Has anyone rented a car to drive from Seatle to Vancouver?

[MonicaL]

We're considering this, but are wondering about crossing the border.

[Sunshine Gal]

We're considering this, but are wondering about crossing the border.

 

Hi Monica: We have done that several times. The cost, for two, will be a little more than by rail but you have a car for a day or two and that for me more than offsets the cost. The border crossing can be interesting. If you happen to cross on a holiday weekend there can be long delays. We generally allow an extra hour for crossing the border and have never been longer than that. Be sure and check with all car rental agencies as the charge can vary significantly. Maybe I worry too much, but we have always crossed the day before our cruise and stayed in Vancouver the night before our cruise; just in case!

[Gardyloo]

Prices will vary so shop comparatively. Also ask the agency in Seattle when you arrive (they won't tell you on the 800 number) if they have any "Canada cars" as they may have a car from Canada that was driven one-way to Seattle that needs returning, thereby avoiding (possibly) the drop fee.

[HockeyWinger]

I live 20 miles north of the Washington/British Columbia border, and have crossed a few times recently. Because of the favourable exchange rate, quite a few Canadians are making day trips into Washington, so the lines to cross back into Canada have been getting longer. I waited about 50 minutes on a recent Sunday at around 6 pm, and 35 minutes on a Tuesday at 3 pm. As a poster above suggested, make sure you leave yourself plenty of time for this part of your trip. And gas up on the US side - you'll save some $$.

 

By the way, I have also rented cars in Washington and driven across the border into BC, and have never had a problem.

 

Enjoy your trip!

[curry767]

Hey Monica,

 

Have you had a look at this thread?

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=622316&highlight=seattle

 

Cheers

 

Curry

[gazingm42]

We drive across and return the car at the Pan Pacific hotel at Canada Place.

It is a little more $$ on car rental as its a Int oneway. But shop around and

look for discount codes.

 

But it can take a little time to cross, not huge deal. Just make sure you plan

ahead and have the time. We normally plan one night before the cruise in

Vancouver.