How to get from Vancouver to Seattle

Vancouver to Seattle is a popular international hop. Your main options are the scenic Amtrak Cascades train, frequent intercity buses, a 2.5–3.5 hour self-drive via the I-5/Highway 99 corridor, a short flight (YVR→SEA), or a private transfer if you want door-to-door convenience. Border waits can impact timing—build a buffer and carry proper entry documents.

At A Glance (Vancouver to Seattle)

Mode	Duration	Best For
🚆 Amtrak Cascades (Pacific Central → King Street)	~4–4.5h	Comfort, views, downtown-to-downtown
🏷️ Cost: ~USD 35–90 one-way (variable) | Consider staying near the station via Booking.com (Vancouver) or Booking.com (Seattle)
🚌 Intercity Bus (Pacific Central / Downtown → Seattle)	~4–5.5h (border-dependent)	Budget, frequency
🏷️ Cost: ~USD 20–60 one-way
🚘 Self-Drive (I-5/BC-99 via Peace Arch)	~2.5–3.5h driving (+ border wait)	Flexibility, side trips, families
🏷️ Cost: Car ~CAD 60–120/day + fuel/tolls/parking » compare rentals | alt. options
✈️ Flight (YVR → SEA)	~55m flight + airport transfers	Tight schedules, points redemptions
🏷️ Cost: ~USD 90–220+ one-way (seasonal) » search fares | Trip.com fares
🚐 Private Transfer / Chauffeured Van	~3–4.5h door-to-door	Groups, lots of luggage, accessibility
🏷️ Cost: ~USD 350–700+ per vehicle (size/time) » get quotes

Which Option or Route Should You Choose?

• Fastest downtown-to-downtown with comfort: Amtrak Cascades.
• Cheapest & frequent: Intercity buses (FlixBus/Quick Shuttle), multiple daily departures.
• Maximum flexibility/side trips: Self-drive (stop in Bellingham, Everett).
• Shortest airtime / status perks: Fly YVR→SEA, then Link light rail to downtown.
• Door-to-door with bags/kids: Private transfer (pricey but simple).

How to Book and Practical Tips

• Border documents: Bring passport and required US entry documents/ESTA/visa if applicable. Allow extra time on long weekends.
• Luggage storage: Stash bags near stations/attractions via Radical Storage Vancouver and Radical Storage Seattle.
• First/last-mile rides: Vancouver & Seattle both have Uber/Lyft; for fixed intercity quotes compare GetTransfer.
• Stay by the hubs: Handy if you’re on early/late departures—browse Vancouver hotels and Seattle hotels.

🚆 Option #1 — Amtrak Cascades (Most Comfortable, Downtown↔Downtown)

Scenic Wi-Fi & power Fixed schedule

• Overview: Direct train from Vancouver Pacific Central Station to Seattle King Street Station. US customs/immigration are processed at Vancouver before boarding on southbound trains.
• How to book (with price): ~USD 35–90 depending on date/time/advance. Consider refundable fares if your plans are fluid. (Booking via Amtrak official site.)
• Pros: Comfortable seats, views over Puget Sound, arrives right in Pioneer Square. Cons: Limited daily departures; sellouts on weekends.

Step-by-step: Amtrak Cascades

1. Get to Pacific Central Station (SkyTrain Expo Line to Main Street–Science World, 5–7 min walk; or rideshare).
2. Arrive 45–60 minutes early for check-in and US pre-clearance; keep passport/visa/ESTA ready.
3. Board your assigned car; keep valuables with you. Enjoy café car snacks, Wi-Fi, and outlets.
4. Arrive at King Street Station; walk to Pioneer Square or transfer to Link light rail/Streetcar/Uber.

Getting to the main embarking points (Pacific Central / King Street)

• Pacific Central (Vancouver): Near Main St–Science World (SkyTrain). Taxis/rideshare zone out front.
• King Street (Seattle): Steps from Pioneer Square; Link light rail at International District/Chinatown Station.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚌 Option #2 — Intercity Bus (Best Value & Frequency)

Budget Many daily trips Border-dependent

• Overview: FlixBus, Quick Shuttle and others connect Vancouver (Pacific Central/downtown/YVR) to central Seattle stops (usually 5th Ave S, Int’l District, or King Street vicinity). Buses pause at the border for inspection.
• How to book (with price): ~USD 20–60 one-way. Pick the stop closest to your lodging. (Book on operators’ official sites.)
• Pros: Cheapest, frequent, luggage friendly. Cons: Timing varies with border queues; fewer onboard amenities than train.

Step-by-step: Intercity Bus

1. Choose a Vancouver pickup: Pacific Central, downtown stops, or YVR (for Quick Shuttle). Pick a Seattle drop near your hotel.
2. Arrive 20–30 minutes early; have passport/US entry docs ready for border inspection.
3. Stow large bags under the coach; keep documents/valuables in a small carry-on.
4. On arrival in Seattle, walk/ride to your hotel; Link light rail runs from nearby stations into downtown and Capitol Hill.

