You've bought your tickets and gotten into the spirit of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Now all you have to do is know how to get around once you're here. But travelling during the 2010 Winter Games is unlike travelling at any other time, and there are definitely some things you want to know before you go. Here are five tips for transportation during the Games. Heed them and you'll likely find yourself at the right place at the right time - and have more time to enjoy the once-in-a-lifetime events and celebrations.

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  1. Opt for public transportation

  Don't be disappointed and drive to Canada Hockey Place only to find out there's no parking or drop-off locations at any of the venues during the Games. Public transportation is the best way to go hands down, especially since it's included in your event ticket for the entire day. The fee provides the ticket holder with access to local transit in Metro Vancouver or Whistler on the date of the ticketed session. Note: Olympic event tickets do not include transportation to Whistler. Please see information on the Olympic bus network (providing transportation to mountain venues) on vancouver2010.com

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  2. Plan ahead

  Not to sound like your mother, but it is important to plan your trips ahead of time. How? Use Translink's nifty TripPlanning tool. All you have to do is plug in your locations. Say you're going from Canada Place to the Richmond Olympic Oval. The tool will pull up the fastest ways to get there. Know that peak times will be much busier and crowded, so think about traveling outside those times whenever possible (use it as an excuse to see Vancouver), or check out TravelSmart2010.ca.

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  3. Getting from the airport to downtown Vancouver

  The easiest way to get from Vancouver International Airport to downtown Vancouver is on the new Canada Line Skytrain. It's a hassle-free 25-minute ride with standard rates, typically around $3.75.

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  4. Getting to the mountains

  Looking to catch Shaun White or Hermann Maier catch some air? You'll have to get to Cypress Mountain or Whistler Mountain. Use the Olympic Bus Network, which provides easy access to the mountain venues. Getting to Cypress costs $14 roundtrip, and getting to Whistler is $28 roundtrip (taxes and fees included). Buses depart from park-and-ride locations around Metro Vancouver. Other options for Whistler are the Pacific Coach Lines WhistlerExpress service, and the Snow Bus.

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  5. Check for updates…and check them again.

  As the 2010 Winter Games near, check www.vancouver2010.com for information. It's the official site for the events, and any important updates will be posted on the site.

The city of Vancouver has published a great bike route map and also some walking maps.