Driving - Vancouver to Seattle

[New York Nana]

We're disembarking in Vancouver in mid-June and staying a couple of nights there. We've reserved a rental car in Vancouver and plan to drive ourselves to SEATAC on a Friday a.m. to fly home. Can anyone give me an approximate expectation of driving time between the two cities? What can we expect at the border? Some have 'scared' my husband that the wait time at the border can be several hours! Our flight is at 11:00 and we planned to leave Vancouver no later than 5:30 am. Will that be enough time?:confused: We know about the "Quick shuttle" bus service, but their schedule appears to be about 5 hrs between the cities - I thought by renting and driving ourselves it would take less time and hassle.

Any and all advice is welcomed!!

[Putterdude]

Your actual drive time will be about 3.5 hrs, you will likely be at the US border by 6am and your wait at that time of the morning should be about 30 mins, 60 mins max. The wait time tends to be less during the week then on weekends but to be absolutely certain of making your flight then I would leave at 5am

[Urban trekker]

Don`t forget PD that they made be hitting Seattle morning rush hour traffic at its peak and Sea Tac is south of the the downtown area so they will have to fight there way through all of Seattle to get to the Airport.

 

If 11AM is there flight time what time to they have to check in by.

 

Cheers

 

Dennis

[scottbee]

We're disembarking in Vancouver in mid-June and staying a couple of nights there. We've reserved a rental car in Vancouver and plan to drive ourselves to SEATAC on a Friday a.m. to fly home. Can anyone give me an approximate expectation of driving time between the two cities? What can we expect at the border? Some have 'scared' my husband that the wait time at the border can be several hours! Our flight is at 11:00 and we planned to leave Vancouver no later than 5:30 am. Will that be enough time?:confused: We know about the "Quick shuttle" bus service, but their schedule appears to be about 5 hrs between the cities - I thought by renting and driving ourselves it would take less time and hassle.

Any and all advice is welcomed!!

 

Unfortunately, as someone has already pointed out, you'll be hitting Seattle just in time for rush hour, and SEA airport is on the 'wrong' side of Seattle.

 

It's still doable, but one suggestion s take the late train to Seattle the night before (dep 1745 arr 2010); and overnight in Seattle; then take the new light rail to Seatac in the morning (which will be against rush hour).

[Putterdude]

Don`t forget PD that they made be hitting Seattle morning rush hour traffic at its peak and Sea Tac is south of the the downtown area so they will have to fight there way through all of Seattle to get to the Airport.

 

 

I agree about the traffic but the big difference between Seattle's traffic rush and ours in Vancouver is that in Seattle most everyone is at work by 8 am so traffic tends to tail off after that. They also will have the advantage of the HOV lanes and likely the Express Lanes southbound. I don't drive I-5 as often as I used but we never have a problem....unless of course there is a big accident, then all bets are off. In any event I am off to play golf.:)

[Langley Cruisers]

What can we expect at the border? Some have 'scared' my husband that the wait time at the border can be several hours!

 

It can be, on long weekends. It's not unheard of so those who have mentioned it are not altogether wrong, per sé.

 

 

 

Our flight is at 11:00 and we planned to leave Vancouver no later than 5:30 am. Will that be enough time?:confused: We know about the "Quick shuttle" bus service, but their schedule appears to be about 5 hrs between the cities - I thought by renting and driving ourselves it would take less time and hassle.

 

Others have given their advice, here is mine: either arrive by rental car the day before and stay in Seattle, or leave the car in Vancouver and take the Quick Shuttle. You seem a little nervous and in all honesty, I don't think it's enough time. You will be cutting it close and you'll be anxious the whole way down, right? You need to check in no later than, say 10 am for this domestic flight? You'll need to gas the rental car upon returning it or you will be gouged at the counter (from experience, both returning a rental and working in a rental car agency). Leaving at 5:30 am may seem like a good idea and it probably is enough time, but I tell you, an accident or any construction on either side of the border is out of your control and even the best-laid plans will falter.

