seattle vs vancouver cruise

Alaska Cruises From Seattle Vs Vancouver, Which Is Better?

When deciding to cruise Alaska, travelers have many decisions to make. These include what Alaskan ports to visit, what glaciers to see, and the embarkation port. So, when choosing from an Alaska cruise from Seattle Vs. Vancouver, there are things you should consider. 

The majority of Alaska itineraries sail out of Seattle and Vancouver, which offer closed-loop cruises. While they are both offer fantastic cruises to Alaska , there are some differences.

American passport holders would naturally choose Seattle, Washington, as an embarkation port because it requires a domestic flight. Since I live in Vancouver, it makes sense for me to cruise from my home port.

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While domestic flights bypass the need for immigration, passengers will need to get screened at the cruise port since Alaska cruises from Seattle stop in Victoria cruise port in British Columbia , to comply with the Jones Act.

Seattle Vs. Vancouver: Distance From The Airport

When flying into Seattle, travelers land at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Located 18.4 miles (29.6 km) from the port of Seattle , cruise passengers can access the port by Uber or Lyft for USD 40.00. Taxis charge more, and the price will vary depending on traffic.

Alternatively, a cruise line transfer or independent shuttle costs between USD 27.00 – 30.00 per person, one way.

Should you be flying domestically and not have a long flight, it’s possible to book an early departure and arrive on the morning of your cruise.

Seattle has two cruise terminals that service Alaska. Oceania Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line own Bell Street Cruise Terminal at Pier 66 (2225 Alaskan Way). This port is closest to Seattle Center.

Alternatively, Princess, Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Holland America Line use the Smith Cove Cruise Terminal at Pier 91. Located ten minutes north of downtown Seattle, the terminal offers long-term parking for USD 27.00 a day.

Passengers flying into Canada land at Vancouver International Airport, south of the downtown core. Passengers can reach Canada Place or the Vancouver cruise terminal by taxi, Uber, or Vancouver’s rapid transit system, Skytrain. The nine-mile journey (15 km) costs CAD 36 taxi and CAD 30.00 with Uber.

Skytrain costs CAD 8.00 to 9.25 per person, takes approximately 25 minutes, and avoids road congestion. It’s easy to access, simple to use, and trains depart every six minutes.

Access to the cruise terminal is less than two blocks from Skytrain. I always use Skytrain to reach the port from the airport.

Vancouver has one cruise terminal that can accommodate up to four ships. It has underground parking for those driving to the terminal and costs CAD 32.00 a day.

Seattle Vs. Vancouver: Size Of Ships

An Alaska cruise from Vancouver sails under the Lionsgate Bridge, which has a clearance of 61 meters or 200 feet.

Since Vancouver cannot accommodate a mega-ship, these vessels embark from Seattle, Washington. So, Alaska cruises from Vancouver are on either mid-sized or smaller ships.

I still remember leaving Canada Place on the Celebrity Eclipse, a 2850-passenger ship. It had to lower its mast to clear the Lionsgate Bridge.

Those preferring a bigger ship with endless options for family entertainment, should pick an Alaska itinerary from Seattle.

At the start and end of Alaska season, some of the larger ships like the Norwegian Bliss and Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas arrive in Vancouver to comply with the Jones Act. They typically have to enter and leave Burrard Inlet at low tide.

I’ve cruised on both the Quantum and Ovation of the Seas from Vancouver. Sailaway was between midnight and 2 am to cruise under the Lionsgate Bridge at low tide.

Seattle Vs. Vancouver: For Visitation

Most travelers going to a new city spend some time exploring the destination either pre or post-cruise. Both Seattle and Vancouver sit on the Pacific coast with almost identical weather.

Seattle activities are plentiful, from the Pike Street Market and Museum of Pop Culture to amazing views from the Space Needle. US passport holders may prefer Seattle because there’s no need to exchange currency.

But Vancouver, rated as one of the top cities in the world, offers so much more. TripAdvisor rated Vancouver’s Stanley Park as the best city park globally, beating New York’s Central Park.

Located close to the cruise terminal, it’s easily accessible to anyone staying downtown. Other Vancouver must-visit attractions include the Capilano Suspension Bridge , Gastown, Grouse Mountain, and Granville Island.

While both cities offer excellent restaurants, Vancouver has more international choices, primarily due to the Asian population. So, if you love raw sushi, Thai curry, or dim sum, Vancouver wins hands down.

Although travelers find Vancouver, Canada, an expensive city, non-Canadians may benefit from the dollar exchange. Many people visit Vancouver from Australia to take an Alaska cruise and enjoy the city.

For a hotel stay, cruisers favor the Edgewater Hotel on the waterfront in Seattle. The Pan Pacific in Vancouver provides a direct elevator down to the cruise terminal, which is in the same building.

Alaska Cruise Itinerary From Seattle

All seven-day Alaska cruises out of Seattle sail round-trip. They can cruise as far as Hubbard Glacier, although most cruise lines sail to Tracy Arm Fjord, Dawes Glacier in Endicott Arm, and a select few to Glacier Bay National Park.

Cruises departing from Seattle have no option to add a land-based itinerary. Traditionally, all sailings from Seattle were seven days, but Norwegian and Oceania have recently added nine to eleven days options, although still round-trip.

Since Seattle is further south than Vancouver, it takes a half-day longer to get to its first stop in Alaska. If your first scheduled stop is Juneau, the capital, it will take 1-1/2 days to reach the Alaskan city.

So, instead of arriving at 9 am, vessels dock at noon or 1 pm instead. While this may not seem like a big deal, Juneau offers the most shore excursions. So, I like to have maximum hours to take advantage of them.

Must-visit Mendenhall Glacier  requires a shuttle to access it, and the last return bus leaves at 5:30 pm.

Other attractions like Roberts Tramway also close early. So, when arriving in Juneau later in the day, options for Alaska cruise excursions may be limited.

The first day and a half are sea days out of Seattle, and the last day generally ports in Victoria on Vancouver Island. Cruises leaving Seattle usually include one fjord or group of glaciers.

However, sometimes mega-ships may not include any glacier sightings since their size limits their itinerary options.

Alaska Cruise Itinerary From Vancouver

Alaska cruises from Vancouver have many options. The seven-day itineraries sail either round-trip or one-way. One-way cruises to and from Whittier and Seward have the option to add a land-based itinerary to Denali National Park.

Staying in a lodge at Denali increases the chance of seeing the “big five.” The big five include moose, grizzly bears, grey wolves, caribou, and Dall sheep.

These cruise and land itineraries end or start in either Anchorage or Fairbanks for easy access to an airport. While not the capital, the large city of Anchorage offers plenty to do.

The one-way itineraries, either northbound or southbound, include cruising through College Fjord.

Located in Prince William Sound, the fjord contains multiple tidewater and valley glaciers named for famous colleges. Booking a back-to-back (northbound and southbound) gives the cruiser multiple glacier viewings.

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Find your perfect Alaska cruise with here. Choose from mini cruises to extended itineraries, and cruise tours.

Back-to-back Itineraries

A typical 14-day itinerary generally includes Hubbard Glacier, College Fjord, and two visits to Glacier Bay. I’ve done the  14-day Alaska cruise with Princess , and it was so amazing that I plan to do it again.

Here is a sample itinerary of a back-to-back. Note that the cruise ship stops at the same Alaska towns each way. While this might deter some cruisers, the ports offer many excursions, so I took different tours on the return cruise.

If cruising for more than seven days sounds appealing, Alaska cruises from Vancouver sail up to 17 days round-trip. Here’s an example 17-day itinerary on Hurtigruten’s MS Roald Amundsen.

While Hurtigruten ports at some tiny Alaskan towns, bigger ships stop at larger known towns. The most common towns are Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan. Less frequented options are Haines, Icy Strait Point, Sitka, Homer, and Kodiak Island.

Cunard, a British cruise line offers roundtrip itineraries of up to 11 days of the Queen Elizabeth cruise ship. Her sailing often include both Hubbard Glacier and Glacier Bay National Park.

Round-Trip Vs. One-Way To Alaska?

Living in Vancouver and having taken eight Alaska cruises, I prefer a round-trip or back-to-back. These itineraries avoid the expensive one-way flight from Anchorage.

When I priced the flight one year, it was cheaper to sail back from Anchorage than fly. Add to the cost of the flight is the cruise transfer from Whittier or Seward to Anchorage, which can cost up to USD 70 per person.

Cruises going one-way sail further north and see areas not included on a return cruise. Additionally, northbound and southbound itineraries cruise through College Fjord, which is unlike other fjords and bays.

Its multiple glaciers lay close together, so photos capture a group of glaciers lined up like toy soldiers.

Sailing further north also offers the possibility of more Alaskan wildlife viewing. In comparison, humpback whales and orca frequent the southern region; the northern area can include sightings of gray whales and the rarer fin and minke whales.

Alaska Cruise Sailing Route

Cruises from Seattle, typically sail on the west side of Vancouver Island. With no land to protect the ship from rough seas, this cruise portion can cause seasickness.

Vancouver-originating cruises sail on the east side, so the protected waters are calmer. Anyone prone to motion sickness, should choose to embark in Vancouver.

Also, Alaska cruises from Vancouver offer more scenic views, seeing as they cruise the inside water, closer to land. For one-way itineraries, try to select a cabin on the coastal side, depending on which direction the ship is sailing.

On the first day out of Vancouver, cruise ships sail close enough to land to receive Wi-Fi coverage. You’ll also have the same benefit on the last day if doing a return itinerary.

While Caribbean cruises are focused on sun, beaches, and fun, Alaska itineraries are scenery-focused.

Alaska cruise tip : Pick an inside passage cruise for calmer seas.

