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Vancouver to Seattle Bus: 2024 Info & Tickets from $20.00

The Vancouver to Seattle bus is a great way for visitors to explore the Pacific Northwest. The journey is easy and convenient, with multiple daily departures from both cities.

Best of all, with one-way tickets as low as $20, it’s the cheapest way to travel between Vancouver and Seattle!

Let’s look at the options available for taking a bus from Vancouver to Seattle.

The Vancouver to Seattle Bus

Vancouver and Seattle, the area’s two largest cities, form the backbone of any Pacific Northwest itinerary.

The bus is the most affordable way to travel between these cities, and it also offers the largest number of daily departures, giving you time flexibility.

Have a bit more money to work with, or don’t care what time you depart?

Vancouver to Seattle seaplane or the Vancouver to Seattle train are fine, premium options.

Again, though, with prices as low as $20.00 CAD and up to 18 daily departures, it is the cheapest and most flexible manner to get from downtown Vancouver to downtown Seattle in as little as 3.5 hours.

The Seattle to Vancouver Bus Experience

Taking the bus between Vancouver and Seattle is straightforward.

Trips typically take around four hours, depending on traffic and border waits.

The time varies depending on the amount of stops (if any) made in between.

The buses also usually make a rest stop along the way, which is a nice opportunity to stretch your legs and grab a snack.

Bus from Vancouver to Seattle Amenities

The buses themselves are reasonably comfortable, with plenty of legroom and reclining seats.

Most of them also have free WiFi and power outlets, so you can stay connected and charged up during the ride. There are also bathrooms on board, which is always a plus.

There is no snack or drink service, though expect one break at a rest stop where they can be purchased.

Travel everywhere for less

 

Vancouver to Seattle Bus Providers

As mentioned earlier, there are a few different bus companies that operate between Vancouver and Seattle.

Most travel between Vancouver’s Pacific Central Station and Seattle’s King Street Station, which are on the fringes of the two downtown cores.

In all, you won’t find a drastic difference when it comes to comfort and amenities.

What I do when I head down is put my dates into Busbud to find the cheapest bus for my time window.

It’ll compare the following four bus companies:

  1. Quick Shuttle (direct) – The highest reviewed bus provider
  2. Flixbus – The cheapest bus service between Vancouver and Seattle
  3. Greyhound – North America’s #1 intercity bus provider
  4. Amtrak Thruway (direct) – The fastest provider, also offers the popular Vancouver to Seattle train

*Some providers may offer additional pickup locations, including direct from some downtown Vancouver hotels.

Busbud will list all available options on your day of departure.

Compare Vancouver to Seattle Bus Prices Now

Looking for an Emerald City itinerary? Check out our guide on things to do when visiting Seattle from Vancouver.

Where to Buy Vancouver to Seattle by Bus Tickets

With so many providers offering bus service between Vancouver and Seattle, figuring out where to source tickets can be a little confusing.

To make things a little simpler, I’ve opted to go with Busbud because I’ve been using it for ten years.

This popular Canadian intercity bus ticket aggregator allows you to easily compare prices and departure times. 

I went with Busbud because they:

  • Offer the world’s most extensive inventory of bus tickets: 3,900+ bus companies that connect 21,000+ cities across 80+ countries for a total of 2,300,000+ bus routes.
  • Are a proudly Canadian company with a global reach 
  • Provide instantly downloadable e-tickets for ease of use
  • Facilitate an easy and seamless bus travel experience

Here’s a quick walkthrough of how to get to Seattle from Vancouver by bus using Busbud:

  1. Visit Busbud’s Vancouver to Seattle bus ticket section
  2.  Enter your dates, select the bus that is right for you, and purchase
  3. Remember your travel documents! You’ll be crossing the Canada-US Border
  4. Head to Pacific Central Station at least 15 minutes before your bus
  5. Go to the bay listed and get the bus driver to scan your smartphone ticket
  6. Board the bus and enjoy your bus trip to Seattle!

Related: Best Ways to Get to Seattle from Vancouver

Related: How Far is Seattle from Vancouver?

US-Canada Border Procedures

About 40 minutes south of Vancouver, you must get off the bus and go through US border procedures.

All bus services from Vancouver to Seattle require valid travel documents for all passengers at the time of booking to expedite this process.

Busses receive priority in the border queue – as will you once you’re in the office.

So, the process is usually quite painless, though one bad apple can cause a delay for everyone.

Depending on your nationality, you’ll require one of the following documents:

  • Canadian Citizens – Canadian passport,  NEXUS card,  Free and Secure Trade (FAST) card,  Certificate of Indian Status, or an enhanced driver’s license (EDL) or enhanced identification card (EIC)
  • American Citizens – US passport, NEXUS card,  Free and Secure Trade (FAST) card
  • Other – Valid passport, ESTA (visa-exempt visitors), travel visa

*Please double-check the travel requirements for your nationality. Visit the CBSA (Canada) and USGOV (United States) websites for more information.

** The CDC’s order requiring proof of vaccination for non-U.S. citizen nonimmigrants to travel to the United States is still in effect.  For more information, see Requirement for Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination for Air Passengers.

Vancouver to Seattle Bus FAQs

How do you go to Seattle from Vancouver by bus?

We’d recommend purchasing your tickets in advance using Busbud. From there you’ll bring your e-tickets and depart from Pacific Central Station on your way to Downtown Seattle after crossing the US border.

Is there a bus from Vancouver to Seattle?

There are four different providers offering bus service on the 221 km journey between Vancouver and Seattle. You can currently select from up to 18 daily departures that vary in duration from 3.5 to 5.5 hours, depending on whether you select a direct or indirect journey.

How much is a bus ticket from Vancouver to Seattle?

One-way ticket prices on the bus from Vancouver to Seattle can start as low as $20.00 CAD and rise as high as $66.00 depending on the provider, departure time, time of booking and number of additional stops in between.

We always recommend booking your bus tickets online well in advance in order to secure the best rates possible.

vancouver to seattle seaplane flights banner

How does customs work on the bus from Vancouver to Seattle?

Firstly, you’ll likely be required to possess valid travel documents for entry to the US prior to booking. Once aboard, you’ll proceed through the US border crossing about 45 minutes south of Vancouver.

Passengers will then be required to exit the coach and proceed through customs inside the office, where you’ll again be required to present your documents.

Where to catch the bus from Vancouver to Seattle?

Most buses depart from Pacific Central Station on the fringes of Downtown Vancouver. The station is easily accessible via taxi, Uber or the Skytrain’s Main Street-Science World Station.

However, some providers may offer additional pickup points at various hotels throughout the city. Ticket aggregators such as Busbud will clearly outline all of the available options.

Related: Seattle to Vancouver Day Trip

Are You Ready to Board the Vancouver to Seattle Bus?

I hope I’ve managed to provide you with all the information you need for your journey from Vancouver to Seattle by bus. But if I missed something, don’t be afraid to fire away in the comment section below.

We’re always here for all of your Vancouver travel needs.

Enjoy the trip 🙂

Ash

I've lived in 5 countries and created content for travel websites like eDreams and Amex Essentials, but here I finally get to work my passion project - my hometown, Vancouver!

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