 

Enjoy your cruise, and Vancouver. :)

[scottbee]

I agree about the traffic but the big difference between Seattle's traffic rush and ours in Vancouver is that in Seattle most everyone is at work by 8 am so traffic tends to tail off after that. They also will have the advantage of the HOV lanes and likely the Express Lanes southbound. I don't drive I-5 as often as I used but we never have a problem....unless of course there is a big accident, then all bets are off. In any event I am off to play golf.:)

 

In order to get to the airport in rushhour, exit onto 405 at Lynnwood, not through Seattle on I5

[BCHappyGal]

WE often fly out of SEA and have often left like you early in the am to catch a flight around noon. I find that the border at that early hour 5:30am as well as the traffic getting there is easy sailing. Usually at that hour virtually no line ups...however you always must be prepared.

In Seattle the I5 is well set up with HOV and Express lanes so unless there is an accident I have never had a problem...

Having said the above I think the train (Amtrak) which leaves Vancouver at 5pm the night before your flight is a great idea and will be very relaxing for you and much more scenic than the I5.

 

For your time in Vancouver below is a list of fun activities

 

Info on Vancouver from a local!

 

My favorite must do attractions are

 

1) Grouse Mountain – http://www.grousemountain.com – this is a wonderful scenic mountain only about 15 mins from downtown Vancouver. Ride the airtram to the top for lots of fun activities that include a loggers show, birds of prey show, 2 movies (1 about the Vancouver area and 1 about the 2 Grizzly Bears who make their home on Grouse Mtn) ride a chair lift and visit with 2 live Grizzly Bears. Enjoy a meal in any of the restaurants. Caveat only spend the money to go up on a clear day.

2) Capilano Suspension Bridge – http://www.capbridge.com – this is Vancouver’s oldest tourist attraction and I still enjoy visiting it! Located on Capilano Road just before you reach the Grouse Mountain parking lot. Walk across a suspension Bridge over the Capilano Gorge, wonder the trails thru the rain forest, walk thru the treetops on the new Tree Top Adventure, visit the trading post for a huge selection of souvenirs, watch native weavers and/or carvers at work.

3) Capilano Fish Hatchery is also located on Capilano Road and is a great place to view salmon jumping up the fish ladders to get around the Cleveland Dam. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capilano_River_Regional_Park

4) Lynn Valley Suspension Bridge – http://www.lynncanyon.ca - is also located in North Vancouver and is much less touristy than Capilano but it also is not as spectacular. The bridge is slightly higher above the water but much shorter in span. Located in a Provincial Park this bridge comes with some nice hiking trails and you will find an ecology centre in the park as well as picnic tables and a food concession outlet. Should you choose to enjoy the Lynn Valley Suspension Bridge always cross the suspension bridge first and then hike down the trail to the lower (Twin Falls wooden) bridge to cross back over the Lynn Valley River and return to your car – that way you are hiking downhill rather than uphill. It is also free to visit this suspension bridge!

5) Stanley Park – http://www.vancouver.ca/parks/parks/stanley/ - is the crown jewel of Vancouver's parks. As one of North America's largest urban parks, covering over a 1000 acres and offering an abundance of activities. Enjoy the totem pole collection near the Brockton Point Light House, hiking trails, beaches, water parks for the kids (young & old), rose gardens, miniature train, petting zoo, aquarium –http://www.vanaqua.org – many view points, and several restaurants. During the summer months there is a free shuttle bus that you can ride around the park on.

6) Vancouver Aquarium – http://www.wanaqua.org – is Canada’s largest aquarium and is committed to the conservation of marine life and education. Located in Stanley Park this is a fun place for the family to visit.

7) Gas Town – the location where Vancouver originated. The name is derived from a very colorful character named Gassy Jack who was one of the first settlers in the area and a salon keeper – while in Gas Town don’t miss your photo op with the statue of Gassy Jack and by the Steam Clock. During the summer months there is a free walking tour of Gas Town for times call 604-683-5650

8) At the start of Gas Town is the Harbor Centre Tower http://www.vancouverlookout.com a great spot to start your tour of Vancouver with a birds eye view of the city. Either take the elevator up to the lookout level or go to the top and enjoy a meal in the revolving restaurant.

9) China Town is only about 6 blocks over from Gas Town and is the largest China Town north of San Francisco. While in China Town enjoy a visit to the Dr Sun Yat Sen Classical Gardens http://www.vancouverchinesegarden.com and also make sure you visit the world’s thinnest building it is only 6’ wide!