Final Thoughts

Whether planning an Alaska cruise once or returning multiple times, it’s a place like no other. While it might cost a little more to fly to Vancouver than Seattle, most past passengers will argue that it’s worth the added expense.

Living in Vancouver, both embarkation ports are just a short drive from my home. However, many passengers don’t have that luxury.

Whether the Alaska cruise involves a mega-ship, a return trip without a flight, or the desire to see Denali, it promises a magical journey to savor forever.

Happy travels ~ Karen

Thursday 29th of February 2024

excellent analysis

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The Best Alaska Cruise Departure City: Seattle or Vancouver?

Most Alaska cruise itineraries depart from either Seattle, Washington or Vancouver, British Columbia . Both are fantastic cities in the Pacific Northwest with lots of things to see and explore. ( Check out my one-day Seattle destination guide here! )

You can’t go wrong, right?

Before you pick an itinerary at random, though, it’s important to realize that choosing the city you depart from isn’t arbitrary. There are differences that could impact your entire vacation experience – from the sights you see in Alaska to the time you spend in the airport.

I’ve sailed to Alaska from both of these ports, so I know the pros and cons of each. If you don’t know which departure city to choose for your next Alaskan cruise, read on for some info that’ll help you decide.

Don’t have a passport? Choose Seattle.

Want scenic cruising choose vancouver., need more flight options choose seattle., interested in an alaska cruise tour choose vancouver., need help planning your alaska cruise email me..

Alaska cruises leaving Canada require a passport for US citizens. Why? Because you’ve got to fly into Vancouver to board the ship, and US citizens need a passport for air travel to Canada.

On the other hand, if you’re on an Alaska cruise sailing round-trip from Seattle, you can usually sail with either a passport card or your drivers license and birth certificate. That’s because closed-loop cruises – cruises that start and end in the same US city – are generally less restrictive when it comes to documentation requirements.

Of course, you’ll want to check the requirements for your specific cruise line before you book. Also? I always recommend having a passport to cruise. I explain more about that in my post about cruising without a passport .

Vancouver is about 140 miles north of Seattle, which means it’s 140 miles closer to Alaska. What does that mean for your cruise itinerary? That the ship has a shorter distance to travel to get to those glaciers.

When sailing from Alaska, your ship will generally go out to sea as it chugs its way north. And while endless ocean is absolutely a beautiful view, it’s not quite as rapturous as the greenery and mountains you’ll see when you sail from Vancouver – those sailings hug the shore between Vancouver Island and the mainland.

Here are just a couple of breathtaking photos I took during a sea day on my last cruise from Vancouver to Alaska:

Also: when you sail to Alaska from Vancouver, you don’t need to make that extra stop in Victoria that’s required on round-trip Alaska cruises that leave from Seattle. Why do they have to stop in Victoria? Because of the Jones Act . (Warning: it’s a very boring explanation.)

You’ll find way more non-stop flights to Seattle from another city within the United States than you will to Vancouver. Which also means the prices for Seattle flights will be cheaper.

To give you an idea: I just searched for round-trip flights to Seattle from San Diego for next July – peak Alaska cruise season. There are a whopping 14 non-stop flights available, the cheapest one priced at $238.

For Vancouver, my options are much more limited. There are only three daily flights, all over twice the price at $561. *blows raspberry*

Not to mention you won’t have to worry about going through immigration and customs at the Vancouver airport, or dealing with foreign transaction fees on your credit card for any purchases you make while you’re in town.

If your goal is to really explore as much of Alaska as possible, it might be worth it to spend a bit extra to sail out of Vancouver. Because the only way to see the interior is to take a land tour – and that’s only possible on one-way sailings out of Vancouver.

You know those Alaska cruises with a train ride at the end? Those are called cruise tours, and they’re spectacular. Princess Cruises, in particular, has some fantastic cruise tour itineraries, like the Denali Explorer . It starts with a 7-day cruise out of Vancouver that takes you to all the usual stops – Ketchikan, Skagway, Juneau – before sailing through Glacier Bay and ending in Whittier, Alaska.

From there, you hop right on a train that takes you directly to the wilderness, where you can spend a couple of days at rustic lodges in the shadow of Denali.

An Alaska cruise tour really gives you the best of everything Alaska has to offer – both the cities that are inaccessible by land and the beauty that can’t be reached by water. And pretty much all of these require a departure (or arrival) in Vancouver.

Still undecided about which departure port to leave from for your next Alaska cruise? Or are you thinking about doing an Alaska cruise tour but can’t figure out which of the billion options you should choose? I’m and Alaska expert and I’m here to help.

Send me a message and we can start planning today . Alaska cruises for 2024 are already starting to fill up. By booking early you’ll get the best prices available.

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• Travel Planning Guide

A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Seattle vs. Vancouver for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

• Which is Cheaper, Seattle or Vancouver? (Travel Cost Comparison)

Which is Bigger, Seattle or Vancouver?

• When to Visit Seattle or Vancouver?

Should you visit Seattle or Vancouver?

Which is cheaper to visit which is more expensive for vacation.

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Seattle or Vancouver, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Seattle or Vancouver?

Situated on the Puget Sound in the state of Washington, Seattle is the largest city in the United States Pacific Northwest. It's a beautiful city surrounded by the water and mountains and filled with evergreen trees. It's also the home of some famous American institutions including Starbucks Coffee, Amazon, and Microsoft. The population of almost 700,000 continues to grow. As of 2014, the city was considered the fastest growing major city in the United States. The entire metropolitan area has about 3.6 million residents, making it the 15th largest metro area in the US. The natural beauty, growing economy, and educational base give Seattle a youthful vibe that keep the city young and energetic.

Vancouver is a beautiful and cosmopolitan city in Western Canada. It is also the largest city in British Columbia, and is dramatically positioned between the coast and mountains. It's a very international city, with a high level of energy and countless activites that you can enjoy while you're in town. In addition to offering all of the activities and entertainment of a modern city, it is also in jumping off distance to any number of outdoor activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas , The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage , The Best 10-Day Tours from Vancouver , and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Canada .

Which place is cheaper, Vancouver or Seattle?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

• Seattle Prices USA Prices Vancouver Prices Canada Prices
• Average Daily Cost Per person, per day Seattle $ 205 Vancouver $ 141

The average daily cost (per person) in Seattle is $205, while the average daily cost in Vancouver is $141. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Seattle and Vancouver in more detail.

Accommodation

• Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person Seattle $ 120 Vancouver $ 87
• Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room Seattle $ 240 Vancouver $ 174

Compare Hotels in Seattle and Vancouver

Looking for a hotel in Seattle or Vancouver? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Seattle

Hotels in Vancouver

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.

Local Transportation

• Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc. Seattle $ 30 Vancouver $ 12

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Seattle

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Seattle:

• Lightrail from Airport (for 2) $ 5.50
• Roundtrip Ferry to Bainbridge Island (for 2) $ 15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Seattle

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Seattle:

• Smith Cove Terminal: Private Transfer to Seattle hotels: $307
• Seattle Tacoma Airport(SEA): Transfer to Smith Cove Terminal: $307
• Seattle, WA: Seaplane transfer to Vancouver, BC: $281
• Seattle Tacoma Airport (SEA): Private Transfer to Seattle: $264
• Private Transfer Seattle Airport SEA to Seattle center or port by Minibus or SUV: $195
• From Seattle Hotels - Hotel Transfer to Airport: $175
• From Seattle Airport - Transfer to Hotel & Homes: $175
• Roundtrip Transfer Private Vehicle Seattle Airport (SEA) -Seattle Downtown: $171
• Seattle Tacoma Airport to Summit at Snoqualmie Arrival Transfer: $153
• Seattle Field (BFI) to Summit Ski Resort Arrival Private Transfer: $153
• Seattle Tacoma Airport (SEA) to Smith Cove Terminal - RoundTrip Private Transfer: $148
• Departure Private Transfer: Seattle to Seattle Airport SEA in Luxury Car: $145

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Vancouver

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Vancouver are as follows:

• SkyTrain from Airport $ 6.35
• Taxi from Airport to Downtown $ 21
• 15 min Taxi Ride $ 8.71
• SkyTrain DayPass $ 6.53

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vancouver

Also for Vancouver, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

• Private Departure Transfer to Vancouver Airport (YVR): $32
• Cypress/Grouse Mountain to Vancouver Airport - Departure Transfer: $38
• White Rock to Vancouver Airport (YVR) - Departure Private Transfer: $46
• Canada Place Port to Vancouver Airport(YVR) - Departure Transfer : $55
• Vancouver Airport (YVR) to Canada Place Port - Arrival Transfer: $55
• City Highlights Tour with Hotel Transfers: $57
• Transfer Private Vehicle Vancouver Airport (YVR)-Vancouver Downtown: $67
• Vancouver to Victoria: Ferry with Bus Transfer: $72
• Vancouver to Victoria, Coach Bus Transfer: $74
• Vancouver Harbour Water Airport to Whistler - Arrival Transfer: $76
• Vancouver to Victoria - Vancouver Hotel Pickup - Coach Bus Transfer: $83
• Departure Private Transfer Vancouver to YVR Airport or Cruise Port- Business Car: $85

Is it cheaper to fly into Seattle or Vancouver?

Prices for flights to both Vancouver and Seattle change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.

• Food Meals for one day Seattle $ 51 Vancouver $ 31

Typical Food Prices in Seattle

Some typical examples of dining costs in Seattle are as follows:

• Expresso & cookie at Pier 70 $ 7.00
• Cashews at Pike Place Market $ 6.00
• 6 Mini Donuts at Pike Place Market $ 3.25
• Chinese Lunch in International District (for 2) $ 21
• Breakfast at Lowel's in Pike Place Market (for 2) $ 32
• Breakfast at French Cafe (for 2) $ 37

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Seattle

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Seattle.

