You’re staring at the map, wondering if hopping from Seattle to Vancouver is a quick trip or a full-day mission.
The two cities do look close – but how far from Seattle, Washington to Vancouver, Canada?
And does the border make everything more complicated?
I’ve made the trip more times than I can count. Let’s break it down clearly and save you the guesswork.
How Far from Seattle Washington to Vancouver Canada?
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The good news? Seattle and Vancouver are close. Like, really close.
Seattle and Vancouver are about 140 miles (225 kilometers) apart. That makes driving to Vancouver from Seattle about 3 hours, depending on border wait times and traffic.
When I drove it last spring, I left at 7 AM on a weekday and crossed the border in under 10 minutes. That’s not always the case.
Weekends and holidays can mean long waits – sometimes over an hour – especially at the Peace Arch crossing.
My tip: Use the Pacific Highway crossing (Highway 15) instead. It’s often quicker and has fewer tour buses. You can also check live Pacific Highway border wait times before heading out.
🔥 Need a Vancouver itinerary? Check out my 2 Days in Vancouver itinerary for ideas.
Other Travel Options
⚠️ Warning: There are only two daily trains to Vancouver (8:00 am and 6:00 pm) so if you need to depart during working hours it’s best to book the Flixbus to Vancouver – it’s the cheapest way and has the most departures.
If you’re car-free or just want a low-effort ride, the Seattle to Vancouver train is scenic and relaxing. It takes about 4.5 hours, includes WiFi, and hugs the coastline for part of the ride.
Try to get a window seat on the west side. I once saw a pod of orcas out past the San Juans – no joke.
Buses to Vancouver from Seattle are cheaper (sometimes under $30, especially with Flixbus), but they’re slower and stop more. That said, for budget travelers, they’re solid.
Seaplanes from Seattle to Vancouver are fast (just over an hour) but pricey. If you’re short on time and want a view, Kenmore Air has scenic floatplane flights right into downtown Vancouver.
One of my buddies once splurged on this for his birthday – he said it was incredible, but definitely not the budget choice.
Related: How long is the drive to Vancouver from Seattle?
Final Thoughts
So yes – Seattle to Vancouver is a quick hop, not a long haul. Choose your method based on how fast, cheap, or scenic you want it to be. And always factor in the border.
Let me know if you’ve got more questions. I answer every comment I get, and I’m always happy to help plan smart travel.
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