How to Get from Seattle to Vancouver: Best Ways + Tips (2025)

If you’re searching for how to get from Seattle to Vancouver, you’ve got plenty of solid choices. Train, bus, car, or plane—it’s not a hard trip, just one with tradeoffs.

But what’s the best way to get to Vancouver from Seattle?

I’ve done this run more times than I can count, in just about every way possible.

Let me break it down real simple.

How to Get from Seattle to Vancouver Canada

If you’re looking for the best way to get to Vancouver BC from Seattle, I’ll be breaking them down shortly.

In the meantime, here’s a quick sneak preview of the options:

• 🚗 Drive yourself: from $25 (2-3 hours)
• 🚆 Take the train: from $34 (4-5 hours)
• 🚌 Ride the bus: from $18 (4-6 hours)
• ✈️ Fly nonstop: from $100 (1 hour)

Personally, if I’m a tourist heading north I’m a big fan of taking the train – if you’ve got the time to spare.

That said, for most Seattlites the drive will be the most convenient – if you’ve got a car, of course.

Let’s break down how to get to Vancouver from Seattle in more depth.

Drive from Seattle to Vancouver

Good for flexibility and freedom, driving from Seattle to Vancouver is great if you’ve got a car or want to stop along the way.

The last time I drove up, I pulled over in Mount Vernon for an amazing outlet shopping experience without big city buzz.. No one complained. Driving means your schedule, your playlist, your pace.

🕒 Time to destination: 2.5 to 3 hours, border delays depending
💰 Average cost: About $25.00 (gas + tolls)
👉 Directions with Google Maps

Train to Vancouver

⚠️ 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.

The Seattle to Vancouver train means a relaxed ride with beautiful coastal views. Ideal if you don’t want to mess with driving.

I took this train once with a coffee and zero expectations. An hour in, I was glued to the window watching the water roll by. No traffic. No stress.

🕒 Time to destination: About 4.5 hours
💰 Average cost: About $34.00

Buses to Vancouver

🔥 Not feeling the bus? You can book an all-inclusive Vancouver day tour from Seattle with all transport included. You also get free cancellation + can book now and pay later – click the button for info.

Budget-friendly and frequent, the Seattle to Vancouver bus is perfect for solo travelers or anyone not in a rush.

I hopped on a FlixBus to Vancouver once with a burrito and a podcast. I slept through most of it and still arrived in downtown Vancouver before lunch.

Not bad for the price of two burritos at Chipotle! In fact, FlixBus offers the cheapest fares of any of the methods of transport to Vancouver from Seattle – it’s my best budget bet.

🕒 Time to destination: About 4 to 4.5 hours
💰 Average cost: About $40.00

Flying from Seattle to Vancouver

Taking a seaplane from Seattle to Vancouver means the fastest travel time. Best for tight schedules or airline point hoarders.

I flew this route when I was in a rush for a wedding. TSA took longer than the flight. Landed, cleared customs, and still had time to grab a bagel before the ceremony.

🕒 Time to destination: About 1 hour (plus airport time)
💰 Average cost: About $100.00

Coming to Vancouver from Seattle?

I’ll be honest, and I’m not biased because I’m from here! Vancouver hits different. It’s clean, it’s diverse, and the food’s the kind of thing you daydream about later.

The last time my friend came from Seattle to Vancouver, we ate epic sushi on Davie Street for a fraction of the American price (I recommend Tom Sushi), rented a bike to peddle around Stanley Park, and he considered not coming back.

If you’re planning your trip, stick around on this site: I’ll help you with all the top things to do in Vancouver.

Whether you’re planning a weekend Vancouver itinerary or just coming up for a Seattle to Vancouver road trip, I’ll have you sorted!

Tips on How to Get from Seattle to Vancouver

Every trip’s a little different, but here’s what I’ve learned:

Crossing the border can take 5 minutes or 90. Try not to cross around 3–6 PM. Weekday mornings are usually smooth.

Amtrak fills up on weekends—book early. Window seats are worth it.

If you’re driving, stop for gas in Blaine or Ferndale. It’s cheaper than Vancouver, and you’ll avoid Canadian sticker shock.

Flying makes sense if you’re connecting somewhere. But if it’s a straight Seattle to Vancouver move, the train or a bus is usually less hassle.

Don’t forget your passport. I’ve watched more than one person cry at the border over this.

How to Get from Seattle to Vancouver FAQ

Do I need a passport to get from Seattle to Vancouver?

Yes. You’re crossing an international border. A passport, NEXUS card, or an enhanced driver’s license works.

Can I take a rental car from Seattle to Vancouver?

Yes, but check with the rental company. Some charge extra for international travel or need pre-approval.

How long does it take to get from Seattle to Vancouver by car?

Usually around 2.5 to 3 hours, but that depends on border traffic.

Is there a direct train from Seattle to Vancouver?

Yes, the Amtrak Cascades is direct. It runs a few times per day with stops in between.

Are there cheap buses from Seattle to Vancouver?

Yes, both FlixBus and Greyhound have fares starting under $20, especially if you book early.

Is flying faster than driving or taking the train?

Yes, in air time. But once you factor in security, boarding, and customs, it’s often a wash.