• Seattle : Fun Cooking Classes With Chef Seamus: $60
• Secret Food Tours Seattle: $65
• Chef Guided Food Tour of Pike Place Market- 2 Hours: $67
• Pike Place Market Chef-Guided Food Tour: $67
• Eat Around the World Seattle Food Tour: $69
• International District Food Tour: $69
• Plant Based Food Tour in Pike Place Market: $79
• Secret Food Tours: Seattle Pike Place Market: $84
• Pike Place Market Food Tour: $99
• Small Group Cooking Class: $138
• Private Seattle Cooking Class with a Chef in Her Home: $198
• All - Inclusive Bainbridge Island Winery & Dinner Tour: $299

Typical Food Prices in Vancouver

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Vancouver:

• All You Can Eat Sushi Lunch $ 8.80

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Vancouver

For Vancouver, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

• Vancouver Delicious Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $78
• The Gastown Experience Walking Food Tour: $84
• Experience Gastown Vancouver's Elite Walking Food Tour: $93
• Gastown Historic Walking Food Tour: $96
• North Vancouver Shipyards Food Tour: $108
• VIP Granville Island Market Vancouver - Walking Food Tour: $111
• Vancouver Authentic Chinese Food Tour: $134
• Downtown Vancouver Asian Eats - Walking Food Tour: $138
• Authentic Asian Eats Walking Food Tour: $141
• 3-Hour Bowen Island Boat Cruise with Dinner: $152
• Granville Island Uncorked Vancouver - Walking Food Tour: $156
• Vancouver Evening Dinner Cruise: $158

Entertainment

• Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc. Seattle $ 16 Vancouver $ 36

Tours and Activities in Seattle

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Seattle are as follows:

• 3 Hour Seattle City Tour: $90
• 1-Hour Family Treasure Cruise in Seattle: $42
• 2 Hour Seattle City Snapshots Tour: $85
• 3 Hours Electric Bike Tour of Seattle's Waterways, Nature and Neighborhoods: $87
• 3 Hours San Juan Island Seaplane Tour from Seattle : $295
• 5-hour Seattle and Suburbs Attractions Tour: $185
• Beneath The Streets Underground History Tour: $29
• Best of Seattle Small Group Walking Tour W/ Space Needle: $244
• Boeing Factory Tour with Guided Transport from Seattle: $125
• Capitol Hill Neighborhood Tour: Indie shops, nightlife, history and attitude!: $149
• Chef Guided Happy Hour Tour - Cocktails, Bubbles and Bites: $140
• CitySightseeing Seattle Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour + Bookable Extras: $43

Tours and Activities in Vancouver

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Vancouver.

• Vancouver self-guided tour App - multilingual AudioGuide: $4.27
• Self-Guided Smartphone Walking Tour of Gastown: $4.72
• Self-Guided Smartphone Walking Tour of Gastown: $4.85
• Discover Stanley Park with a Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $5.08
• Fort Langley: a Film & Television Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $5.22
• Cycling the Seawall: A Self-Guided Audio Tour Along the Stanley Park Seawall: $5.46
• Historic Walking Tours of Vancouver with Then & Now Images!: $6.72
• Walking Tour Along Stanley Park's Seawall: $6.72
• Vancouver Downtown: Espionage Adventure Outdoor Escape Game: $6.92
• Self-Guided Smartphone Tour of Stanley Park: $7.26
• Self-Guided Smartphone Walking Tours of Stanley Park: $7.46
• VanDusen Botanical Garden Admission Ticket: $7.69
• Alcohol Drinks for one day Seattle $ 16 Vancouver $ 16

Sample the Local Flavors in Seattle

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Seattle:

• Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $38
• Where the Hops Grow! Yakima Brewery Tour : $40
• Woodinville Wine Country: Downtown Wine Tasting Pass: $65
• Woodinville Wine Country: Artisan Hill Wine Tasting Pass: $65
• Brewery and Restaurant Tour of Historic Seattle Neighborhood: $109
• Half Day Private Woodinville Wine Tour from Seattle : $119
• From Snoqualmie Falls & Woodinville Wine Tasting: $262
• Snoqualmie Falls + Wine Tasting: All-Inclusive Small-Group Tour: $263

Sample the Local Flavors in Vancouver

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Vancouver:

• Gastown Pub Crawl: $22
• Vancouver - Granville Pub Crawl: $25
• 3.5-Hour Craft Brewery Tour: $84
• Vancouver Behind-the-Scenes Brewery Tour: $93
• Fraser Valley Wine Tour with a light Lunch from Vancouver: $134
• Vancouver Wine Tour (Fraser Valley): $134
• From Half-Day Fraser Valley Wine Tour: $137
• Taste of the Valley Wine Tour: $149
• Stawamus Chief Hike and Local Brewery Tasting: $164
• Stawamus Chief Hike & Local Brewery Tasting : $168
• Full-Day Private Fraser Valley Wine Tour from Vancouver: $189
• Private Half Day Wine Tasting Tour: $332

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Seattle and Vancouver, we can see that Seattle is more expensive. And not only is Vancouver much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Vancouver would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Vancouver and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Seattle would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Seattle than you might in Vancouver.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Seattle Expensive? and Is Vancouver Expensive? .

Vancouver has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Seattle. When comparing the sizes of Seattle and Vancouver, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Seattle or Vancouver?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Seattle or Vancouver in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Seattle as well as Vancouver. Many travelers come to Seattle for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Seattle is around the same temperature as Vancouver. Typically, the summer temperatures in Seattle in July average around 67°F (19°C), and Vancouver averages at about 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vancouver. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Seattle this time of the year. In the summer, Seattle often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Vancouver. Seattle gets 313 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vancouver receives 296 hours of full sun.

Seattle usually gets less rain in July than Vancouver. Seattle gets 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

• Summer Average Temperatures July Seattle 67°F (19°C)   Vancouver   18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Seattle or Vancouver in the Autumn?

Both Vancouver and Seattle are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Seattle in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Seattle is generally a little warmer than Vancouver. Daily temperatures in Seattle average around 54°F (12°C), and Vancouver fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Seattle usually receives more sunshine than Vancouver during autumn. Seattle gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Vancouver receives 124 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Vancouver. In October, Seattle usually receives less rain than Vancouver. Seattle gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

• Autumn Average Temperatures October Seattle 54°F (12°C)   Vancouver   11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Seattle or Vancouver in the Winter?

Both Vancouver and Seattle during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Seattle for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months.

The weather in Vancouver can be very cold. Seattle is a little warmer than Vancouver in the winter. The daily temperature in Seattle averages around 42°F (5°C) in January, and Vancouver fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

In the winter, Seattle often gets more sunshine than Vancouver. Seattle gets 67 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vancouver receives 55 hours of full sun.

Vancouver gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Seattle. Seattle usually gets less rain in January than Vancouver. Seattle gets 5.4 inches (136 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

• Winter Average Temperatures January Seattle 42°F (5°C)   Vancouver   4°C (40°F)

Should I visit Seattle or Vancouver in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Seattle and Vancouver. The spring months attract visitors to Seattle because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Seattle is a little warmer than Vancouver. Typically, the spring temperatures in Seattle in April average around 51°F (11°C), and Vancouver averages at about 9°C (49°F).

In Seattle, it's very sunny this time of the year. Seattle usually receives more sunshine than Vancouver during spring. Seattle gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Vancouver receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.

Vancouver receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Seattle usually receives less rain than Vancouver. Seattle gets 2.5 inches (64 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

• Spring Average Temperatures April Seattle 51°F (11°C)   Vancouver   9°C (49°F)

Typical Weather for Vancouver and Seattle

Related articles for seattle, related articles for vancouver.

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Pros/cons of sailing from Seattle vs Vancouver?

By Huskerchick , September 23, 2014 in Holland America Line

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Huskerchick

We are thinking of booking a cruise for next fall to Alaska and I'm trying to figure out if there is an advantage doing one over the other.

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CowPrincess

Look at the ports and the port times. See what is available to do in each port, and what appeals to you. Then figure out where you need to leave from, to get the ports you want :)

Generally leaving from Vancouver gives you more scenery on the first and last days. And it is more sheltered, as you sail between the mainland and Vancouver Island. Leaving from Seattle, you sail up the west side of Vancouver Island.

Alberta Quilter

Just to add to CP's comments about scenery, I sailed from Seattle for the first time, in May. I thought, oh, well, I've seen the scenery before on previous cruises from Vancouver to Alaska.

I really missed the scenery. I will never, ever leave from Seattle to go to Alaska again. Well, I guess I shouldn't say never. But it sure would not be my first choice for an Alaskan cruise.

You will also find that the airfare to Vancouver is usually much higher than flying to Seattle. If you're able to fly in a day or two early, and possibly have a day or so post-cruise, you can fly into Seattle, and then travel to Vancouver via Amtrak, or shuttle bus, and then travel back to Seattle post cruise the same way.

We've sailed from both Seattle and Vancouver. I strongly agree with what the others have said, the scenery from Vancouver is far, FAR superior. The only reason we did a second Alaska cruise from Seattle was because the 2-week itinerary we wanted wasn't an option from Vancouver. Like Alberta Quilter, we really missed the scenic cruising the first and last sea days.

I suppose if one has never done an Alaska cruise, Seattle would be ok as they wouldn't know what they are missing. Since we know the difference, it would take a mighty special reason to do another from Seattle. At this point I can't imagine what would be that special, but I'm leaving the door open - just a teeny crack.