Getting to the main embarking points (Pacific Central / Downtown stops)

• In Vancouver: Use SkyTrain or rideshare to Pacific Central; check your exact bus stop on your e-ticket.
• In Seattle: International District/Chinatown or 5th Ave S stops are common and well connected.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚘 Option #3 — Self-Drive via BC-99/I-5 (Maximum Flexibility)

Door-to-door Scenic detours Border waits

• Overview: Drive BC-99 south to the Peace Arch or Pacific Highway crossing, continue on I-5 to Seattle. Detour options include White Rock, Fairhaven (Bellingham), and Everett waterfront.
• How to book (with price): Rentals from ~CAD 60–120/day. Compare suppliers/one-way fees on Booking.com Car Rental or Trip.com Car Hire.
• Pros: Total schedule control; easy with kids/gear. Cons: Parking costs in Seattle; variable border times.

Step-by-step: Self-Drive

1. Pick up your car in Vancouver; confirm insurance and whether cross-border travel is allowed.
2. Set navigation to Peace Arch Border Crossing (or Pacific Hwy) → continue on I-5 to Seattle.
3. Carry passports/US entry documents for all passengers; have car rental papers ready at the border.
4. In Seattle, pre-book hotel parking or use garages; consider ditching the car if staying downtown.

Getting to the main embarking points (Border & Downtown)

• Border: Peace Arch (I-5) is the simplest for through-traffic; Pacific Hwy (truck crossing) is an alternate.
• Seattle arrival: Navigate to your hotel or a central garage near Pike Place/Waterfront.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

✈️ Option #4 — Flight YVR→SEA (Shortest Airtime)

Fast in air Many daily flights Airport transfers

• Overview: Nonstop flights (~55 minutes) from Vancouver (YVR) to Seattle (SEA). From SEA, take Link light rail (about 40 minutes) or rideshare to downtown.
• How to book (with price): From ~USD 90–220+ one-way. Compare on Booking.com Flights or Trip.com.
• Pros: Very quick airborne time; useful for tight connections. Cons: Airport transfers/security can erase time savings vs. train/bus.

Step-by-step: Flight YVR→SEA

1. Get to YVR by Canada Line (≈25 min from downtown) or rideshare; arrive 2 hours early for US pre-clearance.
2. Fly to SEA; clear arrivals and follow signs to the Link light rail station or rideshare zone.
3. Ride Link to downtown (Pioneer Square/Westlake) or take Uber/Lyft directly to your hotel.

Getting to the main embarking points (YVR & SEA)

• YVR: Canada Line connects the terminals with downtown; plentiful food options pre-flight.
• SEA: Link light rail runs every 8–15 minutes to downtown; taxis/rideshare available 24/7.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚐 Option #5 — Private Transfer / Chauffeured Van (Door-to-Door, Stress-Free)

Meet & greet Great with kids/gear Higher cost

• Overview: A professional driver picks you up at your Vancouver address and drops you at your Seattle hotel. Smoothest for families, seniors, or lots of luggage.
• How to book (with price): From ~USD 350–700+ per vehicle depending on size/time. Compare quotes and vehicle types on GetTransfer. (Alternatively, price out Uber/Lyft, but cross-border availability varies.)
• Pros: Zero transfers; custom timing; help with bags. Cons: Pricey vs. bus/train; still border-dependent.

Step-by-step: Private Transfer

1. Request quotes with pickup/drop addresses and passenger/bag counts on GetTransfer.
2. Confirm inclusions (waiting time, child seats, extra stops) and share your live location on pickup day.
3. Carry passports/US entry documents; ride directly to your Seattle destination.

Getting to the main embarking points (Door-to-Door)

• Pickup: Any Vancouver hotel/home/YVR. Drivers monitor flights for delays.
• Drop: Any Seattle address—downtown, Waterfront, Capitol Hill, or the cruise pier.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

FAQ (Vancouver to Seattle)

Do I need a passport to take the train or bus?
Yes—carry your passport and any required US entry authorization (e.g., ESTA/visa). You’ll clear US border formalities either at Vancouver (train) or at the border (bus/car).

Train vs. bus—what’s better?
Train is more spacious and scenic and arrives downtown; buses are cheaper and run more often but are more affected by border traffic.

Is driving faster?
Pure drive time can be shorter, but border waits and Seattle parking may nullify the advantage. It’s best if you value flexibility or are stopping along the way.

What if I land early/late and can’t check in yet?
Use luggage storage near hubs via Radical Storage Vancouver and Radical Storage Seattle.

Which Seattle station should I aim for?
King Street Station is the Amtrak terminus and near Pioneer Square; it’s a great hub for Link light rail and buses.

Any good tours once I arrive?
Consider day tours/attractions on GetYourGuide (Seattle) or Klook—many include timed entries and mobile tickets.