10) The city of Vancouver has laid out self guided walking tours of 4 distinct historical neighborhoods in Vancouver – Gastown; Chinatown; Yaletown; & Shaughnessy – these walking tours along with a historical introduction to each neighbourhood can be found at http://vancouver.ca/commsvcs/planning/heritage/walks/index.htm

11) Granville Island – http://www.granvilleisland.com – is a huge public market area which not only sells fruit & veggies but you can also buy frozen fish to be shipped to your home. Many artists make this their home and you can watch them at work in their studios – making this a great place to buy unique souvenirs. The Granville Island Brewery is also located here and you can stop in for a free tour & tastes. There are theatres for live performances and many fine restaurants. A fun way to get to Granville Island is via the Aquabus – http://www.theaquabus.com

12) Burnaby Village Museum – http://www.burnabyvillagemuseum.ca – is an open air museum with over 30 restored homes, shops, school, church and a 1912 carousel situated on 10 acres

13) Gulf of Georgia Cannery – http://www.gulfofgeorgiacannery.com – is a restored fishing cannery located in the historic fishing village of Steveston (part of Richmond). Here you see exhibits that showcase the history of the fishing industry in British Columbia. Once finished in the museum it is great fun to walk along the fishing docks and see the fishing boats which are selling their catch. There are also some excellent restaurants located here.

14) The Vancouver Maritime Museum located on the shore of English Bay is fun for the whole family with lots of hands on exhibits for the kid in all of us. Here to you will find the ship St Roch which the RCMP sailed from Vancouver to Halifax via the Northwest Passage and then completed the return journey in 1944. You actually get to tour this ship. http://www.vancouvermaritimemuseum.com

15) Queen Elizabeth Park http://www.vancouver.ca/parks/parks/queenelizabeth The 130 acre (52 hectare) park is one of the most beautifully maintained public parks in the world. Second only to Stanley Park in annual visitations, it receives nearly 6 million people a year who marvel at its superior standard of garden plantings.

The park was originally quarried for its rock which served to build Vancouver's first roadways. In 1929 the Board proceeded to acquire the property which had become an abandoned eyesore but still served as the site for two holding reservoirs for the City's drinking water. Dedicated as a park by King George VI and his consort, Queen Elizabeth (the present Queen's mother) on their much lauded visit to Vancouver in 1939.

16) Fort Langley is the restored wooden fort built by the Hudson’s Bay Company as a trading post. It is the origin of British Columbia and was the first capital. This Fort is operated by the Federal Parks Board. http://www.fortlangley.org

17) If you are a wine lover you might want to rent a car and spend a day visiting a few of the many excellent wineries located in the Fraser Valley only about a 1 hour drive from your hotel. Almost all of the wineries offer free tastes & tours. Two of the wineries have excellent restaurants on the premises. This makes for a very fun and relaxing day. Check out the Fraser Valley Wine Association web site for a map of winery locations and a brief description of each winery http://www.fvwa.ca

18) If you are a real animal lover than don’t miss “Mountain View Conservation & Breeding Centre” It is located in Fort Langley about an hour drive from downtown Vancouver. Mountain View Conservation and Breeding Centre is a leading non-profit Canadian facility that breeds endangered species in family groups for re-introduction back into their natural habitat in Canada and around the world. This facility is not a zoo their goal is to breed rare and endangered wildlife and re-introduce these animals back into their natural habitats. Presently Mountainview hosts over 50 species of the world’s most threatened animals and birds. See animals such as the spotted dog from Africa, Giraffes, and much much more. Here you do not wonder around as in a zoo rather you are given a guided tour with commentary on each animal group. Check it out at http://www.mtnviewconservation.org

19) VanDusen Botanical Garden is a scenic 55- acre garden of international renown – a living museum of plants collected from around the world and artistically displayed amidst rolling lawns, woodlands and five tranquil lakes, all in the heart of Vancouver and just 15 minutes from downtown.

Due to Vancouver’s mild climate, plants bloom at the Garden year-round. This same climate creates a unique environment where plants from varying climate regions thrive and grow – at VanDusen you will see plants from the southern hemisphere, tropical areas and the high Arctic tundra along side native species. The Elizabethan Maze (one of only six in North America) provides year-round fun.