If you sail from Vancouver expect to pay more for wines to take onboard

I think the best part of Alaska is really the interior and there are some great tour options but only cruises from Vancouver offer the option of disembarking in Alaska and taking a tour. My impression is also that the airfare difference doesn't seem to be as huge as it once was.

My impression is also that the airfare difference doesn't seem to be as huge as it once was.

Thanks all! We have been to Alaska before and we sailed from Vancouver but it's been a few years. We would be traveling with friends who have never been before and based on that I think that leaving from Vancouver would be the better choice.

We took a trans-Panama from FLL, stopping in Vancouver for a day before disembarking in Seattle. Worked out great for us. We could fly back to Baltimore from a U.S. airport and still enjoy the incredible scenery in Vancouver.

Sailing to Seattle we followed the coastline so close there was actually something to see. So it you can find an Alaska cruise departing from Seattle but stopping in Vancouver, that would be my recommendation.

I enjoy being in either city.

If you have never been in either city, both are very enjoyable. Sailing out of Seattle does give you a great view of that city's skyline.

Sailing out of Vancouver does give you a lot of greenery/scenery and is more sheltered.

If you are a US citizen flying into Vancouver, take a moment to stop to look down at the great hall instead of rushing from your plane to customs/immigration (it is on the walkway to customs).

PathfinderEss

It certainly is easier/cheaper to fly into and out of Seattle but the best cruising is from Vancouver. I think you made a great decision being you have friends that have never done Alaska before.

We are thinking of booking a cruise for next fall to Alaska and I'm trying to figure out if there is an advantage doing one over the other.         Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Southwest flies to SEATAC, but not to Vancouver.

FloridaShari

Four years ago we sailed out of Vancouver, wanted to add on the land based Denali option. Vancouver was very expensive to fly to from Florida vs. my cruise last month , Seattle round trip. I enjoyed the Yukon tour from Skagway with a guide, then returning on the White Pass train. I did miss seeing the dramatic snow capped mountains north of Juneau, but the Yukon option was nice.

Both Seattle and Vancouver are beautiful cities (compared to the rest of the US and Canada) - each with their own charms. Seattle is somewhat more convenient (as noted) while Vancouver is the start of better first day sightseeing. I would suggest starting from whichever city you have not had the opportunity to explore as yet (assuming you arrive a day early).

Also, leaving from Vancouver gets you a passport entry stamp from Canada (if you're not Canadian of course). The port stop of Victoria does not.

I really can't see either as an inferior choice compared to some of the other cities and ports I have visited.

Krazy Kruizers

We have sailed from both Seattle and Vancouver.

When we sailed from Vancouver we flew into Seattle and stayed there a couple of days and then used HAL's transfers to go to Vancouver. For us to fly to Vancouver is very expensive.

And the scenery sailing out of and into Vancouver is beautiful.

Since most of my comments have already been made, I have to add one more - the seas are generally calmer on the Vancouver sailings, especially the first and last days.

AZNative2000

Thanks all! We have been to Alaska before and we sailed from Vancouver but it's been a few years. We would be traveling with friends who have never been before and based on that I think that leaving from Vancouver would be the better choice.     Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Where IS that "like" button?

We have (also) done both and prefer Vancouver, especially for first-timers. Next September, we are sailing with two first-timers (DB and DSIL) so we chose Vancouver.

We have done both several times and the main difference for us is that Seattle is the outside passage and Vancouver is the inside passage which in my opinion is much more calmer and less turbulent and smoother , I also agree much more scenic also. The airfare to Seattle is better but the hotels in Vanouver, ie the Fairmont is less expensive so there are trade offs but we like the sceenery and smoother inside passage better.:):):)

kiwicruiser55

I am so pleased this post came up as I have been mulling over the same question for a week or more.

We are having a motorhome for 5 weeks touring Canada but will be dropping it off in Seattle.

We have cruised to Alaska from Vancouver which was awesome. So it came down to comparing the itineraries, as we wanted to do Glacier Bay and Skagway I wanted to be on the cruise for my 60th birthday but alas, it works out that the day we arrive back in Vancouver is my birthday day Anyone got a recommendation for a great restaurant near Canada Place, as will have to stay there a night before getting back to Seattle. Enjoy most cuisine.

There is a very good restraunt at the Fairmont which is across from Canada Place but we tend to eat in their restraunts when we stay there, depend s also what type of food you'd like for a special 60th. There is also a very good chinese restraunt down form the other Fairmont downtown, the conc recommended it and the food was great, we have eaten there several times but I'm sure those from Vancouver will have a host of good restraunts, its a good food town.:):):)

Thanks Redhot1, will pop that down in my notebook and may stop the night too!

I am so pleased this post came up as I have been mulling over the same question for a week or more. We are having a motorhome for 5 weeks touring Canada but will be dropping it off in Seattle. We have cruised to Alaska from Vancouver which was awesome. So it came down to comparing the itineraries, as we wanted to do Glacier Bay and Skagway I wanted to be on the cruise for my 60th birthday but alas, it works out that the day we arrive back in Vancouver is my birthday day Anyone got a recommendation for a great restaurant near Canada Place, as will have to stay there a night before getting back to Seattle. Enjoy most cuisine.

Cardero's is always my favourite. Just along the sea wall from Canada Place. Excellent food and on a nice day the patio is great place to spend some time.

Does anyone know the price (exact or ballpark) of the HAL transfer from Vancouver port to Seattle (SEATAC)?

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An Expert's Guide to Booking the Perfect Alaska Cruise in 2023

By Scott Laird

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Alaska has been a popular cruise destination for decades, and the industry has continued a trajectory of growth. Each summer season there seems to be another cruise line sailing Alaskan waters, while the longtime incumbents are relentless in their addition of new itineraries, amenities, and excursions. 

What looks like an endless buffet of choice can lead to analysis paralysis for many first-time Alaska visitors—even if they’re veteran cruisers who have already figured out big questions like their preferred cruise line or favorite ship class. 

Here are five questions to consider in order to find the best Alaska cruise for you.

When is The Best Time to Book?

Alaska is a popular destination for multi-generational groups . Any large group booking multiple cabins or needing more than a pair of spots on shore excursions should start thinking about booking Alaska cruises about a year in advance to secure the best availability for their group size. So too should travelers who have specific non-negotiables on things like stateroom category, ship, or itinerary. 

However, that doesn’t mean that last-minute bookers are out of luck. While popular itineraries and cabin categories have a tendency to sell out early (balcony accommodations are particularly sought after for scenic Inside Passage cruising), there’s still often enough inventory left for cruise lines to offer enticing deals for the summer during the “wave” booking season from January through March. They’ll even offer last-minute specials right up until the time of sailing, but selection will be limited and the most popular shore excursions will have long wait lists. 

Cruise lines offer enticing deals for the summer during “wave" season from January through March. 

Is it better to cruise one-way or roundtrip? 

Like almost any choice one makes when booking a cruise, it all comes down to personal taste. Roundtrip cruises offer the convenience of embarking and disembarking at the same port (typically Seattle, Vancouver, or San Francisco), but itineraries are generally limited to Southeast Alaska and the Inside Passage. 

Visitors wanting to see Alaska’s Interior, Fairbanks, and Denali National Park , should book a one-way cruise to or from Anchorage (which is served by the cruise ports at Whittier and Seward) for land-based touring either before or after their Inside Passage cruise. Many cruise lines, including Holland America Line , Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean, and Celebrity offer fully packaged “Cruisetours” that combine a one-way Inside Passage cruise with a rail or motor coach itinerary mainly focused on Denali, but also offering journeys to other parts of Southcentral Alaska.

Is Seward or Whittier a better port for Anchorage? 

Each cruise line has their preferred port—Holland America Line and Princess Cruises berth at Whittier. Norwegian, Oceania, and Regent Seven Seas—currently berthing at Seward—will move operations to Whittier upon completion of berths currently under construction. Most other one-way cruises berth in Seward.

Whittier is closer to Anchorage, and some itineraries even take disembarking passengers directly to Denali or Talkeetna the same day. Whittier is also a convenient port for cruising College Fjord, which most northbound sailings do on the final day before arriving in Whittier. Whittier is, however, a tiny community that is little more than a deep-water port, while Seward is a larger community and regional base for a more diverse collection of tours and activities.

Seward is farther from Anchorage, but the train or coach ride is roughly an extra hour of travel through a spectacular mountain pass on the Kenai Peninsula, then the lines merge near Whittier and the last hour of the journey is the same, hugging the Chugach Mountains alongside Turnagain Arm south of Anchorage. 

It’s worth noting that shoreside transportation outside of cruise line-operated transfers can be more limited in Whittier, so passengers embarking there may wish to ensure they include transfers from Anchorage in their cruise package. From Seward, travelers wanting to spend a few days exploring Kenai Fjords National Park or one of the wilderness lodges can book Alaska Railroad transfers on their regular scheduled service.

I've been to Alaska before—how can I cruise differently? 

Cruisers who are veterans at Inside Passage itineraries on the big ships have really only seen a preview of the nooks and crannies of the region. Indigenous-owned Alaskan Dream Cruises operates small-ship sailings from Sitka, getting into the straits and narrows that the big ships won’t fit, and oftentimes determining itineraries by reports of sea life migrations and weather conditions.

Return visitors who still want that big ship experience might try a different category of cruise line. The major operators—Princess, Holland America, Celebrity, are all premium-tier cruise lines, but the luxury cruise lines have also deployed ships to Alaskan waters. 

Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth is operating roundtrip Vancouver sailings, bringing onboard topflight lecturers ranging from adventure traveler Bear Grylls to undersea archaeologist Mensun Bound on select voyages. On every voyage, guests will find guides from Alaska Native Voices, sharing the cultural history and lore of the local Huna people to  Sit’ Eeti Gheeyi  (Glacier Bay National Park), and guest speakers from the Royal Canadian Geographical Society.

