Seattle to Vancouver BC by private car
Planning a private car trip from Seattle or SeaTac Airport to Vancouver, British Columbia: distance, border crossings, documents, wait times and how it compares with the train and bus.
How long is the drive from Seattle to Vancouver BC?
Downtown Vancouver is about 140 miles from downtown Seattle, roughly 2.5 hours by car plus the border wait. Most traffic crosses at Peace Arch or the Pacific Highway crossing, both open 24 hours. Every traveler needs valid documents, such as a passport, passport card or Enhanced Driver's License for US citizens at land crossings. The alternatives are Amtrak Cascades, about 4 hours from King Street Station, and intercity buses. Cross-border private trips are quoted individually.
Seattle to Vancouver: the route
What the drive looks like.
I-5 north
Most of the trip is I-5 north through Everett and Bellingham to the border at Blaine.
Peace Arch (Douglas)
Open 24 hours and the busiest tourist crossing for cars.
Pacific Highway
Also open 24 hours, a few miles east, and often quicker off-peak.
Highway 99 to Vancouver
After the border, BC Highway 99 runs north through Surrey and Richmond into Vancouver.
Check wait times
WSDOT and the Canada Border Services Agency publish live border wait times. Summer weekend afternoons are the slowest.
From SEA
Add about 15 miles and 25 to 45 minutes if you start at the airport.
Documents and the border
Requirements change, so confirm with CBSA and CBP before you travel.
US citizens
A passport, passport card, NEXUS card or Enhanced Driver's License is accepted at land crossings.
Other travelers
Check Canada's entry requirements for your nationality before you book.
Children
Bring a passport or birth certificate. A child traveling with one parent should carry a consent letter from the other parent.
Every passenger
Everyone in the car is inspected, including the driver. Have documents in hand, not in the trunk.
Declarations
Declare purchases, food, alcohol and cash above the limits. Keep receipts handy.
Coming back
The return to the US has its own inspection and wait. Plan both directions.
Seattle to Vancouver: car vs train vs bus
Typical times and trade-offs.
| Private car | Amtrak Cascades | Intercity bus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Time | About 2.5 hrs plus the border wait | About 4 hrs, station to station | About 3.5 to 4 hrs |
| Door to door | Yes, hotel to hotel or SEA to Vancouver | King Street Station to Pacific Central Station | Bus terminal to bus terminal |
| Schedule | Your time | A few departures a day | Several departures a day |
| Luggage | Sized to your group | Allowance per passenger | Allowance per passenger |
| Best for | Families, groups, cruise passengers, tight schedules | Scenic trip, solo travelers | Budget travelers |
Booking a private car to Vancouver
How cross-border trips work with us.
Availability
Cross-border service availability, insurance and driver documents: to confirm.
Quoted individually
Trips to Vancouver are quoted for your addresses, date and group size. Call (206) 788-8851.
Trips within Canada
Trips that start and end in Canada, such as Vancouver to Whistler: not offered; confirm.
Cruise passengers
Many Alaska cruises sail from Canada Place in Vancouver. Allow extra time for the border on embarkation day.
Vehicle
Choose by people and suitcases. A Mini Van fits 4 with luggage.
Documents for everyone
We confirm that every passenger has valid documents before departure.
Seattle to Vancouver BC by Private Car questions
More answers on the full FAQ, or call us any time.
(206) 788-8851How far is Vancouver BC from Seattle?
About 140 miles from downtown Seattle to downtown Vancouver, roughly 2.5 hours by car plus the border wait.
Which border crossing is best from Seattle to Vancouver?
Peace Arch and Pacific Highway are the main crossings, both open 24 hours. Pacific Highway is often quicker off-peak; check live wait times before you leave.
What documents do I need to drive to Vancouver?
US citizens can use a passport, passport card, NEXUS card or Enhanced Driver's License at land crossings. Other travelers should check Canada's entry rules for their nationality.
Is the train faster than driving to Vancouver?
No. Amtrak Cascades takes about 4 hours. Driving is about 2.5 hours plus the border wait.
Can you drive me from SeaTac to Vancouver?
Cross-border trips are quoted individually. Call (206) 788-8851 with your date, group size and addresses.
How long are border waits?
Usually short on weekdays and longest on summer weekend afternoons. WSDOT and CBSA publish live wait times.
More from Seattle Airport Taxi
Ask about a Vancouver trip
Call (206) 788-8851 with your date, group and addresses.