Flying from Seattle to Nanaimo: what you need to know
There are two main airports you can take off from in Seattle. Explore your options leaving from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) or Lake Union Sea Plane Base Airport (LKE) when planning your flight from Seattle to Nanaimo.
For a stress-free start to your trip, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and an hour before domestic departures. This will give you enough time to catch your Seattle to Nanaimo flight.
Flying over a peak time such as July? Public holidays and other high seasons can lead to longer lines and delays at security. Play things extra safe and arrive up to four hours ahead of an international flight and two hours before a domestic departure.
How to find the cheapest flights from Seattle to Nanaimo
Booking early is often the key to finding a cheap Seattle to Nanaimo flight. Flight prices rise as demand increases, so the closer you get to departure, the more you'll likely spend on your ticket.
The 'Whole month' tool shows you the cheapest plane tickets from Seattle to Nanaimo across each month. It's an easy way to snap up a bargain if your travel plans aren't set in stone.
There's no need to search every day to find out if fares have dropped when you create a Price Alert. We'll let you know when a better deal is available on cheap flights from Seattle to Nanaimo.
Select your ideal arrival and departure times, number of stops and airlines by using the filters. Alternatively, sort your Seattle to Nanaimo flight results by 'Fastest,' 'Cheapest' or 'Best.'
Flying from Seattle
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
Finding a stopover on your Seattle to Nanaimo flight is easy. Whether you're eager to potentially save money on your fare or visit a new city, just uncheck 'Direct flights only' to explore your options. A key stop when leaving from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is Vancouver International Airport (YVR).
SEA is about 18 kilometres from central Seattle. If you're ride-sharing, driving or catching a cab from the centre, it'll take you 20 minutes or so to get there, depending on the traffic. If you're using public transport, expect the travel time to be around 55 minutes.
Have an early flight from Seattle to Nanaimo? Avoid the last-minute rush to the terminal (and sneak in some extra snooze time) by choosing one of these stays near Seattle-Tacoma International Airport:
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport gets top marks for its on-time performance. 81.27% of flights that depart SEA arrive at their destination as scheduled.
Lake Union Sea Plane Base Airport (LKE)
Consider adding a stop at Vancouver Harbour Sea Plane Base Airport (CXH). It's a popular stopover on a Seattle to Nanaimo flight out of Lake Union Sea Plane Base Airport. Use a longer layover to explore nearby, or take advantage of a short break to browse the airport stores.
You can get to LKE from the centre of Seattle in about 10 minutes by car (depending on traffic conditions). The journey on public transport takes roughly 25 minutes to travel the 2 kilometres or so.
You're off on holiday, so why not book an extra night away from home? Consider checking in to one of these accommodation options near Lake Union Sea Plane Base Airport the day before your flight from Seattle to Nanaimo:
Arriving in Nanaimo
Nanaimo Harbour Seaplane Base Airport (ZNA)
The distance from Nanaimo Harbour Seaplane Base Airport (ZNA) to central Nanaimo is approximately 0.48 kilometres. It takes around 5 minutes to reach the centre driving.
It typically takes 10 minutes to get there when travelling by public transport.
The last thing you want is a lengthy journey to your hotel if you're landing late on a flight from Seattle to Nanaimo. Reserve one of these accommodation options near ZNA instead:
Venture beyond Nanaimo and check out places that aren't found in every travel guide with your own wheels. You can pick up a Nanaimo Harbour Seaplane Base Airport rental car from Budget.
Improve your chances of snagging the best possible rate by booking as early as you can. Reserving your vehicle from Nanaimo Harbour Seaplane Base Airport at least a few weeks in advance is a smart idea.
Nanaimo Airport (YCD)
Central Nanaimo is located around 13 kilometres from Nanaimo Airport (YCD). As soon as your flight from Seattle to Nanaimo has hit the runway and you've made your way through the terminal, expect a drive of around 20 minutes.
Public transport will get you there in about 1 hour 20 minutes.
Grab a Nanaimo Airport rental car and make every stop one of your choosing. You can select from trusted rental outlets like National and Budget.
Get the pick of the lot. Booking your ride from YCD three weeks in advance often means better deals and a wider range of vehicles.
More about Nanaimo
Start your Nanaimo trip right by choosing the perfect place to stay. As soon as you've booked your flight from Seattle to Nanaimo, browse our selection of accommodation options including:
Every great holiday has to include some sightseeing. Newcastle Island Park, The Bastion and Harbourfront Walkway are must-do's during your Nanaimo adventure.
Explore more of Canada
Nanaimo has loads to offer, but there are so many other parts of Canada you'll want to see. Around 64 kilometres east of Nanaimo, a trip to Vancouver will keep your itinerary packed. Check out popular attractions like Stanley Park, Granville Island and Science World.
Surrey is another essential stop in Canada and is around 88 kilometres east of Nanaimo. No trip is complete without visiting Senator Reid Park, Port Mann Park and Morgan Creek Park.