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Silversea has “Door-to-Door” pricing on many of its Alaska cruises , meaning the cruise fare includes airfare, hotels, and all transfers—including transfers from home to the departure airport. Onboard the all-suite ships, there’s butler service in every suite, fine dining, and select shore excursions included. The largest Silversea ship sailing to Alaska also carries just under 600 guests, allowing for port calls at lesser-visited stops like Wrangell, Haines, and Valdez.

Are there less-crowded alternatives?

Hurtigruten, the Norwegian expedition cruise line, offers sailings between Vancouver and Nome , hitting not only the lesser-visited spots on the Inside Passage, but also the virtually untouristed and volcano-dotted Alaska Peninsula, where guests can spot Brown Bears in Katmai National Park, go bird-watching in St. Paul Island and uninhabited St. Matthew Island in the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge, and explore the eerie ghost town of Unga.

Closer afield, but no less secluded is the Prince William Sound Explorer from Uncruise, where guests will depart Whittier and wake up among the glaciers of little-visited Icy Bay on the Kenai Peninsula. Much of the itinerary is “Captain’s choice” based on conditions and sealife movements, but the massive Columbia and Meares glaciers and the Sound communities of Cordova and Valdez—also off the big ship routes—hold prized spots on the itinerary. 

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How we are saving almost 50% on airfare for our cruise to Alaska

If the last few years have taught or reinforced any lessons, it is to always, always take the trip when the option presents itself. That includes those big, intimidating, once-in-a-lifetime adventures that can feel scary to put into motion.

With that in mind, we recently booked a big, expensive, two-cabin cruise to Alaska for the summer of 2023. The trip will include not only my kids, who will somehow already be 13 and 8 next summer, but also my parents. This includes my dad, who at 74 years young by next summer has never sailed — and likely won't other than on this one, big trip.

To sail from Vancouver, British Columbia, to Alaska (and back), you obviously have to first get to Vancouver. And with weeklong cruises to Alaska already pretty pricey, the prospect of also needing five round-trip summertime airfare tickets is ... painful.

Since there are only so many ways to save on the Alaska Disney cruise itself (and we are using every tip in the book), I'm also leaning into using every trick to save on airfare that I can muster.

After going through the gamut of various ways to save on airfare, I've landed on what may be the best way to book airfare when cruising to Alaska: the Alaska Airlines companion certificate .

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Flying to Seattle vs. Vancouver

Some cruise lines sail to Alaska from Seattle, while others depart from Vancouver.

Examples of some cruise lines that depart from Vancouver include Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Silversea, Holland America and our chosen line, Disney. Because of complex laws and regulations , cruises that sail from Seattle still have to make a stop in Canada, but that's a tale for a different story.

If you choose to book an Alaska cruise on a line that departs from Vancouver, it may still be in your best interest to fly to Seattle.

Even ignoring the different levels of paperwork and regulations required to fly internationally into Canada versus staying within the U.S., the price of tickets alone may quickly drive you to look back south of the border.

Using our summer 2023 sailing dates as an example, tickets from Houston to Vancouver start at $600 to $700 round-trip per person — and all but the priciest options require a connection.

However, nonstop airfare prices to Seattle for the very same dates range from $300 to $450 round-trip per person. Obviously, prices vary by date and originating city, but outside of unique sales or situations, I'd expect the pattern of Vancouver costing more than Seattle to largely hold for departures from other U.S. cities.

You need to also factor in the cost, time and hassle of getting from Seattle to the port in Vancouver when making your decision. But quickly cutting airfare costs for five people by up to half by flying to Seattle instead of Vancouver frees up some room and tolerance for those factors.

We've done that roughly three-hour drive before to go skiing in Whistler, British Columbia , and it wasn't too bad, even with the border crossing. But, with a weeklong cruise, you do need to get creative so that you aren't paying for a rental and parking for days that you are at sea and aren't using it.

One option to get from Seattle to Vancouver includes the Amtrak Cascades train, which is scheduled to return later in 2022. For now, the route is operated by buses, but the train should return before next summer. Right now, non-discounted prices are starting at $68 each way, with 50% discounts for kids and 10% discounts for seniors.

Another option would be doing two one-way car rentals, but note that not all car rental agencies permit one-way international rentals. Budget and Avis are two rental options that, based on searches, do permit these one-way rentals.

Related: Choosing the best Alaska cruise for your family

The Alaska Airlines Companion Fare

It just so happens that one of Alaska Airlines ' hubs is in Seattle. And while this will obviously vary, in our case, it has the cheapest flight option by a pretty healthy margin.

But that's just the beginning of the story.

Alaska Airlines has a buy-one-get-one companion voucher awarded at each credit card account anniversary year (and sometimes one comes as part of a card's sign-up bonus, too). It has very few use restrictions, as long as you are flying within the United States.

You get this annual certificate just by having an Alaska Airlines credit card , including the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card and Alaska Airlines Visa® Business card .

As a relevant aside, if you are in the market, the Alaska Airlines Visa Business card has welcome bonus of 50,000 bonus miles and Alaska's Famous Companion Fare; ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $23) after you make $3,000 or more in purchases within the first 90 days of opening your account.

To use the Alaska Airlines companion voucher, purchase one economy fare on a domestic Alaska Airlines-operated flight with your Alaska Airlines credit card (aka not using miles) and then the second ticket will cost you just $99 plus some taxes and fees, which in this case are just under $37.

That translates to paying for one ticket to Seattle at a rate that is already a few hundred dollars less than flying into Vancouver — and getting the second ticket for $135.63, which in an era when summer airfare has been quite the bear, is a relief.

Related: Best Alaska cruise tips

Total savings on airfare for our Alaska cruise

We currently have five people planning to go on the cruise, but I'm going to show cash airfare numbers just for four people — because we are likely using miles for the fifth as the companion certificate works best in pairs.

For four nonstop, round-trip tickets from Houston to Seattle on our preferred dates and times (using Alaska Airlines companion vouchers for two of those tickets), our cash cost is $1,145.68.

If we instead purchased four nonstop tickets from Houston to Vancouver for our needed times and dates, it would cost $2,976.

That $1,830 in savings is a pretty big price difference in my book — and that's on top of some of the easier logistics of just flying domestically instead of internationally.

Naturally, we'll need to deduct from the savings the ultimate price of a train, bus or car to go from Seattle to Vancouver and back again, once we decide on those details as the sailing gets a bit closer. What we'll likely do as a hedge is book one-way car rentals to and from Seattle and Vancouver. Currently, prices for two one-way rentals are starting at around $400. Hopefully, with the train coming back online and the relevant child and other discounts, our ground transportation prices will get a little lower, but at least we know it shouldn't get worse than that.

Bottom line

There isn't one best way that applies in all situations, but if you are planning an Alaska cruise and Alaska Airlines operates from your home airport, using an Alaska Airlines companion certificate from a cobranded credit card to fly two people to Seattle for less is a tactic worth considering to bring down the total airfare cost.

This is especially true if your Alaska cruise departs from Seattle, but even if you depart from Vancouver, it can still be worth it to fly to Seattle in some situations. Needing a handful of tickets makes the savings even greater for us since we do have access to multiple companion vouchers.

By saving on airfare, you have more cash for other things — such as booking some of the best Alaska cruise shore excursions .

Related: How my unused Alaska Companion Fare saved a co-worker nearly $700 on summer travel

Updated as of 4/18/2024.

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cruise from seattle vs. vancouver... - Alaska Forum

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reason for choosing seattle is for current lack of passport...this cruise is kind of a last minute possibility.

You probably have plenty of time for a passport. :)

You will need a passport to board the ship; it makes no difference whether Seattle or Vancouver. For an extra fee one can get a passport within a few days. We were able to get an Emergency Passport in just a couple of hours after ours being stolen. However, it was just that, an emergency and good only for three months.

also....would it be recommended to book tours in advance? ....looking at Harv & Marv's out of Juneau .. .and Bering Sea Crab tour out of Ketchican?

Without looking it up, is the Westerdam from Seattle or Vancouver? Sounds like Seattle. That is a nice itinerary with both Glacier Bay and Sitka. But if you are at all prone to motion sickness, the Seattle cruises sail west of Vancouver Island (Vancouver cruises sail east of it). So the Seattle cruises are in the open ocean much longer than the Vancouver cruises . That might or might not be a big issue.

Book tours in advance? My feeling is "Why not?" I don't want to be spending my short, precious port time running around trying to book tours. I am one of the first off the ship and one of the last back on the ship at each port. I am busy the entire time. Also, if you want to do certain tours, like Harv & Marv, there is virtually little chance they will have availability at the last-minute. They only have a small number of boats and 6 people per boat. With +-10,000 people in port each day, you can imagine how fast they tend to book up.

I don't consider such a route to be an Inside Passage cruise at all I am afraid as she spends hardly any time at all inside. I think Sitka would be quite interesting with the town still being untouched to any great extent by the cruise industry, unlike the other ports, and Glacier Bay NP is great. But then there is that almost useless obligatory call at Victoria. :(

fti -agree as Inside passage (between Vancouver Island and the mainland there is something to see either side, On the other side these coastal trips are often beyond the horitzon and you see nothing but open seas.

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The Easiest Ways to Get From Seattle to Vancouver (And Vice Versa)

Looking for the best way to get to Vancouver from Seattle… or from Seattle to Vancouver? There are any number of reasons you’d want to travel between the two cities.

Taking an Alaskan cruise? Many of these trips depart from ports in Seattle, heading up to stops in Canada and Alaska. However, there are also some cruises that depart Vancouver.

