Drive time from Vancouver to Seattle?
#46
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 5,051
I went through the Peace Arch crossing at 10pm. I don't think there was another car crossing when I was there. Instant service. I've gone through other times and it was quicker than I expect. Trouble was I was on the way to Fort Langley, so that crossing took me hugely out of my way. Last crossing I was going from Mission to Bellingham. But since I went to a movie in Surrey before crossing, I ended up on 99 and used the Peace Arch crossing late at night. A very quick trip as I recall.
#48
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Vancouver, Canada
Programs: United MileagePlus Silver, Nexus, Global Entry
Posts: 8,798
The bigger concern is if you're involved in an accident and the police respond. You may be ticketed and/or be considered at fault if you aren't running on snows.
#49
Join Date: Dec 2004
Programs: DL Plat
Posts: 752
The snow tire/chains requirement isn't there just to annoy you. Weather conditions in the mountains are unpredictable and the driving situation can get pretty gnarly very quickly. One person without adequate traction devices can cause a pretty bad pileup. If you're coming from WA state, stop by a Les Schwab tire store (they're everywhere) and buy a set of chains (or 2 sets if you've got a 4-wheel drive car). You can return them if you don't use them. And if you use them, you'll be glad that you had them.
#50
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Danville, CA, USA;
Programs: UA 1MM, WN CP, Marriott LT Plat, Hilton Gold, IC Plat
Posts: 15,722
How much time should we allocate to drive from YVR to SEA on the Monday after 4th of July? Concerned about the wait at the Canada->USA border which I understand can be lengthy in the summer. We'd be crossing @ noon.
You obviously have never been to Tijuana - 30 minutes would be a joy! If this is the worst we can expect then I will not stress...
Should come as no surprise to anyone but end of a U.S. long weekend will result in heavy southbound traffic. Apparently quite heavy traffic northbound Wednesday (day before U.S. thanksgiving) bound for Whistler so heavy traffic expected southbound on Sunday.
Also, Nexus lane southbound at Peace Arch around noon Saturday 12 November (middle of Rememberance/Veterans Day long weekend) was horrible - line backed up all the way to the CBSA offices/duty free. I think about 20-30 minutes which was as slow as, if not slower than, the regular lanes (keeping track of cars at the end of the regular lines wen we got to the border). Skipped over to regular lanes about 20-30 cars away from the booths.
Also, Nexus lane southbound at Peace Arch around noon Saturday 12 November (middle of Rememberance/Veterans Day long weekend) was horrible - line backed up all the way to the CBSA offices/duty free. I think about 20-30 minutes which was as slow as, if not slower than, the regular lanes (keeping track of cars at the end of the regular lines wen we got to the border). Skipped over to regular lanes about 20-30 cars away from the booths.
#51
Join Date: Mar 2014
Programs: AC*Tangerine
Posts: 417
How much time should we allocate to drive from YVR to SEA on the Monday after 4th of July? Concerned about the wait at the Canada->USA border which I understand can be lengthy in the summer. We'd be crossing @ noon.
You obviously have never been to Tijuana - 30 minutes would be a joy! If this is the worst we can expect then I will not stress...
You obviously have never been to Tijuana - 30 minutes would be a joy! If this is the worst we can expect then I will not stress...
There's a website where you can see current wait times, which you could check before you leave YVR.
#52
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: KIX, ITM, UKB, YVR
Programs: Star Alliance - AC
Posts: 2,356
When the lineup is 2 plus hours, I have found the Huntington Crossing to be worth the drive.
Noonish on an American holiday crossing, shouldn't be too bad because it's not a holiday for Canada.
#53
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Danville, CA, USA;
Programs: UA 1MM, WN CP, Marriott LT Plat, Hilton Gold, IC Plat
Posts: 15,722
#54
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Vancouver, Canada
Programs: United MileagePlus Silver, Nexus, Global Entry
Posts: 8,798
#55
Moderator: Budget Travel forum & Credit Card Programs, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: YYJ/YVR and back on Van Isle ....... for now
Programs: UA lifetime MM / *A Gold
Posts: 14,429
#56
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Kirkland, WA, USA
Programs: Marriott Gold; LEGO VIP, Amex Platinum, HHonors Gold
Posts: 563
Look it up on the Nexus site or on the web.
This does NOT work for entry into Canada - it's Nexus only.
#58
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Left
Programs: FT
Posts: 7,285
For entry into the US only, Global Entry works just like Nexus. You do need to have your cards with you though, and everyone in the car must qualify, or they get grumpy.
Look it up on the Nexus site or on the web.
This does NOT work for entry into Canada - it's Nexus only.
Look it up on the Nexus site or on the web.
This does NOT work for entry into Canada - it's Nexus only.
#59
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: SEA & RDM
Programs: UA - 1MM, DL Diamond, AS MVP75, Marriott Titanium, Hilton Gold
Posts: 8,037