Flying from Vancouver to Seattle: what you need to know
When searching for your flight from Vancouver to Seattle, there's a nice range of airports to depart from. Vancouver International Airport (YVR), Vancouver Harbour Sea Plane Base Airport (CXH) and Abbotsford Airport (YXX) are some of Vancouver's main options.
Step off your plane in Seattle at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) or Lake Union Sea Plane Base Airport (LKE).
The average length of 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 popular route that connects these two cities. There are 101 weekly departures to pick from. If you prefer starting your day later, the last flight from Vancouver to Seattle is with Air Canada at 21:15. Choose the first YVR to SEA departure with Alaska Airlines at 06:00 to make the most of your first day in Seattle.
Allow plenty of time to get on your Vancouver to Seattle flight. Generally, it's best to arrive two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
During popular months like August, it's best to get to the airport earlier than normal. Plan to arrive two hours before domestic departures and four hours ahead of an international flight when you fly during peak periods in general.
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)
You can catch a direct flight from Vancouver to Seattle leaving from Vancouver International Airport (YVR). Begin your trip at YVR and land at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA).
Choose from a variety of airlines that offer direct Vancouver to Seattle plane tickets out of YVR. Book your journey with one of these:
YVR is around 11 kilometres from central Vancouver. If you're driving, ride-sharing or catching a cab from the centre, it'll take you 25 minutes or so to get there, depending on the traffic. If you're planning to take public transport, expect the trip time to be around 35 minutes.
Planning to catch an early flight from Vancouver to Seattle? Avoid rushing to the terminal (and sneak in some extra snooze time) by choosing one of these hotels near Vancouver International Airport:
71.77% of flights taking off from Vancouver International Airport make it to their destination on time.
Vancouver Harbour Sea Plane Base Airport (CXH)
You can take a nonstop flight from Vancouver to Seattle departing from Vancouver Harbour Sea Plane Base Airport (CXH). Kick off your travels at CXH and hop off the plane at Lake Union Sea Plane Base Airport (LKE).
You can book a direct Vancouver to Seattle plane ticket with Harbour Air. This is one of the leading airlines operating this route out of CXH.
Using public transport, you can travel from central Vancouver to CXH in around 15 minutes. The terminal is roughly 0.80 kilometres away. Driving will take you about 5 minutes.
Want to enjoy an extra night away before your flight from Vancouver to Seattle? Unwind in a hotel near Vancouver Harbour Sea Plane Base Airport before your break officially starts. Consider one of these stays:
Abbotsford Airport (YXX)
From the centre of Vancouver, YXX is around 64 kilometres away. It takes roughly 1 hour to arrive by car and 1 hour 30 minutes or so on public transport.
Make departure day worry-free — stay close to Abbotsford Airport and know you'll get to your boarding gate with time to spare. Get settled at one of these hotels the day before if you have an early Vancouver to Seattle flight:
Airports have an on-time performance rating that tracks how often flights reach their destinations within the expected time frame. At YXX, that figure is 67.97%.
Arriving in Seattle
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is approximately 18 kilometres from central Seattle. If you're catching a cab or a ride-share, the drive takes around 20 minutes.
Getting there by public transport typically takes 55 minutes.
Reserve a hotel close to SEA if you have a late flight from Vancouver to Seattle. Check in to one of these accommodation options and avoid the hassle of a long transfer:
Pick up a Seattle-Tacoma International Airport rental car and explore Seattle and beyond with your own wheels. Thrifty, Europcar and Budget are popular providers to choose from here.
Reserving your vehicle from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport around one week ahead can help you get the best possible rate.
Lake Union Sea Plane Base Airport (LKE)
Lake Union Sea Plane Base Airport (LKE) is around 3 kilometres from central Seattle. Once you've hopped off your flight from Vancouver to Seattle, it takes approximately 10 minutes to get to the heart of the city in a ride-share or cab.
Public transport will get you there in about 25 minutes.
Hang up the 'Do not disturb' sign and relax at a hotel close to LKE. Here are a few options where you can settle in after your flight from Vancouver to Seattle:
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 (54ºF) to 28ºC (82ºF).
February has average temperatures of between -1ºC (30ºF) and 11ºC (52ºF). Search for cheap flights from Vancouver to Seattle around that time if you want to travel when it's cooler.
More about Seattle
Start your Seattle trip right by choosing the perfect place to stay. Once you've booked your flight from Vancouver to Seattle, explore our range of hotels including:
Greyhound: Bus Station and LMN Architects are just a couple of the top attractions to add to your Seattle to-do list. Keep the adventure rolling by checking out Boeing Radiation Effects Lab.
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.