Or if you aren’t taking a cruise and simply want to visit Vancouver (or Seattle), there are an amazing amount of things for tourists to do in both cities.

Meanwhile, anecdotally many flights into the area seem to be cheaper if you fly into Seattle. For instance, a recent search for a mid-summer flight found a cost of $510 from Austin to Vancouver. But that price was only $375 flying from Seattle to Vancouver. In other words, you can save a lot of money flying into one airport and then arranging your transportation to the other city.

So what’s the best way to get there? We have a list of your options below…

Train Between Seattle & Vancouver (Amtrak)

The Amtrak Cascades runs twice daily between Eugene, Oregon and Vancouver, with a number of stops along the way. Between Seattle and Vancouver, however, there are only about six stops, which last only 2-3 minutes each.

In total, the trip takes a bit over four hours. The good news is that the price is affordable, and the ride is comfortable. Tickets run around $45 one way. Aboard the train you have a large seat with plenty of legroom. There is also a dining car with enormous overhead windows offering stunning views of the area as you pass.

The train departs Seattle’s King Street Station and arrive at Vancouver’s Pacific Central Station. Heading to Vancouver, you don’t have to stop for a border inspection. Once you arrive at the train station, you’ll go through an immigration checkpoint and arrive in the middle of the city.

Busses Between Seattle & Vancouver

As you would expect between two major cities only a few hours from each other, you can easily take a bus between the two cities. In fact, there are at least four services that will take you from Seattle to Vancouver and back.

Depending on the bus line, they will pick up and drop off at different points in town. QuickShuttle actually picks up at the Seattle-Tacoma Airport if you want to head straight to Canada. Others usually pick up at bus stations or the train stations in the area.

As in many parts of the country, newer upstarts like BoltBus have entered the bus transportation market. They often offer newer busses, cheaper fares, and wi-fi service on the trip.

In total, you can expect the bus trip to take about 4-5 hours between Seattle and Vancouver. Here are a list of options for you to take:

BoltBus A “premium express bus line” that runs between the two cities, offering free wi-fi, reclining seats, and extra legroom on its coaches. Tickets run about $25 for a one-way trip.

Quick Shuttle Offering 4-5 trips each day, Quick Shuttle notably picks up from the Seattle-Tacoma airport. During the summer it also stops at the Canada Place Pier, making it convenient for cruise passengers. Rates run $40-$60 per person and the trip takes about four hours.

Greyhound Greyhound offers express service with fewer stops between Seattle and Vancouver. We found three trips daily, all departing in the afternoon and evening. If you want a morning trip, you should look at another bus line. Rates run as little at $17 each way.

Amtrak In addition to the train service, Amtrak also offers busses that will take you between the two cities. In fact, while there are only two trains daily, there are four bus departures each day. The trip will cost around $40 each way.

Driving Between Seattle & Vancouver

If you are flying into the area, yes you can drive between Seattle and Vancouver. That said, if you are a cruise passenger, it’s not ideal as you have park your car while on your trip. As well, many other people simply prefer to leave the driving to someone else as that’s easier, especially if you aren’t familiar with driving in the area.

But the biggest issue with driving is the border checkpoint between the United States and Canada. While the drive is short (usually about three hours), if you hit traffic at the border, it can add an hour or more to your drive time. Taking a train or a bus, you don’t have to worry about this wildcard during your trip.

Have more questions about getting between these two cities? Let us know in the comments below.

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I’m a US citizen. I’ll be in Seattle this weekend and considering driving up to Vancouver for to explore the borders for a few hours. Do I need a passport to enter?

We just read the rules surrounding car travel to Canada. The easiest and simplest way is to simply have a passport or passport card. Sounds like you can travel back and forth if you have the correct “enhanced” driver’s license and a birth certificate. But just get a passport and be done with it!

Unless you plan on going places where the passport book with pages for visa stamps is necessary, you will find the passport card much easier to use and cheaper. This is my preferred method of going back and forth between San Diego and Tijuana.

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Pros and Cons of Seattle vs Vancouver BC (living & visiting)

Are you planning a trip to the Pacific North West and wondering whether to visit Seattle or Vancouver? Or perhaps you’re trying to weigh up Seattle vs Vancouver as a city to live in?

Both Seattle, Washington and Vancouver, British Columbia have a lot to offer and which one you choose to visit might depend on your specific interests and preferences.

Seattle is known for its iconic landmarks, such as the Space Needle, as well as its thriving coffee culture and rich music scene. Vancouver is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and is often referred to as one of the most liveable cities in the world. It has a vibrant arts and culture scene, as well as a thriving food and drink culture.

Both Seattle and Vancouver are great destinations and places to live. They have unique attractions and experiences, and the cities are surrounded by natural beauty. Ultimately, the choice between them will come down to personal preference, your visa situation, and the type of trip you are looking for.

I spent 6 years weighing up the pros and cons of living in Vancouver and took many trips to Seattle. When it comes to Seattle vs Vancouver, there are many similarities between the two cities, but also quite a few differences.

If you can’t decide whether to visit Vancouver or Seattle, then this blog post, which considers the things to do in both cities, the Vancouver vs Seattle cost of living, transport, and more, should help you decide.

People in Vancouver vs Seattle

In general, people are more friendly in America than they are in Canada. I don’t know if it’s a confidence thing or not but people in America are far more likely to strike up a conversation with strangers than Canadians are.

When we were travelling around the US in our van we noticed it straight away. We had people talking to us in parking lots when they saw our van, speaking to us over dinner when they heard our accents and many other similar interactions.

This virtually never happened in Canada unless we’d had to already start interacting by picking up something someone had dropped or saying ‘sorry ‘ should we bump into someone.

However, Seattle also has the infamous Seattle Freeze which can be experienced by many who are new to the city. It refers to how difficult it can be to meet new people when you first move.

There’s also said to be a bit of a division between people who grew up in Seattle, and those who’ve just moved there later in life. Honestly, the same is said of Vancouver but if you’re willing to make an effort and join social groups and clubs then you’ll meet people it just might not be instant.

Vancouver is also regarded as one of the most multicultural cities in Canada. Though I think other cities around the world are far more multicultural, it isn’t unusual to hear many other languages being spoken in Vancouver.

However, Vancouver’s cultural communities aren’t particularly well integrated. Some would argue that when it comes to Seattle vs Vancouver, Seattle has achieved better integration whilst others would say Seattle just isn’t as mixed.

Food: Seattle. vs Vancouver

I personally think Vancouver has a much better food scene than Seattle, but it comes down to what type of food you like in the end.

In Vancouver, you’ll get world-class Asian foods from ramen to sushi and everything in between. Vancouver’s sushi is some of the best and cheapest you’ll find outside of Japan.

Vancouver also has several Michelin Starred restaurants and each neighborhood has delicious places to eat. My favorite though is some of the restaurants in Gastown including St Lawrence and Jules.

But if you’re looking for pizza you may prefer Seattle and the same goes for burgers and more typical ‘American’ foods.

Coffee too is said to be better in Seattle but there are an increasing number of great coffee shops in Vancouver, so I think it just depends on where you go.

Overall, with the choice of Seattle vs Vancouver, you’ll find more diversity in Vancouver’s food scene than you will in Seattle.

Seattle vs Vancouver Cost of Living

Both cities are very expensive although Vancouver is considered more expensive, and the jobs generally pay a lot less than jobs in Seattle. However, you don’t need to pay for healthcare in the same way in Vancouver, so that’s a huge bonus and you typically get more vacation time.

In general, when it comes to the cost of living in Seattle vs Vancouver, Vancouver is more expensive. Food, clothing, the gym, and other activities cost more in Vancouver than in Seattle.

Gast too is far more expensive in Vancouver to the point that some people in Vancouver will willingly wait at the border control to fill up their tans in Bellingham or Point Roberts.

Seattle has no state income tax which means your take-home pay is higher than in Vancouver where taxes are high

The jury is out when it comes to the cost of rent in Vancouver vs Seattle. It’s high in both cities but some would argue it’s slightly cheaper in Vancouver where you can find 1-beds downtown for less than you would be able to find a similar 1-bed in Seattle.

Seattle vs Vancouver Weather

Seattle and Vancouver both have temperate climates, but there are some differences in terms of weather patterns.

Seattle has a reputation for being rainy and overcast, but it’s not as bad as many people think. While it does rain often in Seattle, especially in the winter months, the same can be said of Vancouver (or Raincouver ).

July is the hottest month in Seattle with an average temperature of 18°C (64°F) and the coldest is January at 5°C (41°F) with the most daily sunshine hours at 10 in July. The wettest month is December with an average of 150mm of rain.

In fact, Vancouver has some of the mildest weather in Canada with temperatures ranging on average from 20 Celsius (70 Fahrenheit) during Vancouver in summer to 0 – 5ºC (about 45 Fahrenheit) in Vancouver in winter.

In both Seattle and Vancouver, it’s not very common to have snowfall in the middle of the city during the winter. When this does occur, the cities have trouble dealing with it and both kind of come to a halt for a few days.

Both cities are surrounded by water, which can have a moderating effect on temperatures. This makes them generally milder compared to other cities at similar latitudes. However, Vancouver is located further north than Seattle and can be slightly cooler, especially in the winter months.

Health care in Vancouver vs Seattle

Health care in Vancouver is, in my personal experience, fast, efficient, and, most importantly, free. Most jobs in Vancouver will give you extra health insurance which includes trips to get massages, dental care, eye care, and other types of medical care.

It’s hard to get a family doctor in Vancouver, but there are plenty of walk-in doctors who can see you the same day. When I’ve had to go to the doctor, I’ve been able to see a specialist where needed within the same month and have had scans and tests done quickly.

