Seattle to Vancouver

[Nanner]

My DH and I just booked a cruise tour on the Volendam for the end of May (yippee!) and I also booked our own air, landing in Seattle on the way out and then flying from Anchorage home a few days after the tour, as I want to rent a car and see Seward/Kenai Fjords while up there.

I have a major concern. Although I got a wonderful price for our tickets, (a promo I fell into!) we arrive at SeaTac at 11 am and the boat leaves Vancouver at 5. Is this possible to make?

I know I've heard of folks doing shuttles, taxis or cars between Seattle and the port or airport in Vancouver. Anyone have a suggestion for the quickest way from point A to point B?

[doone]

Seattle to Vancouver is a good 2 hour drive to Vancouver, if you are delayed anywhere along the line, you could be in trouble. Is there a way you could fly a day ahead, just in case???

[Krazy Kruizers]

The trip from the Seattle airport to Vancouver is at least 3 hours. There have been times when it took us 4 hours because of traffic. And don't forget that you are crossing into Canada and will be stopped at the border.

Try to fly in a day early.

[Stevesan]

United has 12:05 and 12:24PM flights from SEA to YVR. One way fare is $95. Flying time is @50 minutes so, THEORETICALLY, you could make it.

Alaska Airlines has a 1:30PM flight arriving at YVR 2:25. Considering the time thru Canadian immigration, baggage claim and taxi to the pier, that's not likely to work out.

If you miss any of these flights the next one isn't until 3:30PM, and it's definitely Bye, Bye Volendam.

Both Seattle and Vancouver are beautiful cities. The best advise is to arrive at least a day early, avoid stress, and enjoy the city.

[jan7487]

Holland America offers bus service from both the Seattle airport and downtown Sheraton to the port in Vancouver on ship departure days. I believe the last bus leaves the airport at noon--$50PP--so I would check with Worldwide Shore Services (1 800 355 3023) and explain your situation.

We live in the Seattle area and if driving ourselves would allow 4 hours because of occasional border problems.

Janet

[kruzkeen]

Holland America offers bus service from both the Seattle airport and downtown Sheraton to the port in Vancouver on ship departure days. I believe the last bus leaves the airport at noon--$50PP--so I would check with Worldwide Shore Services (1 800 355 3023) and explain your situation.



I have flown into Seatac airport when going to Alaska, but will not do it anymore. Too long a day. I hope your promo was very good as you will have some added on expenses no matter what you do.

I agree with all the replys. A few points. Get to the dock at Canada Place by 3:30. Sometimes they pull the gang way as early as 4:15 if there is a bad tide. All ships going though the inside passsage have a time window to get though a narrow strait.

I think that the HAL busses from Seatac leave when all the passengers who have bought air tickets from them have arrived. I heard from a friend that their plane was late and the HAL people at the airport said they could not make the ship in time. They put them up in a hotel and flew them to Juneau the next day. Other people on their flight who had bought their own air tickets had a big expense getting to the ship.

There is a shuttle bus called QuickCoach. Here is their website:
http://www.quickcoach.com/schedule.htm
In the summer there is an express bus that leaves Seatac at 11:30 and arrives at the pier at 3:15. Their departure time might be a little flexible. don't ko

[mick70]

Boy you will be cutting it close. We live half way between Seattle and Vancouver and it takes about 2 hours from the time the plane lands to get to our house, If the plane is on time and by the time you get your luggage and the possible delay at the border???? I think your best bet would be to seen about getting one of HAL buses, that way the ship will not sail without you.

[Himself]

I think they call that the QuickShuttle. I have taken it several times and like it very much.

Himself

[tankerjo2]

Boy you will be cutting it close. We live half way between Seattle and Vancouver and it takes about 2 hours from the time the plane lands to get to our house, If the plane is on time and by the time you get your luggage and the possible delay at the border???? I think your best bet would be to seen about getting one of HAL buses, that way the ship will not sail without you.

Agree with this poster. We also live about halfway between Seattle and Vancouver and have been tied up at Sea-Tac as well as the freeway on more than one occasion while heading home. Traffic from Boeing Field (S. Seattle) heading North can be murder just about any day of the week. And of course nowdays we have the border crossing to deal with. While crossing North is still fairly straight forward the crossing much like today's airports can be shutdown in a heartbeat.

[Mike and Patricia B.]

Nanner,

I agree with the other posters..... Sea-Tac to Canada Place Pier is at least 3 hours by vehicle with absolutley NO delays. I would think more likely 4.5 or 5 ( You need to get through Seattle traffic / International border / Vancouver traffic ).

In theory is it possible, but if it was me... I wouldnt take that chance.


Mike and Patricia

[Nanner]

Thanks for all the input. After reading a few responses I called HAL to see if there was a shuttle to the port from SeaTac. The last one leaves at noon, which *should* be fine as our flight is supposed to land at 11:00. I figure DH can wait for the baggage while I go check in with the shuttle driver.

I feel that if we're on the HAL shuttle, the odds of the ship taking off without us are lessened. It IS cutting it close, but I have a commitment on Tuesday nights that I really don't want to miss as I'll be missing the next two while on vacation.

The shuttle is $50 per person, which is not much different than what we'd spend to rent a car for the two of us. Also, we don't have to worry about driving and navigating in an unfamiliar area. We decided this is the best solution and have reserved two spots on the bus.

Now to deal with the car rental in Anchorage and our Kenai Peninsula post-cruise tour plans!