Ferries from Seattle to Vancouver
How to get to Vancouver from Seattle.
If you're searching for a ferry from Seattle to Vancouver, here's the key thing to know: there isn't a direct one. But there are a few ferry-based alternatives – especially if you're planning to visit Vancouver Island (Victoria or Nanaimo along the way. Here’s how to do it with or without a car.
FYI: the city of Vancouver, Canada, is not located on Vancouver Island, meaning it can be reached directly by land from Seattle. The most common travel options include:
- By car: The fastest and most convenient option, taking just under 3 hours via BC Highway 99 (subject to border wait times).
- By train: The Amtrak Cascades service takes approximately 4 hours.
- By bus: Several bus companies operate between the two cities, with an average travel time of 4 hours.
What about ferries? In short:
There is no direct ferry from Seattle to Vancouver, as ferry services cannot compete with the faster highway route. However, there are ferry options if you plan to visit Vancouver Island along the way:
- Want to visit Vancouver Island (Victoria) instead? Check this guide for ferry options.
- Interested in a two-ferry route to Vancouver via Vancouver Island? This guide explains how to take a ferry to Victoria and another to Vancouver.
Map: ferries to Vancouver and Seattle
All the options for travelling between Seattle and Vancouver.
Looking for the best way to travel from Seattle (USA) to Vancouver (Canada)? While there’s no direct ferry between the two cities, you still have plenty of great options — including a few scenic ferry routes if you’re planning to visit Vancouver Island along the way.
This guide breaks down your options, whether you're traveling by land, by sea, or combining both.
Option 1: By Car (Fastest & Most Direct)
Driving from Seattle to Vancouver is by far the most straightforward route.
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Time: ~2.5 to 3 hours
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Border crossing: Yes (via Peace Arch or Pacific Highway)
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Route: I-5 North → BC Highway 99
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Best for: Speed, flexibility, and scenic road trip options
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Border wait times can vary — check live updates before departure.
Option 2: By Train (Amtrak Cascades)
A relaxing alternative with coastal views along Puget Sound and the Fraser River.
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Time: ~4 hours
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Operator: Amtrak Cascades
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Departures: ~2 trains daily
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Perks: Comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, and no driving stress
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Best for: Scenic travelers and train lovers
Option 3: By Bus
Several coach services operate between Seattle and Vancouver.
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Time: ~4–4.5 hours
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Companies: FlixBus, Quick Shuttle, Greyhound
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Departures: Multiple per day from downtown Seattle
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Best for: Budget-conscious travelers without a car.
About the route and crossings
There’s no direct ferry from Seattle to Vancouver, but if you’re looking for a more scenic or unique route – especially one that includes Vancouver Island – ferries are still an option!
If you're planning to visit Victoria or Nanaimo, you can piece together a ferry route between Seattle and Vancouver. Here are your best options:
With a Car
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Drive ~2.5 hours from Seattle to Port Angeles, WA
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Take the Black Ball Ferry (MV Coho) to Victoria, BC
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Drive or take a shuttle to Swartz Bay Terminal
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Board a BC Ferry to Vancouver (Tsawwassen Terminal)
- 🧭 Total travel time: ~6–7 hours (with border and ferry wait times)
Without a Car (Foot Passenger Route)
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Take the FRS Clipper ferry from Seattle to Victoria (passenger-only)
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Shuttle or public transit to Swartz Bay Terminal
- Use public transit or taxi to downtown Vancouver
- 🧭 Total travel time: ~6 – 8 hours
- 💡 Combo ticket options are available from Clipper + BC Ferries + shuttles
Alternative: Via Nanaimo to Vancouver
For travelers heading toward central or northern Vancouver Island:
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Drive or bus to Anacortes, WA (Anacortes–Sidney ferry currently suspended)
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Head to Nanaimo (Departure Bay)
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Take the BC Ferry from Nanaimo (Departure Bay) to Vancouver (Horseshoe Bay).
Important Notes
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🔁 There is no direct ferry between Seattle and Vancouver
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🚫 Anacortes–Sidney ferry is currently suspended
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BC Ferries fares are similar on both main routes (Swartz Bay ↔ Tsawwassen and Departure Bay ↔ Horseshoe Bay)
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Public transport or shuttles are available to all ferry terminals if you're traveling without a car
Compare your Route options
Routes from Seattle to Vancouver
| Route | Operator? | Total time? | Car? | Best for? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle → Victoria → Vancouver (car) | Black Ball + BC Ferries | 6 - 7 hrs | Yes | Road trippers via Victoria |
| Seattle → Victoria → Vancouver (no car) | FRS Clipper + BC Ferries | 6 - 8 hrs | No | Foot passengers via Victoria |
| Seattle → Nanaimo → Vancouver (car) | Drive + BC Ferries | 6 - 7 hrs | Yes | Scenic route via Nanaimo |
| Seattle → Vancouver (land only) | Car / Bus / Train | 3 - 4 hrs | Yes / No | Fastest non-ferry option |
Booking your ferry segments
Here’s where you can book the different ferry legs:
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FRS Clipper (Seattle to Victoria)
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Black Ball Ferry Line (Port Angeles to Victoria)
cohoferry.com -
BC Ferries (Vancouver Island to Vancouver)
bcferries.com
Or simply use our booking module below.
Booking Your Ferry Tickets
You can compare prices, timetables, and availability using the online booking system with just a few clicks. Enter your travel dates and select the crossing that best suits your needs. It’s simple and saves time.
Pro Tip: During peak seasons, ferries can book up quickly. Secure your tickets early, especially if traveling with a vehicle.
On board, vessels & route maps
Traveling from Seattle to Vancouver by ferry-based routes is definitely possible in a single day, but you'll want to plan for a total travel time of around 6 to 8 hours, depending on your connections.
If you're bringing a car, your best option is to depart from Port Angeles on the MV Coho, as the FRS Clipper is for foot passengers only. Regardless of your route, it's highly recommended to book in advance — especially during weekends and the summer months, when sailings often sell out. While taking the ferry isn’t usually cheaper than driving or taking the train, it offers a more scenic and relaxing travel experience, which many travelers find worth the extra time and cost.
Victoria Island does not exist, please rename it as you probably mean: Vancouver Island.