This wouldn’t have happened in the UK, which is why I consider it fast, but I haven’t experienced health care in the US.

In the US you can get benefits through work, but this can still come with a deductible which is not the case in Vancouver.

Jobs in Seattle vs Vancouver BC

Jobs generally pay a lot less than jobs in Vancouver vs Seattle. My husband works in tech and wages in Vancouver are about 1/3 – ½ that which he could expect in Seattle. Many people work for US-based companies in Vancouver on the basis that it can make moving to America easier where they’ll have access to a higher salary.

However, you don’t need to pay for healthcare in the same way in Vancouver, so that’s a huge bonus and you typically get more vacation time. Vancouver’s work-life balance is typically very good and so worth taking less money for.

Vancouver wages also aren’t that bad depending on the market you’re in. Working in tech and marketing in Vancouver, we made more money than we could expect from the same jobs in London in the UK. Having lived in London and Vancouver, London’s cost of living is higher, the benefits are worse and you only get a little bit of extra vacation time.

Seattle has high employment rates and, if you work in tech, you’ll find no trouble getting work. Seattle is home to big tech companies including Amazon and Microsoft. While Vancouver has a tech scene, it’s nothing in comparison.  

However, Vancouver does have a diverse economy and there are plenty of jobs in tourism, the green economy, and film and entertainment It’s not called Hollywood North for nothing!  

Public Transport in Vancouver vs Seattle

When it comes to Vancouver vs Seattle for public transport Vancouver wins, but Seattle does have some options for visitors and residents looking to use public transport.

Considering, the US really doesn’t do a very good job with public transport except for maybe in New York, the public transport in Seattle is okay.

Vancouver has buses, the Skytrain, the Seabus, and the False Creek Ferries. Plus, it’s extremely walkable and bikeable. Yes, there’s some traffic that Vancouverites love to moan about but it’s not that bad.

Vancouver’s public transit is really good and means you don’t need to own a car to live in Vancouver.

Seattle has a metro system that includes buses, light rail, and water taxis. There’s also Sound Transit which connects the cities throughout the Puget Sound area including Seattle, Tacoma, and Everett.

When it comes to biking, Seattle has been improving its bike infrastructure, though I think Vancouver is years ahead.

Nightlife in Seattle vs Vancouver

The nightlife is undoubtedly better in Seattle than in Vancouver. Seattle has more small live music events across the city as well as more big live events. There are also more options when it comes to clubs and bars in Seattle than in Vancouver, but it is a larger city overall.

Vancouver though does have plenty of live music from bands who are doing international tours. There are some bars and clubs for a night out, but they’re not great.

Best place to visit on vacation: Seattle vs Vancouver

Vancouver is considered a world-class destination whereas Seattle is seen as more of a city-break destination; a place you visit once and not again.

People come back to Vancouver time and time again due to its natural beauty and its access to Vancouver Island and places like Victoria, Whistler, and elsewhere.

While both cities are known for natural beauty, I’d argue Vancouver is far prettier. Everywhere you go in downtown Vancouver you can see the ocean or the mountains and more often both.

Seattle has a nice waterfront area, but that’s about it. The rest of the city isn’t particularly green and the parks pale in comparison to Stanley Park or Queen Elizabeth Park in Vancouver.

When it comes to attractions in both cities, I’d argue they’re on a similar level. Seattle has the Space Needle , Vancouver has the (less impressive Vancouver Lookout ), Seattle has Pike Place and Vancouver has Granville Market. Both have art galleries and independent shops.

For things to do outside of the city, Vancouver is easily the winner. You’re 2-hours away from Whistler for world-class skiing and a place that many Seattleites visit on their weekend trips. You’ve got North Vancouver too which has three ski hills and world-class mountain biking . If you like outdoor activities, then living in Vancouver will be a dream come true.

Where to stay in Seattle

Seattle has a wide range of accommodations, from budget-friendly options to luxury hotels, so you can find a place to stay that suits your needs and budget. Some of the best places to stay in Seattle include the options below.

Luxury hotels in Seattle

• The Four Seasons Hotel Seattle: This luxurious hotel is in the heart of downtown Seattle and offers stunning views of Elliott Bay and the Olympic Mountains.
• The Thompson Seattle: This chic hotel is in the trendy neighborhood of Belltown and offers stylish rooms and a rooftop bar with panoramic views of the city.

Seattle boutique hotels:

• Level Seattle Downtown South Lake Union: Great for long-term stays or where you want to have access to a kitchen in your Seattle accommodation. Great facilities and a beautiful location.
• Hotel Theodore: This chic hotel offers stylish rooms and a convenient location.

Budget Hotels:

• Green Tortoise Hostel: This budget-friendly Seattle hostel is great for those visiting Seattle on a budget.

Where to stay in Vancouver

Below are some of the best accommodations in Vancouver, based on various budgets.

Luxury Hotels:

• The Rosewood Hotel Georgia : This luxurious Vancouver hotel offers elegant rooms, a rooftop pool, and a world-class spa.
• The Fairmont Pacific Rim: This stylish has luxurious rooms with stunning views of the harbor and the mountains.
• The Loden Hotel: This contemporary hotel in downtown Vancouver offers stylish rooms and a convenient location.

Vancouver budget hotels

• The Burrard: Great hotel in the center of Vancouver with plenty of greenery.
• Times Square: based in the West End right next to Stanley Park, this hotel in Vancouver includes suites that can make your trip more affordable.

Best things to do in Seattle

If you’re planning a trip to Seattle, here are the best things to do and the top Seattle attractions.

You can find out more about the best things to do in Seattle in my guide to the city.

• Visit the Space Needle: The Space Needle is an iconic landmark in Seattle and offers panoramic views of the city and beyond.
• Explore Pike Place Market: Pike Place Market is a historic public market located in the heart of Seattle, offering a variety of food, craft, and specialty vendors.
• Tour the Museum of Pop Culture: The Museum of Pop Culture, or MoPOP, is a must-visit for fans of music, science fiction, and popular culture.
• Take a ferry to Bainbridge Island: Bainbridge Island is a beautiful, scenic ferry ride from Seattle and offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking and kayaking.
• Visit the Chihuly Garden and Glass: This museum features the stunning glass art of Dale Chihuly, showcasing his unique and creative works.

Best things to do in Vancouver BC

When it comes to visiting Vancouver, I have 100s of guides and lists of things to do no matter what time of year you’re visiting the city.

Looking for more things to do in Vancouver and nearby? Check out my Vancouver travel guides which are full of information on the best things to do in Vancouver, the best Vancouver restaurants, and detailed guides for each of the main neighborhoods.

However, here are my top five suggestions for the best things to do in Vancouver.

• Visit Stanley Park: Stanley Park is a beautiful, lush park located in the heart of Vancouver and offers a variety of outdoor activities and attractions, including hiking trails and the Vancouver Aquarium. Biking around the Seawall in Stanley Park is a must.
• Explore Granville Island: Granville Island is a vibrant, cultural hub located in the heart of Vancouver, offering a variety of food, craft, and artisans. There are so many delicious places to eat in Granville too.
• Take a tour of the Capilano Suspension Bridge: The Capilano Suspension Bridge is a stunning suspension bridge located just outside of Vancouver and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding forests and mountains. If you’re looking for a free activity, check out the Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge .
• Visit the Museum of Anthropology: When it comes to museums in Vancouver, the Museum of Anthropology is the best. It’s a must-visit for anyone interested in First Nations culture and art, featuring an extensive collection of artifacts and exhibits.
• Visit Grouse Mountain: Grouse Mountain , often called the Peak of Vancouver, sits above the city and can be accessed via a Gondola or by completing the Grouse Grind hike . At the top, there are cafes, restaurants, and other attractions including a lumberjack show, hiking, birds of prey and the two resident grizzly bears Grinder and Coola. In the winter, Grouse is a popular place for skiing. 

How to get from Seattle to Vancouver BC

Getting from Vancouver to Seattle is pretty easy and you have several options for going about it. Just bear in mind that if you’re driving you’ll need to factor in border patrol which can take a long time depending on how busy it is.

Flights from Vancouver BC to Seattle

You can fly from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) to Vancouver International Airport (YVR). The flight typically takes about 1 hour and various airlines operate this route, including Air Canada, Delta, and Alaska Airlines.

Don’t forget you will need a passport to enter Canada. And, you may also need an ESTA visa depending on your nationality.

You can also take a seaplane from downtown Seattle to downtown Vancouver . This takes about an hour but the advantage is there’s no hanging around at an airport and you land right in the center of either city. My husband was able. to travel this way between the two for work once and said it’s such a beautiful flight!

Driving from Seattle to Vancouver Canada

The most common route for the Seattle to Vancouver drive is via I-5 N.

How far is Vancouver from Seattle? It’s about a 142-mile (229 km) drive and the journey typically takes about 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on traffic and border crossing time.

There are multiple border crossing points; the Peace Arch crossing at Blaine, WA, is a major one. Make sure you have the necessary identification for crossing the U.S.-Canada border, typically a passport.

• Note: Wait times at the border can vary, so check online for current wait times.

Trains from Vancouver to Seattle

Amtrak operates the Amtrak Cascades train service between Seattle and Vancouver. The train ride takes about 4 hours and it’s known for its beautiful scenic views of the Pacific Northwest coastline.

The train departs from King Street Station in Seattle and arrives at Pacific Central Station in Vancouver.

• Note: Be sure to bring your passport for the border crossing, and arrive a bit early, as customs and immigration checks are performed at the Vancouver station. Also, note that this service can be unreliable and there are often delays and/or a bus replacement service.

Final thoughts on Seattle vs Vancouver

Vancouver always wins in the debate of Seattle vs Vancouver in my eyes, but it depends on what you’re looking for.

