SUVs, or semi-buses.

Are prices per person or per vehicle?

Prices on our website are per vehicle, not per person, based on a range of passengers.

How many people can a van carry?

Regular vans carry up to 9 passengers, semi-buses up to 16, and luxury SUVs up to 6 passengers.

How do I find you at the airport?

Walk all the way out of the airport. You'll see representatives holding boards. Look for the Airport Transportation logo or your name.

What kind of vehicles do you use?

Commonly Toyota Hiace, Volkswagen Transporter, Mercedes Sprinter, Volkswagen Crafter, Chevrolet Tahoe, and Chevrolet Suburban.

Do you have insurance?

Yes. We carry insurance with complete liability for all passengers while using our services.

Do you provide baby seats?

Baby seats are provided with prior notice, subject to availability, one seat maximum per vehicle.

How far in advance should I book?

You can book any time in advance; we suggest one week to one day ahead. Same-day reservations are available.

What payment methods are accepted?

PayPal is our main payment method; a cash option is also available when booking through our website. Credit cards are accepted through PayPal.

Do vehicles have air conditioning?

Yes. For your comfort all our units have air conditioning.

What if my flight is delayed?

During booking we ask for your airline and flight number so we can track delays and wait for you.

Can I make stops during my ride?

Yes, you can add an extra stop to your service during the booking process.

Do children pay differently than adults?

No. Prices are set per passenger range or per vehicle, not per age.

Is my reservation refundable?

Yes. Cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before your pick-up and you are refunded in full. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before service are not refundable.

Do drivers speak English?

Yes. While their English may not be native-level, drivers have the skills to communicate with passengers.

Are tips mandatory?

Tips are not mandatory but are highly recommended; drivers earn them through service quality.

What currencies are accepted?

All prices are in USD. Via PayPal you can pay in almost any currency; cash payments accept USD only.

Are pets allowed?

We can transport domestic pets kept in cages that fit in a normal vehicle.

Is there room for luggage?

Yes. There is plenty of room for one suitcase and one carry-on per person.

What is included in the price?

Every private transfer includes a professional, licensed driver; an insured, well-maintained vehicle; real-time flight monitoring; meet-and-greet service at arrivals; and door-to-door service with no hidden fees added after booking. Your fixed price covers the full route to your destination.

Book your Kelowna Airport Transportation

Choose the vehicle for your party and luggage, add your flight, and review the full reservation before you pay.

Book a transfer