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How to get from Seattle to Vancouver
Driving to Vancouver, BC takes about 2 h 30–3 h plus the border wait. Amtrak Cascades trains take about 4 h, and buses about 4 h. Flights take about 1 h but add airport and border time. Vancouver Island (Victoria and beyond) is reached by ferry or floatplane.
Best option: Train. The Amtrak Cascades is comfortable, scenic along the coast and runs to central Vancouver.
All the ways to make the trip
| How | Time | How often | Price* | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| train Amtrak Cascades from Seattle King Street Station to Vancouver Pacific Central Station | about 4 h | a couple of trains a day | about $40–80 | Border checks happen at Vancouver station; allow time. |
| car I-5 north to the Peace Arch or Pacific Highway border crossing, then BC-99 to Vancouver | about 2 h 30–3 h plus border wait | fuel only | Border waits can be long at weekends and holidays; check wait times online. | |
| bus Buses (FlixBus and others) from Seattle to Vancouver | about 4 h | several a day | about $25–50 | Border waits affect journey time. |
| flight Flights from Seattle-Tacoma to Vancouver International (Alaska Airlines, Air Canada) | about 1 h in the air | several a day | about $100–300 | Useful for connections; total time is similar to driving. |
*Approximate prices and times for 2026. Timetables change by season: check with the operator before you travel.
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Tips
- Bring your passport or other accepted travel document for the border.
- Check Canada eTA rules if flying, and US entry rules for the return.
- Sit on the left of the northbound train for sea views.
- If you mean Vancouver Island, take BC Ferries from Tsawwassen or the ferry from Seattle to Victoria.
Common questions
How long is the drive?
About 2 h 30–3 hours, plus border waiting time. Most drivers take I-5 north to the Peace Arch or Pacific Highway crossing, then BC-99 to Vancouver. Border waits can be long at weekends and holidays, so check wait times before leaving.
What documents do I need?
A passport or other accepted document, such as a NEXUS card. Visitors flying into Canada may need an eTA, depending on nationality. Driving or taking the train usually does not require an eTA for visa-exempt travellers, but check the official Canadian government website.
Is the train worth it?
The Amtrak Cascades is scenic, running along the coast for parts of the route, and arrives in central Vancouver. With only a couple of trains a day, timing is limited. Book ahead for better fares and allow time for border checks on arrival.
What about Vancouver Island?
Vancouver Island is a separate destination from the city of Vancouver. From Seattle, you can take a ferry to Victoria or drive to Tsawwassen and take BC Ferries to the island. Floatplanes also link Seattle and Vancouver with island destinations.
Compiled by TonyPlan from operator and transport information and travel knowledge; updated 2026-10-05. Anything we could not confirm is marked as approximate.