Both cities are quite laid back and have that easy, west-coast lifestyle. They’re surrounded by natural beauty but it’s more accessible from Vancouver than Seattle.

Is Vancouver worth visiting? Absolutely!

Vancouver is prettier and has better food, but the nightlife and the job market tend to be better in Seattle.

Overall, the difference isn’t huge, and it really comes down to what your visa situation is. While visiting Canada and the US doesn’t require a visa for many countries, living and working there does. It’s arguably easier to get a visa for Canada than it is for America and so that might be your limiting factor.

Plus, Canadians have a reputation for being “nice” whereas America has all sorts of political and social issues. That’s not to say Canada doesn’t, but I think you’re typically better received if you say “I’m from Canada” than “I’m from the US” but other nationalities.

FAQs on Seattle vs Vancouver

Is seattle vs vancouver nicer.

I think Vancouver is nicer than Seattle. Vancouver is prettier and you can see mountains or the ocean wherever you are downtown. Seattle has a harbourfront, but it’s not as pretty in terms of the buildings or surroundings.

Is Vancouver similar to Seattle?

The two cities are both on the waterfront and their residents are known to enjoy outdoor activities including hiking and skiing. There are some cultural differences since the two cities are in different countries.

Is Seattle cheaper than Vancouver?

Food and the overall cost of living are slightly cheaper in Seattle vs Vancouver. However, neither city can be considered cheap.

Is Vancouver as rainy as Seattle?

Both cities have similar climates and are very rainy. It’s generally considered to rain more in Vancouver since it’s in a rainforest and closer to the mountains. Though both have dry, warm summers which make up for the gloomy winters.

Should I spend more time in Vancouver or Seattle?

When it comes to cities to travel to, you should budget more time for visiting Vancouver. You can visit most of Seattle’s attractions in a day, but Vancouver will take longer as there are more half-day and multi-day trips to do close to the city.

Which city is better to live in, Vancouver or Seattle?

When it comes to Vancouver vs Seattle, Vancouver BC and Seattle are both coastal/harbor-based cities and as a result, they have very similar climates. The cost of living is similar, though you’ll pay more for food in Vancouver. In general, Vancouver BC is better to live in because Canada has a lot of benefits over living in the US. There are also more outdoor activities close to the city of Vancouver than there are to Seattle. Though both are in great locations if you like the outdoors.

What’s the population of Vancouver BC?

Vancouver BC population according to the latest census is 2.6 million which includes the Metro Vancouver area.

is Vancouver in Canada or Washington?

Both! There is a Vancouver Canada in British Columbia and a Vancouver WA in Washington State, USA.

Last Updated on January 8, 2024 by Hannah

Hannah started That Adventurer after graduating back in 2013 and has documented all of her adventures since then. From backpacking South America to city breaks in Europe , a 3 month road trip across the USA in a self-converted van and 6 years living in Canada , you’ll find posts on all of this.

Hannah specialises in active travel and on That Adventurer you’ll find hiking, walking, biking, skiing and all sorts of active travel guides to allow you to see a destination in an adventurous way.

Now back in Europe, you’ll find new guides as Hannah and her husband spend the next year ‘digital nomading’ from Norway to Portugal, Switzerland to Scotland and places in between.

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Transportation from Seattle Airport to Vancouver Cruise Terminal

Wondering how to get from Seattle Airport to the Vancouver Cruise Port?

Look no further! I’m here to break down the transportation options, provide useful tips, and ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey from Seattle to the Vancouver Cruise Terminal.

Let’s get into it.

How to Get from Seattle Airport to Vancouver Cruise Port

There are several ways to get from Seattle Airport (SEA) to the Vancouver cruise port , located about 157 miles (252 km) north of the airport .

Naturally, most people prefer driving their own car.

However, if you’re a tourist without wheels here’s a breakdown of the options:

• Private car transfer : 2.5/3 hour drive via the I-5 depending on border waits and traffic. It’s the only direct transfer between Seattle airport and Vancouver cruise port.
• Bus (Quickshuttle or Bolt) : The cheapest option, though you’ll have to go into King Street Station in downtown Seattle to catch it.
• Train : A scenic seaside train that takes about 4 hours, though there are only two daily departures and it requires going into downtown Seattle first.
• Seaplane : One of the most scenic flights you’ll ever take, though it’s also the most expensive option.

Still undecided on what’s best?

Let me break down the Seatac to Vancouver cruise terminal options in more depth:

Seattle Airport to Canada Place Private Shuttle

Duration: 3 – 4 hours (approx.) | Departure Point: Custom | Price: From $1,118.51 USD per group

Shuttle services offer the fastest transfer between Seattle Airport and Vancouver Cruise Port .

These services provide comfortable transportation with designated pick-up and drop-off locations .

Clearly, this option is not cost-effective for many travellers. But, you should consider that your luxury Mercedes Sprinter van can accommodate up to 11 passengers .

This can reduce the cost to as low as $100.00 per passenger for larger groups.

This transfer from Seattle airport to Vancouver cruise terminal offers amenities like free Wi-Fi, charging ports, and comfortable seating .

Bus from Seattle Airport to Vancouver Cruise Port

Duration: 4.5 – 5.5 hours (approx.) | Departure Point: Seatac Baggage Claim | Price: From $26.00 USD

Travelling from Seattle Airport to Vancouver cruise terminal by bus is a convenient and budget-friendly option for those who don’t want to spring for a private shuttle (i.e. most people).

Quick Shuttle is the best option for those going to Vancouver Cruise Terminal from Seatac.

After arriving at Seattle Airport, make your way to the Ground Transportation area and look for the bus stops. You’ll get curbside pickup from the south end of the baggage claim area.

Here you can provide your driver with your smartphone ticket , and you’re off to the races.

While not the quickest option, the Quick Shuttle bus is far and away the most cost-effective option on our list for Vancouver cruise passengers travelling from Seattle.

Seatac to Vancouver Cruise Terminal Train

Duration: 4 hours | Departure Point: King Street Station | Price: From $52.00 USD

This is my favourite transportation from Seattle airport to Vancouver Cruise Terminal if you’re spending a bit of time in downtown Seattle first.

Just make your way to the King Street Station in downtown Seattle. You’ll need to follow the signs toward the Seatac Airport Link Light Rail Station while exiting the terminal.

You’ll need to purchase a ticket ($3.00 USD) and head north until the International District/Chinatown Station (about nine stops).

There are two daily train departures for Vancouver (7:50 am and 7:00 pm). You’ll have to book your Amtrak Cascades ticket online in advance.

The ride takes approximately four hours, during which you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the Pacific Northwest’s landscapes . Sit back, relax, and enjoy spacious seating, free Wi-Fi, and onboard food service .

Once you arrive at the Pacific Central Station in Vancouver, you’ll be ready to explore the city or head straight to the Vancouver Cruise Port.

The Seattle to Canada Place Cruise Port Seaplane

Duration: 55 minutes | Departure Point: Kenmore Air Harbour Seabase | Price: From $294.07 USD

Looking for a unique and efficient way to reach your cruise ship in Vancouver from Seattle Airport? Consider taking the Seattle to Vancouver seaplane !

After arriving at Sea-Tac Airport, make your way to the Lake Union area in downtown Seattle, where the seaplane terminals are located.

To save some coin, you can jump on the Link Light Rail at Airport Station and stay aboard until Pioneer Square Station . From here, you can jump on the #40 bus or hop in a cab or rideshare.

Firstly, be sure to book your Vancouver seaplane ticket in advance. Once you board the floatplane, prepare for an unforgettable experience soaring above the stunning Pacific Northwest scenery .

The flight duration is approximately 45 minutes , offering breathtaking aerial views of the region.

Once you land at the Vancouver Harbour Flight Centre , you’ll be just a few short meters from the Vancouver Cruise Port. In fact, you’ll be able to see your boat!

Seattle Airport to Vancouver Cruise Port FAQs

How long does it take to travel from seattle airport to vancouver cruise port.

The travel time from Seattle Airport to Vancouver Cruise Port with private car services usually takes around 3 hours, while public transportation like bus or train take longer.

Depending on traffic conditions and the route, driving in a rental car typically takes around 2.5-3 hours. While the Seattle to Vancouver Seaplane is the quickest method, at just 55 minutes.

Are there private transfers available between Seattle Airport and the Vancouver Cruise Terminal?

Yes, private transfers from Seattle Airport to Vancouver Cruise Port. These shuttles are designed specifically for cruise passengers and ensure a comfortable and convenient journey.

It’s recommended to book your private shuttle service in advance to secure your seat and avoid any last-minute inconveniences.

What is the best transportation option from Seattle Airport to Vancouver Cruise Port?

The best transportation option between Seattle Airport and Vancouver Cruise Terminal is by private car service, as it offers the most comfort and speed.

The bus is the most cost-effective option, while the Amtrak Cascades train and Vancouver seaplane both provide a unique and scenic experience.

What is the cheapest way to get from Seatac to the Vancouver Cruise Terminal?

The cheapest way to get from Seattle Airport to the Vancouver Cruise Terminal is the Quick Shuttle bus. It provides direct transportation between Seatac and Canada Place starting at just $47.00 USD.

Still Wondering How to Get from Seattle Airport to Vancouver Cruise Terminal?

In conclusion, getting from Seattle Airport to Vancouver Cruise Port offers several transportation options to suit different preferences and budgets.

You’ll get between destinations in one piece, whether you choose a private car service or public methods like the Amtrak Cascades, Seattle to Vancouver bus, or the Vancouver Seaplane.

Just be sure to plan ahead and consider your specific needs to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey!

Enjoy your cruise ⛴️

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