Travelling from Vancouver to Seattle: what you need to know
When looking for a flight from Vancouver to Seattle, there's a selection of airports you can jet off from. Vancouver International Airport (YVR), Vancouver Harbour Sea Plane Base Airport (CXH) and Abbotsford Airport (YXX) are some of Vancouver's main options.
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and Lake Union Sea Plane Base Airport (LKE) are Seattle's chief entry points.
The average time for a direct Vancouver to Seattle flight is 1 hour.
Vancouver and Seattle share the same timezone, UTC-7.
Vancouver International Airport (YVR) to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is the most traveled route that connects these two cities. There are 101 weekly flights to choose from. If you prefer starting your day later, the last flight from Vancouver to Seattle is with Air Canada at 21:10. Opt for the first YVR to SEA departure operated by Alaska Airlines at 06:00 to make the most of your first day in Seattle.
To ensure you catch your Vancouver to Seattle flight, leave enough time to check in and find your gate. Arriving two hours ahead of international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the general travel rule.
You'll likely experience bigger queues in popular months like August. Arriving up to four hours in advance for an international flight and two hours for a domestic departure is a smart move.
How to find the cheapest flights from Vancouver to Seattle
To secure cheap Vancouver to Seattle flights, reserve your journey two months before your departure.
The best month for scoring cheap plane tickets from Vancouver to Seattle is May. Use the 'Whole month' tool to compare all available prices, then choose the dates with the lowest fares.
Cut down on the time spent looking for cheap flights from Vancouver to Seattle by creating a Price Alert. You'll get an email or push notification on the app when a lower fare pops up.
Tailor your trip using filters. Choose your ideal departure and arrival times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort the results by 'Best,' 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest' Vancouver to Seattle flights.
Flying from Vancouver
Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
Take off from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) on a nonstop flight from Vancouver to Seattle. From YVR, you can land directly at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA).
Well-known airlines that offer direct Vancouver to Seattle plane tickets from YVR include:
Travelling from central Vancouver to YVR takes around 35 minutes by public transport. If you ride-share, drive or get a cab, you'll cover the 11 kilometres in 25 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.
Searching for a convenient hotel near Vancouver International Airport? If you're catching an early flight from Vancouver to Seattle, these stays will put you moments from your check-in counter:
Of the departures from Vancouver International Airport, 71.77% touch down on time at their destination.
Vancouver Harbour Sea Plane Base Airport (CXH)
You can book a direct flight from Vancouver to Seattle departing Vancouver Harbour Sea Plane Base Airport (CXH). Nonstop services from CXH will get you to Lake Union Sea Plane Base Airport (LKE).
Harbour Air offers direct Vancouver to Seattle plane tickets from CXH. Book your favourite window (or aisle) seat and get to your destination without any detours.
CXH is about 3 kilometres from central Vancouver. It'll take 5 minutes or so to get to the airport in a car from the city centre. Public transport takes roughly 15 minutes.
Get a head start on your holiday with an extra night away from home. Before your flight from Vancouver to Seattle, unwind in one of these hotels close to Vancouver Harbour Sea Plane Base Airport:
Abbotsford Airport (YXX)
YXX is around 64 kilometres from central Vancouver. The drive from the city centre to the terminal takes about 1 hour. If you're planning to use public transport, expect a journey time of around 1 hour 30 minutes.
Make catching an early Vancouver to Seattle flight the easiest part of your trip. Stay at one of these accommodation options near Abbotsford Airport and get to your boarding gate without rushing:
The on-time performance rating of YXX is 67.97%. In simpler terms, that's how frequently flights that depart this airport arrive at their final stop as planned.
Arriving in Seattle
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
The distance from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) to central Seattle is approximately 19 kilometres. It'll take you about 20 minutes to get to the centre driving.
It usually takes 55 minutes to get there when travelling by public transport.
Reserve a hotel close to SEA if you're coming in on a late flight from Vancouver to Seattle. Choose one of these options and avoid the hassle of a long transfer:
Go where the road takes you with a Seattle-Tacoma International Airport rental car. Pick up your wheels from Thrifty, Europcar or Budget and discover more of Seattle and beyond.
Lock in the best possible rate by booking your ride from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport around one week in advance of your trip.
Lake Union Sea Plane Base Airport (LKE)
Lake Union Sea Plane Base Airport (LKE) is around 3 kilometres from central Seattle. Following your flight from Vancouver to Seattle, it'll take you approximately 10 minutes to get to the heart of the city in a cab or ride-share.
If you're catching public transport, it'll take about 25 minutes.
There are some comfortable places to lay your head close to LKE. Settle in and get cosy after your Vancouver to Seattle flight at any of these well-located options:
Best time to go to Seattle
July is the most popular month for flights from Vancouver to Seattle. To steer clear of the crowds, head to Seattle in May.
Book a Vancouver to Seattle ticket departing in August if you want to visit the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures in Seattle to range from 12ºC to 28ºC.
February has average temperatures of between -1ºC and 11ºC. Search for cheap flights from Vancouver to Seattle around that time if you want to travel when it's cooler.
More about Seattle
When it comes to searching for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the best places to stay in Seattle right here. Browse these options as soon as you've booked your flight from Vancouver to Seattle:
There are so many things to discover in this city it can be hard to work out where to begin. Greyhound: Bus Station, LMN Architects and Boeing Radiation Effects Lab are leading attractions which should be on any good Seattle itinerary.
Explore more of United States
You've seen Seattle, now it's time to discover more of United States. Journey about 241 kilometres south to Portland to tick off its leading sights. From Pioneer Courthouse Square to Portland Japanese Garden and Pittock Mansion, you've got a jam-packed schedule ahead.
Spokane is another favourite destination in United States and is around 370 kilometres east of Seattle. No trip is complete without seeing Manito Park, Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture and Spokane Falls.