20) UBC Botanical Garden located at the University of British Columbia covers 110 acres and includes an Alpine, Asian, Native, Food, and Japanese Gardens. http://www.ubcbotanicalgarden.org

21) Dazzle your senses when you visit Minter Gardens nestled against 7000 foot Mt. Cheam in beautiful 'Super Natural' British Columbia. One of the most spectacular show gardens in the world! Eleven themed gardens are designed to dazzle the senses with massive displays of artistic floral designs.

Minter Gardens is located 90 minutes east of downtown Vancouver just off the Trans-Canada Hwy. #1 at exit #135. http://www.mintergardens.com

22) Enjoy a FREE walking tour of Vancouver. This 2 hour tour starts in front of the Vancouver Art Gallery and ends at the Steam Clock in Gastown. This tour runs Tuesdays & Saturdays at 1pm and reservations are required. Check it out at http://www.tourguys.ca

[Putterdude]

In order to get to the airport in rushhour, exit onto 405 at Lynnwood, not through Seattle on I5

 

There was a time that I would agreed, but now with all the development on the east side there is as much pressure on I-405 as there is on !-5. For instance I just checked the average travel time times for this time of day...Lynnwood to SEATAC via I-5 was 32 mins Lynnwood to Renton on !-405 was 32 mins and SEATAC is beyond Renton.

[New York Nana]

Wow! You've all given me some good info to chew on! I never even considered the 'commuter' traffic we'd be approaching on the Seattle end of the road. Being a retired military couple, early mornings are not a problem for us to travel - but we'll have to reconsider the potentials. I'd make a later flight reservation, if one were available, and unfortunately, since we are using a SWA 'free' ticket, it expires on the day we return, so no putting it off to the next day!

Thank you BCHappyGal for your detailed info on Vancouver - you must love your town as much as we love ours here in Saratoga Springs, NY! A couple of highlights were already on my list of 'must sees', but you've included a couple I hadn't known about! GREAT!

This CC board is full of very thoughtful and generous people - it's making our first cruise experience so much better!

[Langley Cruisers]

This CC board is full of very thoughtful and generous people - it's making our first cruise experience so much better!

 

First cruise, NICE! So excited for you. Have a great time. :D

[Urban trekker]

Yes enjoy your cruise and enjoy Vancouver and don`t hestitate to ask the questions.

 

Cheers

 

Dennis

[LeftcoastBC]

another one here agreeing with PD stay on the I-5 unless you are warned off by listening to Traffic reports on radio.

405 is almost always crowded now days.and has some construction at the south end.

[S&Ponboard]

Can I just ask please, is the Quick Shuttle the same as the Amtrak ? If not, which is best, less costly and the nearest drop off to the port for a cruise out of Seattle, or a hotel the night before one.

[LeftcoastBC]

Can I just ask please, is the Quick Shuttle the same as the Amtrak ? If not, which is best, less costly and the nearest drop off to the port for a cruise out of Seattle, or a hotel the night before one.

 

Quick answer: NO

Amtrak is †he train people train but does have buses at frequent times during the day that might be the same as or almost the same as >

Quick Shuttle: Which is a busing firm

Check their websites:

 

Where are you sailing from downtown or the Carnival run pier 91.

[Urban trekker]

The Quick Shuttle will take you into there Seattle hub which is the by the Space Needle from there you should be taken by smaller van or taxi if only a couple of you to either Pier 66 or Pier 91 BUT you must ensure this when you are booking your trip so that they know to transfer you.

 

The Amtrak bus will take you to King Street station which is in the opposite side of the downtown from the cruise piers.

 

Hope this helps

 

Cheers

 

Dennis

[S&Ponboard]

Thankyou for the info. Looks like I need more info on actual port etc. I did'nt even know there were two. Stopped downtown pier I think with Princess a few years ago, never sailed out from there though.Thanks again.

[chewap]

In order to get to the airport in rushhour, exit onto 405 at Lynnwood, not through Seattle on I5

405 is just as bad as I-5 during rush hour, but both have car pool lanes. The reason why, is that the state has not improved the freeways by adding lanes in the last 25 years. They spent all their money on the 10 mile light rail and bike overpasses over the freeways. Either way during rush hour look for a 1 hour to 1 1/2 hour commute from Everett to Seatac.